Japan
Japan has shown some real grit and growth on the national soccer stage. They have been making inroads as a national team since the early ’90s but really came to the fore at the 1998 World Cup, their first appearance. Although they lost all of their matches, they impressed and made an even bigger impression as hosts in 2002.
They continue to impress as a team, even beating heavyweights Germany in their opening match at the 2022 tournament. However, what is more impressive is their beautiful women and their discipline, as shown at the 2018 tournament, where they brought along trash bags to help clean after their matches.
