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Samurai Blue suffered a 1-2 defeat to Brazil
On the early hours of June 30, 2026, Samurai Blue lost 1-2 to Brazil in the first round of the 2026 World Cup knockout stage. Former international Kenji Honami (62) appeared live on “Shunkan LIVE Toretate!” and laid out his suggestions for Japanese football. He singled out the need to upgrade the goalkeeper position, citing Sae Suzuki’s performance as a key example.
Why have goalkeepers been seen as Japan’s weak spot?
Honami explained that “for a long time people said ‘our keepers are weak,’ but Suzuki’s rise is raising the level.” He also mentioned Kashima’s Tomoki Hayakawa, a domestic MVP, and noted the growing number of Japanese keepers thriving abroad. Stronger keepers, he argued, will intensify competition and lift the overall standard.
Sae Suzuki’s impact on the youth
“Kids rarely choose to be goalkeepers, but Suzuki’s display should change that,” Honami asserted. She helped the team avoid a late extra‑time goal and earned praise as a reliable guardian. Her visibility could inspire a new generation to take up the role, deepening the talent pool for future Samurai Blue squads.
Recent results and the road ahead
| Date | Result |
|---|---|
| 2025-11-18 | Japan 3-0 Bolivia |
| Last 5 matches | WWWDL |
These figures show that while Samurai Blue continues to win, the latest loss highlights lingering issues. Improving the goalkeeper position appears to be the next decisive step.
Outlook and Honami’s recommendations
Honami concluded, “When keepers get stronger, more kids will naturally gravitate to the role. Therefore, we must improve the development environment.” He suggested adding specialist coaches in domestic leagues and schools, and involving overseas‑experienced keepers in training programs. For Samurai Blue to capture the next trophy, raising the goalkeeper standard is essential.
