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The Guardian - US
The Guardian - US
Sport
John Duerden

What the USMNT should expect from Japan after a subpar loss to South Korea

Japan's Takefusa Kubo kicks the ball against Mexico during the second half of an international friendly soccer game in Oakland, Calif.
Japan drew 0-0 with Mexico in their first game of the international window. Photograph: Jeff Chiu/AP

High aims for next summer

Not even the most blinkered South Korean fan would deny that Japan present the United States with the strongest test that Asia has to offer. The Samurai Blue may not have a player like Christian Pulisic who has played regularly at elite clubs, but the roster is full of talents playing at high level, and they were the first team other than the hosts to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

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