Japan's World Cup Coach Moriyasu: From 'Tragedy of Doha' to Leading the Team

Hajime Moriyasu, the current coach of Japan's national soccer team, looks back on the 1993 'Tragedy of Doha' as the most significant moment in his soccer career. Playing as a defensive midfielder, he experienced firsthand the heartbreak when an Iraqi player scored a tying goal with only 20 seconds left in the final match of the 1994 World Cup qualifiers. This goal, which sent Japan out of contention and allowed South Korea to advance, left Moriyasu in tears on the field.

Moriyasu has stated that the profound pain and sorrow of that moment have fueled him ever since. He recalled in an interview, "The thought that such a painful and sad event must never happen again has sustained me since then." This match was particularly significant for Moriyasu as it was the only World Cup qualifier he played in as a player.

Despite being a national team player, Moriyasu was not considered a star. He did not attend a prestigious soccer high school and was the last player chosen when he joined a corporate team. Reports suggest his then-coach hesitated to select him, describing him as neither fast, skilled, nor strong. Even after joining the corporate league, he struggled to get playing time for two years.

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The thought that such a painful and sad event must never happen again has sustained me since then.