Samurai Blue held an after‑party on the night they returned from the 2026 FIFA World Cup Brazil match, and coach Hajime Moriyasu opened up about it on ZIP!. The coach said, “We drank, we cried, and we promised to keep fighting together,” giving a rare glimpse of the squad’s raw emotions.
What did Moriyasu reveal about the party?
When announcer Asami Mizutomi asked, “Did you have a celebration after the tournament?” Moriyasu replied, “It started quietly, then got louder, and by the end we were crying and urging each other to keep going.” The gathering took place the night they landed back in Japan, allowing players and staff to unwind.
Why was the celebration significant?
Moriyasu emphasized gratitude, saying, “I wanted to thank everyone who fought alongside us.” After the heartbreaking reverse‑loss to Brazil, the party served as a bonding moment, letting the squad share their disappointment and reset their mindset for future challenges.
How is the team performing now?
Samurai Blue’s recent five‑match run stands at 3W‑1D‑1L (WWWDL), riding a three‑game winning streak. Their latest official result was a 3‑0 victory over Bolivia on 2025‑11‑18, showing the attack is still firing. However, defenders S. Machino and midfielder T. Kubo remain sidelined with injuries, forcing tactical adjustments.
What lies ahead?
Moriyasu said, “We’ll give younger players more chances to gain experience for the next tournament.” The after‑party anecdote highlights the team’s unity, which could translate into results as the season continues. The Japan Football Association is planning a new training camp, focusing on player rehab and tactical fine‑tuning.
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