[앵커]
Japan, who are aiming to progress to the quarter-finals for the first time in World Cup history, also face a decisive battle.
After successive victories over Germany and Spain, national expectations for victory have increased even more.
Correspondent Kyung-ah Lee reports from Tokyo.
[기자]
Japan progressed to the round of 16 by beating Spain in the 2nd and finished first in the group.
Driven by that momentum, they aim to progress to the quarter-finals for the first time in their history by defeating Croatia.
However, the Japanese press believe that midfielder Takefusa Kubo, who is at the heart of their power, is likely to miss out due to poor physical condition.
Although they exhausted their stamina during the intense group heats, the players were determined to play without worry.
[아사노 다쿠마 / 일본 대표팀 선수 : 어쨌든 우리는 우승을 향해 이번 시합에 전력을 다해 싸울 것입니다.]
[나가토모 유토 / 일본 대표팀 선수 : 반드시 크로아티아를 이기고 모두 다 같이 새로운 풍경을 보고 싶습니다. 다시 큰 소리로 “브라보” 라고 외치고 싶습니다.]
Japanese cheer squads are gathering one after another in Qatar.
The enthusiasm for cheering is hot as they secure an unexpected victory against a strong world class team.
[일본인 서포터 : 독일과 스페인을 이길 것이라고 솔직히 생각하지 않았기 때문에 여기까지 올 수 있어 좋았습니다.]
[일본인 서포터 : 도안 리츠 선수가 다시 득점했으면 좋겠다는 생각이 있어요. 골은 도안 선수가 넣을 것 같아요.]
If Korea and Japan win this match, they will face each other in the quarter-finals.
The Deputy Spokesman of the Japanese Government, Seiji Kihara, Cabinet Minister, said, “I want to see the battle between Korea and Japan fighting for the quarter-finals.”
Korea and Japan show the evolving aspects of Asian football without regret.
The world’s attention is focused on whether the ‘8th match between Korea and Japan’ will become a reality.
This is YTN Kyungah Lee from Tokyo.
YTN Lee Kyung-ah (kalee@ytn.co.kr)
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