At the FIFA World Cup 2022, the Japan national team lost to Croatia after a penalty shootout, finishing the tournament in the last 16. Japan representative Yuki Soma answered the interview. Q: Looking back on this tournament Soma: Personally, it was a tournament that left me with a lot of frustration. Q: How did you feel when you watched the Croatia match? Soma: When I was on the bench, I was playing alongside you, so I was doing as much coaching as I could from the outside. After that, I had one substitute slot left, so when I warmed up, I was doing it with an image of how I would fight if I came out. Q: Souma: I knew that my muzzle speed and explosive speed would allow me to compete in the world. What I thought the most was that I couldn’t go to 2018, so I thought that in the next four years, instead of just peeling it off, I would like to become a player who can dribble by myself and score goals on my own. rice field. Q: Did you feel that through your actual play? Soma: In my match against Costa Rica, I had one shot from the cut-in. In other words, I think they are the top players in the world, so if the number of top players increases, I think we can really see the future in four years, but not just one player, but how many. I don’t think you can go to the top unless the number of people increases, so I really felt that, and I had a strong feeling that I would be able to become myself in these four years. Q: What do you want to improve for that? Soma: First, I would say shooting. I think that shooting variations, missing shots, and finishing shots are the first thing. Q: You usually play in the J.League, but did you feel the response from the world? I thought it was the top difference. Q: What did you inherit from Nagatomo? Soma: After all, you have a strong mental core, and I felt that you have a great amount of heat. Also, in terms of physicality, even though he’s 10 years older than me, he’s really energetic and physically strong. Another thing that I felt was that, of course, technical skills are important, but physical strength is really important when competing in the world. Looking at Nagatomo, I always felt that it was necessary to become a good player. Q: What kind of person was Nagatomo? Soma: What is it? People call me Godfather (laughs). He’s always a bright sunshine, and for me he’s been a dream of mine since I was little. It’s not “, but I think it’s that kind of existence. Q: About being able to play together in the national team Soma: I was able to absorb what I could from Nagatomo, and at the same time, I really understand that it was frustrating when I was aiming for the top 8, so what is your intention? I definitely want to take over and fight. Q: Were there any messages from the veteran players? Soma: After the match, we didn’t talk to each other like that, but he said to everyone, “We’re definitely getting stronger.” As I said, the individual becomes a bigger thing. I think I have to become stronger, and then I think I can properly embody the words I received at that time. Q: How do you want to face the next World Cup? Soma: I want to come back as a player who is expected to win by scoring points if Soma appears four years from now. Q: What do you want the team to be like? Soma: While each and every one of us has a solid understanding of tactics, we have become a team that can win when each individual stands out. So, I think it would be great if we could unite those individuals into a team that stands out, and become a stronger team. Q: Was there anything that you personally grew from the Olympics? After all, I think it’s the part I said earlier. Q: To everyone in Japan Soma: I don’t say 4 years from now, but from tomorrow and next season, I have a clear understanding of what I really need. I want to show that I can aim higher, so please continue to support me.
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