Prior to the team’s departure to North America, it was announced that the mercurial Brighton midfielder Kaoru Mitoma would miss the World Cup due to injury, with Monaco attacker Takumi Minamino also ruled out.
It was then announced just days before the Netherlands game that captain Wataru Endo would miss the tournament due to injury, with the 33-year-old retiring from international duty.
To make matters worse, the team’s star attacker Takefusa Kubo picked up an injury against the Netherlands and missed Saturday’s game.
“We are a team and not individuals,” said Mr Ryu Hotta, who described it as one of the best performances by the team since he started supporting them decades ago.
“The team is strong,” added his wife, Ms Ishin Hotta.
“Having one star is important, but now Japan’s teamwork is so nice because of Moriyasu,” said Mr Yohei Nakai.
