Samurai spirit is evoked by Japan for the Croatia match.

In an effort to forget about their World Cup exit and make it to the quarterfinals for the first time, Japan will channel the spirit of the Samurai warrior in their match against Croatia on Monday.

Japan is still haunted by their heartbreaking loss to Belgium in the round of 16 four years ago, when they surrendered a 2-0 lead and lost to a stoppage-time goal. Veteran defender Yuto Nagatomo said they were desperate for vengeance.

“I will always remember the struggle with Belgium. The last four years have been very difficult,” the full back, who is competing in his fourth World Cup, told reporters on Sunday. “Sometimes, scenes from the game just come back to me.

“However, I believe that we have improved both mentally and physically, and from what I can tell, this team is the best and the strongest to have ever represented Japan at the World Cup.

So tomorrow, I’m looking forward to yelling “Bravo!” as we defeat Croatia and take in a new setting.