FIFA World Cup Live Updates: Japan’s unbeaten group stage builds confidence
Japan reached the knockout rounds after an impressive unbeaten campaign in one of the tournament’s toughest groups. The Samurai Blue collected five points from three matches to secure qualification. They opened with a hard-earned 2-2 draw against the Netherlands in Dallas before producing one of the performances of the group stage with a convincing 4-0 victory over Tunisia in Monterrey. Their final match saw them return to Dallas, where Daizen Maeda scored in a disciplined 1-1 draw against Sweden. That goal secured the point Japan required to move into the knockout rounds. Remaining unbeaten throughout the group phase has reinforced Japan’s growing reputation as a side capable of mixing defensive discipline with clinical finishing whenever opportunities arise.
