'Declaration of World Cup Victory': Japan Appoints 'Unprecedented' Legendary Coach with Reason: "He Won't Sit on the Bench, But..."

*This content was translated by AI.

The obsession with winning is this intense. The Japan national football team, aiming squarely for victory at the 2026 FIFA North American World Cup, has made an unprecedented move by appointing a dedicated penalty kick coach.

Japanese media outlet 'Football Zone' on the 18th "highlighted that Coach Hajime Moriyasu revealed the specific background behind recruiting Shunsuke Nakamura (47) as a coach for the Japan national team during a special lecture held at Tokyo Meiji University".

According to local reports, Coach Moriyasu of the Japan national team "entrusted Coach Nakamura with the critical role of penalty kick specialist", "explaining that this decision was the result of meticulous consideration down to the smallest details to increase Japan's chances of victory by even 1%".

Masakuni Yamamoto of the Japan Football Association Gi Sul-wi (Director) emphasized regarding this appointment "that it is to raise the win rate even slightly at the World Cup", "and that Coach Nakamura's extensive experience will greatly stimulate the national team players".

In fact, Japan carries the trauma of losing in penalty shootouts. At the 2022 Qatar World Cup, Japan lost to Croatia in the Round of 16 after a penalty shootout. Coach Moriyasu "believes that reaching the North American World Cup final will likely require two or three penalty shootouts", "and explained that while the existing coaching staff included specialists for attack, defense, goalkeeping, and set pieces, there was no dedicated penalty kick coach", which is why Coach Nakamura was recruited.

Nakamura, known as a left-foot specialist during his playing career, is a renowned legend of Japan who competed in the 2006 Germany World Cup and the 2010 South Africa World Cup. In particular, his set-piece kicking ability is rated among the world's best, highlighted by a legendary free-kick goal against Manchester United during his time at Scotland's Celtic FC.

As unprecedented as the role is, his function during matches is also unique. According to 'Football Zone', Coach Nakamura, like existing staff member Coach Makoto Hasebe, will not sit on the bench. Instead, he will analyze the match from the stands and transmit real-time information to the bench via communication devices. Coach Moriyasu "added that he expects Coach Nakamura to share information confirmed from a vantage point above the field with the team".

Japan's momentum is currently at its peak. In recent March A-match friendly games, they stunned the world by defeating both Scotland and England 1-0. In particular, British media 'BBC' "expressed shock after England's defeat, stating that England was completely outmaneuvered by Japan's organization and speed". Coach Moriyasu "also revealed his ambition, saying, "Many people think Japan's victory is impossible, but we will prove that possibility as a dark horse"".

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*This content was translated by AI.