Being the best in Asia is no longer enough for Japan as they seek a World Cup breakthrough. Despite missing key players, Hajime Moriyasu's side have built strength in depth to challenge the traditional order.
A History of Near Misses
In 2002, Japan slightly missed an opportunity. South Korea impressed with speed, technique, and tactical flexibility, reaching the semi-finals. Japan topped their group but lost 1-0 to Turkey in the last 16. The contrast with their co-hosts was underwhelming.
Japan already had four players with European clubs, including Junichi Inamoto, who struggled at Arsenal and later West Brom. The unspoken question was why South Korea had outstripped them, despite Japan's earlier professional league launch.
Mental Block at the Last 16
Japan have never advanced beyond the last 16 of a World Cup, a mental block admitted by Moriyasu. In 2010, they lost on penalties to Paraguay after outplaying Cameroon and Denmark. In 2018, they blew a two-goal lead against Belgium. In 2022, after beating Spain and Germany, they fell to Croatia.
A New Era of Depth
This year feels different. Japan start their campaign against the Netherlands on Sunday. Moriyasu, the longest-serving Japan manager, has talked openly of winning the competition. Japan won six out of six in first-round qualifying and seven out of ten in the second, losing just once. A run of six friendly wins, including over England and Brazil, has boosted self-belief.
Injuries have hit hard: captain Wataru Endo withdrew, Kaoru Mitoma (hamstring) and Takumi Minamino (ACL) are out. But Minamino traveling with the squad shows togetherness. Mitoma's versatility is a loss, but Keito Nakamura looks set on the left, with Takefusa Kubo on the right. Options include Daizen Maeda, Junya Ito, or Daichi Kamada.
Group and Beyond
The group includes the Netherlands, Sweden (re-energized by Graham Potter), and Tunisia (with a new coach). Group winners and runners-up face the Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland group. Endo has targeted a quarter-final.
Japan's plan to win the World Cup by 2092 was moved to 2050. While speaking of victory may seem premature, Japan have surpassed South Korea and are well-placed among non-European/South American contenders.
