Rostov-On-Don: Japan legend Keisuke Honda who came on as a second half sub and nearly caught the Belgium defence napping with a last-minute wicket free-kick called time on his international career after their World Cup campaign came to an end Monday night. However, he said his country had a blueprint for the future which definitely appears ‘positive’.
Once again the Japanese failed to win a World Cup knockout tie, after previous defeats at this stage as co-hosts in 2002, and in 2010. But Honda, one of the great Japan players of his generation who is now 32, said this defeat should not be compared with that on penalties against Paraguay at the same stage in South Africa eight years ago.
“That time, our team were more than 90 per cent playing in Japan, and just three or four playing in Europe,” said Honda after the game.
“We played just the long ball and we couldn’t keep possession of the ball, we couldn’t make chances like today (Monday), so we can’t compare. Today we showed how we have improved and have given Japanese football a new identity,” added Honda.
The majority of the squad brought to Russia by coach Nishino is based in Europe, and Honda hoped clubs from the continent will look even more closely to the J League in future.
“We learned a lot from Spanish soccer, we don’t have the physicality, but we also have technique, we have good midfielders,” said Honda, who scored in the 2-2 draw with Senegal in the group stage. “The Japanese league players also have a lot of these qualities, so they can play in Spain or Germany.
The Japanese also set an example for the other teams to follow. Like their fans cleaned up every stadium they visited, the Japanese footballers after the game left their dressing room spotlessly clean with a thank you note for the hosts.
FIFA general coordinator Priscilla Janssens, revealed on her Twitter account that Japan squad went that extra yard to thank their hosts after bowing out.
Sharing a picture of their dressing room, Janssens wrote: “This is the Japanese dressing room after losing to Belgium in the 94th minute. They cleaned up everything (bench and dressing room). Even left note with ‘thank you’ in Russian.
“What an example for all teams!! Privilege to work with!”