Japan players begin training at Al Sadd Sports Club

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Japan players began their training session at the Al Sadd Sports Club yesterday, ahead of the FIFA World Cup Qatar, which will begin on November 20. The Japanese contingent were the first to touch down in Qatar on November 7, with coaching staff and officials part of the group. Veteran FC Tokyo defender Yuto Nagatomo and other J-League players arrived on Thursday. Nagatomo, the 36-year-old talisman arrived along with Shonan Bellmare forward Shuto Machino, who was called up late as an injury replacement, and four other domestic league players –Shogo Taniguchi, Miki Yamane, Yuki Soma and Shuichi Gonda – travelling from Japan. Japan manager Hajime Moriyasu has mostly selected Europe-based players in his 26-man squad, who will be arriving in Qatar following today’s final round of European league matches before the World Cup recess. The Samurai Blue kick off their Group E campaign against four-time champions Germany on November 23 at the Khalifa International Stadium. Moriyasu’s men will also face Costa Rica and former holders Spain as they battle to advance from a difficult group. Japan will play their final warm-up match before the tournament against Canada in Dubai on November 17.