Dhaka, Jun 29 (V7N) — Japan head coach Hajime Moriyasu has vowed not to repeat the painful mistakes of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, saying he will personally determine the order of penalty takers if his side's Round of 32 clash against Brazil is decided by a shootout.
Japan's World Cup campaign in Qatar ended in heartbreak after three players missed penalties in a shootout defeat to Croatia in the Round of 16. Determined to avoid a repeat, Moriyasu said the coaching staff—not the players—will decide the penalty order this time.
Japan arrived at the 2026 FIFA World Cup aiming to reach the final for the first time in the nation's history. Victories over football powerhouses Germany, Spain and England over the past four years have further strengthened confidence within the squad.
Moriyasu also recalled Japan's impressive 3-2 friendly victory over Carlo Ancelotti's Brazil in Tokyo last October, warning that the five-time world champions would be highly motivated to gain revenge in the knockout clash.
However, Japan will be without one of their key attacking players. Winger Takefusa Kubo, who suffered an injury during the group stage, has not recovered in time for the match.
"Kubo is not participating in full training with the team," Moriyasu said. "He is training separately. He will not play against Brazil. We wish him a speedy recovery."
The Japanese coach also highlighted the physical challenges of the expanded tournament, noting that frequent long-distance travel across Canada, the United States and Mexico has placed additional strain on players. He added that having one day less rest than Brazil ahead of the match presents another significant challenge.
Despite those obstacles, Moriyasu remains confident in his team's ability to compete.
"We believe that we can win, and we have a chance to do so in this World Cup as well," he said. "Many people call Japan a 'dark horse', and we will enter the field with that mentality."
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