On the stage of this year's World Cup, the Japanese soccer team has conquered countless fans around the world with its unique charm. Despite losing to Croatia in a tense showdown, the Japanese team did not stop there, but started a journey of self-examination. Kamata Daiichi of the team faced the camera and expressed his frustration in a heavy tone, his words revealing a hint of helplessness. After the penalty shootout loss, he lamented, "Words are hard to describe, I don't know where to start." Even so, in terms of individual performance, he recognized himself as the best of the four matches. He reflected, "Have I worked hard to take control of the ball and have I developed a clear strategy?" The performance on the field made it difficult for all the fans watching to question his play.
Croatia, as the silver medalist of the last World Cup in Russia, even though the team is in a critical period of transition between the old and the new, its legacy is still distinct. When we witness Modric's tireless efforts, we can feel the strength of this European powerhouse. This undoubtedly reflects the room for improvement of the Japanese men's soccer team, compared to our men's soccer team, which seems to be still mired in a whirlpool of coaching controversies.
Kamata Daiichi also revealed in an interview that the team will make adjustments in the upcoming preparation cycle. As a matter of fact, fans with soccer insight can see that the core of the Japanese team's technique and tactics in this World Cup is defensive counterattack. Whether it was against Spain or Germany, even though they eventually reaped victory, the fruits of victory did not last long. This match with Croatia undoubtedly verified this point again.
Japan's World Cup journey has come to an end and they have found a new goal and direction. Maybe in the next World Cup, they can really set a new record. So what about us, what are our new goals? I hope this coaching fiasco will bring a ray of hope for the future of Chinese soccer, so that we can also meet the World Cup confidently at our doorstep in a few years, which is the common wish of Chinese soccer fans.
