Japan manager Hajime Moriyasu on Nov. 28 stepped into the firing line for his players, telling media that he is ultimately responsible for what happens on the pitch at the World Cup in Qatar.
Costa Rica manager Luis Fernando Suarez is forced to insist "we are not dead" in his pre-match press conference ahead of his team's World Cup game against Japan, while Hajime Moriyasu felt the need to say little more than "we will do our best."
Mellowing with age is not part of the plan for Japan veteran Yuto Nagatomo, whose flame-red hair and wild celebrations are helping to fuel the Blue Samurai's fire in Qatar.
DOHA, Nov. 26 (Xinhua) As Japan face Costa Rica in their second Group E game at the Qatar World Cup on Sunday, a win will likely secure their place in the knockout stage. Head coach Hajime Moriyasu said his team will give it all for the victory.