São Francisco · Acreano · Midfielder · #0 · Brazil · 27 yrs
Germany have now won 10 straight matches, but Julian Nagelsmann said his team needed the confidence that comes with a 7-1 victory. The post Nagelsmann: Germany needed confidence-boosting hammering of Curacao appeared first on SoccerNews.
When they picture a messiah, few perhaps imagine a mild-mannered 51-year-old with a greying beard who used to play at left-back for York City. Certainly Chelsea and West Ham fans don’t. But the degree to which Graham Potter is loved in Sweden has to be seen to be believed. He was a down-on-his-luck manager seeking a new start; they were a country who didn’t win a single game in World Cup qualifying. And somehow they were perfect for each other. By the standards of what Potter has achieved over the past nine months, a comfortable win over a self-destructive Tunisia barely registers, but it is the continuation of a remarkable process of renewal.Sweden were awful in qualifying. They had a lot of injuries, it’s true, but two defeats to both Switzerland and Kosovo and two draws against Slovenia are not usually a route to the World Cup. Jon Dahl Tomasson was sacked as coach and Potter brought in. Sweden’s Nations League performances offered a repechage chance in the play-offs, and they took full advantage, beating Ukraine and Poland to secure their place at the finals. Potter described the latter victory, secured with an 89th-minute Viktor Gyökeres goal, as his best night in football. Sunday night was part of his reward. Continue reading...
Goalscorer Connor Metcalfe ‘pretty knackered’ after late-night flightSocceroos back in Oakland to continue preparations for US gameSocceroos goalscorer Connor Metcalfe admitted he hadn’t had the greatest sleep since Australia’s opening World Cup victory over Turkey.“It’s crazy to score, to get the win. I mean, you couldn’t ask for a better start, could you?” he said, speaking back at the team’s training base in Oakland barely 22 hours after the historic scenes in Vancouver. Continue reading...
Japan arrive consolidated as one of the best national teams in Asia. Under head coach Hajime Moriyasu, they promise to make a great impact at the 2026 World Cup. However, Kaoru Mitoma will be absent from the tournament, being a major loss for the national team. Japan have managed to remain one of the most competitive national teams in Asia. Not only do they have a roster full of stars, but they also possess an imposing collective game under head coach Hajime Moriyasu. However, they will feel the difficult absence of Kaoru Mitoma, as he will not be at the 2026 World Cup, losing one of their most game-changing players in the world. Kaoru Mitoma suffered a severe hamstring tear on May 9, 2026, while playing for Brighton & Hove Albion. With an estimated recovery time of eight weeks, he would return to the pitch at the end of July, which ruled him out of the 2026 World Cup. Without his presence, Japan lose a difference-maker in dribbling, something they may need considerably in the tournament to make the difference. Throughout the 2025-26 season, Mitoma had numerous physical problems that limited him to playing only 27 matches, in which he scored 3 goals and provided just 1 assist. Despite this, he remained an undisputed choice for head coach Hajime Moriyasu, making his absence a very significant one. Nonetheless, he is expected to make a comeback after the 2026 World Cup, with Brighton & Hove Albion. Taking Mitoma’s spot, head coach Hajime Moriyasu may bet on Junya Ito, shinning at KRC Genk, and Daizen Maeda, shinning with Celtic, may take on a bigger role within Japan’s roster. Nonetheless, they need to step up their performances, as they have not been able to take a protagonist role within the national team. Having just three games to prove, they have a huge task ahead. Kaoru Mitoma of Japan celebrates victory. Mitoma leads Japan injury crisis ahead of the 2026 World Cup Japan arrive as one of the favorites in Group F of the 2026 World Cup. While the Netherlands and Sweden are strong teams, Hajime Moriyasu’s team has proven to be highly competitive with its offensive style of play. However, Kaoru Mitoma’s absence is not the only one, as they have suffered two other very significant losses, making their injury crisis for the tournament clear. Takumi Minamino suffered an ACL injury while playing for AS Monaco, ruling him out of the anticipated tournament. Alongside him, Wataru Endo was ruled out shortly before the start of the tournament due to persistent foot problems. With these numerous absences, head coach Hajime Moriyasu will have to notably readjust his style of play, making it more difficult to shine in the tournament.
Full preview of Japan for the 2026 tournament, including squad breakdown, key players, and tactical analysis of their chances. Japan enters the 2026 tournament as Asia’s premier soccer nation, carrying significant momentum and soaring expectations. Currently ranked 18th globally, the Samurai Blue are no longer viewed as a plucky underdog looking for an upset. Following dominant performances in qualifying and recent statement victories over top-tier opponents like Brazil and England, this seasoned roster expects to dictate play against elite competition. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see if this iteration of the national team can finally break through to the quarterfinals. This comprehensive World Cup 2026 team preview explores the squad’s tactical evolution under their veteran coach, the depth of their European-based roster, and their outlook for the upcoming group stage. Team profile CoachHajime MoriyasuCaptainWataru EndoNicknameSamurai BlueFIFA ranking18thConfederationAFCGroupFBest tournament resultRound of 16 (2002, 2010, 2018, 2022)Tournament appearances7Last appearance2022 How Japan play Japan’s tactical identity has evolved significantly, shifting away from slow possession spells toward a highly organized, intense pressing system. The Japan formation typically lines up as a 4-2-3-1, though the coaching staff frequently transitions to a fluid 3-4-3 mid-game to neutralize elite opponents. This pragmatic approach relies heavily on fast transitions and disciplined low blocks when out of possession. The relentless work rates of forwards like Daizen Maeda allow the team to win the ball high up the pitch and launch immediate counter-attacks. In possession, they utilize technical superiority to break down organized defenses, leaning on inverted wingers to cut inside and create scoring opportunities. Defensively, the Samurai Blue are incredibly difficult to break down, evidenced by conceding just three times in 16 qualifying matches. While their technical ability helps them control games, a lack of aerial dominance remains a minor vulnerability against physical opponents. Ultimately, this intense, counter-attacking tactical approach makes them a formidable threat capable of making a deep run in the knockout rounds. Hajime Moriyasu: The coach behind Japan Hajime Moriyasu took charge in July 2018, establishing himself as the longest-serving Japan coach in the history of the national team. A former defensive midfielder who experienced the heartbreak of missing the 1994 tournament as a player, he has since built a remarkable resume on the touchline. Before leading the national side, he guided Sanfrecce Hiroshima to three domestic league titles. Known for his calm, stoic demeanor and meticulous note-taking during matches, Moriyasu is a decisive leader willing to make bold tactical adjustments under pressure. His leadership was instrumental during the 2022 cycle, earning him the distinction of being the first manager to guide the Samurai Blue through consecutive tournament cycles. His pragmatic philosophy and deep understanding of his roster will be crucial as he attempts to navigate the team into uncharted territory. Key player: Ritsu Dōan Eintracht Frankfurt’s Ritsu Dōan heads into the tournament as the creative focal point for the Samurai Blue. Now in his prime, the 27-year-old attacking midfielder has seamlessly transitioned into a leadership role following his breakout performances four years ago. Operating primarily as an inverted right-winger, his elite dribbling, low center of gravity, and clinical finishing make him a constant threat in the final third. Ritsu Dōan of Japan (Getty Images). Dōan registered double-digit goal contributions during the 2025/26 Bundesliga season, proving his ability to handle pressure at the highest level. He excels at retaining possession in congested areas and provides the creative flair necessary to unlock organized European defenses. While his physical stature and aerial presence are limit
Anxious dead-of-night watch parties ended in celebration after 1-0 victory over Haiti in first finals match since 1998It was around 2.28am in the UK that John McGinn ended 28, arguably 36, years of hurt – and anyone daft enough to be asleep will surely have stirred as chants of “no Scotland, no party” echoed from Boston to Glasgow.The scenes after McGinn’s deflected goal and Scotland’s 1-0 defeat of Haiti were joyous. Sheer unbridled happiness. And relief. Continue reading...
News, buildup and reaction from North AmericaPlayer guide | Bracketology | Wallchart | Mail us hereHow Group D stands after the opening games…Group D also continued today, with Australia earning a 2-0 win over Turkey in Vancouver. You can recap the action below. Continue reading...
Head coach ‘absolutely delighted’ with World Cup triumph over Haiti‘Different approach’ needed in games against Morocco and BrazilSteve Clarke suggested expectation weighed heavily on the shoulders of Scotland’s players after they laboured at times during the 1-0 win over Haiti. The game marked Scotland’s first at a World Cup since 1998 and delivered a first win since eight years earlier. The Scots top Group C after Brazil drew with Morocco. Yet with those teams, both ranked in the top 10 in the world, still to come there is an understanding Scotland will have to improve to realise their ambition of becoming the first team from the nation to reach the knockout phase of a major tournament.“I am absolutely delighted with my players,” said Clarke. “Resilience, character had to be on the pitch tonight. There is no relief. Everyone told us it was a must-win game and we won. When you win a must-win game, you have to be happy with yourselves.” Continue reading...
