THE Japanese National Team maintained their 100% winning record in the third round of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup in the Asian zone after winning 2-0 over the Saudi Arabian national team in Jeddah, Friday (11/10) early morning WIB.
Asia’s best team took the lead in the 14th minute in front of more than 56 thousand spectators at King Abdullah Sports City when Crystal Palace midfielder Daichi Kamada scored from close range using an assist from Brighton and Hove Albion’s Kaoru Mitoma.
Japan then doubled their lead, eight minutes before the end of the match, through substitute Koki Ogawa who headed in Junya Ito’s corner.
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The victory over Saudi Arabia means Japan, which has always qualified in the last seven World Cup events, leads Group C with nine points from three matches.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia dropped to third position.
The Blue Samurai Team will host the Australian national team in Saitama, Tuesday (15/10)
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In the previous match, Australia came from behind to win 3-1 over China under the control of new coach Tony Popovic.
Goals from Lewis Miller, Craig Goodwin and debutant Nishan Velupillay ensured the Socceroos’ victory after they fell behind in the 20th minute to Xe Wenneng’s goal.
Thanks to this victory, Australia rose to second place in the standings with 4 points, the same as Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. (espn/Z-1)
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Why do Japan play in blue
The Unstoppable Samurai Blue: Japan’s Perfect Record in World Cup Qualification
As the football world watches with bated breath, Japan’s national team, affectionately known as the Samurai Blue, continues to make waves in the World Cup qualification rounds. With their recent win against Saudi Arabia, Japan has maintained a perfect record, cementing their position as a top contender in the tournament.
According to the Japan Football Association’s website, the Samurai Blue has a long history of competing in international matches, including the prestigious Emperor’s Cup and the AFC Champions League [[1]]. This experience has clearly paid off, as the team’s current squad boasts a wealth of talent and skill.
Transfermarkt, a leading online platform for football news and statistics, provides a comprehensive overview of Japan’s current squad, including market values, transfers, and player stats [[2]]. A quick glance at the squad reveals a well-balanced mix of veteran players and young talent, all of whom are hungry for success.
But Japan’s football prowess isn’t limited to the men’s team. The Japan women’s national football team is widely regarded as one of the most successful teams in the Asian Football Confederation, with a long history of winning major tournaments, including every FIFA competition <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanwomen%27snationalfootballteam”>[[3]]. This level of excellence is a testament to the country’s dedication to developing top-notch football players, regardless of gender.
As the Samurai Blue continues to dominate the World Cup qualification rounds, fans around the world are eagerly anticipating their next match. With their perfect record intact, Japan is well on its way to securing a spot in the coveted World Cup tournament. Will they be able to maintain their winning streak, or will they face stiff competition from other top teams? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – the Samurai Blue is a force to be reckoned with in the world of football.