Monday saw Japan's brilliant run at the 2022 FIFA World Cup come to an end, with the Asian side losing to Croatia in the round of 16 after their unforgettable wins over Germany and Spain in the group stage.
The Samurai Blue took Modric and Co. all the way to penalty shootouts, with Hajime Moriyasu's team losing on spot kicks to the 2018 runners-up. As a result, the Japanese players were understandably heartbroken, with captain Maya Yoshida and Premier League ace Takehiro Tomiyasu giving dejected post-match interviews.
The Arsenal man, in particular, sparked concern among his fan base after openly admitting to being devastated and in need of a break from football following that result. Additionally, the 24-year-old did not take his performance lightly, claiming that his display was a "disaster".
"Of course, we are so disappointed with the result. My performance was a disaster today so I am sorry for the team," the Emirates Stadium defender said after full-time, as per Goal.
"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. I can't be proud. I am not satisfied about what happened. This is football and we need to be much, much better to win against a stronger team."
When asked about a return to Arsenal and when he plans on rejoining Arteta's squad in Dubai, Tomiyasu said (as per the Athletic): "I don't know. Hopefully, I can get a bit of rest. I need time to forget about football. I need a bit of time."
These comments sparked worry as the Japanese defender, a fan favorite, appeared truly heartbroken by his country's round of 16 elimination. Additionally, the North London giants are in the midst of a title challenge and will need all their players fit and energized for when the Premier League season resumes on Boxing Day.
Spoke to a devastated Takehiro Tomiyasu after Japan lost to Croatia last night. He described his performance as a "disaster" and said he did not know when he would be joining up with Arsenal. "Hopefully I can get a bit of rest. I need time to forget about football."
— Sam Dean (@SamJDean) December 6, 2022
Tomiyasu about returning to Arsenal - "I don't know (when he's rejoining the Arsenal squad).Hopefully, I can get a bit of rest. I need time to forget about football. I need a bit of time."
— Doc (@karthikadhaigal) December 6, 2022
(@jaydmharris / @TheAthleticFC )https://t.co/FqcdQDBIRy pic.twitter.com/Sp6lRg1Eyv
Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu described his performance in Japan's #FIFAWorldCup last-16 exit against Croatia as a "disaster" and says he "can't be proud" of his nation's achievements in Qatar. pic.twitter.com/G1LPE9Gd8g
— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) December 6, 2022
Tomiyasu on his performance vs Croatia -"I gave the team a lot of trouble.Frustrated with myself for not being able to perform in such an important match.I feel it was a waste of time, I wondered what I was doing.I didn't give a good performance & I hate it"
— Doc (@karthikadhaigal) December 6, 2022
(@Yahoo_JAPAN_PR) pic.twitter.com/t2iWq5Iaoh
"I don't know. Hopefully I can get a bit of rest. I need time to forget about football. I need a bit of time."
— Connor Humm (@TikiTakaConnor) December 6, 2022
Takehiro Tomiyasu on when he will return to Arsenal after being knocked out of the World Cup with Japan. #JPN #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/MAZqxj1qXU
It's not just the physical impact of having to go back to club football immediately after the World Cup. Imagine feeling responsible for your team losing in the final and being expected to play club football barely a week later. https://t.co/sneY2PNKgI
— James. (@afcjxmes) December 6, 2022
Croatia, meanwhile, have gone through to the quarterfinals and will face Brazil in this round after the Selecao's impressive 4-1 victory over South Korea.
