Japan will face North Korea on Thursday in the second round of Asian qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, but will be looking to get back on track in their first game since the Asian Cup, where they posted a below-average score.
Samurai Blue continued to have a mediocre performance in Qatar, leaving the tournament in the quarter-finals and failing to live up to the tag favorites. Victory over North Korea at Tokyo's National Stadium will be a timely boost to shattered confidence.
On March 20, 2024, Japan national soccer team coach Hajime Moriyasu holds a press conference at the National Stadium in Tokyo ahead of the World Cup qualifying match against North Korea. (joint) == joint
Coach Hajime Moriyasu said at a press conference on Wednesday, “I want to do my best in the game in front of me.'' “I believe the important thing is to win each situation you encounter during the game.”
Japan, ranked 18th in the FIFA rankings, will advance to the final round of Asia if they win their first two games in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers and win both Thursday's home match against 114th-ranked North Korea and Tuesday's away game in Pyongyang. I will do it. .
Coach Moriyasu said, “They are a team that puts their fighting spirit to the forefront.'' “We need to be decisive and control the game when competing for the ball.”
Kashima Antlers midfielder Kaishu Sano left the team due to injury, and no substitute has been called up as of Wednesday.
Japan has 8 wins, 4 draws, and 7 losses against North Korea.
Japan has never won against North Korea in the past four games in Pyongyang, but in their most recent visit in 2011 they had two draws and two losses, losing 1-0.
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