The coach of Japan's national soccer team has praised what his squad accomplished in their World Cup campaign, which came to an end with a penalty shootout loss to Croatia.

Moriyasu Hajime said his men opened a new chapter for Japanese soccer, though the team failed to advance beyond the round of 16.

The head of the Japan Football Association says the coach of Japan's national team may stay in his post after the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Moriyasu Hajime's current contract expires at the end of the tournament.

JFA President Tashima Kohzo spoke to reporters in Doha on Saturday after Japan secured a spot in the knockout stage for the second consecutive tournament. The Samurai Blue squad beat former champions Germany and Spain in Group E.

Japan's national soccer coach Moriyasu Hajime says the team did not fully implement its strategy during Sunday's FIFA World Cup loss to Costa Rica.

Speaking soon after the 0-1 defeat, Moriyasu said the squad managed not to concede a goal and also to find chances to score for most of the match. But he said Japan's strategy was only partially implemented until the final minutes.