Japan head coach Hajime Moriyasu expressed confidence in his team’s ability to compete against any opponent in the World Cup knockout rounds, as the Samurai Blue prepare for their final group-stage match against Sweden this Thursday.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Moriyasu stressed that his side’s primary focus remains on its own performance rather than potential opponents in the next stage of the tournament.

“Regardless of the team we face in the knockout rounds, I believe we are in a position where we should first focus on performing our own tasks well on the pitch,” Moriyasu said.

The Japanese coach added that his players have the quality and confidence to challenge any team they may encounter.

“I believe that, by relying on ourselves, we can compete with any national team on equal terms and achieve victory against any opponent. That’s why I want us to approach every match fully focused on ourselves and what we need to do,” he added.