FILE PHOTO: Kazan International Airport, Republic of Tatarstan, Russia - June 13, 2018. Coach Akira Nishino is seen upon the arrival. REUTERS/Alexey Nasyrov/File Photo
MOSCOW (Reuters) - Japan's decision to axe Vahid Halilhodzic two months before the World Cup finals came as a surprise to many, but former boss Philippe Troussier believes the appointment of Akira Nishino could give the Samurai Blue a much-needed boost.
The Japanese are making their sixth straight appearance at the finals, having debuted in France in 1998, and they begin their campaign in Group H against Colombia in Saransk on Tuesday.
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