Japan booked their spot in Wednesday’s last four tie with a 1-0 extra-time win over defending champions Spain while the Netherlands defeated Colombia 3-0 on penalties after their quarter-final ended 2-2.
Japan, in their fourth successive semi-final, have been impressive throughout Colombia 2024 but midfielder Matsukubo said it would all mean nothing if they don’t lift the coveted trophy, having emerged champions in 2018 and runners-up two years ago.
“During the game (against Spain), there were times when things didn’t go quite well, but the whole team had the same goal, which led to this victory.
“However, beating Spain was not the final objective; winning the title is our goal and we need to focus on the next match,” said Matsukubo.
Full focus will be needed against a Netherlands side who overcome Colombia and their partisan fans in the quarter-finals, coming from behind twice to force a 2-2 draw before eventually prevailing in the penalty shootout.
They finished second in Group F behind DPR Korea before defeating France 2-1 in the Round of 16.
While Japan will be appearing in their fourth consecutive semi-final, Netherlands will count on their track record to take them past the East Asian side.
Quarter-finalists in their inaugural appearance in 2018, Netherlands finished fourth two years ago but – crucially – they were defeated 1-0 by Japan in the group stage.
