The U-23 Japan National Team, who will play against Sporting Clube de Portugal (Sporting CP), one of the strongest teams in the Primeira Liga on the following day, held a practice session from 14:00 local time.

The clocks went forward that day, and it was the best weather since the team had arrived in Portugal. The 17 players attended the final practice session of this tour, while the remaining two, namely VAN WERMESKERKEN Sai, who picked up an injury on his foot, and NAKAMURA Kosuke stayed at the hotel to rest. The players on the pitch started with a warm-up, followed by passing and controlling in groups of five. Then they went through combinations with shots, finishing the session by playing a seven-a-side with a free player. The players showed their spirit, performing aggressively, while the coach TEGURAMORI and the staff encouraged them strongly.

The team also held two meetings, one in the morning and the other in the afternoon, so that they could review their performance in the Mexico match and thoroughly analyse the opponent for tomorrow’s game.

Monday 28 March will finally see the most vital game of this tour – the match against Sporting CP. Japan need to improve in areas they identified as problems in the Mexico game, and show the responsibility of playing for the country.

Coach and Players' Comments

TEGURAMORI Makoto, Coach
I told the players to learn many things through playing against foreign teams in preparation for international championships. We aim to get a medal in the Olympics. Whatever other people think or say, we are serious and must be determined to achieve our goal. I’d like our team to be so. As we beat Mexico, many teams will keep their eyes on Japan now. So we must prepare ourselves to play in a tougher environment, rather than being satisfied with one victory. We face this situation happily to become even stronger.

DF #5  UEDA Naomichi (Kashima Antlers)
We made a change to the team between the first and second half of the game against the U-23 Mexico National Team. So we achieved much, but at the same time found numerous areas for improvement. It was a productive match. Although I decided to be patient in defence in the second half to win the game, we did concede a goal. I’d like to learn from that experience. Beating the previous Olympic champions surely brought us a lot of confidence. As we will meet many more strong teams, I’d like to see how much we could play in our style. We must win against Sporting CP before leaving for Japan. As it’s one of the limited opportunities we have to play together, I’d like to make the most of it and win the game.

FW #16  ONAIWU Ado (JEF United Chiba)
I saw the real hunger of each player to win and the excellent performances near the ball from early on in the game against Mexico. I was observing the match from the bench. As the ball was moved around rhythmically, I thought I could have joined in the passing to continue or change the movement and to send a forward pass to feet in the build-up, if I had been on the pitch. We were all motivated to meet the previous champions. Despite many problems on the way to Portugal, we got ourselves in good condition in preparation for this game. I do hope I can contribute to the team’s victory tomorrow. I’ll communicate well with my teammates to play in the best way for the team.

DF #4  IWANAMI Takuya (Vissel Kobe)
This tour is our first activity since the AFC U-23 Championship in January, in which we booked a place at the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. I’ve been trying to display my strengths, so that I’ll be chosen again for the main championship. As it was a great opportunity to play against the previous Olympic champions, the U-23 Mexico National Team, I enjoyed myself without fear. Winning the game also brought us a lot of confidence. Although we’ve got only limited time as a team before the Olympics, I’d like to focus on each and every game, and look for victories. We’ll finish our tour with a good result tomorrow.

Schedule

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