MONTERREY (Mexico), June 21 — Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu praised his team’s performance after their 4-0 win over Tunisia on Friday in Monterrey, saying he was pleased with how they handled a high-pressure match.
MONTERREY (Mexico), June 21 — Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu praised his team’s performance after their 4-0 win over Tunisia on Friday in Monterrey, saying he was pleased with how they handled a high-pressure match.
Despite the absence of injured playmaker Takefusa Kubo, Japan dominated throughout, moving a step closer to the knockout stage while eliminating Tunisia from the tournament.
“It was our second game of the World Cup, a match of high tension and one that people all over the world were watching. I am very happy we were able to secure a victory in such a game,” he said.
He added that while injuries were unfortunate, the squad was built on flexibility and collective strength.
“We have built this team around the idea that whoever steps onto the pitch can win and whoever partners can function effectively,” Moriyasu said.
He also highlighted Daichi Kamada’s tactical adjustment, noting that the midfielder had recently been used in a deeper role but was deployed as a shadow striker due to team needs.
“The aim was to bring out his strengths and allow him to control both attack and defence from a more advanced position,” he said.
Moriyasu also praised defenders Ko Itakura and Takehiro Tomiyasu, saying both had been key figures in Japan’s squad development and were capable of performing at World Cup level. — Reuters
PARIS, June 21 — France is set to hold its annual street music festival on Sunday under extreme heat conditions, with about a third of the country placed under the highest-level heat warning and alcohol consumption banned in affected areas.
GEORGE TOWN, June 21 — The Penang government has approved RM129,900 under its Youth Development Fund this year to support 68 youth programmes organised by 48 associations across the state.
LONDON, June 20 — One person was killed and dozens others were injured, including 11 in “very serious” condition, after two passenger trains collided north of London on Friday, UK emergency services said.