Japanese national team player Kento Shiogai gave an interview to the Japanese media outlet Number, where he discussed some events during the World Cup.
Talking about the comeback victory against Japan U19 in a warm-up match
“It was incredibly hot in Monterrey those days. We were initially overtaken by the U19s, but everyone knew we couldn’t afford to lose, so we gritted our teeth and fought with everything we had. I came on in the fourth stage, where I had more space to run. Tomiyasu (Kenyo) delivered a perfect pass, and I seized the opportunity to score.”
Talk about yourself
“Since I was first called up to the national team, I have always come on as a substitute in the second half of the game. Of course, I also long to start, but in this tournament, my priority is the team to win, and I am always thinking about what I can contribute.”
"When I was traveling to France with the Japan U19 team, I walked into a local barbershop by chance, and then scored a goal on the field. Before the match against the Netherlands, I planned to get a haircut in Dallas, so I asked the barber to do it for me at the hotel. You ask if I was worried about my hair turning out badly? Actually, it's quite funny when I think about it."
He talked about walking up to and touching Virgil van Dijk during the match.
"I once read a report about a trainer who was amazed by Van Dyke's incredible physical strength after meeting him. I was thinking of experiencing just how strong he really was. Indeed, his strength is terrifying. As for whether I was calm or not, I can't say, I was just curious."
Regarding his goal against Dutchman Koki Ogawa, he said he acted as a screener.
"This was a tactical combination we practiced, and many of the movements were performed instinctively. However, that goal cannot be attributed to me; Hangji's header was brilliant."
