Kenya
Nigeria
Ghana
South Africa
United Kingdom
United States
India
Tanzania
Uganda
Zambia
Cameroon
Ivory CoastJapan Target Revenge Against Brazil in Potential Farewell for Coach Moriyasu
Japan face Brazil in Singapore this Saturday, looking for revenge and a fitting sendoff for long serving head coach Hajime Moriyasu.
Rematch in Singapore
Japan take on Brazil at Singapore's National Stadium this Saturday in a friendly match. While it is a friendly on paper, the Samurai Blue have plenty to play for.
Earlier this year, Japan suffered a 2-1 defeat to Brazil in the World Cup round of 32. Japan led at halftime, but a late goal in the 95th minute handed them a painful loss. This upcoming game gives them a chance to earn a victory over top opposition once again.
End of an Era for Moriyasu
The match is expected to be part of the final international window for head coach Hajime Moriyasu. He is preparing to wrap up an eight year stint in charge of the national team. His departure was originally planned for after the 2027 Asian Cup, but the tournament was postponed, making these upcoming fixtures his likely final games.
Defender Yukinari Sugawara admitted that the players do not know for sure, but they expect these two matches in Singapore to be his last. Sugawara said that it is always sad to see a coach leave, adding that the squad wants to do something special for him.
Looking Back at His Record
Moriyasu leaves a mixed record in major tournaments. He missed out on a World Cup quarterfinal spot in two attempts and lost the 2019 Asian Cup final to Qatar. Japan also fell in the quarterfinals of the 2023 Asian Cup against Iran.
Despite those setbacks, Japan made major gains during his tenure. The team moved from 55th to 17th in the FIFA world rankings under his leadership.
Big Wins and Lasting Impact
Japan proved they could beat the best under Moriyasu. They secured a 4-1 win away to Germany in 2023 and earned their first ever win over Brazil last October. They followed that with a breakthrough victory against England in March.
A win on Saturday would not wipe away past tournament disappointment. However, beating Brazil again would be a fitting way to close out a transformative period for Japanese football.
Where to go next
On this site
Note: we do not get paid for any link on this page.
Be the first to comment
Tell us who you think wins and why. Keep it friendly. Links are removed on their own.
Note: comments are the writer own opinion, not ours, and never a tip from us.
