Thursday 18 May saw the U-20 Japan National Team’s second day in Korea Republic. The players held a training session in the late afternoon.

With three days to go before the start of the championship, the team worked on the physical aspect of their game by repeatedly going through one-on-ones, three-on-threes with goalkeepers, six-a-side with goalkeepers, and practicing in a game format. The midfielder HARA Teruki later commented: ‘it was tough, but we stayed positive. We enjoyed our training.’

All the players and the staff participated in the FIFA’s regular team arrival meeting in the morning, in which the summary of the championship, the fourth substitute during extra time, and test implementation of the first video-assisted referee system for the youth tournament were explained. The FIFA referee instructors used video to share the standard rules and regulation.

The 2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Korea will finally start on Saturday 20 May. Four matches will be held in Jeonju and Daejeon, and the host, the U-20 Korea Republic National team, will play their first game against Guinea. Japan will meet South Africa at the Suwon World Cup Stadium at 17:00 on Sunday 21 May.

Players' Comments

DF #5 TOMIYASU Takehiro (Avispa Fukuoka)
I expect that South Africa will put in an excellent performance, even in a movement for the loose ball, which we have never experienced. So staying strong near the ball is essential. We have to be competitive in a one-on-one as well in order to play internationally. I’d like to be ready to attack back.

DF #19 FUNAKI Kakeru (Cerezo Osaka)
I am excited that the international tournament is finally starting. I’m determined to achieve something. Since it’s my first international championship, I look forward to seeing how well I can perform. I believe staying competitive in one-on-ones is more essential than ever. With our positive momentum, we’d like to prepare ourselves as a united team for our vital first game.

MF #18 TAKAGI Akito (Gamba Osaka)
I’ve been concentrating well despite the pressure of joining the team as an additional player. When I scored in a practice game against Honduras, I wanted to show my ability – so the coach could think he was right to call on me. I’d like to play so that I can contribute to the team whenever possible.

Schedule

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