TOKYO: Japan believe they can shock Brazil in the World Cup round of 32, and former coach Philippe Troussier thinks it would be a fitting reward for their progress as a football nation.
Frenchman Troussier led Japan when they co-hosted the World Cup with South Korea in 2002 and took them to the last 16 in only their second tournament appearance.
Japan have not missed a World Cup since, and they have openly talked about winning this year’s competition in North America, where they face Brazil in Houston on Monday.
Not even a showdown with the five-time champions can shake Japan’s current confidence, and Troussier believes it is fully justified.
“In only one game, everything is possible,” the 71-year-old told AFP at France’s chamber of commerce in Tokyo on Friday.
