The Japan national team, who are preparing for the World Cup Qatar tournament, will face Croatia, the runner-up of the previous tournament, in the first round of the final tournament from 00:00 Japan time on the 6th.
Where is the point to win for the first time in history to advance to the best 8?
We asked Nobuyuki Kojima, a former goalkeeper of the Japan national team who will be commenting on this match on NHK Radio 1, and Michael Mikic, a former J-League player from Croatia.
* NHK will broadcast the first round of the finals tournament, Japan vs. Croatia, on Radio 1 from 11:50 pm Japan time on the 5th.
“Researches opponents very well”
Q.How about the performance of the Japanese national team so far?
(Mr. Nobuyuki Kojima)
A. I have the impression that you studied the other person very well.
After the pairing was decided, Director Moriyasu and the other staff members did a great job of scouting and devising strategies.
In particular, looking at the match against Spain, I feel that they were very good at how they put together a system and fought the game in order not to let Busquets, Pedri, Gabi, etc. .
Q. How do you see Director Moriyasu's direction?
A. Through the 90 minutes, as with Germany, Spain and Costa Rica, it will be difficult for us to take the initiative and keep our pace. I feel like I was fighting with system changes including player substitutions.
“Don’t panic even if you get 1 point”
Q. Do you catch the flow of the game?
A. I really felt that you were trying to eliminate the opponent's good points, but you didn't panic even if you scored a goal, and you were able to score when the game was on the line. I did, but it didn't change how I fought.
I feel that the players themselves understood well what they should be fighting for, and the coach was also fighting.
Q. What about defense?
A. Regarding the match against Germany, although we created a goal-scoring chance, the defense cut the course and the goalkeeper made it easy for us to feel where the shots came from. , I think that kind of cooperation and concentration was very well done throughout the game.
Regarding the Spain match, we had very few entries into the penalty area, maybe only once in the second half.
Each and every one of them said that they were doing a very important job in such a place.
That's how I feel.
“Gonda’s mental strength”
Q. Mr. Gonda, the goalkeeper, how have you been playing so far?
A. I think he is doing very well.
You gave away a penalty kick against Germany.
The goalkeeper himself gave a PK in an important game.
When I do that, it usually shows up in my play that I'm depressed in the mental part, but Gonda in that match, as you can see from the play after that, he didn't get depressed there and firmly until the end. It's the mental strength of having done your job.
I really felt these things, and if Gonda had been unable to play due to giving away a PK, the game wouldn't have turned out the way it did. hey.
I lost the second game, but looking at my performance in the third game, I feel like I'm quite mentally stable and have a big impact on those around me.
Q. Do you have a sense of infiltration into the team?
A. As for what kind of player you are, Gonda knows what a field player is, and the field players know Gonda, so I have a feeling that they dare to trust him. do.
"Don't let Modric go free"
Q. How do you prevent Croatia Modric's free kick?
A. Careless fouls give the opponent a chance at their strengths, so fouls in your own half, except when you can't do anything about it, the height from Modric's free kick. Croatia has it, so there are long throws, including corner kicks.
I don't want to give such a set piece.
No matter where he is, Modric will do his job, so we have to play without letting him go free.
In the match against Spain, we were able to hold down the 3 central midfield players who were very tactical and technical, so in the next match, Modric and the central 3 midfielders will do a good job. I think this is where we have to continue to be careful.
Set pieces are quite a weapon, so I have the impression that as the round progresses, there will be more things to be careful about, but I feel that Japan can do it now.
"Don't let it hit where you aim"
Q. Height is also a threat, but how do you keep it down?
A. I think the most important first point is to keep your body in close contact, free, vigorous, and not let the ball hit where you are aiming or the player who is heading. think.
After all, the surrounding players follow the spilled ball.
The other day, in the match against Spain, Yoshida put his foot in front of the opponent after Gonda threw a shot.
In such a place, just a little bit ahead is fine, so don't lose your concentration so that Japanese players can touch it.
The best thing is not to give away (free kicks), but if that happens, it will be an absolute requirement to keep your body close and respond well to the second ball.
“Better if results come”
Q.What kind of game would you like to see?
A.I think it would be better to win.
Players are working towards that.
I hope that you will play games that convey that feeling to those around you.
It would be great if you got results.
Q.What kind of commentary will this game be on NHK Radio 1?
A. Even if they are outnumbered, considering the development of the game so far, they will definitely overturn the game at the end.
Such a miracle will happen, so I hope everyone will support and listen to the broadcast until the end.
Since we have entered the finals tournament, there will be overtime and penalties, and I think there will be many highlights for Gonda, so I would like you to listen to them.
Former J League player who knows Japan and Croatia
On the other hand, Croatian-born Michael Mikic, who played for Sanfrecce Hiroshima and Shonan Bellmare in the J-League, said, "Japan should be patient and wait for their chance," and encouraged the Japanese national team.
Q.Japan and Croatia, who are related to each other, will play against each other.
How are you feeling now?
(Mr. Michael Mikic)
A. I am very happy that both of us have had the chance to advance to the top 8.
I love Japan and it is very special to me.
The ten years I spent in Japan were a wonderful time.
I'm an avid Japanese fan, but my heart goes out to Croatia for this match.
Croatia's 3 most important players
Q. What are the characteristics of the Croatia team?
A. Croatia have three incredible midfielders.
Captain Modric, Kovacic and Brozovic.
These three are the most important decision makers in the game.
We decide whether to pick up the pace, slow down or prepare to attack.
These three are the most important players.
And Kramaric players on the front line.
He plays in Germany's top leagues and I think a lot of Japanese players know him, but he's a very dangerous player who can always win one chance.
Q. The Croatia national team was the runner-up in the last tournament.
What are your expectations for this team?
A. I believe that we can advance to the final.
The current national team is in good condition, with a new young player fused with the runner-up members.
However, France and England are also strong.
Spain is strong.
It is unbelievable that Japan won against Spain.
To be honest, I didn't think Japan would beat Spain.
I think Japan should be proud.
Q. Do you expect Croatia to win?
What is your score prediction?
A. Unless it's Croatia vs Japan, my heart will always be for Japan.
Croatia won the match 1-0 or 2-1.
But the happiest thing is to win 3-2.
If that happens, it will be an interesting game that both Croatian and Japanese people can get excited about.
“Waiting Patiently for Opportunities”
Q. Do you have any advice for Japan to win?
A. Wait patiently for an opportunity.
Quickly switch between offense and defense.
That's all I can say.
Q. Who is the player you are paying attention to in the Japanese team?
A. Kaoru Mitoma.
I think he is a new star in Japan who has speed, technique, everything.
You have courage and love to dribble.
He feels he's the type of player we've never seen before and has great potential.
I've been following him since he was playing for Kawasaki Frontale.
Takuma Asano, who was with us at Sanfrecce Hiroshima, is also wonderful.
He's a good joker, a trump card.
He's the type of player who can do a big job when he has to score, when he has to change the rhythm of the game.
I still follow the J League and Japanese players, and I am very happy to see Japanese players doing well in the European leagues.
Even though they are well paid and have a good life in the J.League, they are hungry to test themselves in the world's top leagues.
And many players are grabbing regular seats instead of warming up the bench.
This is a big deal.
Playing matches in Europe almost every weekend and accumulating experience is connected to Japan's breakthrough this time.
“Moriyasu is a great director”
Q. When I was enrolled in Sanfrecce Hiroshima, I played for a team led by Manager Moriyasu.
How do you see his leadership so far?
A. I played under him for over five years.
First, he's a great person and a great director.
He is always trying new things and is very tactical.
He is very clear about what he wants from his players and the teams he leads are always successful.
In this World Cup, Japan did not perform well in the first half of the match between Germany and Spain, but Moriyasu changed players, changed the system, and won the match.
I think he showed his talent.
Q. I appreciate the coaching of Coach Moriyasu, but can the Croatia national team win?
A.I hope so.
I fully understand that Japan is aiming for the last 8 and it is the dream of the coaches and players, but I hope that the goal will be realized not at this tournament but at the next World Cup.
Q. I am currently coaching players in a Slovenian team.
Do you want to teach in Japan someday?
A. Of course.
My dream is to get an offer from the J League someday.
If it's Sanfrecce Hiroshima, great.
However, even if another team offers me, I am ready to coach and would like to go to Japan again.