It was in the 74th minute at Dallas Stadium during that history was made. Japan's Yuto Nagatomo stepped off the bench and into the record books with his fifth successive FIFA World Cup™ appearance. It was not only a first for a Japanese player, but also an unprecedented achievement for any Asian footballer.
At 39 years and 286 days old, he also broke his own record as Japan’s oldest World Cup player, set against Croatia in Qatar four years ago, when he was 36 years and 114 days old. It was a moment etched into Japanese football history in more ways than one.
Japan were held to a in their final group match. The Samurai Blue endured a difficult evening, taking the lead only to be pegged back by the Scandinavians, but their passage from the group stage was secured and they will now meet Brazil in the round of 32.
“Mamma mia! Mamma mia! The excitement is just incredible,” Nagatomo said with a smile to FIFA when asked how he felt. “I’ve spent the last four years working towards this, driven by the disappointment of the Qatar World Cup. Even with only a little time on the pitch, I was genuinely thrilled, and I'm proud.”
There was no hesitation, either, when it came to the clash with Brazil now awaiting Japan in the round of 32. “We’re aiming to win it all, so no matter the opponent, we have to win.”
Daizen Maeda, who scored Japan’s only goal of the night, was quick to pay tribute to Nagatomo’s leadership. “It's because he's here that this team is united, and even when he wasn't playing, it was precisely because he kept firing us up from the bench that I was able to take the pitch today. We want to achieve something special together.”
Ao Tanaka, who impressed at both ends of the pitch, added: “He guides the team in a good direction. Now the real work starts. I hope Yuto is with us the rest of the way.”
Japan’s ambitions do not end with getting out of the group stage. With just a three-day turnaround ahead of their clash with Brazil, Maeda stressed the importance of the upcoming days. “If we prepare properly, we can win.”
Nagatomo has been chasing the dream of glory across five World Cups. Now, with their veteran leader alongside them, Japan’s next generation are ready to make that dream a reality.
Sources: FIFA Official
