FIFA World Cup redemption for Japan coach 29 years later in Qatar

AL RAYYAN, Qatar (AP) — “Agony of Doha” came 29 years ago, and Hajime Moriyasu experienced it first-hand as a midfielder on Japan’s national soccer team.

He’s w coach, and he’s me amends.

Japan won its World Cup group on Thursday after beating 2010 champion Spain 2-1 at Khalifa International Stium. Last week, team defeated 2014 champion Germany by same score at same venue.

As time was winding down against Spain, Moriyasu was thinking about that game in Qatar against Iraq in 1993 that cost team a spot in next year’s tournament.

“About one minute before end,” Moriyasu said after win over Spain, “I remembered trdy in Doha.”

Leing 2-1 in team’s final qualifier and kwing one goal for opposition would spell end, Japan conceded in stopp time. ir World Cup hopes were dashed, and so was Moriyasu’s chances of playing at biggest soccer tournament in world.

This time it was different. This time defense held it toger. This time 54-year-old Moriyasu got FFIhis Hollywood ending by winning Group E.

“I could feel that times have changed,” Moriyasu said, praising his team’s aggressive defending. “y are playing a new kind of soccer, that’s how I felt.”

Japan’s resistance on field was typified by 34-year-old captain Maya Yoshida. veteran central defender reacted fastest when a loose ball in 90th minute bounced in goalmouth, up in front of a gaping empty net, after goalkeeper Shuichi Gonda blocked a shot by Jordi Alba.

Yoshida twisted his body to beat Marco Asensio to ball and clear danger. When Spain forward Dani Olmo took control seconds later, Gonda blocked his shot with a smoring dive.

On offensive side, Japan scored in 48th and 51st minutes. Against Germany, goals came in 75th and 83rd.

“In 10 minutes we were dismantled,” Spain coach Luis Enrique said.

Up next is Croatia, a team that reached final four years ago in Russia. Ar victory on Monday would put Japan in World Cup quarterfinals for first time.

“We,” coach said, “are gifting this win to people of Japan.”

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