Japan's friendly against Paraguay served as Coach Moriyasu's final opportunity to prepare for the start of World Cup qualification. While June's trip to South America seemed like more of a rehearsal for the 2020 Olympics, this contest featured an older, more mature unit.
Read more: Japan-Paraguay 190905Alexis Sanchez scored his first goal in five months to help Chile win their Copa America opener. They gave Japan a Lesson in Finishing.
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In its final tuneup before this summer's trip to South America, the Samurai Blue provided fans with reason for genuine optimism. As "experimental" as the squad may be, this unit looks like in could make a real impact . . . . in time.
Read more: Japan-Elsalvador 190609In Japan's second Copa America match against Uruguay, a relatively young squad put on a solid display and boosted optimism for the future, despite surrendering a lead twice, and having to settle for a single point.
Read more: Japan-Uruguay 190620
There are times when the world seems to be more equitable than those who inhabit it -- times when a confluence of events make a statement that is more eloquent than anything a mere mortal could say. Last night was one of those times.
Read more: Japan-Qatar 190201A thoroughly inexperienced flock of pretenders wearing Samurai Blue jerseys was led out like sheep to the slaughter on Monday, in Japan's opening Copa America match against Chile. Perhaps result was no surprise, but that did not make it any easier to watch.
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After Japan advanced to the final of the Asian Cup, with a comprehensive victory over Iran, one might expect the football press to show a bit more interest in, and appreciation of the Samurai Blue. That is . . . if one is new to the region, and hasnt seen how the AFC traditionally operates. For those who are still scratching their heads, here are a few pointers.