Japan don set for World Cup campaign wey go begin against Netherlands for Arlington on Sunday. Di team get strong squad even though dem miss key players like captain Wataru Endo wey withdraw this week, and Kaoru Mitoma wey get hamstring injury for Brighton against Wolves for May. Takumi Minamino also out with ruptured anterior cruciate ligament, but e still travel with squad to give moral support.
Coach Hajime Moriyasu don dey since 2018, wey make am di longest-serving Japan national manager ever. E don talk openly say Japan fit win di competition. Di team win six out of six for first round of qualifying, then seven out of ten for second round, losing only once. Since qualifying, dem don win six friendly matches in a row, including against England and Brazil.
Japan never pass last 16 for World Cup before, and Moriyasu don admit say e don become mental block. For 2010, dem outplay Cameroon and Denmark for group but lose to Paraguay on penalties for round of 16. For 2018, dem throw away two-goal lead against Belgium for same stage. For 2022, dem beat Spain and Germany for group but lose to Croatia.
But dis year, many people believe say Japan fit be di best side from Asia ever for World Cup. Di depth of options show development: Takefusa Kubo wey join Barcelona academy at age 10 and sign for Real Madrid at 18 don settle for Real Sociedad. Keito Nakamura go likely play wide left, while Ayase Ueda go lead attack for Feyenoord. Other options include Daizen Maeda from Celtic, Junya Ito from Genk, and Daichi Kamada from Crystal Palace.
Group F get Netherlands, Tunisia, and Sweden. Netherlands get strong midfield but don suffer injuries and fatigue. Sweden get new energy from coach Graham Potter. Tunisia change squad after poor Cup of Nations campaign. Di group winners go face runners-up from Group wey get Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, and Scotland.
Japan announce plan to win World Cup by 2092 for 1992, then bring target forward to 2050 for 2005. For side wey never pass last 16, to talk victory fit seem early, but many agree say Japan don surpass South Korea now. If any team from outside Europe and South America go win, Japan look well placed.
