A group-stage exit in 2006 had been a sobering lesson. Japan returned in 2010 with renewed purpose. Under Takeshi Okada, they were ready to write the next chapter.
Japan showed enough quality to navigate the group stage, but their campaign ended in the knockout rounds before the latter stages. Their defence proved to be the backbone of the campaign, conceding just 2 goals in 4 outings.
Japan showed enough quality to navigate a challenging group stage, though not without the occasional stumble. In the knockout rounds, they were eliminated by Paraguay on penalties in the Round of 16. The agony of a penalty shootout defeat against Paraguay brought a cruel end to a campaign that had promised so much more.
2won1drawn1lost
4scored2conceded
Conceded just 2 in 4 matches failed to score in 2 of 4 matches.
Keisuke Honda led Japan's attack with 2 goals at the 2010 World Cup.
Conceded in only 2 of 4 matches
The tactical mind behind Japan's 2010 campaign. At the helm since the 1998 World Cup best finish: round of 16.
Takeshi Okada's tactics focused on swift counterattacks and pinpoint passing, aiming to overwhelm opponents with Japan's speed and agility. However, this approach ultimately proved insufficient against Paraguay's defensive solidity.
