❝Spain are one of the best teams in the world and we knew before the game that this was going to be very difficult, and indeed it was. But the players persisted and they persevered and they turned the tide of the game. Everybody was excited that we were able to play as one again. There were many fans who came all the way from Japan, as well as those that stayed at home. We are gifting this win to the people of Japan, and we are very happy about it. With a minute to go, I was thinking about the 'Tragedy of Doha' but exactly at that time, the players came aggressively to challenge for the ball. I could feel that the times have changed. These players are playing in a new age of Japanese football.❞ — Moriyasu Hajime