On Thursday 28 September, SAMURAI BLUE (Japan National Team) coach Vahid HALILHODZIC named his 24-man squad including his new addition, defender KURUMAYA Shintaro (Kawasaki Frontale), ahead of the KIRIN CHALLENGE CUP 2017 to be held against New Zealand on October 6th at Toyota Stadium and Haiti on the 10th at Nissan Stadium. The Japanese boss expects fierce competition among the players for a place in the final World Cup squad, saying ‘no one is assured of a spot in Russia’.

SAMURAI BLUE will be having their test matches that are aimed at strengthening of the team for the first time since they clinched a spot in the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Halilhodzic explained that “team growth” will be their primary objective and stated, ‘the toughest part is yet to come’. He further added, ‘Starting from now, we have to work hard and improve the team.’

Midfielders KURATA Shu (Gamba Osaka) and ENDO Wataru (Urawa Red Diamonds) will be returning to the squad for the first time since the Iraq match in the World Cup Final Qualifiers in June. Other young players who are reselected to the team include forward ASANO Takuma (VfB Stuttgart), midfielder IDEGUCHI Yosuke (Gamba Osaka), the scorer in the Australia match on 31 August when Japan secured the World Cup spot, and SUGIMOTO Kenyu (Cerezo Osaka), a debutant in the qualifiers against Saudi Arabia on 6 September.

While familiar members forward OSAKO Yuya (1.FC Koeln), midfielder KAGAWA Shinji (Borussia Dortmund) and midfielder INUI Takashi (SD Eibar) are also invited the team, midfielder HASEBE Makoto (Eintracht Frankfurt), forwards HONDA Keisuke (CF Pachuca) and OKAZAKI Shinji (Leicester City) were not called up because of their physical condition after recovering from injury as well as the coach’s idecision to open the door of opportunity to other players.

'I wanted to give a chance to the players who haven’t had much chance to play for their respective club teams,' coach Halilhodzic said. 'Different squad members will be selected for the coming two matches. I want them to take this chance and make the most out of it. No one is assured of a spot in Russia. Each one of them has to earn it.'

He further cautioned his players, ‘Unless they get a chance to play in matches at their respective club teams, they will not be named in the final World Cup squad. In order for us to perform well and attain good results in Russia, each player needs to keep that in mind and make their best efforts.’ He further stated his expectations for the coming New Zealand match, ‘I am looking forward to seeing what the players are doing individually to prepare for the World Cup.’

The team will begin training on Sunday 1 October in Aichi Prefecture.

Comments

Vahid HALILHODZIC, Coach of SAMURAI BLUE (Japan National Team)
We have nine months to prepare for the World Cup. We are going to face a completely different competition from today. We must understand that in order to attain the desired results, the national team have to perform well and secure a win or draw in the World Cup. To achieve this goal, we must work hard and strengthen the team as well. I want my players to work hard individually and keep in mind that they are getting ready for the World Cup as well. One of the major concerns is that we have a lot of injured players. Furthermore, there are players who are struggling to secure a spot in the first XI. It is important that the players earn that spot. Unless they get a chance to play in matches at their respective club teams, they will not be named in the final World Cup squad.

We are getting into the third phase for the World Cup. It is the toughest but the most exciting time and also gives us an opportunity to play against the top teams in the world. To fully take advantage of this chance, each player as well as the team must be prepared physically and mentally and have a good understanding of the tactics as well. Additionally, we can confirm our current level by going through a series of test matches. I expect my players to improve on physical, mental and tactical aspects in the next nine months.

We are going to face fascinating opponents this time. Chances are we will maintain a high level of possession. In a match of 90 minutes, we have stretches where we will pressure the opponents upfront or stay back and defend at our own end. Teams with experience can control that part of the game. In order to score, you need to have possession of the ball. However, dominating in possession doesn’t always guarantee a win. Players must have the flexibility to adjust and manage the game accordingly to what is happening on the pitch. These test matches provide us with precious opportunities to prepare and elevate the players’ motivation level for the World Cup as well. I am looking forward to seeing what the players are doing individually to prepare for the World Cup in the first of our test matches against New Zealand.

NISHINO Akira, Technical Director of JFA Technical Committee
It has been a month since we secured a spot in the World Cup. I am pleased that we have a chance to play two training matches in October. Now is a crucial time for the development of Japanese football, but also a difficult time to strengthen the team as well. The domestic league is now in the business end of the season, while players abroad are battling for the positions in the first XI at their respective clubs. Even under these conditions, we have to keep in mind that we are preparing for the World Cup in Russia and get ready to play in each of our test matches. It all comes down to how well we can strengthen our team in the next nine months for the World Cup. Unless we make significant improvements to our team, I have no doubt that we will struggle in the tournament. Training matches are place to test different players. However, I also regard them as challenges that we need to win as well. We need to take advantage of these precious opportunities and make the most out of them.

Schedule

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

JFA-TV (Japanese version only)

Fri. 6 October 2017　19:20 kick off (estimated time)
SAMURAI BLUE vs New Zealand National Team
Aichi/Toyota Stadium

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Tue. 10 October 2017　19:30 kick off (estimated time)
SAMURAI BLUE vs Haiti National Team
Kanagawa/Nissan Stadium

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