Day. After defeating Germany and Spain, will Brazil also fall? Coach Moriyasu: "We are a dark horse and a championship contender." Still seeking 'victory'

*This content was translated by AI.

Hajime Moriyasu (58), head coach of the Japan national football team, expressed strong determination to win ahead of the match against powerhouse Brazil.

Japan will face Brazil at 2 a.m. on the 30th (Korean time) at the Houston Stadium in the United States for the Round of 32 match of the 2026 FIFA North American World Cup.

For the first time in World Cup history, Japan will face a championship-winning nation in the tournament stage. Japan has lost its first match in the World Cup tournament stage four times in the past.

Coach Moriyasu said, "Facing the 'real Brazil' with full strength on the World Cup stage will be a great asset for our future," while showing respect for Brazil.

In the Kirin Challenge Cup held last October, Japan trailed Brazil 0-2 but scored three goals in the second half, surprising the world. Coach Moriyasu stated, "Given Brazil's strong motivation and desire for revenge following our friendly match defeat, the upcoming game is expected to be even more difficult. However, confirming that we had a chance to win even from a 0% win rate situation was our gain. We will strive to secure victory with our full strength."

Regarding the public assessment of Japan's objective inferiority in strength, he firmly responded, "We will win as a dark horse." Coach Moriyasu emphasized, "The difference in evaluation between Brazil and Japan is natural. If Brazil is the number-one championship contender, we are a dark horse championship contender." He added, "We respect our opponent, but there is a chance to win. We will change history once again."

Gekisaka reported, "Japan, which created the 'Doha Miracle' by defeating Germany and Spain at the 2022 Qatar World Cup, is now being watched to see if it can produce another upset against Brazil."

Meanwhile, Japan has been progressing smoothly in this tournament by leveraging its 'organizational strength.' This stands in sharp contrast to South Korea, which failed to advance from the group stage. Japan, which was in Group F, drew 2-2 with powerhouse Netherlands in the first group match, then secured a 4-0 victory against Tunisia in the second match. This set a record for the most goals scored in a single match in Asian World Cup history. In the final third match, Japan drew 1-1 with Sweden. With one win and two draws (5 points), Japan finished second in the group and advanced to the Round of 32.

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*This content was translated by AI.