“Ahead of the World Cup, we decided we would write a new chapter in our history, that’s why we want to advance as far as possible. The expectations and the pressure are great, but we should play at our best. As for a penalty shootout, it is very important to prepare for it, but the right mental approach is equally important,” Shoji told journalists.

Group H runners-up Japan will face Belgium, who won all three of their group-stage games, in their Round of 16 match at the Rostov Arena on Monday.