Browsing: Akira Nishino

Speaking as the squad returned to Tokyo following their World Cup round-of-16 defeat by Belgium, Nishino said this had always been the plan.

The two unfancied sides are in a group also containing Colombia and Poland lead the standings after one game, and in pole position to make the knockout stages – something these two countries have done only three times between them

Nishino named an experienced team, including the likes of goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima, defenders Yuto Nagatomo and Maya Yoshida, midfielders Makoto Hasebe, Keisuke Honda and Shinji Kagawa—all with multiple World Cup appearances.