Japan recorded their third straight victory under coach Hajime Moriyasu, setting a record for the best start in National Team history, and demonstrating once more that the Samurai Blue have discarded the uncertainties and inadequacies of the past, and are ready to handle truly world class competition .
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Japan's second match under Hajime Moriyasu was almost a carbon copy of the first, as the Samurai Blue mowed down Panama in the most businesslike and comprehensive manner imaginable.
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The Samurai Blue's quest for football's holy grail came to a tearful yet thrilling end, in a game for the ages, won by Belgium on the final play of the contest. The story is cruel, but I would not trade it for all the golden cups in the world.
Read more: Japan-Belgium 180703
The Moriyasu Era got off to a brilliant start on Tuesday, with one of the most comprehensive victories for the Samurai Blue in years. Although there were certainly some things to criticise or question, for a first glimpse at the new generation, this was about as good as anyone could have hoped for.
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As the Samurai Blue prepare for a Round-of-16 clash with Belgium, nobody gives them even a shadow of a chance. But Japan has the element of surprise. Surprise and fear . . . and ruthless efficiency . . . and . . .
The Samurai Blue won the hearts of football lovers worldwide, with their play in Russia 2018. Now the question is: "where do we go from here".
The Samurai Blue managed to stumble across the finish line and advance to the knockout round. But it certainly was not pretty to watch.
Read more: Japan-Poland 180628