Latest news with #WataruEndo
Yahoo
10 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
Mighty Japan stand in Socceroos way – but it has never been a better time to face them
The road to North America lies through Western Australia, and the hope for the Socceroos is that it doesn't all go south against their rivals from East Asia. A win against Japan in Perth on Thursday would almost certainly be enough for coach Tony Popovic's side to take the second automatic spot in their 2026 World Cup qualifier group. The good news is that there has never been a better time to face a Samurai Blue side that has already qualified and is in experimental mode. The bad news is … well, that is for Saudi Arabia to deal with. Having dominated Group C – being the first to book a berth in the newly-expanded 48-team tournament and boasting a goal difference of plus-46 in 14 qualifiers so far – Japan have earned the right to bring a squad containing just seven players with more than 10 international caps to Australia. They have also cemented their reputation as a genuine global force. After clinching their spot against Bahrain in March, captain Wataru Endo – one of the few established stars to make this trip – said that it was time to think about winning the World Cup. In 2005, the Japan Football Association pledged to do so by 2050. People laughed at the time, but to wait that long now would be a little disappointing. Advertisement Related: Socceroos reach crunch time with World Cup 2026 qualification in sight That was around the time when Australia joined the AFC and now, the situation with the two teams is all but reversed. Japan are full of stars playing in the big leagues. Endo has just won the Premier League title with Liverpool, Kaoru Mitoma is reportedly wanted by Arsenal and Bayern Munich and is set to take the title of Asia's biggest star from Son Heung-min. Ao Tanaka of newly-promoted Leeds United was, for many, the best player in the this season's Championship. Fans in Perth would usually love the rare chance to see such European-based talent but both Mitoma and Tanaka are absent. Indeed, many of Japan's European stars have been allowed by coach Hajime Moriyasu to go on holiday – including the likes of Ritsu Doan of SC Freiburg, Monaco's Takumi Minamino, Hidemasa Morita of Sporting, Borussia Monchengladbach's Ko Itakura. In total, just 13 of the 27 players who made March's squad will be in Perth. 'I have always tried to make changes,' said Moriyasu, who has been in charge since 2018. 'In my opinion, it is not so much that we are selecting them, but rather that they have been proving themselves with performances that are worthy of selection.' Ryunosuke Sato, for example, is just 18 years old but has impressed as wing-back on loan at Fagiano Okayama. Junnosuke Suzuki, a 21-year-old converted centre-back also looks to have a bright future. Shunsuke Mito is another newbie, as is fellow Netherlands-based star Kodai Sano who joins his brother and FC Mainz player Kaishu. It is testament to the coach's leadership that while Japan are a settled and stable side with a firm identity, he has also selected over 60 players since the 2022 World Cup. Advertisement Given what is at stake for the hosts, few in Australia will care if their opponents are not at their strongest. There are, however, concerns in Saudi Arabia, who are three points behind the Socceroos with a much inferior goal difference, and in need of a favour. There was an assumption in Riyadh that Japan would get at least a draw in Perth to ensure that Hervé Renard's side would hold the top-two destiny in their own hands, with the shortest of trips to Bahrain followed by a home game against a travel-weary Socceroos five days later. After Moriyasu named his squad, confidence in Riyadh has taken a dent. The Chinese media have also discussed Moriyasu's choices as they are counting on the Blues to beat Indonesia, rivals for the top four, at home on Tuesday. Related: Socceroos dealt blow as injured Craig Goodwin out of squad for crunch World Cup qualifiers While Japan may still play Moriyasu's favoured 3-4-2-1 formation, given all the changes, it is hard to know who starts and who does not. Moriyasu said that the rookies need some veterans around them. Endo should be in the middle, perhaps behind the more creative talents of Takefusa Kubo, who had a good season with Real Sociedad and Daichi Kamada who helped Crystal Palace win the FA Cup. Left-back Yūto Nagatomo, provider of the decisive cross for the 2011 Asian Cup's winning goal, may inch closer to his 150th cap, not much fewer than the other 26 have between them. There may be some issues for the Australian coaching staff to try and prepare for a game against a potentially unfamiliar foe but this has to be better than facing the strongest version of Japan desperate for points. That there is still plenty of talent does not need to be said, the same with warnings against complacency – the new players have a chance to play themselves into contention for the World Cup – but there is no doubt that Japan are in Perth with more than one eye on the next northern summer.
The Guardian
10 hours ago
- General
- The Guardian
Mighty Japan stand in Socceroos way – but it has never been a better time to face them
The road to North America lies through Western Australia, and the hope for the Socceroos is that it doesn't all go south against their rivals from East Asia. A win against Japan in Perth on Thursday would almost certainly be enough for coach Tony Popovic's side to take the second automatic spot in their 2026 World Cup qualifier group. The good news is that there has never been a better time to face a Samurai Blue side that has already qualified and is in experimental mode. The bad news is … well, that is for Saudi Arabia to deal with. Having dominated Group C – being the first to book a berth in the newly-expanded 48-team tournament and boasting a goal difference of plus-46 in 14 qualifiers so far – Japan have earned the right to bring a squad containing just seven players with more than 10 international caps to Australia. They have also cemented their reputation as a genuine global force. After clinching their spot against Bahrain in March, captain Wataru Endo – one of the few established stars to make this trip – said that it was time to think about winning the World Cup. In 2005, the Japan Football Association pledged to do so by 2050. People laughed at the time, but to wait that long now would be a little disappointing. That was around the time when Australia joined the AFC and now, the situation with the two teams is all but reversed. Japan are full of stars playing in the big leagues. Endo has just won the Premier League title with Liverpool, Kaoru Mitoma is reportedly wanted by Arsenal and Bayern Munich and is set to take the title of Asia's biggest star from Son Heung-min. Ao Tanaka of newly-promoted Leeds United was, for many, the best player in the this season's Championship. Fans in Perth would usually love the rare chance to see such European-based talent but both Mitoma and Tanaka are absent. Indeed, many of Japan's European stars have been allowed by coach Hajime Moriyasu to go on holiday – including the likes of Ritsu Doan of SC Freiburg, Monaco's Takumi Minamino, Hidemasa Morita of Sporting, Borussia Monchengladbach's Ko Itakura. In total, just 13 of the 27 players who made March's squad will be in Perth. 'I have always tried to make changes,' said Moriyasu, who has been in charge since 2018. 'In my opinion, it is not so much that we are selecting them, but rather that they have been proving themselves with performances that are worthy of selection.' Ryunosuke Sato, for example, is just 18 years old but has impressed as wing-back on loan at Fagiano Okayama. Junnosuke Suzuki, a 21-year-old converted centre-back also looks to have a bright future. Shunsuke Mito is another newbie, as is fellow Netherlands-based star Kodai Sano who joins his brother and FC Mainz player Kaishu. It is testament to the coach's leadership that while Japan are a settled and stable side with a firm identity, he has also selected over 60 players since the 2022 World Cup. Given what is at stake for the hosts, few in Australia will care if their opponents are not at their strongest. There are, however, concerns in Saudi Arabia, who are three points behind the Socceroos with a much inferior goal difference, and in need of a favour. There was an assumption in Riyadh that Japan would get at least a draw in Perth to ensure that Hervé Renard's side would hold the top-two destiny in their own hands, with the shortest of trips to Bahrain followed by a home game against a travel-weary Socceroos five days later. After Moriyasu named his squad, confidence in Riyadh has taken a dent. The Chinese media have also discussed Moriyasu's choices as they are counting on the Blues to beat Indonesia, rivals for the top four, at home on Tuesday. Sign up to Football Daily Kick off your evenings with the Guardian's take on the world of football after newsletter promotion While Japan may still play Moriyasu's favoured 3-4-2-1 formation, given all the changes, it is hard to know who starts and who does not. Moriyasu said that the rookies need some veterans around them. Endo should be in the middle, perhaps behind the more creative talents of Takefusa Kubo, who had a good season with Real Sociedad and Daichi Kamada who helped Crystal Palace win the FA Cup. Left-back Yūto Nagatomo, provider of the decisive cross for the 2011 Asian Cup's winning goal, may inch closer to his 150th cap, not much fewer than the other 26 have between them. There may be some issues for the Australian coaching staff to try and prepare for a game against a potentially unfamiliar foe but this has to be better than facing the strongest version of Japan desperate for points. That there is still plenty of talent does not need to be said, the same with warnings against complacency – the new players have a chance to play themselves into contention for the World Cup – but there is no doubt that Japan are in Perth with more than one eye on the next northern summer.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
'I'm staying': Wataru Endo shuts down Liverpool exit rumours
Wataru Endo has stated his intention to remain at Liverpool, despite ongoing speculation over his future following a season of limited game time. The 32-year-old midfielder was used sparingly during Liverpool's title-winning 2024–25 campaign, registering just one Premier League start and making a total of 32 appearances across all competitions. Endo clocked up only 844 minutes in official matches last season, mostly appearing as a substitute. Despite this peripheral role, he insists he is not actively seeking a move away from Anfield. Speaking to the Abema Times, the Japan captain admitted that rumours of a transfer have been widespread. 'Everyone's talking about it,' he said. 'My friends contact me, even my family ask what we are going to do.' While acknowledging that he has discussed his future with teammates, Endo was clear about his priorities. 'As far as I'm concerned, I'm staying,' he said. 'I think Liverpool is a club that is worth that much. If you ask me if I want to throw away the chance to play for Liverpool and move to another team, the answer is no.' Endo underlined that competing for trophies with Liverpool remains his primary focus. 'I believe that focusing on how many titles I can win with Liverpool will be the best thing in my career.' When asked directly whether fans could expect him to stay at Liverpool next season, his response was firm: 'Yes, you can expect that. For now.' Although Marseille tested Liverpool's resolve with an offer last summer, the Reds turned it down. Endo, who joined from Stuttgart for £16.9 million in 2023, is entering the final two years of his contract. He remains behind Curtis Jones, Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister in the midfield hierarchy, and Liverpool have been linked with Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton ahead of the new season. Endo acknowledged that his role off the bench was not ideal. 'Of course, I'm not satisfied,' he admitted. 'But I kept thinking about how I could contribute to the team in the situation I was in.' He added that coming on late in games to help secure wins was a responsibility he embraced. 'In a way, it was a role that I earned for myself.' Endo has made 75 appearances for Liverpool, scoring twice and assisting once.
The Mainichi
26-05-2025
- Sport
- The Mainichi
Football: Endo lifts trophy as Liverpool celebrate title with fans
LIVERPOOL, England (Kyodo) -- Japan captain Wataru Endo lifted the English Premier League trophy on Sunday as newly crowned champions Liverpool wrapped up the season with a 1-1 home draw with Crystal Palace before savoring the title with their fans at Anfield. Endo joined captain Virgil van Dijk, top scorer Mohamed Salah and departing right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold among his other Liverpool teammates in celebrating with the fans, something they missed out on upon winning their last title in 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Having drawn once and lost twice since clinching their record-tying 20th title with four games to spare, Liverpool went behind in the ninth minute as an unmarked Ismaila Sarr scored with a simple finish for FA Cup winners Palace. Endo came on in the 69th minute at center back right after his in-form countryman Daichi Kamada was denied a clear run at goal for Palace near the halfway line by Ryan Gravenberch, who was sent off. Salah volleyed in the leveler in the 84th minute to take his season's tally to 29 goals, ensuring the celebration was not preceded by a defeat. Kaoru Mitoma came on as a halftime substitute and set up a late wonder strike from Diego Gomez as Brighton won 4-1 at Tottenham Hotspur. The winger ended the season with 10 goals, the most by any Japanese player in the English top flight. "It's not a bad number, but I could have scored more," said Mitoma, who has been linked to Bayern Munich and Arsenal in a potential summer move. "I don't know what the future first thing is to nurse injuries properly ahead of the next season," added the 28-year-old, whose goal against Chelsea in February was named the goal of the season by BBC on Monday. In Italy, keeper Zion Suzuki helped Parma finish 16th and avoid relegation from the Serie A as they came from behind to win 3-2 at Atalanta. Defender Koki Machida played the full 90 minutes as Royale Union Saint-Gilloise won the Belgian top flight for the first time in 90 years following a 3-1 home win over Gent. Midfielder Hidemasa Morita came on in the second half as Sporting CP beat Benfica 3-1 in extra time in the Portuguese Cup final to secure a domestic double.
Time of India
04-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Wataru Endo starts at Stamford Bridge, receives Guard of Honour from Chelsea trio who rejected Liverpool
Liverpool's Wataru Endo celebrates with Liverpool's Harvey Elliott after winning the English Premier League soccer match between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur and clinching the Premier League title at Anfield in Liverpool, England, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Jon Super) A Guard of Honour and a Starting Spot Liverpool's trip to Stamford Bridge on May 4, 2025, carried little weight in terms of stakes, the title had already been secured with four games to spare. But for Wataru Endo, it was a moment rich with symbolism. Named in the starting lineup for the first time in the Premier League this season, The 31-year-old was one of six changes made by manager Arne Slot, with rotation expected after securing the title with four games to spare. While the changes included fresh opportunities for players like Jarell Quansah, Kostas Tsimikas, Harvey Elliott, Curtis Jones, and Diogo Jota, it was Endo's inclusion that caught fans' attention most. The Japanese midfielder was not only part of a completely restructured midfield trio, but also received a guard of honour from Chelsea , a moment full of irony and satisfaction for Liverpool fans. Standing on either side of him were Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia, two players who famously rejected Liverpool in the summer of 2023 to join Chelsea instead. The fact that Endo, who was signed only after those pursuits failed, now walked past them as a Premier League champion was not lost on supporters. Fans Embrace the 'Poetic Justice' Reactions from Liverpool fans online were unanimous in tone: this was poetic justice. Caicedo and Lavia had been seen as top midfield targets for Liverpool two years ago. Both snubbed the Reds, opting for Stamford Bridge where they signed long-term contracts with high expectations. Enzo Fernandez, another Chelsea midfielder often touted as a Liverpool 'miss', also featured in the Chelsea XI. But Liverpool's Plan C, Wataru Endo, has quietly written a different story. Signed for £16 million from Stuttgart, the veteran was never meant to be the headline act in the club's midfield rebuild. Liverpool had targeted younger, Premier League-proven talents with potential resale value and high ceilings. Endo, then 30 and captain of a Bundesliga relegation battler, did not fit that mould. And yet, while Lavia has managed just 11 starts in two injury-hit seasons, and Caicedo's performances have come under constant scrutiny, Endo has gone on to play a key role in a title-winning campaign and earn cult hero status among fans as as Liverpool's famed 'finisher'. Slot's Rotation Signals Trust in Squad Depth Arne Slot's selection choices also highlighted his intent to keep the squad fresh and motivated in the closing stages of the season. For the first time in a league match, none of Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, or Dominik Szoboszlai started in midfield. Slot turned instead to a trio of Endo, Elliott, and Jones, rewarding squad players with meaningful minutes in a low-stakes but symbolically rich fixture. With Alisson still chasing his 10th clean sheet of the season, and Salah pursuing a Premier League goal contribution record, the game also carried individual significance. Mohamed Salah lined up alongside Cody Gakpo and Diogo Jota in attack, needing two more goal contributions to break the single-season record of 48. From Backup Plan to Title Winner Endo's journey from Stuttgart captain to title-winning starter at Liverpool is emblematic of how plans can change and still succeed. After the failures to sign Caicedo and Lavia, his arrival seemed a stopgap. But his calm presence, reliability, and tactical intelligence have proven invaluable. Slot's decision to start him in such a symbolically charged game – and to do so alongside the very players who once turned down Liverpool – capped off an unlikely but deeply satisfying narrative arc. For Wataru Endo, applauded onto the pitch by those who once seemed destined for his place, Sunday wasn't just another start. It was vindication.
