May 15, the national soccer world again waves, the latest edition of the national team list was unveiled, Wu Lei's return to the spotlight, and five naturalized players were selected is the most in history. This move has attracted widespread attention from the Japanese media, and Japanese netizens have expressed their views in the comments section.
"I am aware of the expectations of our fans and appreciate the effort they have put into the development of Asian soccer. Ramos Ryuwe, Lubisu, Lord Santoshi, King Tanaka Doukasu, etc., who have spread their wings and soared in the Japanese game, and maybe that's not all bad."
"Japanese naturalized players have a lot of love for Japan, but what about our country's naturalized players?"
"Although we are a multi-ethnic country, we are all Asian. Absorbing one or two naturalized players is acceptable, but five is a bit hard to accept."
"There is still a difference between a naturalized player and a half-breed. If a mixed-race child grows up in Japan, he or she is Japanese and has Japanese blood, and it is not proper to treat them improperly. Whereas most naturalized players are born or raised in other countries."
"Considering that our table tennis players will also be representing other countries, it is understandable to recruit players from soccer powerhouses. If the level of Asian soccer improves as a result, that would be a good thing."
"As long as it is within the rules, there is no problem. Other countries have done so and I think it's good for improving the competitiveness of the Asian qualifiers."
"Despite playing one game less, the country is still eight points adrift of group leaders Syria and progression seems unlikely.
In our country, despite investing a lot of money in soccer, we have never been able to achieve significant results; in Belgium, although the population is small, it can produce star players; in a country like Iceland, it can also give birth to a strong national team, so soccer is indeed full of charm.
"I think it's a good sign. If the level of Asian qualifiers doesn't improve, then Asian teams won't be able to reach the top eight at the World Cup. If VAR doesn't improve accurate penalties, violent behavior can't be eradicated, and West Asian referees continue their unfair enforcement, Asian soccer will never get stronger."
"At first, when I saw it, I might have thought 'that's scary' and 'that's annoying', but not after I calmed down. Soccer is a team sport, and as long as the essence of our team remains unchanged, it will not pose a threat. Even with the addition of naturalized players, our country is nowhere near as good as Japan and Iran."
"Objectively speaking, even with the recruitment of five naturalized, our team will still not be able to advance to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar."
"While it's good, the perception of soccer among our people is unfortunate and it feels like we will still be eliminated during the next World Cup qualifiers."
"It's not a big deal, and a higher level of Asian qualifiers would be good for Japan. However, naturalization won't give Chinese soccer much of an advantage, and although this country has done a lot, the results are still unachievable, and honestly it doesn't matter anymore does it?"
"I guess there will be restrictions on this soon. Even if money is used to change citizenship, are there teams or coaches that will use them?"
"In five years, the starting lineup will be filled with naturalized players."
