JAPAN IN GOOD SHAPE
Japan are in good shape for the round of 32. A win against Tunisia in Monterrey later this week or against Sweden in Guadalajara next week should seal their progression.
Sweden and Tunisia will face off later.
“We are very underestimated. We have the top-class talents. These guys play individually in Europe everywhere, and they show class,” said Mr Kameya.
Preparations for the World Cup have not been all smooth sailing for Japan.
According to Japanese media, the team had to change their training pitches twice in Mexico due to the poor condition of the fields.
Prior to the team’s departure, it was announced that the mercurial Brighton midfielder Kaoru Mitoma would miss the World Cup due to injury, with Monaco attacker Takumi Minamino also ruled out.
In a further blow, it was announced just days before the Netherlands game that captain Wataru Endo would miss the tournament due to injury, with the 33-year-old retiring from international duty.
“We had a lot of players who are injured, but we still made up for it against a tough team like Netherlands,” said Mr Kameya.
“It was a good game, 2-2, we get one point, it’s all good.”