Vintage Kawashima aims to scale new heights with Japan
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A series of star players from that 2010 squad, including Kawashima, featured for Japan at Brazil 2014 where they failed to progress beyond the group stage. Four years on, these same cogs remain in the experienced core of the current squad heading to their third FIFA World Cup. Kawashima believes that they won’t let the chance slip away this time around.
“The current team have more experienced players than before,” he said. “Several of us will play in our third World Cup. Meanwhile, there are a host of young players who have made fast progress. These youngsters boast greater confidence. So with a mix of experienced veterans and talented youth players, I am confident that we are capable of making history in Russia.”
Vintage goalkeeper
Japan will open their Russia 2018 campaign by reacquainting themselves with none other than group favourites Colombia, who dealt them their final blow at Brazil 2014 in a 4-1 defeat. Beyond them lie encounters with Senegal and Poland. Despite the daunting tasks ahead, Kawashima maintains that they have got themselves prepared to fare better than four years ago.
“I think this group is wide open and each team have chances of their own. Our group goals are simple – to concentrate on how to progress to the next round. We didn’t perform well in the last World Cup in Brazil so we are particularly motivated to do our job better this time,” he added.
The common view is that an goalkeeper’s value increases over the years like a vintage wine. So it is with Kawashima, who remains Japan’s undisputed No1 even though he is the oldest member of the squad.
“I am fortunate to have contributed to the national team for so many years. Now I am the oldest of the team. As a veteran, I will try to lead the team in a positive way and to get the best possible results.”
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