Japan manager Hajime Moriyasu, who led the Samurai Blue into the World Cup round of 16 in Qatar, is set to retain his post, according to sources familiar with the matter.

The decision will be finalized at a board meeting of the Japan Football Association and will be the first time that a Japan manager will stay on after the World Cup.

Japan head coach Hajime Moriyasu gives instructions during the second half of a World Cup Group E football match against Spain at Khalifa International Stadium in Doha, Qatar, on Dec. 1, 2022. (Kyodo)==Kyodo

Details of his contract will be worked out at a later date.

Before the World Cup, the JFA's technical committee was ready to list some candidates for the job, with 67-year-old Argentine Marcelo Bielsa considered.

The JFA, however, has decided to keep the 54-year-old Moriyasu after seeing Japan come from behind to beat past World Cup champions Germany and Spain, topping a tough Group E in Qatar.

Japan head coach Hajime Moriyasu (L) congratulates Ritsu Doan after Doan scored an equalizer during the second half of a World Cup Group E football match against Spain at Khalifa International Stadium in Doha, Qatar, on Dec. 1, 2022. (Kyodo)==Kyodo

Although Japan eventually fell short of their goal of playing their first World Cup quarterfinal, Moriyasu's leadership and personality were recognized.

The former Japan national team midfielder has won three J-League titles as Sanfrecce Hiroshima's manager.


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