World Cup participation is the starting line.
Q. What are your honest feelings about making the World Cup team for the first time in your career?
I did not become a professional soccer player because I thought this was the goal, but because I have been working hard to play in the World Cup. . I think I have finally made it to the starting line.
Do you have any special feelings toward the World Cup?
Yes, it is. I can't imagine it at all, and I think the word "dream stage" is the most applicable. When I ask my seniors who have experience in this field, they all say, "Words cannot describe what it is like there," so I would like to experience that stage firsthand and do great things there.
Are you excited or nervous? Or are you nervous?
. I don't really know how I feel about it. I'm still in a state of flux, not knowing what the world is like or how I will feel after the competition. I think "looking forward to it" might be the closest word to describe it. I am looking forward to it, not so much because I will be playing in the World Cup, but because I will be able to dive into such an unknown world.
A: You have watched the World Cup so far as a viewer, but is there any tournament that has left a lasting impression on you?
The last time I was in Russia, I was in the position of being out of the team with a chance of making the squad. . I was 19 years old at the time, and to be honest, I didn't feel much regret. . It was because I lacked confidence in myself and did not feel that I could contribute to Japan even if I made the team. . Watching the World Cup with those feelings in my heart was more special than usual. Also, seeing the performance of Mbappe, who was the same age as me and led France to the championship, it was a tournament that made me realize the size and strength of the world and the difference between Japan and France, so it left a strong impression on me.
Four years later, are you confident about this World Cup?
Yes, I am full of confidence now . I feel like I can do anything.
The members of Japan's national team have been announced.
As has been said in every tournament, I think that cooperation is our good point. On top of that, we have definitely improved our individual abilities from the previous tournament. I believe that a team that combines these two qualities, individual ability and the ability to cooperate as one team, can rise to the next level, and I believe that Japan has the potential to do the same.
Some are predicting that Japan will be in the same group as strong nations such as Germany and Spain , and that they will be eliminated from the qualifying round. Despite such noise, what will it take for Japan's national team to advance to the last 8 for the first time in its history and even win the tournament?
. We have to take our chances and make sure we score goals. No one is expecting to win 3-0 or 4-0, and it is not such an easy game, so I think it is important for the team to share the image of when to go for the goal, and to make sure that everyone is ready to eat into it.
I am sure that the first match in Germany will be a very emotional one for you, especially since Germany is a country where you play in the Bundesliga and where you have teammates from your club.
It will definitely be a special match. It will be a great experience for me to play against a country that I have played for and that has won the World Cup in the past. Moreover, the first match of a short-duration tournament is the most important, so I think there is some kind of a connection with Germany as the opponent. We would like to show our ability against Germany in order to make people think that Japan is the dark horse of this tournament.
Do you think that Doan is expected to play a role in the national team?
I believe that I am being evaluated for my greedy attitude toward scoring goals, and since aggressiveness is my strong point, I must never forget that. Also, playing in the Bundesliga has definitely improved my defensive skills, so I would like to contribute to the team on the defensive side as well.
You have been playing regularly for "SC Freiburg" and recently finished first in the Europa League, which gives us the impression that you have been making good progress at the club. How do you feel about your current playing and mental state?
I can play very naturally. I don't panic or get overly self-conscious. I am enjoying my life in Germany, and I think it is showing on the pitch as well.
You moved to "SC Freiburg" this summer just before the World Cup.
Looking back now, I think Freiburg is a great club and the transfer was a great move leading up to the World Cup. However, it was only a result, and if I had not played well, people would have said that the transfer was a failure. . It was important that I was able to leave behind a result that would make people say, "That was a good transfer. . I did not make the move with the World Cup in mind, but rather I thought about whether the move would be good or bad for my career. . I didn't think about transferring for the sake of the World Cup.
Doan, you have often said that your main goal is to play in and win the Champions League. In order to achieve this goal, I think this World Cup will be an important stage.
To make my presence felt. If we make it to the top eight or higher, and if Doan is the one who has made his presence felt in the Japanese national team, it will affect my career in a positive way. Goals and assists are important, of course, but I want to prove my value.
