Japan’s gamers communicate with journalists a day after the World Cup spherical of 16 match towards Croatia. AP
Narita: Japan will put their World Cup heartbreak behind them and concentrate on turning into Asian champions for a fifth time, captain Maya Yoshida mentioned after the group returned dwelling on Wednesday.
The Blue Samurai have been eradicated from the World Cup on penalties by Croatia within the final 16 on Monday, denying them a first-ever place within the quarter-finals.
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However the defeat didn’t cease a whole bunch of followers from travelling to an airport close to Tokyo to welcome the gamers and coach Hajime Moriyasu again from Qatar.
“We received’t cease right here,” Yoshida mentioned at a information convention after arriving.
“We’ll intention to turn into the perfect in Asia,” he added.
“Our struggle will proceed. So long as we preserve taking part in soccer, we should preserve combating.”
The Asian Cup may even be held in Qatar after the unique host China dropped out as a consequence of its strict anti-Covid insurance policies.
The event was set to be held in June and July 2023 however is now prone to be postponed till early 2024 to keep away from Qatar’s fierce summer time warmth.
Japan received the newest of their 4 Asian Cup titles the final time Qatar hosted the event, in 2011.
The Blue Samurai couldn’t discover a well beyond Croatia within the final 16 of the World Cup, however they shocked former champions Germany and Spain to high their first-round group.
“We couldn’t attain new heights however my gamers confirmed us a brand new period, and that is only the start,” mentioned Moriyasu.
Among the many crowd of followers ready to welcome the group dwelling on the airport was 55-year-old Takamichi Masui.
He mentioned the wins over Germany and Spain have been proof that “Japan has turn into a soccer powerhouse”.
One other fan, 37-year-old Takahiro Ichikawa, mentioned that like captain Yoshida, he’s solely wanting forward.
“For now, I hope the nationwide group will concentrate on pulling off a strong efficiency within the Asian Cup in Qatar,” he mentioned.
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