In preparation for the two Kirin Challenge Cup 2014 matches, all the 23 players got together on 11 November as midfielder Kagawa Shinji (Borussia Dortmund/Germany) and goalkeeper Kawashima Eiji (Standard Liege/Belgium) joined the SAMURAI BLUE squad during the training camp underway in Aichi.

Under the eyes of 2,500 fans, the Japan squad worked on 5-on-3 and 8-on-4 passing drills and shooting drills with cross balls from both right and left sides in an hour and half practice. Afterwards, with divided into members simulated for the real match, the offensive force got through a game-style practice on a small-sized pitch, while the defensive line men reviewed their moves along with goalkeepers.

Although Kagawa and Kawashima joined the squad a day later due to their club matter, they did not show any sign of fatigue and went through all the practice menus.
Head coach Javier Aguirre is absent for the ceremony in Mexico until 12th, yet Kawashima said “even though our coach is away, it’s important to share each idea and exchange opinions with each other to make it better. Exchanging opinions is something that we need to stick to during a game.”

Meanwhile midfielder Shibasaki Gaku (Kashima Antlers), who has been selected since the September camp, expressed his confidence, saying “this is my third time to come here, and I could join the team more comfortably than before. I got used to it and things are getting better.”

Japan national team will face Honduras on 14th at Toyota Stadium in Aichi and Australia on 18th at Yanmar Stadium in Osaka.

Comments

MF  KAGAWA Shinji (Borussia Dortmund/Germany)
(Joining the team,) I feel refreshed and motivated. We don’t have our head coach here, but the upcoming two games are important with eyes for the Asian Cup. Every single day, every practice, I will keep in mind how important the two games will be. The key is how good we can play against the nation which played at the FIFA World Cup. Each player knows our teammates’ strengths, and we’ve got a well-balanced midfield. Unlike an attacking midfielder role behind the striker, the centre-half position is required a wide range of moves in attacking. I’ll try to fight out and get confidence in the upcoming two games.

DF YOSHIDA Maya (Southampton FC/England)
I’m in good shape. It’s important to deepen mutual understanding among players, so when we get divided into units in the practice like today, we could easily make sure our communications with each other. And we’ve got good sense of distance between players. But there are new faces on this national team, so I need to communicate more and convey what we are supposed to do. Because our coach called up players he got interested in when looking at the J.League games, I also need to battle for the roster spot. I don’t think I have any advantage.

MF  INUI Takashi (Eintracht Frankfurt/Germany)
(Since the camp started) we haven’t had even a scrimmage, so the next few days are going to be a key. But anyway I’m enjoying the time. It seems we are allowed to move freely after getting the ball. There could be more 1-on-1 battles coming up. If I don’t lose there, we can get more chances. I want to try aggressively for individual battles and show what I can do. We are not required to follow so many rules in the team. That means how we can play in the game depends on players’ ability, so I’ll work hard to show good performance as long as we players are trusted that way.

JFA-TV (Japanese version only)

Kirin Challenge Cup 2014

Fri. 14 November 2014     SAMURAI BLUE(Japan National Team) vs Honduras National Team
Toyota Stadium/Aichi Kickoff 19:35(plan)/Open 16:35(plan)
TV Broadcast: National live broadcast on TV ASAHI

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Tue. 18 November 2014    SAMURAI BLUE(Japan National Team) vs Australia National Team
Yanmar Stadium Nagai/Osaka Kickoff 19:20(plan)/Open 16:20(plan)
TV Broadcast: National live broadcast on FUJI TV

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