The Samurai Blue had a thrilling FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 campaign, which saw them beat former champions Germany and Spain (both 2-1) to top Group E, before falling to eventual third-place finishers Croatia on penalties in the Round of 16.
🇯🇵 Japan end the year as Asia's best in the latest #FIFARanking!
— #AsianCup2023 (@afcasiancup) December 22, 2022
🇦🇺 Australia move up 11 spots to be in the world's top 30 for the first time since 2012! pic.twitter.com/23ys7Pyul2
Japan moved four spots up to break the top 20, replacing Islamic Republic of Iran, who dropped to 24th position. .....

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