Vahid Halilhodzic

FIFA World Cup 2018: Japan captain Makoto Hasebe retires from international football after heartbreaking loss to Belgium

"I have decided to end the chapter of my career with the national team with this tournament," Hasebe wrote on his Instagram account.

FIFA World Cup 2018: Japan coach Akira Nishino says he asked his players to back off towards the end against Poland

Japan coach Akira Nishino said he was "forced" to tell his players to down tools towards the end of their World Cup match against Poland, to secure last 16 qualification.

FIFA World Cup 2018: Debutante Japanese defender Hiroki Sakai hardened by difficult ordeal at Marseille

Japanese defender Hiroki Sakai has been hardened by his ordeal at Marseille, going from an outsider to fan favourite over the last two years.

Fired coach Vahid Halilhodzic sues Japan Football Association for one yen over 'damage to reputation and honour'

"It's not about money for Vahid," his lawyer said. "He got Japan to the World Cup and he doesn't want to be the black sheep who looks stupid. He's deeply hurt and feels betrayed."

Vahid Halilhodzic says Japan took 'big risk' before FIFA World Cup 2018 by sacking him as coach

Halilhodzic was dismissed earlier this month and replaced by Akira Nishino, just 10 weeks before the start of the World Cup in Russia.

FIFA World Cup 2018: Akira Nishino replaces Vahid Halilhodzic as Japan coach with showpiece event only 2 months away

Nishino, who spent 10 seasons in charge of Gamba Osaka and became the JFA’s technical director in 2016, will have little time to prepare for the tournament in Russia, where Japan are drawn in Group H alongside Colombia, Poland and Senegal.

FIFA World Cup 2018 draw: From darkhorses Japan to debutants Panama, here's a look at teams in Pot 4

A guide to the teams in Pot 4 in Friday's draw for the 2018 World Cup in Russia:

International friendlies: Neymar scores penalty, misses another as Brazil beat Japan

Neymar scored a penalty and missed another as Brazil signalled their intent ahead of next year's World Cup by outclassing Japan 3-1

International friendlies: Star-studded Brazil look to get World Cup preparations underway against Japan

Brazil were the first team to clinch their place at next year's finals while Japan will make a sixth straight appearance at the global showpiece.

FIFA World Cup 2018 qualifiers: Vahid Halilhodzic vows to continue as Japan's head coach after win over Australia

I arrived in Japan with the task of getting the team to the World Cup," said Halilhodzic.