Starring in Japan’s emphatic 4-0 victory over Tunisia was Ao Tanaka, dominating the midfield to help guide his team to an excellent result that built upon an important draw with the Netherlands in their FIFA World Cup opener.
That appearance was Ao’s 39th for his county and reflecting on the performance in Guadalupe, he was delighted Hajime Moriyasu’s side were able to continue their rich vein of form.
“It was big game for us because we haven’t won a lot of second games of group stages,” Tanaka exclusively told leedsunited.com. “It was a massive result for our country.”
Prior to his move to West Yorkshire, the midfielder had shone at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar with Japan, featuring three times and netting a third international goal.
Being able to represent his homeland on the biggest stage of all once more has brought just as much pride for the 27-year-old, who explained: “My dream came true.
“Every Japanese player wants to play at the World Cup. That is why everyone comes to Europe to play football. We believe in ourselves and we fight all together, whoever plays.”
The Samurai Blue round off their Group F campaign with an exciting clash against Gabriel Gudmundsson’s Sweden.
Tanaka’s Japan currently sit second with four points and just above the Scandinavian side, aiming to top the standings should they better the Dutch’s result.
Prior to the meeting with his fellow Leeds United star in a crucial clash in terms of progression to the latter stages, Ao admits it will be a special occasion in Texas.
“I am looking forward to playing against my teammate,” the midfielder added. “But I am not sure we can enjoy the moment. Our group stage is the toughest group so we will put everything for this game.”
Japan face Sweden in the early hours of Friday morning for viewers in the UK and is live on BBC Two.
Photo credit: Japanese FA