[Japan National Team]Completely defeated by the US 0-2… 11 people were unable to get a result of being replaced by Moriyasu Kazuo's “Sorry” apologise – Japan National Team: Nikkan Sports

[Columbus(OhioUSA)9th(10thJapantime)=SatoNaruhisa]Japan (17th in the FIFA ranking) has been faced with a harsh reality as it approaches the 2026 World Cup North and Central America tournament, which is about nine months away. They were completely defeated 0-2 in the match against the United States (15th place) when they entered the venue. On the 6th (7th of the same year), all 11 players were challenged to compete in all four games, showing the difference in both individual and team. Assuming this tournament, the two consecutive matches between the host country and the US, including travel and time differences, were scored, with no points, and one draw and one loss. In particular, the difference in ability between the core members who participated in the first round and the sub group in the second round has been highlighted. The journey to becoming the world's best team, where a player base of two or three teams is needed, is a long way off.

　　　◇　　　◇　　　◇

Coach Moriyasu bowed his head first. “I'm really sorry. Sorry.” His voice trembling as he was frustrated by the frustration of his complete defeat and the manager's responsibility as he replies, saying, “It's very serious.” “I think the overall national team has been able to improve the overall national team, but when we play against a world-class country like today, will we really be able to compete for two or three teams? I think we've come up with that answer,” he said honestly, acknowledging the thinnest player base.

It was a two-game series in a row where we checked every current location. Although the team drew scorelessly, the team was able to score well, but the 11 starting players were replaced from the “core group” match against Mexico. He pushed the ball in the early stages, but in the 30th minute of the first half, defender Mochizuki easily dodged on the right side and allowed a cross, and defender Nagatomo couldn't make it in the middle. He was easily killed. As midfielder Suzuki Yui says, “After conceding the goal, it's been difficult for the opponent to get some room for ease,” the press that was peeled off, overlapping mistakes, and passive assembly became more noticeable. He was hit by the short counter many times and was behind the wheel.

Regarding the total replacement, the manager said, “It's not just a place for some core players to level up, but to raise the team a wide range of positions and ultimately create the strongest and best team in the World Cup.” It was a proposition that needed to be explained that way. The match against Costa Rica was 0-1 in the second round of the 2022 World Cup Qatar. It should have grown stronger, but Asia's achievements were fantastical. It has not been fruited in the world. Regarding the major changes and the formation change from a 3-back to a 4-back, he also declared himself, “I made the players play a very difficult fight. I am responsible for the loss.”

Nagatomo's words, aiming to compete in the World Cup for the fifth time, also resonate heavily. “The strength and speed were completely different from the J League. I had a great sense of crisis that if I wasn't really aware of it, I would be left behind.”

The legendary, the 144th International A match, follows the words of caution from the game captain.

“To be honest, since we have the goal of winning the World Cup, we cannot win by just the 11 (core) players. It's not a question of whether everyone can give the same level or at the same level or at any other level. It's not a tactic. Honestly, we can't win unless we win individually.”

Overcrowded schedule, travel, time differences, lack of experience, system changes. There are plenty of excuses to look for. If we prepare for the injury, we must raise the strength of over 30 players to global standards. If that's not possible, he will be leaving the tournament again around the 16th place, just as FIFA ranked (17th place).

[Japan National Team]Moriyasu Japan loses to the US with a score above the score on the ground… 0-2 without a loss / Details