Ever since making their debut at the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France, Japan have experienced many highs and lows over the years. Here are some of their best moments on the global stage in the five tournaments they have featured in since then:
1996: Japan win bid to co-host 2002 World Cup
Japan agreed to join forces with Korea Republic in their bid to host the 2002 World Cup, and kicked off World Cup fever in the East Asian nations as FIFA awarded the pair the tournament in 1996, the first time the global event would be hosted in Asia.
The award meant that Japan would automatically qualify for the tournament finals, and they would be free to focus all of their energy on preparing for their second-ever finals appearance, following their 1998 debut. Huge stadiums would be built over the next few years, including the Nissan Stadium, the Saitama Stadium 2002, and the Niigata Stadium (above), among others.
2002: Morishima, Nakata down Tunisia en route to round of sixteen
As the final round of Group H matches approached in 2002, the objective was clear for the co-hosts: avoiding a two-goal defeat to Tunisia would see them qualify for the knockout stage for the first time ever, just four years after making their bow in France. After the a nervy first half ended 0-0, Hiroaki Morishima pounced on a loose ball just three minutes after the break to all but end the North Africans’ hopes of progressing to the next round.
A second goal in the 75th minute rubbed salt in Tunisia’s wounds, as the home support roared in approval. As the final whistle blew, it was official; Japan would be taking their place among the best sixteen teams in the world, and would face off against a plucky Turkey in the next round. Although they would end up losing narrowly to Turkey, co-hosts Korea's fourth-place finish would cap a memorable World Cup for East Asia.
2010: Trio ease Japan past Denmark to secure second knockout round appearance
After a disappointing group stage elimination at the 2006 World Cup, Japan got off to a perfect start at the 2010 edition when Keisuke Honda struck the winner against Cameroon on Matchday One. A 1-0 defeat to the Netherlands, though, meant the Samurai Blue would need at least a draw against Denmark in their final group stage match if they were to secure second place behind the Dutch, who had already qualified with two wins from two.
Honda put his side into the lead with a swerving free-kick, before Yasuhito Endo also found the back of the net with a curling set piece of his own on the half-hour mark. A Jon Dahl Tomasson penalty did reduce the deficit but Honda squared to an unmarked Shinji Okazaki to tap home and kill off the match. Their World Cup campaign would ultimately end with another round of sixteen disappointment, however, as were defeated by Paraguay on penalties.
Photos: Getty Images
