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Japan's Yukinari Sugawara aims for World Cup victory ahead of Netherlands match

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 13, 2026, 7:26 PM

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

Japan's Yukinari Sugawara aims for World Cup victory ahead of Netherlands match

Summary

Yukinari Sugawara expressed Japan's ambitions ahead of their opening World Cup match against the Netherlands on Sunday. He stated, "We came here to win the World Cup" and highlighted the team's determination to make history. Japan, having qualified first, enters the tournament on a six-match winning streak, including significant victories over Brazil and England. The team will be without captain Wataru Endo due to injury, with Shuto Machino stepping in. Sugawara emphasized the need for mental and physical readiness against a strong Dutch side.

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By the Numbers

•Japan opens their World Cup campaign against the Netherlands on Sunday.
•Sugawara emphasizes winning as the team's primary goal.
•Japan has won their last six matches, five with clean sheets.
•Shuto Machino replaces injured captain Wataru Endo for the tournament.
•The match is considered one of the top fixtures on the opening day.

Latest Updates

7:26 PMYahoo Sports — 'We came here to win the World Cup', says Japan's Sugawara

What they're saying

"
Japan have big aims at the World Cup where they want to go all the way, defender Yukinari Sugawara has vowed on the eve of their opening match on Sunday against the Netherlands. "We came here to win the World Cup.
— Yahoo Sports

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