At the FIFA World Cup 2022, the Japan national team lost to Croatia after a penalty shootout, finishing the tournament in the last 16. Kou Itakura, a representative of Japan, answered the interview. Q: Current state of mind Itakura: No, it’s frustrating. I thought we could break through the wall of the best 16, so it’s very frustrating that we couldn’t achieve it. Q: How did you feel when you watched the Croatia game? Itakura: You watched as if you were praying. Really, I probably watched it with the same feeling as everyone who was rooting for me, but everyone was really fighting, and even from the outside, I thought it was a very proud team. Q: How was Spain and Germany’s attack on the stage of the serious game? Itakura: It was really powerful, and I actually felt that this was the top of the world. However, I think it’s a good thing about Japan, and I think we were able to defend ourselves as a team, so that’s good. Q: What did you find amazing about it? Itakura: In Spain in particular, there was no way to catch the ball. I really felt the difference. However, it’s not the good thing about Japan against such opponents, but as I said earlier, I think we were able to fight as a team. I think, and after doing that, I’m looking forward to four years later. Q: What made Japan stand out in the world? Itakura: There were parts where you could fight one-on-one and build-up parts as usual, but it’s just that it’s getting better and better than harvesting. I have a strong feeling that It’s like a harvest, but it’s a competition with a lot of challenges. Q: How do you want to make the most of your issues next time? Itakura: Four years or three and a half years later. The next World Cup will be three and a half years away, so I think it will come very quickly. Q: How do you want to face the next World Cup? Itakura: There are many things that only the members who have experienced this World Cup can understand. I felt that I had to be able to win. Q: Did Yoshida talk to you after the game? Itakura: Yes. However, the players at the top of the team led this team, and there were many members who had experienced several World Cups, so I was really supported by those players, and it ended in reality. I still feel it now, but on the other hand, I was able to experience this tournament this time, so I strongly felt that I had to become that kind of player, and the current (Kawashima) Eiji-san and (Nagatomo) Yuto-kun. Or, (Yoshida) Maya-kun is the same, but I would like to carry on while inheriting the things that those players have accumulated. Q: What kind of conversation did you have with Yoshida? Itakura: They said, “I’m sorry,” but from the outside, everyone was really fighting with all their might, and they were just one step away from winning. It’s frustrating for me as well, but when I look at it from the outside, I feel really proud of the team. I hope it clears up later. Q: Expectations are rising as a defense leader, but what about that awareness? Itakura: As an individual, I think I have to become more and more strong, and I have to be the center of the team, mentally, and I have to be able to support them in terms of play. That’s what I think. Q: Your goal for the next World Cup is Itakura: It’s already a win. First of all, I just want to break the high wall of this best 16, and I think I can definitely do it next time, so I’ll do it next time. Q: Are you facing the next? Itakura: It’s already facing. It was my first time to experience this World Cup, and I think it was the best tournament for me. I want to be able to help Japan win.
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