Chinese internet users have left various comments regarding Japan national soccer team manager Hajime Moriyasu's 'declaration of victory'.

On May 31, in a send-off match for the FIFA World Cup North America tournament held at MUFG Stadium (National Stadium), Japan defeated Iceland 1-0. After the match, manager Moriyasu gave a speech to the spectators, saying, "We aim to win the World Cup, and we want to prepare well and challenge the world. Our team and all our supporters understand that becoming the world's best is not an easy task. However, I believe that if more Japanese people send us 'Japan United' cheers, we can achieve our goal."

He then appealed, saying, "Of course, during the World Cup tournament, we want to win and share our joy, but the players here will fight together as one team, bravely, toughly, tenaciously, and to the very end in every match. We hope that watching our and the players' passionate fight will become a source of daily energy for Japanese people across Japan and around the world. Everyone, please empathize and resonate with our struggle. Finally, we want to challenge the world. We ask for your cooperation as Japan unites."

In response to this speech, Chinese internet users made critical comments such as "They struggled against Iceland," "They've never even reached the Best 8," "At best, they'll make the Best 32," and "They'll be eliminated in the group stage." There were also mocking comments like "It sounds militaristic" and "It's like a speech made when going to war."

On the other hand, many voices offered rebuttals by comparing Japan to their own country, such as: "How is it that the lowest-ranked in the class (China) mocks the highest-ranked (Japan)?", "While the lowest-ranked in the class (China) is mocking the highest-ranked (Japan), the highest-ranked is already aiming to be No. 1 in the province," and "Japan's goal is already to win the World Cup. Our country is still struggling to get into the top 12 in Asia."

Additionally, there were comments stating, "This isn't like the Japanese. They should steadily leave their footprints step by step. First, aiming for the Best 8," and "Objectively speaking, the favorites to win are countries that consistently reach the Best 4. Japan's goal of winning the championship is certainly admirable, but isn't the goal too high for a country whose best performance is the Best 16?" However, in response to these, opinions were also shared such as: "Just being able to talk about winning the World Cup already makes them winners. Having a goal is the most important thing," and "How many countries on this planet can defeat Spain, Germany, Brazil, and England? The answer is Japan!"

Furthermore, supportive comments were received, such as: "I support the Japan national team," "Japan is the strongest in Asia. I want them to achieve good results and show us the appeal of a sport that grows through the enthusiasm of the entire nation, long-term efforts, and sustainable development," "Manager Moriyasu's speech has a 'chuunibyou' feel like a Japanese drama, as well as a passionate feel," "A speech full of confidence and courage. I hope he and his team prove wrong those who look down on people of Asian descent in soccer," "If Japan can win, it will be an honor for Asia," "Go for it! Bring light to Asia," and "Go, Samurai Blue! Light of Asia." (Translation/Editing by Kitada)