International Career
Matsui made his national team debut on June 22, 2003 with Japan at Confederations Cup 2003 against Colombia and scored his international goal against Angola on October 11, 2005. He also played for the U-23 national team at the 2004 Olympics.
Despite his performance at Le Mans, Matsui was not part of Zico's selection for the 2006 FIFA World Cup. Former Japan coach Philippe Troussier criticized the decision stating that "Matsui was selected as one of the best foreign players in France and didn't make it into the squad of 23 Zico selected, which is a pity given his form and experience."
Matsui was called up for the first time under Ivica Osim's reign to play in friendlies against Austria and Switzerland in September 2007. Matsui has continued to make national team appearances under Takeshi Okada, who has replaced Osim after Osim suffered a stroke in November 2007.
Read more about this topic: Daisuke Matsui
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“Like the old soldier of the ballad, I now close my military career and just fade away, an old soldier who tried to do his duty as God gave him the light to see that duty. Goodbye.”
—Douglas MacArthur (1880–1964)