Japan will take a perfect record into the last four clash with Team Melli after five wins out of five since the tournament kicked off on January 5, but the Belgium-based central midfielder knows his side face a significant test of its title credentials against Carlos Queiroz’s side.

However, he refuses to be overawed by the challenge that lies ahead against Asia’s No. 1 ranked nation.

“We know that Iran is a strong opponent, but we want to play our own football,” said the 25-year-old.

“We want to play as challengers and I think throughout the tournament we have been adapting well when we have had difficulties on the pitch or when we’re in a bad rhythm. So we want to continue that. And individually I want to be focused on my tasks,” Endo said.

“First of all we want to gain possession of the ball, that’s important to how we play and without that it can’t happen. Iran can play that way too, but they can respond quickly with long balls too and we’ll have to adjust to that situation,” he added.

“As a team and as an individual we had some regrets after the World Cup,” said Endo. “After the World Cup I transferred to Europe because I wanted to improve in my position more and, little-by-little, I think I’m expressing myself within the national team and that’s making me more confident.”

“There are a lot of good players in the same position and I don’t think I’ve secured the position in the team yet. I need to continue to perform well and in the future that will lead me to become one of the leading players in the national team. But first of all I want to stay focused for tomorrow’s game,” Endo stated.