Japan goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima warned Friday that the team needs a new attitude after a stalemate with Greece left them in danger of an early World Cup exit.... more »
Japan midfielder Keisuke Honda slammed the team's lack of creative spark following Thursday's 0-0 World Cup draw with Greece, which left them on the brink of elimination.... more »
Japan coach Alberto Zaccheroni bemoaned his side's failure to punish 10-man Greece after a 0-0 draw which leaves the Asian giants struggling to reach the World Cup knockout rounds.... more »
Japan's Shinji Kagawa was so dejected after the Asian champions lost their World Cup opener that his team-mates invited him to jump in the tub together to wash away the blues.... more »
Japan and Greece face a high-stakes World Cup shoot-out here on Thursday after opening match defeats which have left their participation in the tournament hanging by a thread.... more »
Japan's Maya Yoshida said Tuesday it was crucial for the Blue Samurai to score first in their do-or-die match against Greece as they go in search of a win to stay in the World Cup.... more »
Japan's defeat by Ivory Coast in their World Cup opener has sparked a flood of recriminations, with former captain Hidetoshi Nakata ripping into the Blue Samurai after their 2-1 weekend loss.... more »
Japan talisman Keisuke Honda said Monday the side must try to dominate possession if they are to keep their World Cup hopes alive after a defeat in their Group C opener.... more »
The Japan Football Association (JFA) has defended referee Yuichi Nishimura's command of English after his controversial performance in the World Cup opener, according to a media report Monday.... more »
Goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima said Sunday that Japan still believe in themselves as they prepare for a must-win game to keep their World Cup hopes alive after defeat in their opening match.... more »
Japan coach Alberto Zaccheroni admitted Sunday he could be forced into a radical rethink to salvage his team's World Cup dreams after an opening 2-1 loss to Ivory Coast.... more »
Japanese football fans erupted in joy -- then dropped their heads in dismay, cursing Didier Drogba as the Blue Samurai went down 2-1 to Ivory Coast in their World Cup opener.... more »
Second-half goals by Wilfried Bony and Gervinho saw the Ivory Coast come from behind and beat Japan 2-1 in an enthralling World Cup Group C clash in Recife on Saturday.... more »
Daniel Hirata walked down the street in Sao Paulo's Japanese district wearing a Japan football jersey, but in the World Cup there is no question where his allegiance lies: Brazil.... more »
Ivory Coast coach Sabri Lamouchi on Friday said that all his squad were "ready to play" in Saturday's World Cup opener against Japan, suggesting that star player Yaya Toure will feature.... more »
FIFA on Friday defended Japanese referee Yuichi Nishimura's controversial decision to award Brazil a penalty in the World Cup opening game but refused to confirm if he would officiate more games in the tournament.... more »
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