Japan v Turkey
Second round
Miyagi | Tue 18 June | 0730 BST
BBC Radio Five Live
Japan defender Naoki Matsuda has promised ahead of the second round clash with Turkey that their World Cup adventure has only just begun.
Matsuda and his team-mates are already enshrined in Japanese football folklore, having written provided several new chapters for the annals.
Japan have set new marks by winning their first World Cup finals match, and qualifying for the second round as winners of Group H.
But Matsuda insists they are not content with what they have achieved, and are looking to progress to the last eight at Turkey's expense.
Matsuda said: "Although I am relieved that we achieved our initial goal, our real challenge starts here.
Tomakazu Myojin admits the challenge facing Japan is frightening
|
"I think we have chances to win more games, so we'll do our best not to waste those chances.
Japan lost all three group matches in their first World Cup finals appearance in France four years ago, and midfielder Tomakazu Myojin admits the prospects opening up before them are frightening.
Myojin said: "I am very excited about us getting this far, and the country being so excited, even if it is a little scary.
"But now that we are in the second phase I have a feeling of satisfaction, but also of excitement at the challenge which lies ahead."