The Japanese national team, which is preparing for the World Cup Qatar soccer tournament, has resumed training ahead of their first round match against Croatia on the 5th, local time.
While most of the players completed the overall practice, midfielder Takefusa Kubo was absent due to poor physical condition.
Japan, who are participating in the World Cup Qatar tournament, won the match against Spain in the 3rd match of the first league on the 1st of this month and decided to advance to the final tournament as the 1st place in Group E.
On the 2nd, the day after the match against Spain, the players took a rest and resumed practice on the 3rd, and the first 15 minutes were shown to the press.
Japan will play Croatia, the runner-up of the previous tournament, at 6:00 pm local time on the 5th and 0:00 am on the 6th Japan time to advance to the best eight for the first time.
Both Takehiro Tomiyasu and Wataru Endo, who were worried about their condition ahead of the match, completed the general practice menu on this day, and Hiroki Sakai, who continued to adjust with another menu, After 10 days, I returned to the whole practice and did running with a bright expression.
On the other hand, Kubo, who has played in two matches so far, including starting the match against Spain, was absent from practice due to poor health and rested at the lodgings.
Midori Tanaka "Increase the number of times you go to steal the ball"
Tanaka Midori, who scored the winning goal against Spain, said, “Croatia is a very tough team, and the three midfielders in particular are world-class players, so that is the key. The most important thing is not to give time and space.I want to increase the number of times I go to steal the ball.”
She then said, "While I have accumulated experience in the World Cup so far, it will be my fourth challenge to the best 8, and I had a frustrating experience last time. All the experiences we have had so far. I have to keep it alive," he said.
Ritsu Doan "Feeling very calm"
Ritsu Doan, who scored equalizers in the first match against Germany and the third match against Spain, said, "I've already forgotten about scoring two goals. There is."
Regarding the match against Croatia, he said, "It's a great team that has reached the final of the last tournament, but the confidence that we've beaten Germany and Spain will definitely give us an advantage. I think there's a meaning in winning, so no matter what. I want to win the match, even if it means using a method. Everyone is prepared, and we can't go home like this.
Daichi Kamata "There are many chances to win"
Daichi Kamata, who has participated in all the games so far, looked back on the first league match, saying, "I don't know if we're growing, but we're going to win against the strong teams on the big stage of the World Cup. It's definitely something we haven't seen in the past. We've proven to the world that we can do it against strong opponents."
Regarding the match against last year's runner-up Croatia, he said, "There are many world-famous players, and I think the team has quality both as a team and as individuals, but I think there are many chances to win. I hope we can put up a good fight as a team and lead to good results.”
Takehiro Tomiyasu "I want to keep it clean"
Takehiro Tomiyasu, who injured his leg in the match against Germany, said that he spent the 2nd day off recovering by exercising in the pool. I think it will come," he said.
Regarding the match against Croatia on the 5th, which will be the first round of 8, he said, "It's a team that won the second place last time, and I think it's a team that all of us are really tenacious and work hard. I feel that the quality of the players in the midfield is high. We want to keep a clean sheet while cooperating as a team,” he said enthusiastically.
Takuma Asano "Run for the team"
Regarding the match against Croatia, Takuma Asano said, "I can't predict how the game will unfold, but the moment I steal the ball or when I'm holding the ball, the chance to attack will come. If I enter the pitch, it will help the team. I always want to be prepared to run and to push through spaces to reach the goal.”
On winning the next match, becoming the first best eight in history, "Japan is facing a wall that is difficult to break, but anyway, I want to concentrate on doing what I can do with all my strength. Best. 8 is just one goal, and I want to put everything into the match in front of me.”
Shogo Taniguchi "One more time to tighten our feelings together"
Defender Shogo Taniguchi, who made his first World Cup appearance in the match against Spain, said, "I was nervous in the match against Spain, but the opponent was so strong and good that I couldn't afford it, so my concentration naturally increased. I prepared. I was able to stand on the pitch with the determination that I just need to show what I have.”
Regarding the match against Croatia, “It doesn’t look as organized as Spain or Germany, but I think it’s a team that will make the most of their individual abilities. I feel we can't win. I want to pull myself together and fight as one," he said enthusiastically.