Meeting in Two Consecutive Olympics! Japanese Olympic Captain: We Are Now Full of Confidence and Seeking Revenge for Our Elimination in the Previous Edition

After the conclusion of the Olympic men’s football group stage, Japan and Spain’s Olympic teams are set to meet in the quarter-finals. In an interview, Japanese Olympic captain Ryo Hitomi stated that they are determined to avenge their semi-final elimination by Spain in the previous Olympics.

In the final group stage match against Israel, due to Japan’s Olympic team fielding a rotated lineup, Ryo Hitomi wore the captain’s armband and helped secure a 1-0 victory, achieving three consecutive wins and topping the group.

Throughout the three group stage matches, Japan’s Olympic team did not concede a single goal. Ryo Hitomi noted that this is what the team is most proud of, stating, “Without a doubt, our defense is solid, and all players are performing at their best. If we can maintain this level of performance against Spain, I believe the advantage will be on our side.”

The three consecutive clean sheets in the group stage, according to Ryo Hitomi, have greatly boosted the team’s confidence, “This has significantly increased our confidence, but it also feels somewhat surreal. All defensive players, including Ryota Kojima, have been highly focused, taking our confidence to unprecedented levels.”

In the previous Tokyo Olympics, Ryo Hitomi was part of Japan’s Olympic training squad, accompanying the team throughout its preparations. However, in the semi-finals, Japan’s Olympic team lost to Spain in extra time, missing out on the final. With the two teams meeting again in the quarter-finals of this edition, Ryo Hitomi spoke about seeking revenge, “I am very familiar with our previous Olympic team and felt sorry for them losing to Spain. This current Olympic team must avenge our predecessors and eliminate the opponents.”