[World Cup]”These three games were three big games for us to grow” Eiji Kawashima FIFA World Cup Qatar (December 4, 2022)

The Japanese national team aims to advance to the quarterfinals of the FIFA World Cup 2022. Their next opponent is Croatia, the runner-up in the previous tournament. Eiji KAWASHIMA talked about his aspirations for advancing to the quarter-finals for the first time. Q: Looking back on the match against Spain Kawashima: It was a tough match, but we were clear about what we were going to do and we worked together as a team to achieve results. I think it turned out to be a great match. Q: You were able to show the goodness of Japan in the second half, but what was good about it? Kawashima: After all, each person has a clear idea of ​​what to do on the pitch. Including the members who came out, I think that being able to clearly have such a part is a big factor. Q: About the hard work of the defensive team Kawashima: The same is true for the defensive team, and in any case, the team-the front line (Maeda) Daizen is also the same, and I think it is the result of hard work by all 11 members. Q: How has the team changed and grown after the 3 games? Kawashima: A team can only grow through tough battles like this, and unity cannot be strengthened. I think it was a big 3 game on growing up. We can’t afford to lose from here, so we’ll have to brace ourselves so that we can win and move on to the next match. Q: What did you talk about at the team meeting after the match against Costa Rica? Kawashima: I don’t remember what I said (laughs) Q: It’s the same for the veteran players, but what about the atmosphere in the team? Kawashima: Young players have considerable technical potential. We have the right people, and more than anything, we have players who are dedicated to the team, so there aren’t many things we can do, and we just want to help the team move in the right direction. I think Q: Determination for the next match Kawashima: Anyway, there is only one match in front of me, and I have experienced things including the last tournament, but I will win the match in front of me anyway, Japanese football. I think it would be nice if we could face it with a strong feeling that we are going to build a new history.
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