The second day of the U-19 Japan National Team’s domestic training camp on 4 October saw practice sessions in the morning and in the afternoon. The team focused on understanding the tactics to improve their strength. In the morning, the players worked on defence, prioritising not conceding goals. They kept the distance between the forwards and the defensive line compact, while going through the timing to intercept the ball for attacks. 

In the morning, the team played an eleven-a-side game in order to broaden their vision to find open space and share the timing to make forward passes. The players also went through plays to check on the right timing to support their teammates. The goalkeepers, on the other hand, practiced catching under physical pressure, using rubber tubes and medicine balls. The team tried out various types of well-thought-out training. 

After dinner, a professional referee TOJO Minoru gave a lecture, from which the players learned about revisions to the rules and regulations for international matches, as well as how referees would approach international tournaments, in preparation for the AFC U-19 Championship.

The team held two training sessions in the morning and afternoon on 5 October. They will play a practice match against Jubilo Iwata at Sports Park ECOPA from 18:00. 

Players' Comments

DF #4 MACHIDA Koki (Kashima Antlers)
Today, we went through attack and defence together to share the team’s direction in preparation for tomorrow’s game against Jubilo Iwata. I’d like to prepare well for the AFC U-19 Championship, play with a ‘challenger spirit’ one match at a time, reminding us of those players who couldn’t come here, and book a place in the U-20 World Cup.

DF #5 TOMIYASU Takehiro (Avispa Fukuoka)
As we started our preparation for the AFC U-19 Championship yesterday, I feel the contest for a ticket to the World Cup is finally beginning. We held practice sessions in the morning and in the afternoon. Personally, since it’s been a while since I joined the national team, I’d like to discuss a lot about football through the training sessions so that we can work on the details. I was gutted that we didn’t perform well in the AFC U-16 Championship and failed to book a place in the U-17 World Cup. So I’m determined to earn a spot this time. I’ll play at full stretch, prioritising the results.  

DF #6 HATSUSE Ryo (Gamba Osaka)
I’m over the moon to be chosen for the team and play in the AFC U-19 Championship. The team held an excellent two-part practice session today. I’ll play hard in tomorrow’s game against Jubilo Iwata, so that we can get a positive result. 

Schedule

*Local Time
*The schedule is subject to change due to the team condition, the weather, etc.
*The Championship's top four ranked teams will then fly the Asian flag at the FIFA U-20 World Cup Korea Republic 2017. If Korea Republic, the hosting country of 2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup, advances to the semifinals, the playoff matches will be held deciding the fifth place among the four losing teams in the quarterfinals.