Japan Win Clinches Group, Spain Still Through to Knockouts The Samurai Blue came out of the halftime break with two goals in the first six minutes to take a shock 2–1 lead over Spain. Sports Illustrated · Dec 1, 2022
World Cup recap, Day 8: Morocco beats Belgium, Germany still in Morocco win stuns Belgium, Japan in surprise defeat to Costa Rica, Croatia knocks out Canada, Germany draws with Spain. Al Jazeera · Nov 28, 2022
‘A historic moment’: Japanese World Cup hopes surge ahead of crucial Costa Rica match Fans believe the Samurai Blue are part of wave of teams changing the face of football after defeat of Germany The Guardian - UK · Nov 26, 2022
Japan fans rewarded for stadium clean-ups DOHA -- Japanese soccer fans have received an award from FIFA for picking up trash in stadiums, following the Samurai Blue's stunning victory against Germany in their World Cup opener in Doha on Wednesday. The Japan News/Yomiuri · Nov 26, 2022
State Japan left World Cup dressing room in after stunning Germany win speaks volumes Japan pulled off a stunning 2-1 comeback win against Germany at the World Cup on Wednesday, but it wasn't just on the pitch where the Samurai Blue impressed the football community Daily Mirror · Nov 24, 2022
Always confident, Doan nets equalizer DOHA -- When opportunity knocks, it's best to answer. And answer is precisely what midfielder Ritsu Doan did when he knocked in the crucial equalizer minutes after coming off the bench in Japan's 2-1 victory against the German giants in Qatar on Wednesday. The Japan News/Yomiuri · Nov 24, 2022
‘Miracle of Doha’: calls for public holiday as Japan’s Samurai Blue put Germany to sword Victory in World Cup opener sparks street celebrations and banishes painful memories in Doha of failure to qualify for USA 1994 The Guardian - AU · Nov 24, 2022
Japan fans win praise for stadium cleaning at World Cup 2022 Japanese football fans are earning respect for their tradition of staying back to help clean up after the games. Al Jazeera · Nov 24, 2022
Daizen Maeda dedicates Japan win over Germany to fans at home as Celtic star hails shock comeback Maeda had a goal chalked off for offside but the Samurai Blue recovered to record a famous World Cup win. Daily Record · Nov 23, 2022
Germany protest against FIFA ban on 'One Love' arm bands before Japan win in World Cup upset The Samurai Blue record another massive World Cup upset as football heavyweights Germany protest against FIFA and fall short on the pitch. ABC News · Nov 23, 2022
Takehiro Tomiyasu and failed Arsene Wenger Arsenal signing crucial to Japan World Cup dream Arsenal news: Gunners defender Takehiro Tomiyasu has impressed this season as he prepares for Japan's World Cup opener against Germany at Khalifa International Stadium Football London · Nov 23, 2022
Firms look to cash in on World Cup fever Samurai Blue soccer uniforms were flying off shelves ahead of Japan's first World Cup match against Germany in Qatar on Wednesday, as various industries look to capitalize on the football fever sweeping the nation. The Japan News/Yomiuri · Nov 23, 2022
Japan manager "grateful" ahead of clash with "role models" Germany at World Cup Hajima Moriyasu's team will begin their World Cup campaign against the 2014 champions, with seven members of Japan's squad playing their club football in the Bundesliga. Daily Mirror · Nov 23, 2022
Arsenal signing denied work permit and rising Premier League star key to Japan hopes WORLD CUP 2022 PREVIEW: JAPAN. The Samurai Blue are hoping to make it past the last-16 for the first time in Qatar, but face a tricky task against European powerhouses Germany and Spain Daily Mirror · Nov 23, 2022
Sports Illustrated · Nov 7, 2022 Japan World Cup Preview: Tested Team Has Spoiler Potential The Samurai Blue are in a brutal group with Spain and Germany, but the potential giant killers should not be overlooked.
Daily Record · Sep 27, 2022 Kyogo hooked as Celtic team mate Reo Hatate's Japan World Cup dream fades after goalless Ecuador friendly It was the Samurai Blues' final fixture before the squad for Qatar is named and three key Parkhead men now face an anxious wait to find out if they'll be on that plane.
Daily Record · Mar 29, 2022 Reo Hatate gets Celtic respite after Japan debut as it's all systems go for Rangers showdown The 24-year-old made way as a tactical substitute for Junya Ito in Samurai Blue's final competitive match before Qatar.
The Guardian - AU · Mar 24, 2022 Australia 0-2 Japan: World Cup 2022 qualifying – as it happened Minute-by-minute report: A late brace from Kaoru Mitoma secured Japan’s qualification and consigned Australia to the playoff route to reach Qatar
Daily Record · Mar 9, 2022 Kyogo and the incoming Celtic clue as Japan judgment call poised to tip Rangers return Samurai Blue manager Harime Moriyasu admitted last month he isn't ruling out his star man for a crunch double header.