Kawasaki Frontale player Tatsuya Ito believes that team spirit and teamwork were the reason for their 3-2 victory over Saudi Arabia's Al-Nassr on Wednesday in the semi-finals of the AFC Champions League.
In statements reported by the Asian Football Confederation's official website, Ito said, "The match was difficult, but we played as a team and worked together to win. Now we have one more match left, and we need to achieve one more victory to become champions of Asia."
He added, "For me, this result was very important for the club and for Japanese football. It was a good opportunity to showcase our level as representatives of the J-League."
He revealed, "Before coming here, the coach told us that this was a good opportunity for us to change history and make a new one for Kawasaki Frontale."
He explained, "Physically, it was very difficult for us, but the entire team worked hard to prepare us for the match."
He continued, "We were playing against big names like Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mané on the opposing team, and we felt some difficulties facing them, but at the same time, I was happy to play against such great players on the pitch."
He concluded his statements by saying, "I was happy when the coach selected me to participate in the starting lineup, and it was a wonderful feeling for me to be alongside these great players on the pitch."
(Koura)