Moriyasu keeps Japan job after reaching World Cup last 16
December 28, 2022 GMTTOKYO (AP) — Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu has been reappointed to the job after the Samurai Blue reached the last 16 of this month's World Cup, the Japan Football Association said on Wednesday.
He is now expected to lead the team again at the 2026 World Cup which will be hosted by Mexico, Canada and the United States.
Spain faces Japan looking to seal last-16 spot at World Cup
November 30, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — After conceding late to miss out on a victory against Germany, Spain finds itself with some work left to do against Japan to guarantee its spot in the round of 16 at the World Cup.
‘Normal thing to do’: Japanese fans tidy up at World Cup
November 26, 2022 GMTDOHA, Qatar (AP) — The sight of Japanese fans at a World Cup bagging trash after a match — win or lose — always surprises non-Japanese. Japanese players are famous for doing the same in their team dressing room: hanging up towels, cleaning the floor, and even leaving a thank-you note.
World Cup goal for Japan is quarterfinals -- at least
November 1, 2022 GMTTOKYO (AP) — Saying it is one thing, but doing it is another.
Japan soccer coach Hajime Moriyasu repeated his aim again for the World Cup.
“Our goal for the tournament is to reach the quarterfinal — and least,” he said on Tuesday as he named Japan's 26-player squad.
Japan gets tough World Cup draw in group with Germany, Spain
October 26, 2022 GMTTOKYO (AP) — Japan's goal at the World Cup will be to break the round-of-16 hex.
The Japanese will be appearing in their seventh consecutive World Cup, and three times the team has reached the round of 16.
Japan ends Australia’s win streak in World Cup qualifying
October 12, 2021 GMTSEOUL, South Korea (AP) — An Australian own-goal kept Japan in the race for an automatic spot in next year's World Cup.
Australia defender Aziz Behich put the ball into his own net in the 85th minute Tuesday to give Japan a 2-1 victory and six points from four matches in Group B, three points behind the Aussies and six behind Saudi Arabia.