HOUSTON, Texas - Japan midfielder Ao Tanaka was apologetic for the part he played in a late 2-1 loss to Brazil at the World Cup as Zion Suzuki and Daichi Kamada clarified their stance on their club futures on Tuesday.
Tanaka stole the ball at the edge of his own box in second-half stoppage time at Houston Stadium on Monday but played his ensuing pass short as Brazil regained possession, resulting in Gabriel Martinelli's dramatic winner in the round of 32.
"The frustration and remorse have been there, and I think that won't change going forward. My ability was simply lacking," said Tanaka, who scored the winner against Spain four years ago in Qatar and put in stellar performances against Tunisia and Sweden this time.
"I really felt responsible for us conceding at that stage of the match. I can only wipe out the frustration felt at this World Cup at another World Cup, which is a special stage...I want to develop into a player who can match the world's top players."
Tanaka said he has not had a proper look at that crucial moment and will "not look back at it" in the future either.
Keeper Suzuki saved Japan countless times over their four games at this World Cup and believes the save he made to tip Vinicius Jr.'s shot onto the post during the second half against Brazil was the best of the lot.
Suzuki, who enjoyed chats with Brazilian custodian Alisson before and after the match, said he wants to test himself at the top level in the future as he continues to be linked with a host of top clubs around Europe.
"(Alisson) was playing at an unthinkable stage for me a few years ago," Suzuki, who plays for Parma in Italy's Serie A, said of the Liverpool keeper. "Someone who I felt so far away from when I was playing in Japan spoke to me, and that shows I'm taking steady steps."
"Our opponents yesterday had lots of players with Champions League experience, who always get to play in that electric atmosphere. I want to go to the sort of club that will enable me to get stronger. Raising the level of my daily training will be the biggest factor."
Midfielder Kamada said his priority is staying at Crystal Palace in the new season after his two-year contract with the English Premier League club ended on the day.
"I principally want to stay at Palace. Honestly speaking, there's no club I want to prioritize more apart from the top clubs," he said.
"I can play in the European competitions on top of the Premier League (at Palace) while living in London where my family is settled...Playing in the Premier League for me has almost the same significance as aiming to win the Champions League."
Kamada, who had two goals at this World Cup, lauded Hajime Moriyasu as "undoubtedly the best manager" Japan has had, with the tactician's future to be decided in due course.
"I think it's hard to produce a manager better than him," Kamada said. "I'm really grateful for him in trusting me and using me at a big tournament like the World Cup on two different occasions."
"Mr. Moriyasu always has tears when listening to the national anthem and we understand it too, there are players crying as well, in fact. It shakes our souls and makes us proud of representing Japan. But we need to produce results to get non-football fans feeling the same."
