Japan’s self-proclaimed close-knit World Cup squad vowed Wednesday not to compromise its solid defensive foundation now that the Blue Samurai also feature flashy attacking players.
The Asian champions enter Friday’s final pre-Brazil warm-up match against Zambia excited about their chances to advance to the knockout stages from a group that features Colombia, Ivory Coast and Greece.
“We have played very well and become closer. Now it’s going very well mentally. We’re almost ready for the World Cup,” said Maya Yoshida, a defender for English Premier League side Southampton.
“One of the strong points of Japan’s team is team spirit. People are very respectful of the team. It doesn’t matter if they are younger or older.”
Camaraderie and bonding can be heard in the applause and laughter during workouts from the hidden side of the private fenced-off training area.
“As we’ve been practicing together for a long time, sessions have become more profitable. The time here is very fulfilling,” Japan forward Yuya Osako said. “It’s vital to play as a united team.”
That could be the key in improving upon Japan’s last-16 run in South Africa.
“When each player knows exactly what to do in the game, I think we can play harmoniously,” AC Milan forward Keisuke Honda said. “We are standing at the cusp of bigger achievements.”
A Japan side that surrendered only two goals in four 2010 World Cup matches now has a greater flair for attack, led by Honda and Manchester United playmaker Shinji Kagawa.
That’s just fine with Yoshida, who says the defenders have adapted well to the changes in style.
“Before we played more defensively. Now we are going with more attacking football. We need to improve this for Japan football. It’s time to change what we do,” he said.
“The line controls the back and that’s very big for us. We have to do that to keep us aggressive. We will keep the level high in the back.”
Yoshida also predicts that more Japanese players will be coming to Europe after this World cup run.
“That’s going to be important for the future of football in Japan,” he said.
“So many are playing now in Europe at all positions. Four years ago, only some were in Europe. Now all of the starting 11 play in Europe. This situation has been good.
“The Premier League is one of the strongest leagues in the world. They have very strong forwards and midfielders. It’s great experience for me.”
A team meeting early in the Florida camp helped to inspire and motivate.
“We held a players meeting and encouraged each other, saying, ‘We have a good atmosphere. Let’s work hard,'” said Japan midfielder Makoto Hasebe, who plays for Germany’s Nuremberg.
“I have never been more strongly dedicated to a tournament,” said Inter Milan defender Yuto Nagatomo.
While they have managed moments of fun, Japanese players are taking the challenge ahead of them very seriously.
“There’s no escaping the pressure of the World Cup, but I look forward to finding out how much stronger I can be,” Honda said.
“I remind myself that I should play each time as if it might be my last chance.”