Shibasaki: We have a responsibility to make history

Abu Dhabi: Gaku Shibasaki believes the current generation of Japanese footballers have a responsibility to deliver the nation's fifth AFC Asian Cup title, and he is focusing on doing just that in Friday's final against Qatar.

The 26-year-old's name hasn't appeared in many headlines, but he has been an important contributor on the Samurai Blue's road to the final, appearing five times in Japan's six successive wins in the tournament,

As Hajime Moriyasu's side has gathered momentum, so too has Shibasaki, producing strong performances at the right time in knockout stage wins over Vietnam and Islamic Republic of Iran.

With one more bridge to cross, against Qatar at Zayed Sports City Stadium, the Getafe midfielder revealed he feels a sense of duty to deliver a record-extending fifth Continental title.

"Getting our hands on the title would give this team with a lot of young players a great deal of confidence," he said.

"If we can win the trophy it would create a new page in the history of Japanese football, so our mission and the responsibility on our shoulders is huge.

"I want to stand on the pitch carrying that responsibility and mission with me."

 


Semi-final Highlights

A perfect record of six wins from six might give the impression that Japan have cruised into the final, but their progression to the decider has been one underpinned by steady, if unspectacular improvement.

Come from behind wins against Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, a genuine struggle against Oman and a most un-Japan-like 28 percent possession in their Round of 16 victory against Saudi Arabia paved the way for a far more convincing showing in their 3-0 semi-final win over Iran.

Like many major tournament winners, Japan appear to be peaking at the right time, but Shibasaki insists it will all be insignificant if they fail to defeat the Qataris.

"From before the tournament we were saying that our ultimate aim was to make it to the final and take the trophy home, and now we have earned the privilege to be standing where we are," he declared.

"However, if we lose the next game then all of this means nothing, so we have to make sure we prepare properly."

Friday's final will be Shibasaki's first continental decider, but he is no stranger to a big occasion, having memorably scored twice against Real Madrid for former side Kashima Antlers in the 2016 FIFA Club World Cup final, which the Spanish giants eventually won 4-2 after extra time.

The talented playmaker also played in, and won, the 2016 Emperor's Cup final, and he believes his side's mental approach will be crucial in the biggest fixture Asian football has to offer.

"We've come so far to the final and cannot allow ourselves to play a game that lacks concentration," he said.

"In the final I want to play a good game, just like we did in the semi-final."


Source: the-afc.com