NASHVILLE, Tennessee - Facing a round-of-32 encounter with Brazil on Monday, squad mentor Takumi Minamino is optimistic that Japan can clear the momentous hurdle and make an extended run at the World Cup.
The 31-year-old Monaco attacker was ruled out in December after rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee but has been accompanying Japan's World Cup squad in a nonplaying capacity while working on his recovery.
Minamino's second-half goal sparked Japan to come back for a historic 3-2 victory against Brazil in an October friendly in Tokyo, and he believes the Samurai Blue can spring another upset when they meet the five-time champions in Houston.
"If we play with the underdog mentality, as we always have, I believe we have the ability to make something happen in these one-off games," Minamino said Friday at Japan's training base near Nashville, Tennessee.
While offering his tips to the Japan squad, especially on his regular starting position of attacking midfield, Minamino has exemplified the spirit of the team by willingly cleaning teammates' boots with former captain Maya Yoshida, who is also a nonplaying supporting member assisting the squad.
The mood around the team was lifted further when 39-year-old Yuto Nagatomo came off the bench Thursday against Sweden to appear in his Japan-record fifth straight World Cup.
"(Nagatomo) is a player who always gives power to our team, starting with being the most vocal in training," Minamino said of the former Inter Milan fullback. "He's a real legend and I, like my teammates, was moved the moment he came on."
The progress made by the injured Takefusa Kubo, who was forced off during the Group F opener against the Netherlands, has also given the team a boost.
"He is especially spirited, so he needs no encouragement from me," Minamino said. "Everyone believes we will welcome him back in the knockout stage, and he is rehabbing with that same belief."
