Sir Alex Ferguson on Japan's dominant 4-0 victory over Tunisia at the World Cup:
🗣️ “I've watched football for decades, and one thing I've learned is that truly dangerous teams are often the ones people underestimate. Japan are no longer a team that should be underestimated by anybody.”
“A 4-0 victory at a World Cup doesn't happen because of luck. It happens because of preparation, discipline, quality, and a group of players completely committed to a common goal.”
“What stands out to me is their mentality. They don't play with fear. They don't play with doubt. They play with the confidence of a team that genuinely believes it belongs among the very best nations in football.”
“Before the tournament, the conversation was always about the traditional giants. But while everyone was busy discussing the usual favourites, Japan were quietly building something very special.”
“The best teams are not always the ones with the biggest names. The best teams are the ones that function as a unit, trust each other completely, and fight for every single moment. Japan have all of those qualities.”
“What should worry the rest of the world is that they are getting stronger with every match. That's usually the sign of a team capable of going very deep into a tournament.”
“When I watch Japan, I see hunger. I see organization. I see players willing to run, sacrifice, and work for each other. Those are the foundations of championship-winning teams.”
“People might still hesitate to call them favourites, but if they continue producing performances like this, that debate won't last much longer.”
“Every major tournament has a team that captures momentum and belief. Right now, Japan are building both at an alarming rate.”
“And trust me, if I were managing one of the traditional powerhouses in this World Cup, Japan would be one of the last teams I'd want to face. Because they look like a team that believes its destiny is much bigger than simply participating.”
🚨Virgil van Dijk on Japan players displaying Wataru Endō’s jersey after the 2-2 draw against the Netherlands at the 2026 FIFA World Cup:
🗣️ “That moment after the final whistle showed exactly why football is more than just a game.
Seeing the Japanese players display Wataru Endō’s jersey was powerful.
It showed unity, respect and the strength of their dressing room.
I know Wataru personally and I know what he means to Japanese football.
He’s a leader, a fighter and someone who gives everything for his country every single time he steps onto the pitch.
Whether he was on the field or not, his presence was felt throughout the match.
You could see the team playing for something bigger than themselves.
That’s one of the reasons Japan are such a difficult team to play against.
They work for each other, they sacrifice for each other and they never stop believing.
The gesture from the players was a reminder of the respect they have for Endō and everything he has done for Japanese football.
As opponents, we respect that.
As footballers, we understand that.
It was a special moment and one that showed the values football should always represent.”
{@TNTSportsUS }