A pragmatic Maya Yoshida has said that reaching the knockout stage of the World Cup would represent a success for Japan.
The Blue Samurai have twice made it past the group stage at World Cups - in 2002, when they were co-hosts with South Korea, and in South Africa in 2010.
“Although our expectations aren't as high as before, the players' aspirations remain unchanged. Realistically, it would be a success for us to reach the Round of 16. We will try our best to make a good World Cup for ourselves," Yoshida told FIFA's official website.
Japan will face Colombia in their Group H opener at the World Cup on 19 June.
The teams played against each other at the previous tournament in Brazil, when they went head-to-head in their group's final match. Japan failed to move into the knockout stage after suffering a 4-1 defeat.
Yoshida said that the team "had a hard time against Colombia," but he is still looking forward to playing them again four years on.
"I'm really excited to meet them again. But things are much different compared to last time. Usually the first match is hard for every team and Colombia should be no exception. I think it will be a tight game," the 29-year-old said.
Maya Yoshida expressing his faith in Japan’s World Cup capabilities...😂 #Saintsfc #WorldCup2018 pic.twitter.com/6t0KsrYFII
— talkSAINTS (@talkSAINTS) June 5, 2018
Yoshida, who plays for Southampton in the English Premier League, has made 81 appearances for his country, including three matches at the previous World Cup.
Japan will also face Poland and Senegal in Group H.
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