HOUSTON — In a significant round-of-32 clash at the FIFA World Cup, Japan will once again be without their star playmaker Takefusa Kubo for their upcoming match against Brazil.
Despite the absence of the Real Sociedad midfielder, Japan’s head coach Hajime Moriyasu remains hopeful that his team can achieve what many consider an upset and “change history” with a victory over Brazil.
Kubo was substituted during the Samurai Blue’s first match, a 2-2 draw against the Netherlands, and has missed subsequent games against Tunisia and Sweden, remaining at the team’s training base in Nashville while the team played in locations like Monterrey, Mexico, and Arlington, Texas.
Kubo has been following an individualized training regimen aimed at his recovery. However, during a media-open training session on Sunday, he was seen training separately from the rest of the squad and appeared to struggle with some agility drills.
Later that day, Moriyasu confirmed Kubo’s unavailability, emphasizing that he was still limited to running and individual exercises. “He won’t play against Brazil,” he stated. “We truly hope for his speedy recovery, and he shares this sentiment.”
Moriyasu recognizes the heightened stakes this time around but believes that previous challenges can provide motivation. “Just as few believed in us nine months ago, we’ve shown that surprises are possible.”
Addressing Japan’s underdog status, Moriyasu remarked, “Brazil remains the top-ranked team globally, while we are not as highly regarded. Yet, we pursue victory with conviction. While we haven’t reached that level before, we believe we have the potential to win.”
“Brazil is always a formidable team and favored to secure victory. Although some may label us as underdogs, we will carry that in mind during our game,” he added. “Respect for our opponents is vital, but like the friendly win last year, we’re eager to prove that we can change history with this match.”
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As this is a knockout match, there’s a possibility it may go to penalties—a painful memory for Japan, recalling their elimination by Croatia in the last sixteen during the previous tournament.
Moriyasu has already made plans on how to approach potential penalty shootouts. “If it comes down to penalties, I will determine the order of the shooters,” he stated. “This time, I’m taking the responsibility instead of relying on players to volunteer.”
If Japan can advance past Brazil, they will face the winner of the Ivory Coast–Norway match at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 5.