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Japan will “fight like samurai” in Tuesday morning’s World Cup last-16 clash with Croatia (2am AEDT) as they battle to reach the quarter-finals for the first time, defender Yuto Nagatomo said.
Japan reached the knockout round after stunning Germany and Spain to top Group E but they are not satisfied with what they have achieved so far in Qatar.
Veteran Nagatomo is appearing at his fourth World Cup and he urged his teammates to “show the samurai spirit to the world” against Croatia.
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“Before battle, the samurai would polish their weapons and refine their technique, but if they were scared in battle, all that would count for nothing,” the former Inter Milan left-back.
“It’s the same as football. Of course tactics and technique are important, but if we’re scared, it doesn’t matter how much we’ve trained over the past four years because our technique will be no use.
“The most important thing is to have courage,” the 36-year-old added.
Japan have reached the last 16 at three previous World Cups but they have yet to make it as far as the quarter-finals.
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They were eliminated at the first knock-out round four years ago in Russia when they threw away a two-goal lead to lose 3-2 to Belgium with the last kick of the game.
Nagatomo said the defeat had been on his mind for the past four years and he is ready to wipe away the memory against Croatia.
“The past four years have been tough for me but I think we have all overcome that and improved as players,” he said.
“I have been playing for Japan for almost 15 years and as far as I can see, this is the strongest team we’ve ever had at the World Cup.”
Japan had to come from behind to beat both Germany and Spain, and were forced to defend for long periods against opponents who dominated possession.
Coach Hajime Moriyasu wants his players to have more of the ball against Croatia but urged them to show “resilience” whatever the situation.
“The players showed their ability against Germany and Spain, they were united as a team and dug in and fought until the end,” he said.
“They have proved that when they play like that, it brings results. Of course it’s important to think about our opponents but first of all I want our players to show what they can do.”
Meanwhile Luka Modric will continue playing for Croatia beyond the World Cup, coach Zlatko Dalic said.
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Real Madrid schemer Modric will win his 159th cap for his country if he plays against Japan and is still making Croatia tick at the age of 37.
Modric has now appeared in four World Cups and four European Championships and Dalic said his captain is not ready to retire from international duty just yet.
“This will not be the last tournament he will play for Croatia,” Dalic said.
“He is professional and in good shape, you can see how he is in training, working to improve himself. It’s unprecedented.
“We will need Luka for some time more in the future.”
Modric started all three of Croatia’s first-round games in Qatar as they finished second in Group F behind Morocco.
He is one of several players remaining from the team that was beaten by France in the final in Russia four years ago.
Defender Josko Gvardiol, who is making his World Cup debut, said he hoped Modric would stick around for future campaigns.
“When you come to a national (team) where (Mateo) Kovacic, (Marcelo) Brozovic and Luka Modric are the midfielders, half of your problems are solved already,” said the 20-year-old.
“You have a lot less on your mind, and I really do hope this is not his last World Cup.”
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