On Monday 6 June, the 20th Anniversary Reception of the 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan™ was held in the VIP lounge of Japan National Stadium, where the KIRIN CHALLENGE CUP 2022 match between the SAMURAI BLUE (Japan National Team) and the Brazil National Team took place. Mr. Philippe TROUSSIER, Head Coach of the Japan National Team during the 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan™, and the players from the Japan National Team at the time attended this event. Mr. TROUSSIER was presented with the Commemorative Relief of the Japan Football Hall of Fame.

More than 400 guests gathered at Japan National Stadium warmly applauded him.

On the following day, 7 June, Mr. TROUSSIER visited the Japan Football Hall of Fame and saw the portrait relief of himself.

Mr. TROUSSIER was inducted into the Japan Football Hall of Fame at the 17th selection (2020), but the induction ceremony was not held due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Comment

Mr. Philippe TROUSSIER
It is a great honour and deep emotion for me that I am inducted into the Japan Football Hall of Fame. It brought back memories from my days as Head Coach of the Japan National Team. The accomplishments we have achieved together are something we can all be proud of. The international competitions we participated in from 1998 to 2002 served not only as milestones of our journey, but also helped to raise the ability of every player gathered here today, as well as the team, to the highest level. Thanks to all of your loyal and faithful support, we have been able to weave a wonderful tale of adventure together. I am deeply grateful that this induction into the Japan Football Hall of Fame has allowed me to connect with the people of Japan forever. I sincerely wish the Japan National Team success at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™.