"Extremely shocking, irresponsible": Japanese coach's World Cup voice leak sparks backlash; 32-round "penalty shootout strategy" draws fierce criticism

*This content was translated by AI.

A portion of the tactical instructions given by Hajime Moriyasu, head coach of the Japan national football team, during the 32nd-round match against Brazil at the 2026 FIFA North American World Cup has been released, triggering widespread controversy. The leaked audio reveals a directive to endure until extra time and decide the outcome via penalty shootout, rather than making active tactical changes despite being significantly outplayed in terms of game content.

Japanese media outlet Ronspo reported on the 28th that "criticism against Moriyasu has intensified after his voice during the hydration break in the second half of the North American World Cup match against Brazil was first broadcast via NHK's Sunday Sports program." The report added, "At the time, Coach Moriyasu told players to 'keep going as is' and 'to win, we must go to extra time or a penalty shootout.'"

The issue lies in the fact that although Japan was tied 1-1 with Brazil during the second-half hydration break, they were overwhelmingly dominated by relentless Brazilian attacks. While Carlo Ancelotti, head coach of the Brazilian national team, equalized through halftime substitutions and tactical adjustments, Moriyasu failed to implement any changes capable of shifting the game's momentum, leaving his team in a reactive position throughout.

Even considering the objective gap in team strength, local reactions describe Moriyasu's tactical directive to endure until a penalty shootout as shocking. It was already mid-second half, and Japan's goal for this tournament was "championship." Ronspo further noted, "Coach Moriyasu instructed during the hydration break to 'endure until extra time and win via penalty shootout.' Although Moriyasu later compared tactical battles in the World Cup to rock-paper-scissors where one must respond with a better move after the opponent reveals theirs, critics argue that aiming for extra time or penalties was not even a late response."

The media continued, "Following the release of Moriyasu's tactical instruction audio, fierce criticism flooded social media (SNS)." Fans expressed sentiments such as, "A tactic to 'keep going as is' during the second-half hydration break is too irresponsible," "I was extremely shocked upon hearing the tactical instructions. We should hire a foreign coach immediately," and "Where is there a team that expects a penalty shootout before 70 minutes?" These comments criticized Moriyasu's match management.

A more serious issue is that Coach Moriyasu continues to lead the Japan national team even after their elimination from the World Cup 32-rounds. Moriyasu recently reached an agreement with the Japan Football Association to continue leading the national team until the AFC Asian Cup in January next year. After the Asian Cup, Ooiwa Ko will take over as head coach of the U21 national team.

This naturally leads to criticism regarding whether the Japan Football Association's decision was correct. The media stated, "Although Coach Moriyasu is scheduled to step down after the Asian Cup in January next year held in Saudi Arabia," it expressed concern that "if his inability to adjust tactics during matches remains unimproved, achieving the Asian Cup championship — a goal expected only once every four tournaments by the Japan Football Association — will likely prove difficult."

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*This content was translated by AI.