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Abu Dhabi: After a decade of waiting behind the scenes, Shuichi Gonda is Japan 's first goaltender as he continues his fifth title in the AFC Asian Cup. This is an opportunity to seize with both hands.
For a decade, Gonda was the goalkeeper of Japan.
He was part of the winning team of the AFC Asian Cup in 2011 and had qualified for the FIFA World Cup Brazil three years later, but did not play any games, Eji Kawashima keeping his position.
Having made his international debut in 2010, the 29-year-old had only five selections to enter UAE 2019, but he imposed himself, making five appearances and producing four successive white sheets.
His efforts helped Japan to secure a place in the final against Qatar, and Gonda said he had a duty to play.
"In terms of goal protection, it's my job," said Sagan Tosu's blocker at the-AFC.com.
"I feel responsible for doing that, and I think I'm doing well in this regard, the most important thing is that everyone puts their body in danger."
One of Gonda's most memorable contributions during the campaign was his shutdown to deny Sardar Azmoun (Islamic Republic of Iran) in the semi-finals at Al Ain.
With a score of 0-0, he prevented the Iranian leader from enjoying an excellent reflex backup by using his left leg before halftime. Japan won a brilliant victory with three goals in the second half.
Highlights of the semi-finals
It is a performance that shows the abilities of Hajime Moriyasu's team, but is not likely to completely satisfy the goalkeeper.
"I'm happy, of course, I'm happy to have won, but personally, I think there are a lot of things I need to think about." So it's one of those games where I feel happy "but" …, "thoughtful.
"We all felt that, although it was a great match, we wanted to play as we wanted, of course we had to face the opponent too, but first and foremost we went into the game. with the firm intention of doing everything we could.
"The best approach is to think that everything depends on us."
Eight years and three days after Tadanari Lee scored in overtime to give Japan its fourth continental title, Gonda is now able to guide them to the fifth.
After a long drive, he makes his return to the AFC Asian Cup final as a key contributor to his team, but insists that nothing has been accomplished before the trophy is over. possession of Japan.
"Everything we did went into the final," he said.
"We will not know anything before facing our opponent, football starts at 0-0, so we have to make sure we get ready."
Source: the-afc.com
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