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The Japan News/Yomiuri
The Japan News/Yomiuri
Sport
Hiroaki Ogata / Yomiuri Shimbun Sportswriter

Samurai Blue prepare to make history

Ao Tanaka, center, and other members of Japan's national team train in Doha on Saturday ahead of their match against Croatia. (Credit: The Yomiuri Shimbun)

DOHA -- Members of Japan's national soccer team were back on the training field in Doha on Saturday to prepare for Monday's match against Croatia, in a bid to make the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals for the first time.

The Samurai Blue defeated Spain on Thursday, advancing to the knockout phase of the tournament as the winners of Group E.

In the training session, held after a rest day following the upset win over Spain, the players looked relaxed as they warmed up with running and other activities before having a closed-door practice.

"I want to make history with the help of many people," said midfielder Ao Tanaka, who netted the winning goal against Spain.

Read more from The Japan News at https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/

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