NEWSWORTHY
Qatar foiled Japan’s bid for a record-extending fifth Asian Cup title on Friday, winning the tournament for the first time in a 3-1 upset. Golden Boot winner and tournament MVP Almoez Ali scored an early opener before Abdelaziz Hatim added a second as Felix Sanchez’s ...
This week has provided ample opportunity for all of us who doubted Japan's ability to reach the Asian Cup final to take a long, deep drink from the fountain of hubris. Few expected Japan to defeat Iran, the heavily favored Asia No. 1 which entered ...
Japan fails to shift attack into gear
"Defense wins championships," as the old saying goes. The Samurai Blue certainly needed plenty of it on Monday after maintaining less than 24 percent possession over 90 minutes of their Asian Cup round of 16 win against Saudi Arabia under the baking sun at Sharjah ...
Following a turbulent year that brought joy and heartbreak, the Japan men's national team will head to the Asian Cup full of optimism, with a new core of emerging players. The Samurai Blue will kick off the Jan. 5 to Feb. 1 tournament in the ...
Dynamic trio of Takumi Minamino, Ritsu Doan and Shoya Nakajima named to Japan's Asian Cup squad
Japan head coach Hajime Moriyasu on Wednesday named his 23-man squad for the Asian Cup, sticking with the core of players who have helped him stay unbeaten since taking the reins of the senior national side in late July. Having blossomed under Moriyasu's stewardship, the ...
Striker Takumi Minamino netted the winning goal in Salzburg's 1-0 victory over Rheindorf Altach at home on Sunday. Minamino scored his fourth league goal of the season in the 18th minute at Red Bull Arena off a pass from Andre Ramalho. Salzburg now sit on ...
Takumi Minamino hit a hat trick to lead his Austrian side Salzburg to a 5-2 victory over Norwegian top division champion Rosenborg in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday. Minamino put the visitors ahead five minutes into the match at Lerkendal Stadion and completed his ...
Following Japan's impressive 4-3 friendly win over Uruguay, manager Hajime Moriyasu on Wednesday lauded his new-look side for its seamless integration of overlapping generations of players. The victory Tuesday in Saitama was the third in three matches under the new boss and the first combining ...
New stars shine for Samurai Blue
A squad in transition following a surprisingly successful run in the World Cup. A new head coach establishing his vision. A South American opponent ranked fifth in the world. A sold-out Saitama Stadium. An impressive win that fans will look back on as having ...
Japan strikes early, holds off Uruguay in thrilling friendly
Takumi Minamino scored a brace, while Ritsu Doan netted his first international goal, as Japan's rising stars spearheaded a 4-3 win over Uruguay on Tuesday night. In their third outing under manager Hajime Moriyasu, the Samurai Blue displayed an impressive attacking game as they outplayed ...
Takumi Minamino and Junya Ito each scored an international goal for the second game running as Japan eased to a 3-0 win over Panama on Friday night. Salzburg striker Minamino put Japan ahead three minutes before halftime with a skillfully taken strike inside the box ...
A new-look Japan side gave manager Hajime Moriyasu a winning start to his tenure on Tuesday night, beating Costa Rica 3-0 in an international friendly. Takumi Minamino and Junya Ito scored their maiden international goals in the second half at Panasonic Stadium Suita, ensuring a ...
