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.
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“I just need to be much, much better to help the team. It was not enough and also for the team, we did not deserve to win.
“We were so close to achieving our aim. They were better than us.”
Tomiyasu will now have a period of rest before joining the squad. Mikel Arteta’s side who did not travel to Qatar for the tournament are currently in Dubai at a warm-weather training camp where they’ll face both Lyon and AC Milan in a couple of friendlies.
However, after the self-described disaster, Tomiyasu may need some refocusing from his manager. The 23-year-old said bluntly that his thoughts on the game were very much to be sent to the back of his mind.
“I don’t know,” he replied when asked when he’d rejoin his Arsenal teammates. “Hopefully, I can get a bit of rest. I need time to forget about football. I need a bit of time.”
Arteta has already seen Thomas Partey and Matt Turner eliminated from the competition with Ghana and the United States. Ben White has also left the England camp due to personal reasons and Gabriel Jesus has returned to London with what could be a serious knee injury.
With Gabriel Martinelli, Granit Xhaka, Aaron Ramsdale and Bukayo Saka still involved, only one or even none of the three nations left represented by Arsenal could win the tournament meaning the Arsenal manager will have a host of players needing encouragement. Luckily the chase for the title should be the primary source of inspiration.
A tough couple of fixtures against West Ham United and Brighton & Hove Albion precede the opening of the January transfer window. Plans are in place for the winter but ensuring maximum input is restored for the domestic return will be key to any potential success this season.
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