After the defeat to Brazil, veteran Sint-Truidense Taniguchi Shogo was interviewed.

Facing Brazil's ever-increasing offensive in the second half, the Japanese team resisted tenaciously for a long time, but ultimately failed to hold onto the victory.

As the leader of the Japanese team's defense, the 34-year-old Taniguchi Shogo took some of the responsibility for the loss after reviewing the match.

"Brazil changed their formation in the second half and also adjusted their attacking methods, and our response was a bit slow, so the opponent equalized the score. During that time, I should have stepped up and led everyone to make adjustments faster. This is where I need to reflect."

In the first half, the Japanese team's defensive organization was very successful, giving Brazil almost no truly threatening opportunities.

After the break, Brazil, trailing in the score, quickly made adjustments. They moved Vinicius to the wing more often, and at the same time significantly increased the number of crosses from the flanks, which greatly improved the overall offensive quality.

Taniguchi believes that the Japanese team had problems in responding to these changes.

However, even though they eventually suffered a comeback, he still believes that this match proved the growth of Japanese football over the years.

"Even when facing Brazil, we were still able to play boldly in our own way, and we were able to show what we have accumulated over the years. I have no doubt that Japanese football is indeed constantly growing and becoming stronger."

But at the same time, he frankly admitted that there is still a gap between Japan and truly FIFA World Cup-winning teams.

"However, this match also made me deeply realize that there is still a significant gap between us and those teams that have won the FIFA World Cup. In order to narrow this gap, both individual players and Japanese football as a whole must continue to study, improve, and strive for higher goals. This is the strongest thought in my mind right now."

The 34-year-old Taniguchi made his FIFA World Cup debut as a starter, but ultimately stopped at the round of 32.

Looking back at the past four years of preparation, he did not deny his efforts.

"Since the end of the last FIFA World Cup, in preparation for this FIFA World Cup, I have done everything I can to prepare. I have always strived to contribute my strength to the Japanese team's goal of winning the FIFA World Cup."

Taniguchi also has no regrets about the four years the team has come through.

"Of course the result is regrettable, but frankly, I have no regrets about the path we have taken over these four years and what everyone has consistently done."

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