EAFF - EAST ASIAN FOOTBALL FEDERATION -

EAST ASIAN FOOTBALL FEDERATION

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10MA TOPICS! [JAPAN FA]【Match Report】SAMURAI BLUE draw 0-0 with Saudi Arabia to secure top spot in Group C of AFC Asian qualifiers

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10passion

March 26, 2025

NEWS

On Tuesday 25 March, SAMURAI BLUE (Japan National Team) played their eighth match in the final round of the FIFA World Cup 26™ Asian qualifiers at Saitama Stadium 2002, where they drew 0-0 with the Saudi Arabia National Team. The result took their tally to 20 points from six wins and two draws in the round and secured the top spot in Group C with two games remaining.

Japan head coach MORIYASU Hajime made six changes to his side after they booked their place at the FIFA World Cup 26™ with a 2-0 win over Bahrain on Thursday 20 March. MAEDA Daizen (Celtic FC) started as a central striker, while KAMADA Daichi (Crystal Palace) started as one of the attacking midfielders. NAKAMURA Keito (Stade de Reims) and SUGAWARA Yukinari (Southampton FC) were deployed on the flanks, while TANAKA Ao (Leeds United) anchored the midfield and TAKAI Kota (Kawasaki Frontale) started as one of three defenders at the back.

Despite making several changes to the starting line-up, Japan demonstrated excellent teamwork from the outset, with KUBO Takefusa (Real Sociedad) and Sugawara working well together on the right, while Nakamura attempted to break through on the left to keep the pressure on the visitors. .....



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