Football: Returning Junya Ito ready to drive Japan to another World Cup

Ito has been in impressive form for Genk

Junya Ito is set to make his return to the Japan national team for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. The Genk winger has been in impressive form for his club this season, scoring 6 goals and providing 5 assists in 19 appearances in all competitions.

Ito was a key member of the Japan team that reached the last 16 of the 2018 World Cup. He scored a stunning goal in the group stage against Senegal and was one of the team's most dangerous players throughout the tournament.

Ito is excited to be back in the national team

Ito is excited to be back in the national team and is determined to help Japan qualify for the 2022 World Cup. He said: "I am very happy to be back in the national team. I have been working hard at Genk and I am confident that I can help Japan qualify for the World Cup."

Japan has a tough task ahead

Japan has a tough task ahead in the World Cup qualifiers. They are in a group with Australia, China, Oman, and Saudi Arabia. The top two teams in the group will qualify for the World Cup, while the third-placed team will go into a play-off.

Japan will start their qualifying campaign on September 2 against Oman. They will then face China on October 7, Saudi Arabia on October 12, and Australia on November 16.

Ito is confident in Japan's chances

Ito is confident that Japan can qualify for the World Cup. He said: "We have a good team and we are confident that we can qualify for the World Cup. We will work hard and give everything we have."

Japan has a good team

Japan has a good team with a mix of experienced and young players. The team is led by captain Maya Yoshida, who plays for Sampdoria in Italy. Other key players include Takehiro Tomiyasu, who plays for Arsenal in England, and Daichi Kamada, who plays for Eintracht Frankfurt in Germany.

Japan is ranked 24th in the FIFA World Rankings. They are the highest-ranked team in Asia and are one of the favorites to qualify for the World Cup.