Twelve years after their first World Cup triumph, Japan are again darlings on the biggest stage
Japan won the World Cup in 2011, and what should have been an era of excellence was squandered by bad coaching and complacency. Now, 12 years later, they appear poised to win it all again.
Al Nassr defender Aymeric Laporte has said many players like him that joined Saudi Pro League last summer clubs are “dissatisfied,” citing working conditions and broken promises.