I realize Nations C’ship is global tourney & TV demands post-match interviews in English
BUT why were these the only ones played on stadium PA
21,000 locals wanted to hear from/fully understand their heroes
Please provide translator next time so crowd can join in celebrations
Hoy todo Argentina apoya a Japon, no por odiar a Brasil eh. Lo hacemos porque en Corea - Japón 2002, Alfredo Casero cantó "Shima Uta", aprendió por fonética, la canción se convirtió en el himno durante el Mundial de Corea-Japón 2002.
Mira esta hermosa locura!
🚨 Pep Guardiola on Japan being eliminated from the FIFA World Cup after their defeat to Brazil:
🗣️ “Sometimes football gives you a result that doesn’t reflect the quality of the performance. Japan leave this World Cup, but they leave with enormous respect. They played with courage, discipline and incredible organisation against one of the greatest teams in football history. That deserves recognition.”
“I feel for the players because I know how painful nights like this can be. You invest months, even years, preparing for moments like these, and then everything is decided by a few details. The dressing room will be silent tonight, but they should never confuse disappointment with failure. They made an entire nation believe.”
“Brazil have qualified, and they deserve credit for finding a way to win. But Japan showed the football world that success isn’t only measured by trophies. They defended with intelligence, attacked with bravery and competed until the very last moment. This team has inspired a generation of young footballers across Japan.”
“Football has a strange way of rewarding those who keep believing. Tonight ends with heartbreak, but I have no doubt this Japanese team will come back stronger. The foundation is there, the mentality is there, and if they continue on this path, their biggest moments are still ahead of them.”
{@DailyMail }
José Mourinho on Japan's substitutes constantly supporting their teammates:
🗣️ “Look at the players on the bench. Nobody is sitting with their heads down. Every single one of them is standing, shouting, encouraging and living every second of the game. That's not luck that's a winning mentality.”
“People always talk about tactics and talent, but they forget that trophies are built on unity. Japan are showing the world that the players not on the pitch can be just as important as the ones playing.”
“You don't build a team like this overnight. You build it through discipline, sacrifice and a culture where every player fights for the badge instead of fighting for themselves.”
“If every national team had this mentality, football would be a completely different game. This is what a real team looks like.”