🎙️ Zlatan Ibrahimović on Brazil vs Japan:
“If there is one Round of 32 match I’m genuinely excited to watch, it’s Brazil vs Japan — and not because of Brazil.
It’s because of Japan.
I’ve watched every one of their games in this tournament, and you know how much I admire the way they play. Their organization, their defending, their attacking football, and especially their manager have all been outstanding.
Everyone expects Brazil to dominate, and they may well win because of the quality they have. But it won’t be easy.
I’m more interested in seeing what Japan has prepared. I want to see the ideas, the courage, and the tactical plan they bring against one of the biggest teams in world football.
That’s what makes this game so fascinating.”
🚨 Xabi Alonso on Japan’s first-half performance against Brazil:
🗣️ “Take the score away for a second and just watch the football. Japan have been outstanding. This isn’t a team hanging on against Brazil—this is a team playing with complete confidence, organisation and belief. They’ve made one of the biggest football nations in the world look uncomfortable.”
“People spent the entire week talking about Brazil’s stars, but football has never been about names alone. Japan have pressed together, defended together and attacked with purpose. Every player understands his role, every movement has meaning, and that’s why Brazil have struggled to impose themselves. This has been one of the smartest tactical performances of the tournament.”
“What impresses me the most is the mentality. Japan haven’t played with fear for a single second. They’ve looked brave in possession, aggressive without the ball and completely committed to their game plan. Sano, Kamada, Doan and the rest have shown incredible personality, while the defensive unit has made Brazil work for every opportunity.”
“This is the beauty of football. Expensive squads don’t win matches by themselves—teams do. Right now Japan have looked hungrier, sharper and more disciplined than Brazil. If Brazil don’t find another level in the second half, this could become one of the biggest World Cup shocks we’ve seen in years.”
{@Sports }
🚨 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.”