Advancing to the knockout stages of the World Cup was part of Japan’s goal, but it is far from satisfying the ambition of 57-year-old Hajime Moriyasu.
For the Japanese coach, reaching the knockout stage only equals previous campaigns, such as those of 2002, 2010, 2018 and 2022, when the team also passed the group stage, but was eliminated in the round of 16.
At this year’s World Cup, with the expansion of the format and an additional knockout phase, the coach understands that the competition, in fact, begins now, against stronger opponents.
In the group stage, Japan advanced in second place in Group F, behind the Netherlands and ahead of Sweden and Tunisia.
Now, the challenge will be the Brazilian team, this Monday (29), at 2 pm (Brasília time), in Houston.
“We can say that the World Cup starts from now on. We hope we have the chance to challenge them to come away with victory,” said Moriyasu.
According to the coach, his players are looking forward to the clash. “We want to face this challenge to win the game against a powerhouse that has already won the World Cup five times.”
The desire to face the Brazilian team and the confidence that Japan can leave the field with a victory have, curiously, a direct influence from Brazilians.
Moriyasu made a point of mentioning Zico’s time in Japanese football — as a player, national team coach (2002 to 2006) and club manager — and also mentioned the contribution of Falcão, who led the national team (1994 to 1995).
According to the coach, coexistence with both left a legacy of learning for the athletes, especially with regard to the athletes’ individual confidence.
“Zico never played with me on the Japanese national team, but, when it comes to Japanese football, he has seniority over me and was an athlete who encouraged me a lot when I became coach. Falcão, I’m glad I remembered, was also coach of the Japanese national team, and I had the honor of learning from him. He always said that we had quality, capacity, but we needed more confidence”, said Moriyasu.
According to the coach, Zico also taught a lot about tactics and the strength of the individual in addition to the strength of the collective. “Since that time, we have done very important work on individual development, which has been refined over the years.”
