The custodian came off the bench to help Japan defeat Uzbekistan 2-1 in the semi-finals and was at his best against Iran in the final.

His saves early in the game kept Japan in the final and when Iran upped the pressure upon trailing, Kuromoto produced his best to help the East Asian side clinch the Kuwait 2022 title with a 3-2 win.

"Our goal was to be number one. After the first game (2-1 defeat to Saudi Arabia), people didn’t believe in us, but we never gave up," said Kuromoto.

"We did an excellent job. I’m happy and grateful to everyone that helped us.  We struggled throughout all the games, but that struggle made us better and stronger. 

"In a short championship like this, getting stronger is the best thing to ever happen. We did everything we could to win.