The 15th Delle Nazioni Tournament 3rd Match vs U-15 UAE
Fri. 27 April 17:30 kick-off Playing Time 70min.(35min.×2)
Latisana, Italy

U-15 Japan National Team 3-1 (1-1, 2-0) U-15 UAE National Team

Scores
9' Goal against (UAE National Team)
20' SHIMOKAWA Haruki (U-15 Japan National Team)
43' SHIMOKAWA Haruki (U-15 Japan National Team)
75' SHIMOKAWA Haruki (U-15 Japan National Team)

Starting Line-ups
GK: KANEDA Yamato
DF: OSAKO Aoto, TANAKA Hayato, SANO Kazuki, MORITA Sho
MF: ASANO Naoki, KATO Daichi, YASUDA Kojiro
FW: NAKAMURA Naoki, SHIMOKAWA Haruki, TAKAHASHI Anri

Reserves
GK: KANOSHIMA Yu
DF: SUWAMA Kosei, KIKUCHI Shuta
MF: HIRAKAWA Takuto, TAKAYANAGI Eijiro, YAMANE Riku, YASHIKI Yusei
FW: KATSUSHIMA Shinnosuke

Substitutions
HT　NAKAMURA Naoki → YASHIKI Yusei
HT　YASUDA Kojiro → KIKUCHI Shuta
HT　ASANO Naoki → YAMANE Riku
56' MORITA Sho → TAKAYANAGI Eijiro
65' TAKAHASHI Anri → SUWAMA Kosei

Match Report

On Friday 27 April, U-15 Japan National Team played their final group stage match against U-15 UAE in the 15th Delle Nazioni Tournament. With their advancement into the semi-final at stake, Japan came out victorious with the final score of 3-1.

Japan elected to start a distinctive line-up from their first and second match but struggled to find their rhythm early in the match. Despite creating numerous chances, Japan conceded the opening goal when their defence line were forced to turn over the ball deep in their half. However, in the 20th minute, Japan leveled the match when forward NAKAMURA Naoki chased down a through ball before delivering a cross towards the centre, which SHIMOKAWA Haruki timed himself perfectly to notch the equaliser with a header. Japan sought for the go-ahead goal but failed to create any further chances and the first half ended 1-1.

During halftime, Japan substituted three players, allowing them to display more of a dynamical football utilising quick vertical passes. In the 43rd minute, the Japanese side showcased a great sequence of passes to take the lead. Midfielder YAMANE Riku received a pass from the left flank and launched the ball to the opposite side. YASHIKI Yusei was the recipient of the ball, who then penetrated the right flank, before delivering a cross towards the middle. Japanese striker Shimokawa was there to connect with the cross, scoring his second goal of the match. Japan showed great communication and held off the tenacious attack from the UAE side. Then, in additional time, Shimokawa forced a turnover from the UAE goalkeeper and slotted the ball into the open net, capping off the match with a hattrick. Japan went onto winning the match with the final score of 3-1.

As a result, Japan qualified for the semi-finals as the group leader. They will play against U-15 Portugal National Team on Sunday 29 April.

Players' Comments

GK #1 KANEDA Yamato (Kashiwa Reysol U-15)
I am very proud to be called up to the U-15 Japan National Team. It was my first time getting called up, and I didn’t know what to do in many aspects, but the team’s atmosphere made it easy for me to become part of the team. Our spot into the semi-finals were at stake today, but we conceded the opening goal from my mistake. We managed to come back in the second half and won the game, but it made me realise that I must improve myself through my daily trainings. With this win, we advanced to the next round as group leaders. We will continue to work hard as a team to win the title.

DF #13 SANO Kazuki (Shonan Bellmare U-15)
Since it was my first time joining the national team, I had a mixed feeling of enthusiasm, nervousness, and anxiety. But as we trained together, the team atmosphere got better and better. Our win today was truly a team victory because everyone including the players on the bench were striving for the same goal. I am very proud to be a part of the team and would like to continue to improve not only as a team, but as an individual player as well. We have a team with a very strong bond, and it is fun to be part of such team. That is why we want to keep talking and encourage each other during the matches. I will continue to talk to my teammates and stay competitive among the team. I want to win the title and be able to go back home with a great smile as a team.

MF #17 KATO Daichi (FC Tokyo U-15 Musashi)
I am very glad I was selected into the U-15 Japan National Team time. Facing strong teams, it gives me a great opportunity to test myself and find out where I stand at the moment. When I actually play on the pitch I encountered many players that are bigger and have unique characters. But even among those players, my ability to force turnovers showed to be effective, so I am happy about that. However, I lacked plays to receive and move the ball, so that still needs to be improved. I will attack my weaknesses while building on to my strengths.

Schedule

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

The 15th Delle Nazioni Tournament

Tournament dates: Wed. 25 April 2018 - Tue. 1 May 2018
Tournament information