The U-23 Japan National Team, the squad for the Rio de Janeiro Olympics, had training in Nagano on Monday 27 June ahead of the KIRIN CHALLENGE CUP 2016 against the U-23 South Africa National Team to be held two days later at General Sports Stadium ALWIN.

Seven players joined up with the team, including Fagiano Okayama (J2) midfielder YAJIMA Shinya and F.C. Tokyo forward NAKAJIMA Shoya, who just came back from injury. Because of their appearance in J2 or J3 league matches the previous day, the squad had a recovery session such as a running exercise, while midfielder ENDO Wataru (Urawa Reds) continued to work out separately.

J1 club players, divided into each position, went through offence and defence on cross balls. In a build-up drill simulated to matchups against African countries, Japan coach TEGURAMORI Makoto instructed to maintain a proper distance between players, saying "You've got to try to organise yourselves," as midfielder OSHIMA Ryota (Kawasaki Frontale) scored a goal with a crisp move.

Goalkeepers KUSHIBIKI Masatoshi (Kashima Antlers) and NAKAMURA Kosuke (Kashiwa Reysol) deliberately worked on defending against cross balls while field players were cooling down.

The match against South Africa is the last test in Japan before the Olympics, and the 18-man squad for the finals will be announced on Friday 1 July.

Due to injury in February, MUROYA Sei (F.C. Tokyo) joined the national team activity for the first time since the last January's AFC U-23 Championship, where his team claimed an Olympic spot. "I made it just in time for the last chance. I want to showcase myself to make the Olympic squad," said Muroya.

Japan's match against South Africa is scheduled to kick off at 19:30 on Wednesday 29 June.

Players' Comments

MF #13  NAKAJIMA Shoya (F.C. Tokyo)
I don't stick to the kit number. I just want to play well to help Japan win in the Olympics. I wasn't nervous even though I got injured. After coming back, I don't really feel any rust (due to the injury) during a match. I want to not only take shots but also create chances, and I will try to play well whatever my position is. The South Africa match is at home and we can't afford to lose. I want to make it a match that everyone can enjoy.

DF #2  MUROYA Sei (F.C. Tokyo)
I played three matches after coming back, and my condition and quality of play is getting better every match. I think I can play 90 minutes without any trouble if I want to. And my match sharpness also has no problem. I will try to get back in form as soon as possible like getting back the condition before the injury. I was called up just before the squad announcement, and this is my first and last chance. I am strongly motivated as I say to myself, "I'll definitely make it here."

FW #9  SUZUKI Musashi (Albirex Niigata)
I was watching the Toulon International Tournament on TV, and the team created chances and I don't think they had a big difference of team level from other teams. But I felt the team needed to improve accuracy in front of goal. Upfront players are expected to solve that part, and I don't want to make this match the one that makes me say "We could've won if I had scored." Minimising such a possibility as much as possible, we will decide the match ourselves.

MF #11  NOTSUDA Gakuto (Albirex Niigata)
There are many good players and rivals at my position, but I want to show my strength of play. In the Toulon International Tournament, I missed a lot of shots early and I couldn't cool myself down.

I will try to stick to scoring a goal even during training and take a shot with no hesitation and just composure. On defence, I will keep trying to go on the ball with intensity and keep pressing on the opponents. Because you can't do well in the world unless you battle with intensity, I need to go aggressively.

MF #8  OHSHIMA Ryota (Kawasaki Frontale)
I'm not sure if I will be named to the squad for the finals, so I will try to showcase myself. I'm expected to touch the ball many times on offence. But as a defensive midfielder, I'm also expected to battle on the ball and defend well. I'm trying to improve quick shifts between offence and defence by talking with my teammates.

Schedule

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

KIRIN CHALLENGE CUP 2016

U-23 Japan National Team  vs  U-23 South Africa National Team
Wed. 29 June 2016 kick off 19:30 (tbd)
Nagano/General Sports Stadium ALWIN