"Amazing. Huh? I didn’t score any goals. They’re making me out to be a hero though (laughs)."
In the interview area after the match against Sweden, Yuto NAGATOMO stepped onto the podium with a slightly puzzled but smiling expression. In this tournament, two players designated by each team respond on the stage after the match, and the one chosen for the Sweden match was number 5, who played on the pitch in his fifth consecutive FIFA World Cup.
He speaks his feelings right from the start.
"I have been working toward this for four years, so I was truly excited. After all, this is a moment you can only experience at the World Cup, and being able to experience it again makes me very happy. Also, I want to first express my gratitude because I have been supported by so many people—my teammates, family, fans, and supporters—to get this far."
He used the word "gratitude," which he had repeatedly mentioned at the member selection press conference on May 17, even in Dallas immediately after achieving this great feat. He must have been flooded with intense adrenaline after the match. He responded to the interviews with slightly reddened eyes.
He had considered retiring from active play after the last Qatar tournament. However, after the defeat to Croatia, his desire to stand on this pitch once again grew stronger. Defying age and generational change, and enduring harsh criticism from those around him, he continued steady efforts and secured his ticket to this tournament.
"'I'm glad you didn't quit.' 'Why were you even thinking about that?' 'Don't mess around.' These are the things I want to say to myself from four years ago. I never imagined back then that I would be able to see such a wonderful sight again. The past four years have been really tough, and there were times I almost gave up. Even so, I believed and was supported by so many people, and I am truly happy to have come this far."
The long-awaited moment came at the 30th minute of the second half. Coach Hajime MORIYASU signaled the final substitution from the sideline. The call went to Nagatomo. His mission was to shut down Anthony Elanga (Newcastle), who had just scored a spectacular equalizing goal. It was an important and significant task entrusted to him at a crucial moment that would determine advancement to the Final Round and final standings.
It was never just a role to hype up the team or simply share experience. Reflecting on this period, Ritsu Doan said, "I was simply watching the match situation and thought that Yuto was needed." For NAGATOMO himself, who has become a kind of ambassador for the Japan national team and has consistently said he wants to contribute to victory on the pitch, it was an electrifying situation.
He said he doesn’t remember the moment the coach called his name because he was “too excited.” However, his heart trembled at the opportunity that came his way.
“It came. I thought it finally came. Above all, I was first happy to feel that Coach Moriyasu trusted me. It was a match we absolutely could not lose, so we had to close it out properly. And I had to firmly stop Elanga, who had broken through even against the Netherlands. It was a very difficult situation, but I believed I could do it and prepared myself. As a player, I also felt the frustration of not being able to play until now. What I truly prepared for without giving up connected here. My teammates also shouted a lot from the bench and supported me fiercely, so I want to thank them as well.”
Wearing the headband that became a trademark in this tournament, he was sent onto the pitch in the left wing-back position. While maintaining balance, he kept a close watch on Elanga, who he faced off against, and tried to supply crosses from well-timed overlaps. Just as he had been fully energizing the team, this time his teammates from the bench gave him great strength. Then, united as one, the team shut down Sweden’s attacking line until the final whistle. With a 1-1 draw, they secured second place in Group F and confirmed their matchup against Brazil in the 1st Round of the knockout stage.
The phrase "Mamma Mia" uttered in the flash interview immediately after the match attracted attention. In the previous Qatar tournament, he went viral shouting "Bravo!" right after defeating Germany, but this time he smiled wryly, saying, "We hadn’t won, so it wasn’t as energetic as last time," and explained behind the scenes, "Ritsu Doan and Tsuyoshi WATANABE came up with various ideas. I hadn’t decided what to say, but I trusted the words that came to me from the post-match mood and adrenaline."
The knockout stage, a single-elimination battle, finally begins. The opponent is the football powerhouse Brazil. There is no shortage on their side. For Nagatomo personally, the 1st Round of the knockout stage has blocked him three times in the past four tournaments. That is precisely why he deeply feels what is necessary to advance.
"In the Russia tournament, even though we were leading Belgium 2-0, no one tried to close out the game, and we ended up losing after being on the offensive. To advance in the tournament, I believe intelligence, composure, and cunning are necessary. What kind of plan will we use to progress the game? Will we aim to win through extra time or penalty shootouts? That composure and team unity will be extremely important. To win against Brazil, we need to fight bravely without showing excessive respect."
Drawing on past experience, Nagatomo calmly and matter-of-factly explains the approach needed for the knockout stage. However, precisely because he knows the history, there was something I absolutely wanted to ask him. As the interview was nearing its end, I boldly inserted a question in a loud voice.
“In the history of Japanese soccer, and in the soccer career of Yuto NAGATOMO as a player, this upcoming match against Brazil will truly be a huge game. How do you view the significance of this match—”
Wearing number 5, he turns to face us. Our gazes meet. At that moment, as if a switch flipped instantly, he widens his eyes, pauses briefly, and then responds with strong conviction.
“No, no, it’s huge. Truly huge, not just for Japanese soccer but overall. Above all, we will make this a day that no one in Japan will forget, an unforgettable day. Beating a serious Brazil means exactly that. We will absolutely make it a day when everyone can sincerely feel that being involved in the World Cup was worthwhile in their lives.”
Nagatomu has been speaking calmly from after the Sweden match up until the Brazil match. He understands the importance of comments based on experience, and they are absolutely essential to actually winning. However, that is only possible because of the underlying passion. Ahead of this crucial game, I really wanted to hear his thoughts. Just as he involved his teammates, I wanted to ask for comments that would have an even greater unifying power. And the words he gave in return carried a strength that brought tears to my eyes. After the interview circle broke up, I personally said "Thank you" and added just one word: "Please."
Motivation is at its peak. The resolve is firm. Putting all the feelings and efforts accumulated so far on the line, Hajime MORIYASU's Japan and Yuto NAGATOMO take on the crucial match against the Brazil national team.
(Honorifics omitted in the text)
Text by Toshio Aoyama
Photos by Kenichi Arai
