U-18 Japan National Team, who are to participate in the CFA International Youth (U-18) Tournament 2015 from 7 September, started their training in J-GREEN Sakai in Osaka. After a warm-up, the players went through their attack, including build-ups, how to move on, and shots to finish. Then they had a 10-on-10 mini game on a full-sized pitch with goalkeepers.

The team, who flew from Kansai International Airport to Qingdao, China PR in the morning, started their practice session at 17:00 in the evening. Although it was bad weather, the players showed some aggressive plays in both attack and defence during the intrasquad game in a good and uplifting atmosphere.

After the arrival, they were told that the participating countries had changed. Japan will meet U-18 Syria National Team on 7 September, U-18 China PR National Team on 9 September, and U-18 Uzbekistan National Team on the last day, 11 September.

Players' Comments 

KOJIMA Ryosuke (Waseda University)
We had a intrasquad game, trying out set pieces for the coming matches, in the practice session on 5 September. I found our new tasks – simply staying strong when striking at goal or to defend the goal with our bodies. 

Personally, I’d like to contribute more to the play and coaching during the match. I’d like to adjust myself in tomorrow’s practice session to get ready for the coming game, so that we can beat the opponent.

NODA Hiroki (Otsu High School)
On 5 September, we held the first practice session after arriving in China PR. As I found that I had some problems, such as the direction of my body or positioning in both attack and defence, during the intrasquad game, I’d like to fix them in tomorrow’s training session.

We have three matches to play this time. I’d like to do my best for the team to win the tournament before the coming first qualifying round.

Schedule