U-23 Asian Cup Review: Japan qualify for eighth consecutive Olympic Games after best performance earns them comprehensive win over Iraq
National Team
U-23 Asian Cup review: Ailing ace finally wakes up. Mao Hosoya’s decisive goal earns Japan win over Qatar to edge them closer to Paris Olympics
U-23 Asian Cup review: Japan’s lack of decisiveness once again exposed in narrow defeat to South Korea. Hosts Qatar next up in quarter-finals
U-23 Asian Cup review: Japan advance to knockout stage after defeating UAE, but repeated missed chances could hurt them in the future
U-23 Asian Cup review: Despite struggling after a sending-off, Matsuki goal keeps Japan on course for Paris
How are Japan’s U-23s, who are aiming to qualify for the Paris Olympics, faring in the J1 League this season?
J.League
Limited call-ups from Europe. How will Japan face tough final round of Asian Olympic qualifiers?
Winning by a whisker over lower-ranked North Korea. Why does Japan continue to struggle against Asian opposition?
Reactions after Japan v. DPR Korea: “I’ve been thinking since the Asian Cup ended that my task is to show something extra” – Daizen Maeda
Asian Cup disappointment should encourage Japan to embrace chaos
Japan’s thoughts after the Iran match: “I couldn’t feel enough passion from us on the pitch” – Takehiro Tomiyasu
Japan 1-2 Iran: Last minute penalty cost Samurai Blue premature exit as determined Team Melli completed dramatic comeback win
Rocked by off-the-pitch turmoil, Japan will take on Iran as Ueda’s strong form and fast breaks could be keys in de facto final
Japan’s thoughts after the Bahrain match: “People often talk about Europe or domestic, but I think Maikuma’s performance showed that it doesn’t matter where you play but what you do” – Takefusa Kubo
Japan 3-1 Bahrain: J.League sensation Maikuma help Samurai Blue cruise past the islanders to reach last eight for nine consecutive time
Japan must contain Bahrain’s counter attack and aim to tear down their left side, with the prospect of Mitoma’s return