appConfigEntityId

bodyType

customContents

entityId

entityUuid

isVideo

articlePageQuery

article

articleSchemaContent

content

hooksArticlePageAdvertisementConfigArticle

appConfig

filter

json

liveArticle

Agence France-Presse

Japan manager Hajime Moriyasu said Wednesday his side were focused solely on beating “a very strong” Sweden in their final group match and hoping that would be enough to finish top of Group F.
If Japan achieve a better result against the Swedes in Dallas on Thursday than the Netherlands do against already-eliminated Tunisia, they will advance in first place from the group and avoid Brazil in the last 32.
The group winners will face Morocco in Monterrey with the runners-up taking on the five-time World Cup champions in Houston the same day.
A draw would be enough to secure qualification for the Japanese, but Moriyasu said they only had victory in mind.
“As for our objectives, we want to win and qualify in first place,” Moriyasu said at a pre-match news conference.
“I think playing in Monterrey would be the best option.


“We had a pre-tournament training camp there, we played against Tunisia there, and the players have already experienced the atmosphere of the stadium as well as the pitch conditions and how the venue works.
“So being able to play in a place we’re already familiar with is definitely an advantage.”
Japan and the Netherlands drew 2-2 in the opening group game.
The Japanese hammered Tunisia 4-0 last time out but lie second behind the Netherlands, who also have four points, on goals scored with the sides having an identical goal difference.
Sweden were crushed 5-1 by the Netherlands, but Moriyasu is wary of their potent attacking threat led by Premier League marksmen Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres.
“Sweden are a very strong side,” Moriyasu said.
“They’re solid in defence and quick in attack. It won’t be an easy match. First and foremost, we need to focus on winning.

“I hope our defenders enjoy coming up against world-class strikers like Isak and Gyokeres.
“I hope they make the most of this as a valuable experience to help them improve their own game.”
Japan have reached the knockout stage at the World Cup on four previous occasions, but have never gone beyond the last 16.
They lost on penalties to Croatia at that stage in 2022.


Fifa World Cup tipped to be ‘biggest betting event of all’, with US$50b wagered worldwide

Hajime Moriyasu vows Japan will play to win against ‘a very strong’ Sweden to top group

No team, no problem: Chinese football fans at the World Cup 2026

Hong admits ‘wrong decisions’ has South Korea on verge of World Cup exit, regrets Son choice

Fifa World Cup 2026

Japan players at a training session ahead of the group F match against Sweden at the World Cup. Photo: Xinhua

Japan manager Hajime Moriyasu says his team need to focus on winning against Sweden. Photo: AFP

Son Heung-min (left) and his South Korea teammates are devastated after losing to South Africa at the World Cup. Photo: AFP

Mexico players celebrate after beating the Czech Republic at the World Cup. Photo: Reuters

World Cup while you were sleeping: Vinicius Jnr double leaves Scotland dream in tatters

Vinicius Jnr has scored twice already against Scotland. Photo: Reuters

Brazil’s Vinicius Jnr scores his side’s first goal. Photo: Reuters

Canada goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau looks back after letting Johan Manzambi’s shot go under his body. Photo: AP

Kerim Alajbegovic (left) scored one of the goals of the World Cup. Photo: Getty Images

Sport

Football

Manager is keen to avoid Brazil, with group winners facing Morocco and the runners-up taking on the five-time World Cup champions in last 32


Manager is keen to avoid Brazil, with group winners facing Morocco and the runners-up taking on the five-time World Cup champions in last 32.


Hajime Moriyasu vows Japan will play to win against ‘a very strong’ Sweden to top group

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Manager is keen to avoid Brazil, with group winners facing Morocco and the runners-up taking on the five-time World Cup champions in last 32

Manager is keen to avoid Brazil, with group winners facing Morocco and the runners-up taking on the five-time World Cup champions in last 32