DALLAS, United States, June 25 (Xinhua) -- Japan secured its place in the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup on Thursday after a 1-1 draw with Sweden, and despite a daunting round-of-32 clash with Brazil ahead, the Samurai Blue remains confident of achieving its ultimate goal: winning the tournament.
Japan finished second in Group F on five points. Veteran defender Yuto Nagatomo, 39, was emotional after helping Japan reach the knockout stage.
"I'm really excited. We've spent the last four years preparing for this moment," he said. "That kind of passion and emotion is something only the World Cup can give me."
In the round of 32, Japan is set to face Group C winner Brazil, one of the tournament favorites. Yet Nagatomo insisted the challenge would not alter the team's ambition. "Our goal is to win the World Cup. No matter who the opponent is, we only have one option -- to go out and win."
Daizen Maeda, who scored Japan's goal against Sweden, echoed that confidence.
"It's disappointing that we couldn't win today. We need to recover well because we have to win the next match," he said. "Playing Brazil will obviously be a tough challenge, but if we can perform the way we do in training, we will have a chance to win."
Although Brazil has historically dominated the head-to-head record, Japan claimed a memorable 3-2 victory over the five-time world champion in a friendly last October.
Japan head coach Hajime Moriyasu said that result could add extra motivation for Brazil.
"Maybe because of that game, they'll be even more motivated," Moriyasu said. "But we believe we have a chance to win, and I will make sure the team is fully prepared."
Japan also became the first Asian team to secure a place in the knockout stage of the expanded 48-team tournament.
"Of course we represent Japan, but we also represent Asia," Moriyasu said. "We hope our performances can give people across Asia confidence and courage. We also hope to contribute to raising the overall level of Asian football and see Asian teams show their competitiveness on the world stage."
Sweden's knockout-stage opponent has yet to be determined, although a potential meeting with Kylian Mbappe-led France remains possible.
Sweden coach Graham Potter was relaxed about the uncertainty.
"The situation isn't ideal, that's true," Potter said. "But we know we'll probably face a strong team. That's the beauty of the World Cup." ■
