Japan defender Yuto Nagatomo has mentioned that they want to struggle like samurais of their essential conflict in opposition to Croatia within the spherical of 16 of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Japan topped Group E, defeating Spain and Germany, to qualify for the knockout levels of the match.
New Delhi,UPDATED: Dec 4, 2022 20:14 IST
Nagatomo desires to create historical past by reaching the quarter-finals (AP)
By India Today Web Desk: Japan defender Yuto Nagatomo has mentioned that they want to struggle like samurais of their essential conflict in opposition to Croatia within the spherical of 16 of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Japan topped Group E, defeating Spain and Germany, to qualify for the knockout levels of the match.
Speaking forward of their conflict in opposition to Croatia, Nagatomo mentioned the Japan crew want to use the samurai spirit of their match in opposition to Croatia.
“I am the one, of course, who mentions samurais very often. In Japan the samurai is very famous. So we would like to fight like samurais. I think this is a great opportunity to show ourselves how we can fight as a samurai. So please keep rooting for us,” mentioned Nagatomo.
The former Inter Milan defender mentioned Japan performed nicely within the group-stages and are very assured going into the spherical of 16.
“We have played against Germany, Costa Rica and Spain, and we went through from the group stage as the number one team. We are very confident now. We believe in ourselves, we can do it,” Nagatomo added.
He added that they are going to do every thing to go previous the last-16 hurdle, having failed to take action earlier.
“Until now, Japan football was not able to go past the round of 16. I myself have been at four World Cups, and I have been to the last 16 two times, but we could not overcome it. I was very upset at those times, but tomorrow we hope to be very good again. We hope to make history tomorrow by winning,” mentioned Nagatomo.
Hajime Moriyasu’s aspect has sprung two of this World Cup’s largest surprises so far, coming from behind to beat Germany and Spain 2-1. Now they are going to look to go one higher and change into the primary Japan squad to succeed in the quarter-finals at a World Cup.
Edited By:
Rounaq Sehrawat
Published On:
Dec 4, 2022