[World Cup]”I have never been so enthusiastic in my life” Yuto Nagatomo FIFA World Cup Qatar (December 7, 2022)

At the FIFA World Cup 2022, the Japan national team lost to Croatia after a penalty shootout, finishing the tournament in the last 16. One day after the game, Yuto Nagatomo, the representative of Japan, answered the interview. Q: Looking back on the game against Croatia Nagatomo: Croatia was a strong team, but we just wanted to play the kind of football that we wanted to play, such as defending and countering. I think we were able to play the match as we had hoped. Q: How did you feel when you watched extra time and penalty shootouts? Nagatomo: Honestly, I couldn’t see it. I really couldn’t watch the penalty shootout. But with this courage, I’m really proud of the players who said that they would kick themselves when they were under pressure, and I want everyone to praise them. increase. Q: What kind of words did you say to each player after the defeat Nagatomo: I wanted you to connect this frustration to the future, and the player who missed the PK felt responsible and cried. If it hadn’t been for you, I wouldn’t have come this far.” When I said, “I couldn’t even make it through the qualifying league,” I said, “So thank you.” Q: What was lacking in advancing to the best 8? Nagatomo: It’s difficult, though. If I knew the answer, I would be able to advance to the top 8. However, it was a tournament that I felt that Japanese football is definitely growing after experiencing the four World Cups. As for the PK, I think it’s quite difficult because I think I’m lucky, but I’m just growing and I think that the juniors will break down this wall firmly in the future. Q: How was the Japanese national team in this tournament? Nagatomo: It must be the best team. It was already a bravo team. Q: You’ve been on the national team since 2010, but are you the best among them? Nagatomo: No, I think they’re the strongest team I’ve ever seen. Q: What kind of four years have you had since the last tournament in Russia? Nagatomo: It’s tough. very. After losing to the round of 16 wall in Russia, the four years from there will be a soccer player and endure four years for this moment in the World Cup. There were a lot of really tough times, but personally, as well as the Japanese national team, we overcame those hard times to get here. And I think that my dreams and hopes have been delivered to you through this battle. So, I want to go home with my chest up. Q: I’m 36 now, and I’ll be 40 in the next World Cup. My image is Nagatomo. I want to take a rest. Instead of taking a break and making a decision in my current state of excitement, I want to calmly make a firm decision about my future. Q: What was the 4th World Cup like? Nagatomo: I have never been so enthusiastic in my life. It was a really emotional tournament, and I was proud of my juniors who fought hard, and I was impressed by them. Q: Was the word “Bravo” honestly aiming for the buzzword award? Nagatomo: The buzzword award is over, isn’t it? It’s a wonderful word, and it’s a word that really cheers everyone up, so I’d like everyone to use it a lot. Q: Do you have a message for Japanese supporters? Nagatomo: Thank you everyone for your support. Everyone’s support became our power and we were able to fight this far. The result was disappointing, but I think that the juniors will surely connect this regret. I would like to do my best myself. We look forward to your continued support for the Japanese national team. Thank you very much.
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