日Ace returns to declare war on the Netherlands, "You guys are strong, but we're not easy either."

*This content was translated by AI.

The Japanese national soccer team, which recently returned from injury, and Brighton's key striker Kaoru Mitoma (28) are determined for the 2026 FIFA North American World Cup.

Mitoma was replaced in the 13th minute of the second half of the 19th round of the "2024-2026 English Premier League" against West Ham on the 31st (Korea Standard Time).

Mitoma, who suffered a left ankle injury against Chelsea in September, focused on recovery for about two and a half months and returned to the game against Liverpool on the 14th of last month. After playing against Sunderland and missing the match against Arsenal, he played as a substitute for three consecutive games until that day to improve his condition.

Mitoma, who played as a left-side striker in the 4-2-3-1 formation, showed active movement right after the introduction. He shook the opponent's side with a dribble breakthrough just two minutes into the game, and induced a corner kick with an aggressive attack attempt. In particular, his shot, which he attempted after a one-two pass with Ferdinand Cardio Glou, was blocked by the goalkeeper's good defense, so he swallowed the disappointment.

According to "Yahoo Japan," Mitoma said after the game, "I'm sorry that I couldn't finish." "It was a game to win," he said. "Even if the posture collapsed in the shooting scene, it should have been decided. This is a task that has been going on for a long time, and we must produce results next time," he said with a cool head.

Mitoma showed a dedicated play, moving a lot to get his teammate's pass and coming down deep to join the defense.

But Mitoma said she was "not satisfied at all" with her condition. He said, "The game was an open game, so there was a lot of space, and there was a feeling that the opponent was tired. I did my best for 30 minutes, but I still have a long way to go," he said, showing caution.

Mitoma, who played his last game in 2025, looked back on the past year and expressed both achievement and regret. "I hoped the growth curve would go up further, but it was a year that didn't go my way," said Mitoma, who only scored one goal and one assist in nine league games in the aftermath of his injury this season.

Japan belonged to the Netherlands, Tunisia, and European Playoffs (PO) Pass B in Group F in North American World Cup. Ukraine and Sweden, Poland and Albania will face off in Pass B, of which the winning team belongs to Group F.

Regarding this year's goal, Mitoma said, "First of all, it's to be on the World Cup list. And Brighton will qualify for the European competition," he said.

"The Netherlands is definitely a tough opponent," he said of the showdown with the Netherlands. Most of the players are playing at a higher level than us. I acknowledge their level, but I don't think we lose either," he said confidently.

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*This content was translated by AI.