DOHA — Japan will “fight like samurai” in Monday’s
World Cup last-16 clash with Croatia as they battle to reach the quarterfinals
for the first time, defender Yuto Nagatomo said.اضافة اعلان
Japan reached the knockout round after stunning Germany and
Spain to top Group E but they are not satisfied with what they have achieved so
far in Qatar.
Veteran Nagatomo is appearing at his fourth World Cup and
urged his team-mates to “show the samurai spirit to the world” against Croatia.
“Before battle, the samurai would polish their weapons and
refine their technique, but if they were scared in battle, all that would count
for nothing,” the former Inter Milan left-back said Sunday.
“It’s the same as football. Of course, tactics and technique
are important, but if we’re scared, it doesn’t matter how much we’ve trained
over the past four years because our technique will be no use.”
“The most important thing is to have courage,” the
36-year-old added.
Japan have reached the last 16 at three previous World Cups
but they have yet to make it as far as the quarterfinals.
They were eliminated in the first knockout round four years
ago in Russia when they threw away a two-goal lead to lose 3–2 to Belgium with
the last kick of the game.
Nagatomo said the defeat had been on his mind for the past
four years and he is ready to wipe away the memory against Croatia.
“The past four years have been tough for me but I think we
have all overcome that and improved as players,” he said.
“I have been playing for Japan for almost 15 years and as
far as I can see, this is the strongest team we’ve ever had at the World Cup.”
Four years of sacrifice
Japan had to come from behind to beat both Germany and
Spain, and were forced to defend for long periods against opponents who
dominated possession.
Coach Hajime Moriyasu wants his players to have more of the
ball against Croatia but urged them to show “resilience” whatever the
situation.
“The players showed their ability against Germany and Spain,
they were united as a team and dug in and fought until the end,” he said.
“They have proved that when they play like that, it brings
results.”
“Of course, it’s important to think about our opponents but
first of all I want our players to show what they can do.”
Japan will be playing in the knockout phase of the World Cup
in successive tournaments for the first time.
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