Kawashima, who remains Japan’s undisputed No1 despite the fact that he is the most seasoned individual from the squad. “I am blessed to have added to the national group for such huge numbers of years. Presently I am the most seasoned of the group. As a veteran, I will endeavor to lead the group emphatically and to get the most ideal outcomes.”
Japan goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima heads to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia with a reasonable objective to acknowledge: to compensate for their appalling Round-of-16 exit at South Africa 2010.
Eight years prior, Kawashima was chosen into the Japan squad as a reinforcement to Seigo Narazaki. With the opposition commencing, however, he rose as the unexpected beginning goalkeeper in inclination to the primary decision caretaker because of some champion exhibitions amid pre-competition friendlies. He properly grabbed the openings, exceeding expectations all through as the Samurai Blue advanced from a gathering which additionally included the Netherlands, Denmark and Cameroon.
That denoted Japan’s first movement to the knockout stage on remote soil. While it’s absolutely an accomplishment to be pleased with, it was their misfortune against Paraguay in the second round gathering that Kawashima still regrets. Truth be told, Kawashima and Co inspired against the South Americans by holding them goalless following 120 minutes, just to miss out 5-3 in the punishment shoot-out.
“We were so disillusioned by the outcome in 2010,we verged on achieving the last eight. Yet, at last we missed the shot. Thinking back, I imagine that a few points of interest had the effect and chose the outcome.” says Kawashima.