Former Footballer Wesley Sneijder Evoked Strong Emotions in Netherlands - Japan Match

Van Wermeskerken has played for FC Dordrecht, SC Cambuur, PEC Zwolle, and NEC. "I was born in Maastricht, but when I was two years old, we returned to Yamanashi, about a hundred kilometers from Tokyo. My grandparents had their own business, and at that time, they were very busy. They asked if my mother could help, and my father also got a job in the company," shares Van Wermeskerken, who was known as Nakamura (his Japanese mother's surname) until he was twelve.

"Whether I was for the Netherlands or Japan at the World Cup? That's very difficult," laughs Van Wermeskerken, who vividly remembers the 2010 World Cup encounter. "That gave me very mixed emotions. Sneijder scored, and the Netherlands won. He made me happy and sad at the same time. Japan feels like my country, but I also love the Netherlands." What if the Netherlands scores now? "Then I'll celebrate for five seconds, and then I'll think: oh, shoot. One thing is for sure: it will be a victory for me either way."

According to Van Wermeskerken, Japan has gained a completely different status. "The level of Japanese football has been getting higher and higher recently. I'm very curious to see how they compare to a top nation like the Netherlands. Ten or twenty years ago, Japan had no chance of winning the World Cup, but now the belief is truly there," emphasizes the former Japanese youth international.

He sees clear similarities with successful teams from the past. "José Mourinho made Porto a real team, turned them into a special squad, and ultimately won the Portuguese title, the UEFA Cup, and the Champions League. If you have a good plan as a team and stick together, anything is possible. I'm very happy that Japan is saying they believe in winning the World Cup."

Van Wermeskerken also knows from personal experience how important belief in an upset can be. With Kawasaki Frontale, he achieved a remarkable victory over the star-studded team of Al Nassr. "In the semi-finals of the Asian Champions League, we won 3-2 against Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mané. That's such a great memory, but also a realization that you always have to believe."

Choosing between the Netherlands and Japan remains impossible for Van Wermeskerken. "The Netherlands has a very good defense, but Japan is also very strong. I don't really want to choose, so I'll say 1-1. Then I won't have to feel bad afterward," laughs Van Wermeskerken, who will definitely be watching.

"It will be tough because the match is at 5:00 AM Japan time. I'm going to watch it at home with my family and hope for a draw," continues Van Wermeskerken, who, despite being 31, hopes to be called up for Japan again someday. "First, I need to quickly find a club and get myself back in the spotlight."

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