Japan fell to defeat against Croatia and depart the tournament in the Last 16 following a penalty shootout at the Al Janoub Stadium.
Hajime Moriyasu reflected on his side’s achievements at this tournament. He said:
“I think my players have shown a new era of Japanese football. They should use this feeling of disappointment to try to go further next time. You can’t become superheroes in a little, we have to improve step by step. But Japan is reaching a level where we can play on the world stage”.
“As I could tell my players, we were Japanese, not bad. We all have to leave with our heads up. We had a good competition, a good tournament.”
Moriyasu bowed to the Japanese fans at full time showing his appreciation of them, he explained:
“I saw in the stands many people who have come from Japan to support us, this triumph is for them. We dedicate it to all the people of Japan. For Asia and for Japan, our victories against Spain and Germany, two of the best teams in the world, are something that gives a lot of confidence.”
Japan lost 3-1 on penalties to Croatia, having missed their first two, which gave them an uphill battle to try and progress through to the Quarter finals.
