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Wataru Endo Urges Japan to Overcome Recent Setbacks Ahead of World Cup Qualifier Against China

Posted : 04 September 2024

Captain Wataru Endo has called on Japan to overcome their recent setbacks against Asian rivals and focus on a strong start to their World Cup qualifying campaign. Japan, a leading team in the continent, experienced a disappointing early exit from the Asian Cup in Qatar earlier this year, where they were defeated by Iran in the quarterfinals. Their World Cup qualification campaign for 2022 also began poorly, with unexpected home losses to Oman and an away defeat to Saudi Arabia.

 

As Japan begins the third qualifying round for the 2026 World Cup against China in Saitama, Endo is confident in the team's ability to perform well. Despite the recent struggles, he emphasizes a positive mindset, focusing on moving forward rather than dwelling on past frustrations. Endo, who was linked with a transfer away from Liverpool this summer, stresses the importance of a strong and optimistic start.

 

Japan's Group C for the qualifiers includes Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, and Australia, making it a challenging group. The top two teams from the group will secure a World Cup spot, while the third and fourth-placed teams will advance to an additional qualifying round. Coach Hajime Moriyasu is bolstered by the return of Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma, who has been sidelined due to injury since the Asian Cup.

 

Moriyasu also welcomes back winger Junya Ito, who had been absent following allegations published by a Japanese magazine. The charges against Ito were dropped earlier this month, and he has consistently denied any wrongdoing. Moriyasu acknowledges the significant impact both players can have, not just in attack but also in their defensive contributions and overall work rate for the team.

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