On June 30, US local time, a day after Japan's elimination by Brazil in the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup, Japan international Koki Ogawa gave an interview to Japanese media at the team's base.

On the elimination

"I feel even more devastated than yesterday. Last night I couldn't accept the reality, couldn't believe the World Cup ended like this; after a night's sleep, I truly realized it was all over."

"There are no words to describe it; this period feels like a dream, an irreplaceable journey in my life."

"We shouldn't have stopped here. I was completely confident we could beat Brazil and go further. We really aimed for the World Cup title, but the reality is we fell in the first knockout round again."

"The players talked among ourselves about how in three consecutive World Cups, we scored first against Belgium, Croatia, and Brazil, yet ultimately lost each match. It's eerily similar across all three tournaments: we played compelling matches but couldn't change the final result."

"Tactically, we gave our best effort. Even if we played that match again, I believe the team would choose this tactical approach, and I have no regrets about it. Now it seems the only thing we can do is for each individual to refine and improve their personal ability."

"I think the coach was preparing for extra time, and I was always ready to play. I was confident that if given enough time, I could create scoring opportunities, and I really wanted to be on the pitch; but I understand that Moriyasu made the best decisions he could at that moment, and I could feel his trust in me. Even with just one minute left, I never gave up, holding onto a fierce determination, believing that with just one opportunity, I could score the decisive goal."

On setting up Daichi Kamada's goal in the group stage

"That goal wasn't credited to me, but I gained absolute confidence: I'm a player who can change the situation in high-level tournaments."

"My goal is to become a starting center forward, to stand up and rescue the team. I didn't get much playing time in this tournament, and I hope to have more opportunities in the future to establish myself as a leading striker who can lead the Japan national team. The next four years will be a fresh start for me to challenge for Japan's number-one forward position."

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