Moriyasu Japan faces harsh reality after Brazil’s 2-1 win on 2026-06-29 exposed glaring shortcomings across all phases of play. Former star Soma Shiji warns the side remains far from World Cup-winning contention, citing a chasm between Japan’s current level and global elites.
What Soma Shiji sees in Moriyasu Japan’s struggles
Soma Shiji, a 1990s Japan legend, framed the national team’s plight in blunt terms: ‘They lack all-around power.’ Against Brazil, Japan’s attack lacked killer instinct, the defense lacked pace and compactness, and the midfield struggled to win the ball back. ‘Brazil showed why these gaps matter,’ Soma said after the match. ‘To compete for a World Cup, Japan must fix these flaws.’
Closing the ‘overwhelming gap’ with the world’s elite
Brazil’s victory wasn’t just a result; it laid bare structural issues. The Seleção completed nearly twice as many sprints as Japan and dominated in ball recoveries. ‘Technical skill alone won’t cut it,’ Soma argued. ‘Physicality and speed decide games at this level.’
Japan’s recent form - two wins, two draws, one loss (LDWDW, most recent first) - offers little reassurance. The 2026-06-29 defeat underscored the urgency for rapid improvement ahead of the next international window.
