Former Japan coach Philippe Troussier has cast doubt on the country’s hopes of surviving their group at next year’s World Cup, describing their draw as “bad news”.
The Frenchman, who led the Blue Samurai to the last 16 as 2002 co-hosts, fears that Colombia and Senegal could have too much firepower for Japan in their first two Group H games in Russia.
“Japan doesn’t have to be scared,” Troussier told AFP in an interview.
“It’s a very balanced group and all four teams will have dreams of progressing. But I’m not optimistic about Japan’s chances.
“For me it’s not a good draw for Japan,” he added. “The fact that they play Colombia and Senegal in their first two matches is not good news.”
The Japanese, currently coached by grizzled Franco-Bosnian Vahid Halilhodzic, were also grouped with Poland in Friday’s draw in Moscow.
But Troussier suspects Japan’s fate might already be sealed before they run into Robert Lewandowski and friends in their third match.
Japan Will Struggle At World Cup, Former Coach Warns
