Japan head into their international friendly with El Salvador on Thursday looking to end a three-match winless streak in all competitions.
The visitors to the Toyota Stadium have endured a dismal run for a year, failing to win any of their six fixtures during that period.
Match preview
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In the seven months that have passed since they famously defeated each of Germany and Spain at the World Cup, Japan were always at risk of losing some momentum.
Just two fixtures were on their schedule - against Uruguay and Colombia respectively - until the upcoming period, Hajime Moriyasu keen to record more notable results on the international stage.
While a comeback 1-1 draw versus Uruguay represented another impressive result, there was frustration as the Samurai Blue let slip a lead to lose 2-1 to Colombia four days later.
Aside from a high-profile friendly against Germany in September, much of Japan's time will now be spent in Asia, initially playing friendlies before the Asian Cup in January.
With Peru to follow next week, Moriyasu will want to get back on track ahead of trying to live up to their favourites tag in that competition.
In sharp contrast, El Salvador have not had much to shout about for a while, only winning one of their 12 fixtures since the beginning of February 2022.
That solitary success came versus Grenada just over a year ago, and that was quickly followed by a standout 1-1 draw with United States in the CONCACAF Nations League.
Since then, though, Hugo Perez has overseen a run of four successive defeats, their last three outings all ending in a 1-0 reverse to finish five points adrift of USA in the aforementioned competition.
Nevertheless, second place in a three-nation group booked a spot in the upcoming Gold Cup, and La Selecta will now look to get back on track against Japan and South Korea.
Team News
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From the team that started the 2-1 defeat to Colombia, Japan are missing three players, which will lead to guaranteed changes at left-back, central midfield and attack.
Ryoya Morishita could be handed a debut at full-back, while Wataru Endo could be restored in the centre of the pitch to allow Daichi Kamada to occupy the 'number-10 role'.
After his outstanding campaign for Celtic, Kyogo Furuhashi will be hoping for a recall down the middle of the attack.
Having only lost 1-0 to USA last time out, Perez will give consideration to selecting the same starting lineup from that fixture.
However, Cristian Gil, one of only four players in this squad to have scored more than once for his country, could be restored to the attack alongside Brayan Gil Hurtado.
Japan possible starting lineup:
Schmidt; Sugawara, Itakura, Ito, Morishita; Endu, Morita; Ito, Kamada, Mitoma; Furuhashi
El Salvador possible starting lineup:
Gonzalez; Roldan, Zavaleta, Dominguez, Tamacas; Reyes, Landaverde, Orellana, Henriquez; C. Gil, Gil Hurtado
We say: Japan 2-0 El Salvador
Although both of these nations have not posted victories of late, Japan's matches have been against far better opposition. With that in mind, as well as home advantage, we can only back the Asian giants to prevail in comfortable fashion.
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Top tip
Darren Plant
