Japan national team manager Hajime Moriyasu expressed regret over Samurai Blue’s early exit from the World Cup but said the country one day could become the “best in the world.”

The team received an enthusiastic welcome home from fans at Narita and Haneda airports on July 2, after their World Cup campaign ended with a 1-2 defeat to Brazil in the first round of the knockout stage.

Japan’s long-cherished goal of reaching the World Cup’s final eight was once again out of reach.

“I feel regret and disappointment,” Moriyasu said at a news conference in Tokyo on July 2. “We might have been able to lead the team to victory depending on my own tactics.”

Despite the loss, Moriyasu said he was encouraged by Japan’s close game against the soccer powerhouse, as well as the team’s overall progress.

Moriyasu was appointed manager of the team in July 2018, and his second-term contract expires with this tournament.

He remained non-committal about his future.

Excerpts from the news conference follow:

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QUESTION: What are your feelings right now?

ANSWER: When I look back at the Brazil match, I think we might have been able to lead the team to victory with my tactics. In that sense, I feel the regret of defeat. The score against Brazil was close, but I learned that we must improve individual aspects and team tactics.

With each match, especially after a victory, I felt the excitement building in Japan. Additionally, seeing so many non-Japanese people wearing our uniform, I felt how much support the national team has.

Q: What were the challenges in the match against Brazil?

A: We need to improve the quality of our attack when transitioning from defense. Against Brazil, there were many times where we would win the ball back only to have it taken from us again.

That has been an ongoing challenge, and while our quality has definitely improved, it must be raised even higher to compete against the world’s powerhouses.

Q: What did you gain from this tournament?

A: Through the three group-stage matches and the hard-fought game against Brazil, I sensed that what we have built can compete on the world stage. If we continue this growth steadily, a day will come when we can be the best in the world. I felt that.

BEYOND THE GAME PLAN

Q: It was a tournament with many unforeseen incidents. Is there anything you now think could have been different?

A: If anything, the result might have been different if I had changed my tactics for the starting lineup and substitutions in the Brazil match.

While things like injuries and being unable to use the training ground did happen, I consider the unexpected to be within expectations. We always faced reality and did our best.

Q: Was there anything that was not part of your calculations?

A: I don’t think so. With the goal of becoming world champions, the Japan Football Association also committed to that vision as an organization. They created a supportive environment, such as by increasing the number of trainers, to ensure the players were not burdened.

Q: What did the presence of support members Maya Yoshida and Takumi Minamino mean for the team?

A: They made a great contribution. Both have World Cup experience and impressive careers.

Maya joined training, demonstrating his own play while giving pointers to other players. Takumi couldn’t train with us, but he watched from the sidelines and offered appropriate advice. Their presence strengthened this team’s unity and solidarity.

Q: And your future as manager?

A: I will take a short break, and first I must properly review the tournament. That is all that has been decided for now.