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"Unexpected things are also within the expected range": Japan's Moriyasu praises team after 2-2 draw with Netherlands
๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท South Korea /Sports

"Unexpected things are also within the expected range": Japan's Moriyasu praises team after 2-2 draw with Netherlands

From Chosun Ilbo · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Japan's national football team coach, Hajime Moriyasu, praised his players for their resilience in a 2-2 draw against the Netherlands.
  • Despite trailing twice in the match, the Japanese team demonstrated a never-give-up attitude to secure the equalizer.
  • The coach acknowledged the unexpected nature of some events but emphasized the team's consistent effort and determination.

Japan's national football team coach, Hajime Moriyasu, lauded his squad's fighting spirit following their hard-fought 2-2 draw against the formidable Netherlands. The match, held at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, saw Japan twice relinquish the lead but ultimately fight back to level the score.

Moriyasu highlighted the team's unwavering determination, stating, "Even when we fell behind twice, they never gave up." This resilience was crucial in their ability to salvage a point against a highly-ranked opponent. The coach acknowledged that while some situations on the field were unpredictable, the team's response remained within their expected range of effort and commitment.

Even when we fell behind twice, they never gave up.

โ€” Hajime MoriyasuJapan's national football team coach, praising his players' resilience after drawing with the Netherlands.

The draw against the Netherlands, a strong contender in Group F of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, is a significant result for Japan. The team's performance showcased their potential and their ability to compete at the highest level, demonstrating a mental fortitude that impressed their coach.

Unexpected things are also within the expected range.

โ€” Hajime MoriyasuJapan's national football team coach, commenting on the team's performance against the Netherlands.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Chosun Ilbo in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.