Japan have by no means gone past the final 16 at a World Cup however they’ve set themselves the bold goal of successful subsequent yr’s match after dominating in Asian qualifying.
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Hajime Moriyasu’s facet turned the primary staff to punch their ticket to the 2026 competitors in the USA, Canada and Mexico after they beat Bahrain 2-0 final week in Saitama.
With their place sealed, they adopted that up with a 0-0 dwelling draw with Saudi Arabia, giving them 20 factors from eight video games with 24 objectives scored and two conceded within the third spherical of qualifiers.
Japan are fifteenth within the FIFA rankings and Moriyasu and his gamers firmly imagine they’ll turn out to be the primary Asian staff to elevate the World Cup subsequent summer season.
“We’re aiming to win it,” mentioned Crystal Palace midfielder Daichi Kamada, considered one of 5 English Premier League gamers within the squad.
“That’s what we all keep saying. Our goal is to win the World Cup.”
Japan have reached the final 16 4 occasions since making their first World Cup look in 1998.
They surprised Germany and Spain to achieve the knock-out stage on the 2022 match in Qatar however misplaced on penalties to Croatia.
“That showed us that we had a chance, which was a big thing for me,” mentioned Moriyasu.
“The Japan Football Association has been saying that we want to win the World Cup by 2050 and we are taking on the challenge to improve so that we can make it happen.”
Moriyasu is aware of that his staff will not be there but and mentioned they should “improve in every department” earlier than heading to North America.
He can name on extra Europe-based gamers than ever, with 11 showing on this season’s UEFA Champions League.
Captain Wataru Endo has turn out to be an necessary a part of Liverpool’s squad whereas Kaoru Mitoma has developed into top-of-the-line wingers within the Premier League at Brighton.
Actual Sociedad’s Takefusa Kubo is among the finest attackers within the Spanish league.
Japan have extra energy in depth than ever earlier than however Endo says there isn’t any friction between gamers competing for beginning locations.
“We all have to think about what’s best for the team and everyone understands that,” he mentioned.
“I think that’s a particular strong point among Japanese people. I think Japan are the strongest when it comes to team unity.”
Japan have typically carried out finest at World Cups when expectations have been low.
They narrowly misplaced to Belgium within the final 16 on the 2018 match in Russia simply two months after firing their coach.
They went to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil assured that they may make a splash however returned dwelling early after a dismal show within the group stage.
Defender Yuto Nagatomo, who has performed at a report 4 World Cups, mentioned: “We have improved but if you overestimate your own ability and are too pleased with yourself, that’s when it all starts to fall apart.”
The 38-year-old, who has gained 142 caps for Japan, added: “I personally experienced that at the World Cup in Brazil and I think that’s the danger.
“It is OK for everybody to know that they’re good gamers, however it’s a must to again it up each day in coaching.”
Japan cannot be accused of lacking ambition, with Endo calling for fans to buy into their goal of winning the World Cup in an on-pitch address after sealing qualification.
That may be seen as unrealistic by some, but as Spain and Germany found out in Qatar, Japan are a threat.
“What’s necessary from this level isn’t the outcomes however the course of,” said Endo.
“Till now we have been attempting to qualify so we have wanted to get outcomes.
“If we want to win the World Cup, how we use our time between now and the tournament is crucial.”
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