An all-reserve Samurai Blue put on a very solid showing against Uzbekistan on Thursday, claiming victory thanks to the contributions of an Al-Ain "local favourite".
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Japan punched their ticket to the Asian Cup knockout round, but in underwhelming fashion. Though they did control the game almost completely, failure to find the net shows that the team is still having trouble getting into gear.
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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 recorded their first victory of the 2019 Asian Cup, though certainly not in stellar fashion. It is easy to identify the weaknesses, but in a tournament that often troubles more fancied participants, the Samurai Blue at least managed to get the job done.
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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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Shinji Kagawa is reportedly looking to leave the Bundesliga leaders in the January transfer window. Where could the Japan playmaker end up?
Read more: Kagawa On the Move?
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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