Toshihiro Aoyama says Sanfrecce Hiroshima’s Club World Cup fate is in their own hands, and does not believe there are any limits to their potential.

The captain has freshly come from winning the MEIJI YASUDA J1 League to guiding his side to a semi-final appearance against River Plate.

And after watching the way Sanfrecce have overcome Auckland City and TP Mazembe, scoring five and conceding none, Aoyama was pleased how his side have expressed themselves so confidently on the world stage.

“We were able to demonstrate our good qualities,” the 29-year-old told reporters. “We played just as we did in the J.League. 

“We came into the match wanting to prevent [TP Mazembe] from playing to their abilities. We knew they were a powerful team and it took us time to adjust to their speed and reach. After we adjusted to that, we didn’t have any problems.

“This wasn’t the wall [we couldn’t move past three years ago when Sanfrecce finished fifth], this was just the beginning. 

“I’m looking forward to tougher opponents, but football is a game of chance and results are everything.  That chance come down to how well you’ve prepared.”