The Japanese national team aims to advance to the quarterfinals of the FIFA World Cup 2022. The next opponent is Croatia, the runner-up of last year’s tournament. Shogo Taniguchi talked about his aspirations for advancing to the quarter-finals for the first time. Q: How was the match against Spain? Taniguchi: It was a game where we needed three points to advance (from the group stage), so we stood on the pitch with that in mind. I was able to do it, so I think I was able to leave a good result. Q: How did you feel when your turn came around in this big game? Taniguchi: It felt like it finally came. Of course, I was nervous, but once I started, Spain was so strong that I couldn’t afford to be nervous. I was able to make up my mind and stand on the pitch to fight, so I think that was one of the good things. Q: In the beginning of the match against Spain, the opponent had a long period of time to attack. Taniguchi: Spain was very good at holding the ball, receiving and sending it, so I thought their level was high. It wasn’t easy to catch the ball, and even after it was picked up, it was recovered immediately. In the second half, we were all able to fight with a sense of unity, so it was tough. Q: Were there any changes or improvements in the team’s defense during the match? I tried to be a bit conscious of keeping up with people and following them clearly, but even in Spain, there were scenes where it was not easy to connect, or I could steal the ball, so I thought it would be a chance. I remember getting a feel for it. Q: I received a warning during the match, but Taniguchi: I knew that if I could take it and make it my ball, I would have a chance, so I was strict. without However, while playing, I felt that the Spanish players have a high level of skills such as the technique of making a ball at the limit and the technique of receiving fouls, and I actually got a yellow card, so that is the game In other words, I think the other side did a better job. Q: Did you feel the response? Taniguchi: I had a certain amount of confidence before doing it, so the response wasn’t that great. As expected. Q: Was there any communication or cooperation during the match? I think I was able to play for 90 minutes with high concentration while always talking. Q: What do you think about your next opponent, Croatia? , Each person’s skill is very high, and although it doesn’t look as organized as Spain or Germany, I have the impression that it is a team that makes use of individual abilities and such. So, I feel that we can’t easily beat this opponent unless we concentrate more than we did against Spain. Q: Looking ahead to the next match Taniguchi: We were able to make it through the group stage on our own and had a chance to advance to the quarterfinals. It’s a great happiness to be able to challenge the game like this, starting with seeing a new scenery with this team. Anyway, I want to play with the desire to win and move on, and I want to make a new history of Japanese football with this team. Q: What was the most important thing you kept in mind during the match against Spain? I always had the feeling that if I made a mistake in my stance or slackened even a little, I would be attacked and I would not be defeated, so I always thought that I would do everything in the right position and stance. .
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