HOUSTON – For the third game in a row – and perhaps the biggest in World Cup history – Japan will be without key playmaker Takefusa Kubo for a massive round of 16 clash with Brazil on Monday.
But Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu, having seen his team come so far even without the Real Sociedad star, hopes his players can still pull off what most would consider a huge upset – and “change history” with victory over the Brazilians.
After being substituted in Samurai Blue’s 2-2 opener against the Netherlands, Kubo missed subsequent matches against Tunisia and Sweden – remaining at the team’s base in Nashville while they played in Monterrey, Mexico, and Arlington, Texas, respectively.
Kubo had been training individually in an attempt to get him back on track, but on Sunday – during a 15-minute session that was open to the media – Kubo continued to train separately from the main group and did not look entirely comfortable as he was forced to do several agility drills.
Later in the afternoon, Moriyasu confirmed that they were once again missing the services of Kubo, who would normally be the most likely candidate to open the top teams in the tournament.
“He is still only doing individual running (and) training, so he is not going to play in the match against Brazil,” Moriyasu said.
“We really wish him a speedy recovery and he does too.”
Moriyasu admits that this time will be different as there is much more at stake.
However, he believes they can take heart from the fact that nine months ago few gave them a chance.
Takefusa Kubo was injured in Japan’s first match against the Netherlands. Photo by Etsuo Hara/Getty Images
“In the world, Brazil is ranked number one, while Japan is not ranked as high – that’s the way it is,” he responded when asked by ESPN if he thought they would still be underdogs given they have been vocal about their ambitions to win the World Cup this year.
“We are aiming to win the World Cup, but we have not been at this level before. Of course, some people look at us and feel that we are doing well.
“When we look to the future, of course, every new case gives (an opportunity) to believe that we can win. But we really believe that we have this chance. This is what we strive for.
“Brazil is always the leading team. They have a very good chance of winning. Some will say that Japan is an underdog. We will play with that in mind.”
“We will respect the opponent, but like last year (in the friendly win), we were not given a chance to win. This opportunity to win – we can change history.”
“We hope we can do the same in this round of 32 games. The world is watching us.”
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As this is a relegation draw, there is also the possibility that the match will have to be decided on penalties – and Japan need only look back to 2022 to woefully recall Croatia’s elimination on penalties in the round of 16.
Moriyasu already knows something he’s risking if the draw ends this way on Monday.
“When the point comes where a firefight is highly likely, I will determine the order of strikes,” he explained.
“Instead of (players) volunteering like last time, I’m going to make the decision on who’s going to take the kicks.”
If Japan manage to defeat Brazil, they will next face the winner of the Ivory Coast-Norway match at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 5.