The KIRIN CHALLENGE CUP 2018 in EUROPE took place on Tuesday 27 March in Liege, Belgium. SAMURAI BLUE (Japan National Team) finished the match in a 1-2 loss against Ukraine National Team after conceding the go-ahead goal in the second half.

In preparation for the FIFA World Cup Russia, this match against Ukraine was prepared to simulate their scheduled group stage opponent Poland. Coach Halilhodzic made eight changes from the starting line-ups from the previous match against Mali on Friday 23, where Japan drew 1-1.

Forward HONDA Keisuke (CF Pachuca) made his first appearance as a starter since the Saudi Arabia match in the final round of the World Cup Asian Qualifiers last September. Midfielder SHIBASAKI Gaku (Getafe C.F.) was placed behind the sole striker SUGIMOTO Kenyu (Cerezo Osaka) who was given his first start since last October's match against Haiti. Defenders MAKINO Tomoaki (Urawa Reds) and UEDA Naomichi (Kashima Antlers) were teamed up at the centre of the defence with defender SAKAI Gotoku (Hamburger SV) given a run as the right back. Goalkeeper KAWASHIMA Eiji (Football Club de Metz) made his return to his former home stadium.

Early in the match, Shibasaki, Honda and forward HARAGUCHI Genki (Fortuna Düsseldorf) combined well with their one-touch plays in offence, while midfielder HASEBE Makoto (Eintracht Frankfurt) and Honda displayed great efforts to chase down the opposing side’s possession. Ukraine, however, built up their offence by stringing passes together from the defensive end with midfielders Yevhen KONOPLYANKA and Ruslan MALINOVSKIY attacking aggressively in the midfield to create chances to threaten the Japanese goal.

Japan conceded the first goal in the 21st minute, when midfielder Marlos ROMERO BONFIM carried the ball up, followed by a shot taken by defender Yaroslav RAKITSKIY from distance. His shot was deflected off a Japanese defender, changing its course, and subsequently found its way into the net.

Japan found themselves trailing once again after they’ve given up the opener in the match against Mali. But in the 40th minute, Haraguchi earned a free kick in the left flank, after penetrating the side with his dribble. Shibasaki delivered a cross towards the box which Makino was able to get to the end of and headed home the equaliser.

As they finished the first half at 1-1, Japan created several opportunities in the second half where they attacked the flanks, but Ukraine kept the pressure on to keep Japan from taking a shot.

In attempts to break the dead lock, Japan replaced Sugimoto with forward KOBAYASHI Yu (Kawasaki Frontale) in the 56th minute. However, it was Ukraine’s substitution that turned out to be fruitful. In the 69th minute Konoplyanka delivered a cut back after making a deep effort in the left flank. Defender Oleksandr KARAVAYEV, who was brought into the match in the 62nd minute, found the space in front of the goal to slot in the go-ahead goal with his right foot.

Six minutes later Ukraine broke through the left side before another substitute midfielder Vitaliy BUYALSKYI found space in the centre to fire a shot from distance, but his shot was saved by Kawashima.

Trailing by a goal, Japan sent out forward NAKAJIMA Shoya (Portimonense S.C.) in the 79th minute and midfielder MISAO Kento (Kashima Antlers) in the 81st. Nakajima reacted to a deflection of Kobayashi's shot and took consecutive shots in the 86th minute, but they were denied by Ukraine defenders and the goalkeeper.

Japan threatened the Ukraine goal in additional time with substitute forward KUBO Yuya (KAA Gent) making a diving effort to convert a cross delivered from Nakajima, while Nakajima himself attempted to curl in a free kick in the last minutes of the match, but both attempts were saved by the goalkeeper.

Japan finished their Belgium trip with a draw and a loss. Their next match is scheduled on 30 May, when they face Ghana National Team at the Kirin Challenge Cup 2018.

Coaches' and Players' Comments

Vahid HALILHODZIC, Coach of SAMURAI BLUE (Japan National Team)
I can’t be pleased with this result, but we played harder and our game showed improvements compared to the last match. We showed great fighting spirit against Ukraine, who are one of the top 20 to 25 teams in the world. Our opponents were technically sound and utilised the width of the field well. Although they controlled the match, we made adjustments during the match and coped with them. We also managed to create four or five chances, which is a lot considering we were facing Ukraine. It’s disappointing that we couldn’t convert the chances we had towards the end of the match. But we saw many positive aspects during this match. Once we add those players who are currently injured, we should be able to generate quick counter plays off turn overs. Of course, that requires coordinating with the attacking players, and we must practice on the combinations. Today we saw too many players receiving the ball while dropping back, and that must change. We are lacking three or four players due to injury, so once they are back, there will be more competition within the team. Through these test matches, we were able to observe many players. Nakajima is a good example. He showcased great performances in his two appearances. With that being said, the 23-man roster is not set for the World Cup. It will be a tough decision, but I will continue to search for the right answer.

MF #7 SHIBASAKI Gaku (Getafe C.F.)
It was a disappointing game. We were hesitant to take the final step and made it easy for our opponents to carry the ball up front. We lacked coordination and combination in offence, but that is something we can improve through our trainings scheduled ahead. I think our team shares a mutual understanding on how to utilise the defensive midfielders to initiate our attacks, but I feel like I need to convey what I want to do to my teammates.

MF #17 HASEBE Makoto (Eintracht Frankfurt)
Ukraine were better than us at the individual level and as a team. They were superior in all aspects. We wanted to win this match and enter May with a positive feeling, but we now must take this result sincerely. A loss is never a good result, but we can not waste this experience. (With the four months gap between the previous match in November) We can’t be resetting our plays every time we are gathered, so we must build on what we have now when we restart in May.

FW #4 HONDA Keisuke (CF Pachuca)
Our opponents played a better game and got the better results. With the team losing the match, I am not satisfied with my individual performance, but honestly, I wanted to play more. We must improve at the individual level and that is a given. There are the x-factors that enhances the individual performances, but we clearly lack that. I don’t think there was a single player who performed beyond their usual performance.

FW #13 KOBAYASHI Yu (Kawasaki Frontale)
After being subbed into the match, I was desperate to get involved in a gaol scoring opportunity. I was able to create chances, but we couldn’t quite convert them. It’s very disappointing that the team has lost. It all comes down to the quality of the final third, as both teams had created chances today.

Andriy SHEVCHENKO, Coach of Ukraine National Team
I am satisfied with how we played today. We controlled the ball better than our previous match against Saudi Arabia. We conceded a goal during a difficult time period, and we also gave up too many opportunities in the last seven to eight minutes of the match, which gave Japan hope to get back into the match. We created many chances, and we could have scored more goals. I think Japan played a solid match. They applied strong pressure from the midfield, and their set plays were very dangerous at times. I know they were missing some of their main players, but I wish them the best at the World Cup.

Schedule

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

SAMURAI BLUE (Japan National Team) vs Ukraine National Team
Tuesday, 27 March 2018 Kickoff at 14:20 local time (21:20 Japan time)
Belgium/Stade Maurice Dufrasne
For more information