양심선언한다. 나는 일본 축구가 처음에 '백년 대계'라는 말을 썼을 때 속으로 비웃었다. 이 장기 프로젝트로 월드컵 우승이라는 목표를 이루겠다는 포부를 밝혔을 때 ㅋ 솔직히 말도 안 된다며 비웃었다.
그게 아마 5년도 더 된 이야기일 것이다.
하지만 이제 일본의 '백년 대계'라는 프로젝트가 현실성 있다는 걸 알았다. 주축인 선수들 몇 명이 못 나왔지만 ㅋ 오늘 튀니지를 상대로 대승을 한 걸 보고 피부로 더 실감했다.
모든 나라가 비웃었을 때 프로젝트를 이끈 일본 축구 협회가 정말 대단하다.
한 가지 개인적으로 바라는 점이 있다면... 일본의 이 프로젝트가 성공하길 진심으로 바란다. 남들이 비웃거나 말거나 목표를 달성해내는 기적 같은 이야기... 나는 꼭 보고 싶다.
🚨Jose Mourinho on Japan’s 4-0 World Cup demolition of Tunisia:
🗣️ “I’ve coached for so many years. When I see a good team, I know it. Japan are one of them.
“One truth never changes — the most dangerous teams are the ones everyone overlooks. Japan have crossed that line. They’re not underdogs anymore.”
“A 4-0 at a World Cup doesn’t come from luck. That’s planning, tactical discipline, quality, and 11 players thinking as one.”
“What impressed me most wasn’t the goals. It was the mindset. No fear, no doubt. They played like a team that believes it belongs with the elite.”
“Before the tournament, all the talk was Brazil, France, Argentina. Meanwhile Japan worked in silence, building chemistry away from the spotlight.”
“Big names don’t win tournaments. Teams do. Teams that trust each other, cover every blade of grass, and fight to the final whistle. Japan ticked every box.”
“The scary part? They’re getting better every 90 minutes. That’s what separates contenders from participants.”
“When I watch Japan I see 3 things: hunger in the press, structure in the shape, sacrifice in the work rate. Those win championships.”
“Some still won’t call them favourites. Fine. But if they keep playing like this, that debate ends fast.”
“Every World Cup has that one team that catches fire. Right now, Japan have the belief, momentum, and form. The fire is spreading.”
“If I were still in the dugout, I’d circle Japan as the last team I want in knockouts. They don’t just want to participate. They’re chasing destiny