Moriyasu Admires Ancelotti But Backs Japan To Challenge Brazil

Moriyasu praised the Italian’s elite managerial prowess, highlighting his success in winning league titles across Europe’s top leagues and a record five UEFA Champions League crowns.

Japan were runner in group F, behind Netherlands, and are to face group C winners, Brazil. Brazil led the group, on goal difference being on equal points as Morocco.

While Moriyasu admires Ancelotti’s Brazil, acknowledging Brazil’s status as a football powerhouse, he is in strong spirit that Japan will not be intimidated.

Moriyasu referenced the 3:2 comeback over the South American giants in Tokyo, played last year October; the nation’s first ever victory over the five time world champion, as an inspiration for his team to challenge with a good fight on Monday.

“Last time we proved to Brazil that we aren’t a pushover," Moriyasu said. "That is great progress for us. The Brazilian team is a top team in the world and we greatly respect them. In the match we don’t know what is going to happen. We will have a chance to win as well."

Japan had chance to top the group, but Anthony Elanga’ strike cancelled out Daizen Maeda’s goal which had put the team on lead, had they won the match against Sweden, Japan would sit comfortable on level points with Netherlands, except for goal difference.

Moriyasu said he was disappointed to concede but once the game was level he resorted to introducing defensive players to save a point and notch ⁠second place in the group.

Japan stands for the dream of the Asian Football, Moriyasu added that his side were representing the sporting ambition of the broader region while advancing to the knockout rounds shows the growth of ⁠football in his country.