Tag - samurai-blue

 
 

SAMURAI BLUE

Japan Times
SOCCER / World cup
Jun 28, 2018
Japan vs Poland @ 2018 FIFA World Cup, as it happened
Welcome to our live blog of the Japan vs Poland game, which will decide who moves to the final 16 of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia.
Japan Times
SOCCER / World cup
Jun 25, 2018
World Cup's 'Battle of the Cleaners' ends in draw
It was perhaps fitting that the World Cup match between Senegal and Japan — whose fans have received international acclaim for their cleanliness in the stadium — ended in a thrilling 2-2 draw Sunday in Ekaterinburg.
Japan Times
SOCCER / SOCCER SCENE
Jun 25, 2018
Japan's conviction growing stronger with each step at World Cup
A World Cup campaign that threatened to be an ordeal for Japan is turning into one of steadily growing conviction. If the Samurai Blue can produce another performance like Sunday's 2-2 draw with Senegal, a place in the knockout round will be theirs for the taking.
Japan Times
SOCCER / SOCCER SCENE
Jun 20, 2018
Early present helps Japan claim perfect start to World Cup campaign
An opening win that few saw coming has given Japan the perfect start to its World Cup campaign, but there will be further hurdles to clear if the team is to book its place in the knockout round.
Japan Times
SOCCER / World cup
Jun 17, 2018
Philippe Troussier: Japan can thrive under Akira Nishino
Japan's decision to axe Vahid Halilhodzic two months before the World Cup finals came as a surprise to many, but former boss Philippe Troussier believes the appointment of Akira Nishino could give the Samurai Blue a much-needed boost.
SOCCER / SOCCER SCENE
May 16, 2018
Little time for Akira Nishino to choose World Cup squad
While coaches all around the globe are putting the finishing touches to their squads for the World Cup this week, Akira Nishino will be making his first selection as Japan manager.
SOCCER / SOCCER SCENE
Apr 11, 2018
JFA breaking character with big World Cup risk
Rumors that Vahid Halilhodzic was on the brink of being fired as Japan manager dogged the Bosnian for almost as long as he was in the job, but it was still a major surprise to see the Japan Football Association push him over the edge this week.
SOCCER / SOCCER SCENE
Mar 21, 2018
Halilhodzic leaves door open as World Cup draws closer
Japan's squad for this summer's World Cup appears to be taking shape, but don't bet against manager Vahid Halilhodzic ripping up the blueprint before he submits it in time for the June 4 deadline.
Japan Times
SOCCER / J. League
Mar 5, 2018
Veteran goalkeeper Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi still striving to improve in J3
Even though his prime is way behind him, Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi is still protecting his goal with the same enthusiasm as ever.
Japan Times
SOCCER / SOCCER SCENE
Dec 20, 2017
East Asian tournament provides few clues for World Cup
National team manager Vahid Halilhodzic may have learned a great deal from last week's E-1 Football Championship, but it is open to question how much it will benefit him at next summer's World Cup in Russia.
SOCCER
Dec 17, 2017
Vahid Halilhodzic looks to bright side after Japan fails to capture E-1 Football Championship title
National team manager Vahid Halilhodzic declared Japan's performance at the E-1 Football Championship a success despite missing out on the title with a 4-1 defeat to South Korea on Saturday.
Japan Times
SOCCER
Dec 13, 2017
Japan's World Cup hopefuls seize chance in win over China
Japan's third-string players are forcing their way into World Cup contention with their performances at the E-1 Football Championship, according to manager Vahid Halilhodzic.
SOCCER
Dec 12, 2017
Yu Kobayashi, Gen Shoji spark Japan in triumph over China at E-1 Football Championship
Japan scored twice in the final six minutes to beat China 2-1 on Tuesday and make it two wins out of two at the E-1 Football Championship.
SOCCER
Dec 10, 2017
Debutants Kosuke Nakamura, Junya Ito catch manager's eye during Japan's victory over North Korea
National team manager Vahid Halilhodzic singled out young debutants Kosuke Nakamura and Junya Ito for praise after Japan kicked off its E-1 Football Championship campaign with a fortunate 1-0 win over North Korea on Saturday.
SOCCER / SOCCER SCENE
Nov 8, 2017
Competition heats up as Japan prepares for top-class tests
National team manager Vahid Halilhodzic demanded strong friendly opposition to help prepare Japan for next summer's World Cup, and this coming week's two fixtures certainly fit the bill.
Japan Times
SOCCER
Oct 11, 2017
Halilhodzic warns Japan to shape up before Brazil, Belgium tests
National team manager Vahid Halilhodzic branded Japan's 3-3 draw with Haiti on Tuesday "the worst match I have seen" and warned his players to shape up or be humiliated in next month's friendlies against Brazil and Belgium.
SOCCER / SOCCER SCENE
May 31, 2017
Gambler Halilhodzic hoping chips keep falling his way
National team manager Vahid Halilhodzic's willingness to take risks has worked out well in recent months, and Japan will be hoping that his instincts continue to pay off in its upcoming World Cup qualifier against Iraq.
SOCCER / World cup
Mar 29, 2017
Goalkeeper Kawashima comes in from the cold to boost Japan's World Cup bid
Goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima believes he has repaid his manager's faith after returning from the international wilderness to steer Japan closer to a sixth straight World Cup appearance with two clean sheets in two qualifying wins.
Japan Times
SOCCER / SOCCER SCENE
Mar 22, 2017
Japan playing for high stakes in World Cup double-header
Only one point separates the top four teams at the halfway stage of Japan's final qualifying group for the 2018 World Cup, and the coming week could make or break the Samurai Blue's bid to reach a sixth successive tournament.
Japan Times
SOCCER / World cup
Nov 16, 2016
Halilhodzic sends warning to frozen-out stars after Japan's win over Saudis
National team manager Vahid Halilhodzic has warned his Europe-based stars to play regularly for their clubs or face a spell in the international wilderness after dropping Keisuke Honda, Shinji Kagawa and Shinji Okazaki for Tuesday night's 2-1 World Cup qualifying win over Saudi Arabia.

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