Japan's seasoned full‑back Yuto Nagatomo spoke candidly this week about the mental test that awaits his side when they meet Brazil in the round of 32 of the World Cup. With five World Cups under his belt, the 35‑year‑old has become the nation's most experienced tournament veteran, and he believes the psychological battle will be as decisive as any tactical maneuver.
A call for maturity
Nagatomo urged his teammates to display maturity and to avoid giving excessive respect to the South American side. "We have improved more than Brazil over the past 10‑20 years," he said, emphasizing that Japan's recent progress should give them confidence rather than intimidation.
The veteran highlighted Neymar as the player to watch, noting that the Brazilian forward's individual brilliance could swing the game. "Neymar is a key figure," Nagatomo explained, "so we must stay focused on our own tasks and not get distracted by his reputation."
Japan's recent World Cup history adds urgency to the upcoming match. The Samurai Blue have exited the round of 16 in each of the last three tournaments, falling to Paraguay, Croatia and Belgium. Nagatomo, who has featured in five consecutive World Cups — a national record — knows that another early exit would be a missed opportunity.
Chasing history
Beyond personal milestones, Nagatomo sees the Brazil match as a chance for Japan to write a new chapter. "Our goal is to make history by defeating Brazil," he said, a statement that resonates with a squad eager to break the long‑standing barrier that has kept them just short of the quarter‑finals.
The upcoming clash will take place on a neutral venue in the United States, a setting that adds another layer of complexity to the mental preparation required. Nagatomo's message to his teammates is clear: stay grounded, trust the work that got them here, and let the experience guide them rather than the opponent's fame.