Japan’s players offered a poignant tribute to Wataru Endo at the final whistle of their dramatic 2-2 draw with the Netherlands, hoisting their captain’s jersey aloft to the crowd.
The 33-year-old Liverpool midfielder withdrew from the World Cup squad just hours before the tournament kicked off last week after failing to overcome a long-term injury.
Endo had fought a exhausting race against time since February, when medical staff stretchered him off the pitch during a Premier League fixture at Sunderland. Ultimately, the clock ran out on his tournament hopes.
A legendary International career concludes
Endo did not just pull out of the tournament; he closed the chapter on his international career entirely, confirming his retirement from international football in an emotional statement on Thursday.
“As announced, I will be stepping away from the World Cup squad,” Endo wrote on social media four days ago. “Since my injury, I’ve done everything I possibly could up to this point, so I have no regrets whatsoever. Of course, there’s frustration at not being able to participate in this World Cup.
“But more than that, I’m proud of how we’ve grown together since the Qatar World Cup — me as captain, leading this team and turning our goal of ‘winning the World Cup’ into something we can say as a matter of course.
“The current team is truly a wonderful team. I believe they will overcome any adversity and show us sights we’ve never seen before.”
Liverpool fingerprints all over thriller
On the pitch, an entertaining Group Stage opener carried a distinct Anfield flavour. Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk opened the scoring for the Dutch, converting a precise cross from fellow Red Ryan Gravenberch.
While the Liverpool contingent performed strongly Cody Gakpo caused frequent problems with a lively display down the left flank the Netherlands failed to protect their advantage.
Japan fight back In thrilling opener
Keito Nakamura struck back to level the scores for Japan. The Dutch thought they had secured the points when Crysencio Summerville restored their lead, capitalising on another Gravenberch assist to make it 2-1.
Japan refused to capitulate, however. Daichi Kamada found the net late on to drag Japan level for a second time, securing a hard-earned point that embodies the exact fighting spirit Endo championed throughout his captaincy.
Losing a leader of Endo’s caliber right before a major tournament is a crushing blow for any nation, but the gesture from his teammates speaks volumes about the immense respect he commands in that dressing room.
For Liverpool, this bittersweet news carries a significant silver lining. While Anfield officials will share Endo’s deep disappointment over missing his World Cup swansong, his international retirement provides Arne Slot with a massive boost ahead of the 2026/27 domestic campaign.
At 33, the grueling travel and physical toll of international breaks often derail a player’s club form. By stepping away from Japan duty, Endo can now use those mid-season windows for rest and recovery. This ensures Liverpool retain a fresh, fully focused, and elite defensive midfield option for the business end of the season.
