Takehiro Tomiyasu was part of the Japan squad that reached the last 16 of the 2022 World Cup after they came from behind to beat Spain 2-1, and advance as group winners.
After playing the final 45 minutes of the Samurai Blue's opening game against Germany, which also saw them overturn a one-goal deficit to claim victory, he sat out the subsequent defeat to Costa Rica after an issue with his hamstring.
But Tomi was deemed fit enough for a spot on the bench for their final group game, and arrived on the scene in the 69th minute having seen goals from Ritsu Doan and Ao Tanaka cancel out Alvaro Morata's first-half opener.
Tomi played his part in a rock-solid defensive display that nullified the Spanish attack, and ensured his nation finished top of Group E ahead of their opponents, knocking Germany out in the process.
That means Tomi's team will face Croatia in the knockout stages on Monday, December 5, hoping to continue their impressive form that has seen them topple two of Europe's elite sides already.
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