Read the J.League latest news articles (Samuraiblue Category)
- Samurai Blue
Tanaka's goal lifts Japan past North Korea in World Cup qualifying
Ao Tanaka's second-minute goal was all Japan needed to beat North Korea, 1-0, and take another step towards qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.The Kawasaki Frontale product struck early to delight the crowd at the Japan National Stadium. The Samurai Blue surged forward right after the kick-off and Tanaka got on the end of a cross from Ritsu Doan, s…Thu, 21 Mar 2024 · 22:04 · 2 MIN READ - Samurai Blue
J.League stars past and present join Samurai Blue ahead of World Cup qualifiers
Japan are set for a pair of key 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and manager Hajime Moriyasu has once again chosen a squad made up of entirely J.League players past and present for the Samurai Blue.Japan will take on North Korea at the Japan National Stadium on March 21 before going to Pyongyang for a match five days later.Six current J.League players are in …Mon, 18 Mar 2024 · 03:19 · 2 MIN READ - Samurai Blue
Japan’s Asian Cup run comes to an end with loss to Iran
Japan’s quest for a fifth AFC Asian Cup crown has come to an end. The Samurai Blue were defeated by Iran, 2-1, sending Japan out in the quarter-finals of the continental championship.Hidemasa Morita gave Japan the lead before the half-hour mark with a brilliant solo effort. He picked up the ball at 35 yards, darted between three Iran defenders before making…Sun, 4 Feb 2024 · 01:50 · 2 MIN READ - Samurai Blue
Japan fly into Asian Cup quarter-finals with 3-1 win over Bahrain
Ritsu Doan, Takefusa Kubo and Ayase Ueda were all on the mark as Japan defeated Bahrain, 3-1, in the Round of 16 of the 2023 AFC Asian Cup to book their spot in the final eight.It was a terrific performance by Japan, who were on the front foot right from the start. They were clearly the better side and nearly scored inside 10 minutes when Kashima Antlers pr…Thu, 1 Feb 2024 · 02:25 · 2 MIN READ - Samurai Blue
Japan beat Indonesia, qualify for AFC Asian Cup knockout stages
Japan are heading to the AFC Asian Cup knockout stages after defeating Indonesia, 3-1, to wrap up Group D play.Former Kashima Antlers man Ayase Ueda was spectacular, scoring twice to lead the Samurai Blue as they secured a round of 16 matchup with the winner of Group E.Japan were dynamic from the start and took the lead mere minutes in. Ueda turned his defe…Thu, 25 Jan 2024 · 01:53 · 2 MIN READ - Samurai Blue
Japan fall to Iraq, look to bounce back at AFC Asian Cup
Japan’s AFC Asian Cup campaign hit a speed bump on Friday as the Samurai Blue lost to Iraq, 2-1, in their second group stage match.The loss leaves the Samurai Blue on three points ahead of their January 24 group stage finale against Indonesia. If they win, they will clinch second place in the group and a spot in the knockout stages.Aymen Hussein put Iraq in…Sat, 20 Jan 2024 · 03:15 · 2 MIN READ - Samurai Blue
Minamino brace leads Japan to Asian Cup opening win over Vietnam
Japan kicked off their 2023 AFC Asian Cup campaign with a full three points as they defeated Vietnam, 4-2.Takumi Minamino, the Cerezo Osaka product who has been starring in Europe for nearly a decade, led the way with two goals.Two more were added to seal the Samurai Blue victory by Keito Nakamura, the former Gamba Osaka man, and Ayase Ueda, the one-time pr…Mon, 15 Jan 2024 · 01:32 · 3 MIN READ - Samurai Blue
Samurai Blue Asian Cup spotlight: Mao Hosoya
The backbone of the Japan national team is the J.League, where all of its players come through on their way to the Samurai Blue. All 26 players on the AFC Asian Cup squad have been developed at J.League clubs and while 21 of them have moved abroad to play for some of the best teams in the world, five still suit up for domestic sides.Perhaps none of them bri…Thu, 11 Jan 2024 · 10:02 · 2 MIN READ - Samurai Blue
Samurai Blue Asian Cup spotlight: Seiya Maikuma
Japan are heading to the 2023 AFC Asian Cup in search of a record fifth continental crown and, as always, they’re doing it with a team of J.Leaguers past and present. All 26 players began their professional careers is the domestic league, with five of them still plying their trade for Japanese clubs.One of them is Seiya Maikuma, the Cerezo Osaka man who has…Thu, 11 Jan 2024 · 09:57 · 2 MIN READ - Samurai Blue
Samurai Blue Asian Cup spotlight: Kaishu Sano
The J.League is the developmental hub of Japanese football, as one look at the Samurai Blue’s AFC Asian Cup squad makes clear. All 26 players began their professional careers in the domestic league and five still play their club ball on home soil.One of them, who will slot right into the midfield, is Kashima Antlers’ 23-year-old star Kaishu Sano.Sano has be…Thu, 11 Jan 2024 · 09:53 · 2 MIN READ - Samurai Blue
Samurai Blue Asian Cup spotlight: Taishi Brandon Nozawa
Japan is taking a team of J.League products to the 2023 AFC Asian Cup, with five players still starring in the domestic league.Arguably the most unique story of the five, and of Japan’s entire team, is Taishi Brandon Nozawa.Nozawa enters the Asian Cup as Japan’s lone player to have never been capped by his country. The FC Tokyo man is an extraordinarily pro…Thu, 11 Jan 2024 · 09:50 · 2 MIN READ - Samurai Blue
Samurai Blue Asian Cup spotlight: Daiya Maekawa
The Japan national team for the 2023 AFC Asian Cup is entirely made up of J.League products, but five of the squad still play in the domestic top flight.One of them is Vissel Kobe goalkeeper Daiya Maekawa, who is coming off the best season of his career, having helped his club win their first-ever Meiji Yasuda J1 League title. He was excellent in goal, repe…Thu, 11 Jan 2024 · 09:45 · 2 MIN READ - Samurai Blue
Japan taking team full of J.League stars present and past to AFC Asian Cup
Hajime Moriyasu has named the Japan team for the 2023 AFC Asian Cup in Qatar and, once again, it’s full of J.League players present and past.All 26 players in the Samurai Blue squad either play in the domestic league or began their professional careers in the J.League, as it continues to be the hub for Japanese football development.Two J.League players slot…Sun, 7 Jan 2024 · 04:16 · 3 MIN READ - Samurai Blue
Samurai Blue win big on New Year’s Day against Thailand
The Japan men's national team started off 2024 right, beating Thailand, 5-0, thanks to a five-goal second half at the Japan National Stadium.A crowd of over 60,000 was on hand to see the Samurai Blue’s final home match before the AFC Asian Cup kicks off in Qatar and Hajime Moriyasu’s side gave them a show.Junya Ito wore the armband and he helped put th…Tue, 2 Jan 2024 · 05:37 · 2 MIN READ