Chapter 859

【Japan National Team Head Coach】

【Moriyama Hajime】

“This was a great match, proving that Japan can achieve anything. I am proud of our players and proud of Japanese football.”

“Did you ever think today would end 1-1?”

“Yes, I considered it.”

Moriyama Hajime smiled and nodded; having secured first place in Group D, the Japanese head coach was at the peak of his glory: “I considered every possibility, even defeating Spain—but unfortunately, we haven’t done it yet.”

“Japan’s goal is to win the World Cup in 2030, and that goal will not change.”

“Since you advanced as group leaders, your opponent in the Round of 16 will be Argentina. Have you considered this? Perhaps you could lose this match so your next opponent won’t be Argentina but China.”

“…”

Upon hearing this question, Moriyama Hajime fell silent first.

“In fact…”

“Compared to China, we would rather face Argentina in the Round of 16.”

It was somewhat embarrassing, but this statement truly reflected Japan’s current situation.

Japan can create miracles, but there is one even greater miracle above them.

At least in the eyes of Japan’s coaching staff, the probability of upsetting Argentina to advance is higher than defeating China.

Poor Moriyama still hasn’t escaped Tang Ye’s shadow!

Click-click!

“Mr. Moriyama, is this thought influenced by the Asian qualifiers? In past Asian qualifiers and Asian Cups, you’ve never beaten China.”

Click-click!

“...Yes, that’s true. We’ve lost to China consecutively, and our best result in recent years has been a draw.”

Moriyama Hajime lowered his head, then quickly raised it again: “I admit China’s team is strong. Tang is a historic player, and Feran is a great coach. Japan currently lags behind China in many aspects, but I promise all Japanese fans: Japan’s current disadvantage is only temporary.”

“Chinese players are great, but our Japanese players have the determination and courage to catch up!”

“Arigatou! (Thank you!)”

After speaking, Morioka bowed 90 degrees to the camera.

Seeing this, fans from other countries showed no reaction, but Japanese domestic fans were already in tears.

Moriyama-san!

We’ll follow you for life!

With determination, with courage, with full courage forging great friendship and bonds, catching up to the giant Heima China is merely a matter of time—at least, that’s what Japanese fans believe.

…

Rodri interview: Tang Ye called me before the match to wish me luck. I feel I let him down. I never thought we’d lose to Japan. Japan’s tiki-taka system is outstanding; they played at a very high level.

Moriyama Hajime interview: Prefers facing Argentina over China; believes Japan can create miracles; aims to catch up to China before 2026, with the goal of winning the World Cup in 2030.

Sky Sports commentator Jensen: The Japan-Spain match was a fixed game; only Rodri and Olmo played seriously throughout.

A top European team was beaten by Japan?

If China had beaten Spain, that would be understandable—they have a big brother.

But why, Japan?

Why, Japan?

After this match, many European fans and media reporters came out, with Jensen being the angriest.

This Sky Sports commentator claimed Japan drew with Spain mainly because Flick didn’t want to face Argentina in the Round of 16, so his players didn’t give their all.

Think from another angle.

If Spain’s players had truly given their all, why did they score only one goal against Japan?

And that single goal came from Rodri, who was playing as a makeshift defender!

“There’s only one truth: In the Spain-Japan match, only Rodri was fully determined to win. Everyone else had ulterior motives—they believed China was easier to beat than Argentina.”

“I’m deeply disappointed. Spain’s behavior is absolutely wrong. China defeating Argentina in the group stage was not simply ‘pure luck,’ as some online users claim. Tang Ye will make life difficult for Spain if they want to reach the quarterfinals.”

…

The group stage passed quickly; just days after China’s match ended, all knockout results were out.

Appendix: 2022 Qatar World Cup Knockout Stage Bracket (Round of 16):

Upper Half: [Netherlands vs USA], [China vs Spain]; [France vs Korea], [Brazil vs Uruguay].

Lower Half: [England vs Senegal], [Japan vs Argentina]; [Switzerland vs Poland], [Portugal vs Morocco].

At first glance, three Asian teams made it to the Round of 16, with China and Japan advancing as group leaders—truly the pride of Asia.

But looking at the Round of 16 matchups, none of these three Asian teams were lucky.

Spain, Argentina, France…

These are the opponents for Asia’s three brothers in the first knockout round!

Seeing this result, you might even suspect FIFA is deliberately targeting Asian teams, refusing to let any Asian side reach the quarterfinals.

In reality, FIFA is innocent—your half-bracket and opponent in the knockout stage are determined solely by group stage draw and results, with no external interference.

If you’re group first, your first opponent must be group second; if you’re group second, your opponent is naturally group first.

The situation Asia’s three teams now face still rests on Argentina and Spain’s shoulders.

Ask Messi and Rodri: why did these top-ten FIFA teams perform this way in the group stage?

Of course, for most reporters, they’d rather get a direct interview with Tang Ye.

Predicted failure, broadcast canceled—Mr. Tang, what are you feeling now?

…

【Incoming Call】

【Rod (Luo De)】

Beep!

The voice call connected; Tang Ye pressed the phone to his ear: “...Rod.”

“Hey, Tom? Did you see the news? Listen, I really didn’t expect this result—I never thought we’d lose to Japan.”