Japan's Captain Wataru Endo Sets High Hopes for World Cup as Fans Gather in Nashville

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Wataru Endo, Japan's captain, emphasized the team’s ambitious goals for the upcoming World Cup during a practice session on Monday evening. “We will do our best with pride and passion to achieve something that we’ve never seen before in Japan’s soccer history,” he stated confidently.

The Liverpool defensive midfielder and his teammates engaged in an open practice at GEODIS Park, the home ground of Major League Soccer’s Nashville SC, shortly after arriving in the city. This session comes just days before Japan's World Cup opener against the Netherlands on Sunday, taking place in Arlington, Texas, as part of Group F.

Over 5,000 enthusiastic fans attended the practice, with some traveling from as far as Japan, while others came from states including Michigan, Atlanta, and Austin, Texas, eager to support the Samurai Blue. The team's practice concluded with players interacting with fans, tossing gifts and memorabilia into the stands.

Among the supporters were Takuro Kaya and his son Yuhi, who made the journey from North Carolina. Although Yuhi's favorite player, Kaoru Mitoma, was sidelined with an injury, the young fan expressed excitement about seeing other players like midfielder Junya Ito. Kaya mentioned their plans to follow Japan's journey, stating, “We’re so excited and motivated to come here,” as they anticipate a strong performance in the tournament.

This year marks Japan's eighth consecutive World Cup appearance, and the team aims to progress past the group stage for the third consecutive time. After achieving remarkable victories against Germany and Spain in the last tournament, they are now focused on overcoming the round of 16 hurdle that saw them eliminated by Croatia in 2022.

As the team practiced in humid conditions following heavy thunderstorms, goalkeeper Zion Suzuki noted his fondness for Nashville as a host city, expressing confidence that the weather would not hinder their performance. “We practiced in Mexico, and it was really hot,” Suzuki remarked. “So I think of course here U.S. is also hot, but now we are getting ready for that.”