Takehiro Tomiyasu was eliminated from the World Cup following a penalty shootout defeat against Croatia. This was the first game of the tournament the Japanese international could start for his country after facing fitness challenges throughout the competition.
After taking the lead, Croatia fought back and won dominantly from the spot kicks. The Arsenal defender was visibly struck by the result and spoke after the game of his disappointment at not pushing Japan to a World Cup quarter-final for the first time.
“Of course, we are so disappointed with the result,” Tomiyasu said. “My performance was a disaster today, so I am sorry for the team.
