Japanese central midfield pair Ao Tanaka and Kaishu Sano attempted 150 passes between them in the game with Tunisia, misplacing just 7 of those.
Complete control.
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🚨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 }
Jürgen Klopp on Japan players displaying Wataru Endō's jersey after the 2-2 draw against the Netherlands:
🗣️ “I won't lie, that moment touched me. Football can be a beautiful game, but sometimes it can also be incredibly cruel. Seeing Endō miss the World Cup because of injury broke a lot of hearts, including mine.
When I saw the players holding up his shirt after the game, I got emotional. That wasn't a celebration of a draw. That was a group of teammates telling one of their brothers, 'You're still here with us.'
People only see the matches, the goals, and the results. They don't see the sacrifices players make every day. Endō worked for years to be on this stage, and having it taken away from him at the last moment is something no footballer ever wants to experience.
What made it special was how genuine it felt. Nobody told them to do it. It came from the heart. You could see how much respect and love they have for him.
Moments like that remind you that football is bigger than trophies and points. It's about relationships, loyalty, and standing beside people when they need you most.
I can only imagine what Endō felt watching from home. Pride, sadness, happiness all at the same time. But one thing is certain: he would have known that his teammates were playing for him.
And honestly, if Japan keep showing that kind of unity and heart, they can surprise a lot of people in this tournament. Because teams with that level of togetherness are capable of something special.”