They pushed Brazil to the limit and stunned the world…! North and Central America World Cup: The Hope Left Behind by Moriyasu’s “Blue Whirlwind”

Ayane Suzuki and Kaishu Sano showed rapid growth during the tournament.

They entered the Round of 32 at the North and Central American World Cup undefeated. Hailed as the strongest team in history, the Samurai Blue scored the opening goal against soccer powerhouse Brazil and went into halftime with the lead, only to concede a game-winning goal in stoppage time. Thus, Moriyasu’s Japan’s journey came to an end.

Even so, they held their own against the Netherlands (ranked 8th by FIFA) and secured a convincing 4-0 victory over Tunisia. They surprised the world time and again, even pushing Brazil to the brink of defeat.

The end of one journey marks the first step toward the next challenge. Soccer commentator Sergio Echigo said he “saw hope for four years from now” in the blue whirlwind that swept through North and Central America. He heaped praise on goalkeeper Zai’on Suzuki (23).

“Not only did her performance not falter even when facing Brazil’s full force head-on, but she made one miraculous save after another. It felt as though she had matured both technically and mentally in the heat of battle, and she has become a player who can truly be called world-class.”

Even one of the world’s top five goalkeepers has acknowledged her talent. Sports writer Yusuke Mimura, who was reporting on the ground, reveals a behind-the-scenes story involving Brazil’s national team goalkeeper, Alisson Becker (33), and Suzuki.

“Before the match began, Alisson went out of his way to wait until Japan’s warm-up was over, then approached Suzuki and said, ‘I’ve been watching your performances in your league last season. Let’s play a good game.’

Suzuki made 12 saves on shots inside the box during the group stage. That ranks him second among the 32 teams that advanced to the knockout stage. The goalkeeper position has become one of Japan’s key strengths.”

There is another “beacon of hope” who left a powerful impression: Dynamo’s Kaishu Sano (25), who scored an astonishing mid-range shot off an interception against Brazil.

“His ‘sharp anticipation’—his signature strength—was on full display throughout the tournament. What underpins his anticipation is his exceptional analytical ability.Normally, the coaching staff analyzes the opposing team and conveys their characteristics to the players, but with Sano, it’s the other way around. He checks as much video footage as he can on his own beforehand. Then, by listening to the coaching staff’s analysis, he makes an effort to deepen his understanding.

He’s always been known for his ball-winning ability, but when I interviewed him last May, he said, ‘My goal for the past year has been to improve my passing and shooting accuracy in attack.’ That goal, combined with his sharp anticipation and improved attacking skills, culminated in the golazo against Brazil.“He has grown into a player who can be entrusted with Japan’s midfield for the next 10 years,” said Mr. Mimura.

Keito Nakamura (25), who scored the equalizer against the Netherlands, was selected for the group stage Best XI by the data site “Opta.” Sergio is firing up the “Rising Star Samurai Blue,” with these players at its core.

“What we must not forget is the reality that we lost without even reaching the Round of 16, let alone achieving our goal of winning the tournament. The players need to be genuinely frustrated by this. Throw your complacency in the trash! Become beasts hungry for victory! Whether Japan can become a true powerhouse begins today, at this very moment.”

Until the day we stand at the top of the world, we have absolutely no intention of stopping!

From the July 17 & 24, 2026, combined issue of *FRIDAY*