[Football Japan National Team News]Japan national team MF Takefusa Kubo gave an overview of the FIFA World Cup (World Cup) Qatar 2022 after the Round of 16 match against Croatia on the 6th.
On the 6th, the round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, Japan vs Croatia, was played, with Japan losing to Croatia in a penalty shootout (1-3).
Midfielder Takefusa Kubo was absent on the pitch and on the bench as the Japan national team and the Croatia national team fought fiercely. Kubo, who was not a member due to poor physical condition, watched the team fight at the hotel.
“When I learned that I would not be able to play in the morning of the match, I knew that I would not be able to help the team, so from that point on, I decided to give my all as a single supporter. But when it came time for the game, I was so excited that I felt so excited that I wished I was there.”
Fortunately, Kubo was not infected with the new coronavirus, but he had a considerable fever. He looked back on this tournament, which ended in the form of incomplete combustion, as follows.
“On the positive side, I did what I wanted to do for the team, but on the negative side, I wasn’t able to do what I wanted to do. It’s natural to dedicate yourself to the team in a tournament like this, but depending on the situation, I might push myself through. I guess I didn’t have that one yet.It’s a misunderstanding, or rather, it’s a naive estimate of my own, but I misunderstood the part where I thought that I could push through with my current state, and that I would be recognized. I thought I could do more and help the team.”
Before the Croatia national team match, Director Hajime Moriyasu visited Kubo’s room.
“I didn’t want to pass on[the cold]so I said, ‘I’m fine.’ It should have been good, but he came even before the game, and I thought he was really a very good person. As a player, I regret that I was not able to let him win.”
Kubo is currently 21 years old. Four years from now, the World Cup will be a fulfilling period as a 25-year-old player.
“I often talk about four years later, but it’s a bit far for me. First, there’s the rest of the season, and then the Olympics in Paris, so if there’s a chance, I’d like to participate. For now, it’s good for the next World Cup. I want to prepare and go out in the best condition.It’s a long story, but I have to improve my level as an individual.First of all, I want to make it to the Champions League within four years as my number one goal. I think it’s fine.”