Japan coach wants Zico's "help" before duel with Brazil in the World Cup
Hajime Moriyasu was applauded by Japanese journalists at the press conference after Japan's draw with Sweden. With the result, the Asian team is qualified for the second phase of the World Cup, in which they will face Brazil.
No one represents the relationship between the two countries in football more than Zico. After years of glory between Flamengo, Udinese and the Brazilian team, Galinho ventured into Japanese football, which was still being structured.
"He led us to be able to compete in the World Cup. He offered a lot to Japan. I hope I can do that too and hopefully I can talk to Zico before the game with Brazil", replied Moriyasu when asked about the former Brazilian player.
"(He) contributed from the time we only had the Japan Soccer League (before the J-League). He played for Kashima Antlers and contributed to football in Japan. He was my hero. We could see him in Japan. He has a huge contribution to the development of the J-League", added the Japanese coach.
Moriyasu believes that facing Brazil is a "great experience for the good of Japanese football". "They (Brazilian team) are perfect, but we believe we have a chance to win and advance to the next stage. We hope to pursue this opportunity and we will prepare fully for it", he projected.
The coach recalled the friendly won by Japan in October 2025, 3-2, after Brazil had opened 2-0. "Maybe that's why they will be more motivated. We will play against a Brazil with a lot of desire to win. I'm excited for that", admitted the coach.
Despite the praise and preaching respect, Moriyasu pointed to the evolution of Japanese football in recent decades, after mentioning Zico and the last game against Brazil. "In the last friendly, we proved to Brazil that we are not weak. That, in itself, is a big step forward for us. Brazil is an elite team in the world. We have respect. Of course, in the match, we don't know what will happen. We hope to have the opportunity to win."
Japan will face Brazil having finished second in Group F, while the Brazilian team led Group C. The Japanese failed to overcome the Netherlands' goal difference (seven to five).
"For us, the most important thing was to qualify, which we achieved in second place. We were able to evolve our football and build confidence", said the coach. The only regret was that, if they advanced as leaders, Japan would play in Monterrey in the second phase. The team has its training base in the Mexican city.
However, this was quickly overlooked by Moriyasu, as Houston, where the match will take place, is close to Mexico. The game will be on Monday (29), at 2pm (Brasília time), at NRG Stadium.
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Source: CNN