The U-15 Japan National Team held their first practice session on the third day of their Indonesia tour in the sweltering heat. Although the condition of the pitch was not great, the players were required to put in strong and accurate passes during the passing practice after the core training, so that the players could get used to the Asian environment. After one hour, the players seemed to struggle a little, but they stayed vocal to encourage each other. They played competitively one-on-one during two-on-two practice. The coach Saito joined in an 11-a-side mini game to instruct the players, while Moriyama, the head coach, carefully taught how to receive the ball or support in the vital area.

In the afternoon, they had to call off their practice session after less than 30 minutes due to the thunder, lighting and torrential rain typical of south-eastern Asia. The players seemed to be astonished by the unusual sight.

In the evening, the team held an impromptu meeting with two parts. In the first part, they started with the video of Honda Keisuke (AC Milan), who plays in the European league after the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa and has been making steady efforts to be the best player in the world. Each player took a moment to think about how they could push themselves when they physically struggled in the match. In the latter part, the doctor Tomatsuri lectured about how to prevent heat stroke and the trainer Matsuodani told the players practically how to take on fluid during the game. They finished the meeting with a video of the match in the Japan-Central Asia U-15 Football Exchange Tournament, in order to share the team’s issues in attack and defence, their goals, and what they want to try in tomorrow’s match.

During the dinner, the players celebrated the birthdays of Okamoto (Albirex Niigata U-15), Kaneko (Omiya Ardija Junior Youth) and Fukushima (Matsuhashi Junior High School). Smiles and laughter were all around and it boosted the team’s spirit. The team ’00 JAPAN’ will play their first match abroad tomorrow.

Note: “00 Japan” is the nickname of the team led by players born in 2000. The team aim to compete at the FIFA U-17 World Cup.

Players' Comments

DF  Okamoto Shosei (Albirex Niigata U-15)
I’m very grateful that I joined the team for the first time. Although I haven’t communicated with my teammates enough yet, I understood them more through today’s practice session. I got used to the tour life in Indonesia, including the climate and the diet, I’d like to run as much as I can until the last whistle tomorrow. My strength is speed and predicting when to intercept. I’d like to contribute to the team with my strength, especially because of the poor condition of the pitch.

MF  Imoto Kanji (Sagan Tosu U-15 Karatsu)
Although I always wanted to be chosen, I’m surprised to be actually here. I’m still finding my feet, but I’ll do my best, communicating a lot with others. As I’ve never experienced this climate in Japan, I’d like to get used to it before going home. Tomorrow I’ll play bearing in mind the need for aggressive dribbling and staying ambitious for goals. As I still need to improve the quality of my passing, I’d like to pass the ball carefully to assist goals.

DF  Fukushima Hayato (Matsuhashi Junior High School)
I felt frustrated that I wasn’t chosen to play in the previous Japan-Central Asia U-15 Football Exchange Tournament, even though I was selected for the large camp. As I found my issues in communication and taking on fluids, not to mention the actual game, I’m trying harder this time. First, I wasn’t sure about the Indonesian climate, but I think I’ve got used to it now. Tomorrow I’ll keep aiming to intercept the ball. I’d like to be physically stronger and defend any goals with my body in our area.

MF  Fukuoka Shimpei (Kyoto Sanga F.C.U-15)
In the Japan-Central Asia U-15 Football Exchange Tournament, I saw strong countries, such as Iran. They were not only physically strong, but also had techniques in switching attack and defence. I’m very pleased that I joined the team for the first time, and I’d like to keep showing off my skill to always be able to play for the national team. I got used to both the climate in Indonesia and the playing style of this team. I expect to experience various positioning in tomorrow’s match. I’d like to do my best in any position.

Schedule

*The schedule is subject to change due to the team condition, the weather, etc.

Future Schedule