Japan

Japan has qualified for the last seven World Cups, reaching knockout stages in '02, '10, and '18. They are currently ranked 24th in the FIFA World Rankings

33 posts

Goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic Croatia’s penalty shootout hero as Japan bow out

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Dominik Livakovic saved three penalties to send 2018 finalists Croatia into the World Cup quarter-finals and inflict more knockout heartbreak…

Dec 5, 2022

Today at the World Cup: Neymar set for Brazil return, England and France advance

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Neymar could return to action on Monday when Brazil take on South Korea for a place in the World Cup…

Dec 5, 2022

Yuto Nagatomo calls for Japan to evoke the ‘Samurai spirit’ in Croatia tie

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Japan defender Yuto Nagatomo has called on his team-mates to evoke the ‘Samurai spirit’ as they aim to overcome 2018’…

Dec 4, 2022

A closer look at the World Cup round of 16

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The World Cup enters its knockout phase from today after a group stage defined by shock results. Here, Football Mad…

Dec 3, 2022

Is this the most unpredictable World Cup in recent history?

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The World Cup group stage has thrown up its fair share of surprises in 2022. Argentina, France, Spain, Portugal and…

Dec 3, 2022

Some images were ‘misleading’: FIFA defends VAR decision over Japan goal

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FIFA insists Japan’s second goal in their shock World Cup victory over Spain was legitimate “on the evidence available”…

Dec 2, 2022

Today at the World Cup: Nations bid to succeed where Germany and Belgium failed

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The 2022 World Cup group stage comes to an end on Friday, with Brazil and Portugal both looking to secure…

Dec 2, 2022

Coach delighted as Japan beat Spain to earn a place in World Cup last 16

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Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu praised the determination of his side after a stunning second-half comeback saw them beat Spain to…

Dec 1, 2022

Today at the World Cup: Japan stun Spain to go through as Germany head home

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Germany failed to make it out of the World Cup group stage once again as Japan booked their place in…

Dec 1, 2022

Germany knocked out of World Cup despite victory over Costa Rica

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Germany crashed out of the group stage of the World Cup for the second time in succession despite a 4-2…

Dec 1, 2022

Japan come from behind to beat Spain and ensure World Cup progress

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Japan produced a stunning comeback to beat Spain 2-1 and secure top spot in World Cup Group E. Spain had…

Dec 1, 2022

Spain will take no chances against Japan, insists Luis Enrique

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Spain coach Luis Enrique will not take any risks against Japan with progress to the knockout stage still in the…

Nov 30, 2022