A Loss for Japan, But a Clear Path Forward for Its Soccer

Honda Keisuke gives Japan a 1–0 lead in the first half of the Côte d’Ivoire match (© Jiji Press).

Captain Hasebe Makoto came off a recent injury to appear in Japan’s World Cup opener (© Jiji Press).

A dejected Japanese defense watches Côte d’Ivoire celebrate its second goal on June 14 (© Jiji Press).