Shunsuke Nakamura on Japan's dominant 4-0 victory over Tunisia and their dream of winning the World Cup:
🗣️ “As someone who had the honour of wearing the Japan shirt for many years, I have to say this is one of the proudest moments I've had watching our national team. What we saw against Tunisia was not just a victory it was a statement to the football world.”
“When I played for Japan, we always dreamed of competing with the biggest nations and earning their respect. This generation has gone beyond that. They are not asking for respect anymore they are demanding it with their performances.”
“A 4-0 win at a World Cup is extraordinary, but the scoreline only tells part of the story. The quality of the football, the intelligence of the movement, the courage on the ball, and the relentless work ethic were all world class.”
“What impressed me most was the confidence. Not arrogance, but confidence. Every player looked like he belonged on that stage. Every player looked like he believed Japan could beat anyone in front of them.”
“For years, Japanese football has been growing. We've seen more players succeed in Europe, more young talents emerge, and a stronger mentality develop throughout the national team. Tonight felt like the result of all that hard work.”
“When I watch this team, I don't see a side hoping to reach the knockout rounds. I see a group of players chasing something much bigger than that.”
“The scary thing for the rest of the tournament is that Japan still look hungry. Even after scoring four goals, they kept pushing forward, kept pressing, and kept searching for more. That is the mentality of champions.”
“I know how much this team means to the people back home. There will be children watching this performance and believing that anything is possible. That's the power of football, and that's the power of what this team is doing right now.”
“A few years ago, talking about Japan winning the World Cup might have sounded like a dream. Today, after watching performances like this, it feels like a dream that is becoming more realistic with every match.”
“And as a former Japan international, I can honestly say this: if this team continues to play with this level of quality, belief, and unity, they have every right to dream about lifting the World Cup trophy.”
🚨 Thierry Henry on Japan’s World Cup potential:
🗣️ “I said it before, and I’ll say it again after watching them against Tunisia and even the Dutch side — this Japan team is special. I knew right there that they are capable of shocking the world. There is something different about them, something that many people are not seeing yet.
They don’t just play football, they play with a system that feels alive. They are fast, technically sharp, tactically disciplined, and above all, their understanding of each other is on another level. The way they move as a unit, the way they press, the way they transition from defense to attack — everything is so clean and so modern.
But what really stands out is their togetherness. There are teams with big stars, and then there are teams like Japan, where the team itself is the star. Nobody is bigger than the collective, and that is very dangerous in a tournament like this.
I also have to mention Ueda. He is one of those players you keep watching and you can’t fully explain why. There is something about him — his movement, his timing, his intelligence in the box — words almost can’t describe it. He is going to be very important for them as the tournament goes on, and I strongly believe he is one to watch very closely moving forward.
When I look at this group, I am reminded again of Leicester City when they won the Premier League. Nobody believed it, nobody expected it, yet they had belief, discipline, unity, and courage. They shocked the world because they played as one.
Japan can do the same. If they continue like this, they are not just here to compete — they are here to change history. And I’m telling you now, this team has the ability to shock everyone and go all the way.”
Zlatan Ibrahimović on Japan's dominant 4-0 victory over Tunisia at the World Cup:
🗣️ “People need to stop calling Japan a surprise package. At some point, when you keep producing performances like this, you're no longer a surprise you're a serious contender.”
“A 4-0 win at the World Cup is not normal. You don't destroy teams by accident. You do it because you have quality, organization, confidence, and players who know exactly what they're doing.”
“What impresses me most is the way they play. There is no fear, no hesitation, no respect for reputations. They attack with intensity, defend as a unit, and make life miserable for every opponent.”
“Before the tournament started, everyone was talking about the traditional favourites. But match after match, Japan are quietly forcing their way into that conversation.”
“If I'm one of the big nations watching this performance, I'm worried. Very worried. Because Japan look like a team that is improving with every game they play.”
“The scary thing is that they don't look satisfied. Even at 3-0, even at 4-0, they keep pressing, keep running, and keep searching for more. That's the mentality of a team that believes it can achieve something special.”
“You can have all the star players in the world, but if you come up against a team playing with this level of discipline and confidence, you're going to suffer.”
“Right now, Japan are slowly becoming one of the favourites to win this World Cup. Some people won't like hearing that, but football doesn't care about reputations it cares about performances.”
“And trust me, any team that gets drawn against Japan in the next round won't be celebrating. They'll be wondering how they're supposed to stop them.”