FIFA World Cup Live Updates: Ayase Ueda leads Japan’s new generation
Japan’s attack reflects the country’s football development over the last decade. Leading the line is Ayase Ueda, who finished last season as the Eredivisie’s top scorer after an impressive 25-goal campaign for Feyenoord. Around him are players who have gained valuable experience across Europe’s strongest leagues, giving Japan far greater depth than previous generations. Although injuries have ruled out important names including Kaoru Mitoma, Wataru Endo and Takumi Minamino, the Samurai Blue still possess enough quality to challenge elite opposition. Their current squad is built on players who compete every week against some of the world’s best footballers, making them far better equipped for a World Cup knockout match against Brazil than the Japanese teams of previous decades.
