U-16 Japan National Team report at AFC U-16 Championship in Thailand (13 Sep)

Sun, 14 Sep 2014 00:00:00 +0900

Getting ready for match next day for qualifying FIFA U-17 World Cup, training was held from 15:00 at Royal Thai Army Stadium. Game format training of 10-on-10 held in half court. Placing three goal mouths on goal line, players were trying to score the goal where the side defense is few, it was training to let them conscious of making “quick side change”. They practiced a pattern of building attack from defense line, how to pass the ball. The coach instructed them as saying “Move (the ball) faster! Harder! ” Support quickly!”.

It will be crucial game tomorrow as U-16 Japan will get a ticket for U-17 World Cup if they win the game and the team will be broken up should they lose. The players looked all set for tomorrow and full of confidence. I am going to send you report of decisive match tomorrow.

Comment

YOSHITAKE Hirofumi, Head Coach
U-17 World Cup presents great chance of playing decisive match against World’s top teams. If we qualify, this is going to be third challenge for me and I have something I want to try out in the world with the players, it is going to be really crucial game tomorrow. Korean team is characterized by their patience in attack and defense and well-balanced. It seems very few loopholes in their defense but I am sure we are going to manage to open up the holes with our style of football. We could refresh ourselves both mentally and physically in last three days. The plyers seemed to be getting motivated to play the game sooner but I want them to play as cool as always.

WATANABE Kota (Tokyo Verdy Youth)
Korea national team has high standard of individual skill and I want to take care their aggressive dribble for breaking down. I want to keep them from making counter-attack when losing the ball carelessly in ball possession time. I’m really excited because tomorrow is the day to decide qualification for the world championship. We want battle as team united and definitely win the qualification of the world championship.

DOAN Ritsu (Gamba Osaka Youth)
Tomorrow’s game being decider, I might get nervous but I want to fight for the game as much as I can demonstrating everything I have. Personally I want to run as hard as I could, Idon't mind fainting after the game. I want to control the ball with great care and determination to keep the ball for 90 minutes. I am determined to win the game and get a ticket to the world.

Schedule

AFC U-16 Championship Thailand 2014 (Bangkok‎)
Sat. 9/6 | 2-0 | Group Stage 1st game vs. Hong Kong
Mon. 9/8 | 3-0 | Group Stage 2nd game vs. China
We. 9/10 | 2-4 | Group Stage 3rd game vs. Australia
Sun. 9/14 | 15:30 | Knockout Stage Quarterfinal　vs.Korea Republic
Wed. 9/17 | 16:00/20:00 | Knockout Stage Semifinal
Sat. 9/20 | 18:00 | Knockout Stage Final