Tokyo (AFP) – Neymar scored a 77th-minute penalty as Brazil broke down a stubborn Japan 1-0 in Tokyo on Monday to keep their momentum building ahead of the World Cup in Qatar. The South American heavyweights arrived in Tokyo fresh off a 5-1 thrashing of South Korea in Seoul last week, but Japan proved a […]

Tokyo (AFP) – World Cup-bound Japan say they are primed to test themselves against the mighty Brazil next week after a comprehensive 4-1 win over Paraguay in Sapporo on Thursday. The four-time Asian champions will take on Brazil and Neymar at Tokyo's Olympic stadium on Monday with the aim of beating the South Americans for […]

Tokyo (AFP) – World Cup-bound Japan warmed up for their friendly against Brazil next week with a comprehensive 4-1 win over Paraguay in Sapporo on Thursday. The four-time Asian champions will take on Brazil at Tokyo's Olympic stadium on Monday with the aim of beating the South Americans for the first time in a full […]

Tokyo (AFP) – Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu says his team have nothing to fear and are aiming for at least the quarter-finals after being drawn in a tough World Cup group containing former champions Spain and Germany. Friday's draw for the World Cup in Qatar later this year threw Japan into Group E along with […]

Saitama (Japan) (AFP) – Japan drew 1-1 with Vietnam on Tuesday to end their World Cup qualifying campaign on a flat note days after booking their place in Qatar. The four-time Asian champions fell behind to a 19th-minute goal by Vietnam's Nguyen Thanh Binh, leaving them trailing at half-time to a team that had taken […]

Tokyo (AFP) – Two-goal hero Kaoru Mitoma could be Japan's secret weapon at the World Cup and will also hope to eventually make his mark in the Premier League with a Brighton side crying out for firepower. The tricky 24-year-old winger sent Japan to the Qatar showpiece with a late brace in a 2-0 win […]

Sydney (AFP) – Substitute Kaoru Mitoma scored twice in the dying minutes as Japan beat Australia 2-0 on Thursday to book their place at a seventh straight World Cup and in doing so also helped Saudi Arabia qualify. It was a crushing blow for an understrength Socceroos who now face a perilous play-off to keep […]

Tokyo (AFP) – Kevin Muscat was branded "the most hated man in football" by an opponent during his playing days but the Australian hopes perceptions are changing after making his mark as a coach. England-born Muscat had a successful playing career as a tough-tackling defender with the likes of Wolves, Millwall and Crystal Palace, and […]

Tokyo (AFP) – Japan manager Hajime Moriyasu told his players to finish the job and clinch qualification for the World Cup after naming his squad Wednesday for next week's clash against Australia. Japan can book their place at a seventh straight World Cup by beating the Socceroos in Sydney on March 24, having recovered from […]