Hasebe, 34, has skippered Japan since the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, where Takeshi Okada’s side went out in the Round of 16 on penalties to Paraguay following a 0-0 draw in 120 minutes.
On Monday, Japan again failed to clear the last 16 hurdle against Belgium, who came back from two goals down midway through the second half to win 3-2, eliminating Akira Nishino’s charges from the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
Hasebe, though, said Japan’s performance on Monday against one of the tournament favorites spoke volumes about the strides his team has taken since he first wore the armband eight years ago.
“To be honest, the Belgian team we went up against today were really, really good,” Hasebe admitted. “Especially in the last 20, 25 minutes when they brought on their big guys, it was tough for us.
“Eight years ago, we played very defensively but today, we talked about how we needed to be the ones to take the initiative, be it when we attack or defend. We didn’t exactly go for broke, but I thought we were clearly a lot more aggressive than we were eight years ago.
“It’s difficult to say how far ahead Belgium are at the moment, but we took the game to them. I’m proud of our team. I was reminded once again how the small mistakes can make a big difference on a stage like this.
“It’s not an easy game to look back and analyse on but, at the end of the day, I think we have to admit that we did not have what it takes to reach the next round.
“We still had some chances when it was 2-2. We felt good about ourselves but, given the way the game ended, I feel more frustrated than disappointed.”
Hasebe revealed that when Nishino took over in April for Vahid Halilhodzic, the first thing the Eintracht Frankfurt man did was to offer to stand down, but Nishino wasn’t having any of it.
Hasebe said he was glad to see Japan have the run they had at this FIFA World Cup under the former Gamba Osaka coach.
“The coach changed two months ago and we didn’t have a whole lot of time to work with,” Hasebe said. “I told him at the very beginning I personally felt responsible for what had happened under the previous coach so I offered to pass on the captaincy to someone younger, and that I would be fully supportive of whoever he chose as the new captain.
“But he had no such plans. I don’t think I did anything in particular to captain the side; the team sort of naturally came together, which made my job easy. I was blessed by great teammates.
“Before the tournament started, we weren’t living up to the standards of our fans. Now that it’s all over, I think the people of Japan can be proud of us. The worst thing that can happen to Japanese football is for the public to be disinterested.
“Even if the reaction is harsh, I want the public to always be interested in the game and that’s what hardens Japanese football. So to have played the way we did at this World Cup is great for our game and the important thing now is to build on this.”
Photos: FIFA via Getty Images
Source: the-afc.com