SINGAPORE - Japan's national soccer team began training in Singapore on November 10 ahead of an international friendly against Brazil on November 14, with the two-match tour, which also includes a game against Paraguay on November 17, expected to be the team's final overseas trip under coach Hajime Moriyasu following the postponement of the Asian Cup originally scheduled to begin in Saudi Arabia in January 2027.
The two matches in Singapore are being viewed as the culmination of the team's preparations under Moriyasu, providing an opportunity to assess the squad's progress and test its strength against two South American opponents.
Twelve players took part in the opening training session, including Ko Itakura of Borussia Monchengladbach and Tatsuhiro Sakamoto of Coventry City, who has returned to the national squad for the first time in approximately five years. The players worked through passing drills and other exercises as preparations got underway.
Takumi Minamino of Monaco, who has returned to the national team after an absence of about a year, was among those who remained at the team hotel for individual conditioning rather than joining the opening session.
Japan will face Brazil on November 14 before meeting Paraguay three days later, with both matches serving as important tests for Moriyasu's squad as it concludes its overseas commitments.
Source: Kyodo
