On Friday 2 August (local time), the U-23 Japan National Team faced the U-23 Spain National Team in the quarterfinals of the Games of the XXXIII Olympiad (Paris 2024) at Stade de Lyon in Lyon, France.

Having kept three clean sheets in the group stage, Japan opted to stick with their 4-3-3 formation against the tournament favourites. KOKUBO Leo Brian (Sint-Truidense VV) started in goal behind a backline of SEKINE Hiroki (Kashiwa Reysol), TAKAI Kota (Kawasaki Frontale), KIMURA Seiji (Sagan Tosu) and OHATA Ayumu (Urawa Red Diamonds). FUJITA Joel Chima (Sint-Truidense VV) anchored the midfield, with YAMAMOTO Rihito (Sint-Truidense VV) and MITO Shunsuke (Sparta Rotterdam) playing in the centre. YAMADA Fuki (Tokyo Verdy) and SAITO Koki (Lommel SK) were deployed on the flanks, while HOSOYA Mao (Kashiwa Reysol) played as a central striker.

Japan showed great aggression from the outset, but it was Spain who scored the opening goal in the 11th minute, when Fermin LOPEZ, following an interception in midfield, unleashed a powerful strike from distance that evaded Kokubo's reach and found the back of the net.

Despite conceding an early goal, Japan continued to pursue opportunities to create chances. A pivotal moment occurred in the 40th minute when Hosoya received a pass from Fujita just inside the area. While maintaining control of the ball and fending off a defender on his back, the striker made a sharp turn to his left before slotting the ball into the back of the net.

However, after the play was reviewed by VAR, it was determined that Hosoya’s right foot was slightly offside when the ball was played to him, and the goal was disallowed. Undeterred, Japan continued to pile on the pressure in the first half and went close again in the seventh minute of additional time when Hosoya latched onto Yamada's free-kick with a header that hit the post.

In an attempt to add some pace up the flank, Japan introduced FUJIO Shota (FC Machida Zelvia) in place of Yamada at the start of the second half. The game continued to go back and forth, with Spain also looking for a second goal, but it was Spain who took the next opportunity when Lopez scored his second of the game from a corner in the 73rd minute.

Hosoya came close to scoring in the 81st minute when he won possession deep in the opposition half before unleashing a shot that was saved by the goalkeeper. Spain put the final nail in the coffin when Abel RUIZ converted a deflection off a corner kick in the 86th minute to send Japan to a 0-3 defeat and end their quest for a first Olympic medal in 56 years.

Coach and Players' Comments

OIWA Go, Head Coach of U-23 Japan National Team
It is very disappointing, but the players and staff did a really good job. In the first half, I think everyone watching saw that we had the chance to take control, but although we were in a dominant position for much of the game, we didn't capitalise on those opportunities, which shows that we didn't have what it takes to win the game. Spain's level of play improves in line with the age group of the national team. Despite our best efforts, this is the result. I am optimistic that the players will prevail against them when they have the opportunity to play against Spain as members of the SAMURAI BLUE (Japan National Team). At the end of the match, I expressed my gratitude to the players and conveyed my aspiration to witness their continued success with the SAMURAI BLUE.

GK #1 KOKUBO Leo Brian (Sint-Truidense VV/Belgium)
I am very disappointed, but I have no regrets. The fact that we conceded the first goal made it a very tough game. I really wanted to play with this team until the end, so that is what disappoints me the most. We would have gained a lot of momentum if that goal had been allowed. The fact that it was disallowed made it even harder for us. We said at half-time that we only needed one goal to turn the game around, but the fact that we conceded from a set-piece made it very difficult.

MF #8 FUJITA Joel Chima (Sint-Truidense VV/Belgium)
I am disappointed that our tournament has come to an end in this way, as I would have liked to continue playing with this team until the end. The goal was ruled offside, but I think you need both skill and the luck to score at times like that. I hope to build on those things in my future football career. We did everything we could to win this tournament, but Spain were really strong. And as for me, I feel I could have done more. I am really disappointed, but I am happy that I was able to play for this team. We were a group of players who all loved the team and could fight for it. We wanted to prove that by getting to the final and winning it, but this tournament has reminded us that we need to get stronger. I think we need to get stronger as individuals, so we don't lose to strong teams like that, and personally I want to grow as a player by playing at a higher level, in a higher league.

FW #11 HOSOYA Mao (Kashiwa Reysol)
It's very frustrating to lose 0-3, and I am very disappointing that our tournament ended here. There were two or three opportunities I could have scored, including the disallowed goal. If I had scored one of them, it would have changed the game. I really feel the need to strive for higher levels as a striker. I really didn't think I was offside at the moment, even after watching the replay on the screen, but it turned out I was offside by a few centimetres, so it was the first time I've been disappointed by VAR. It's very frustrating, but I just have to accept the result and move on. I need to become a player who can score goals in big games and moments like this.

Games of the XXXIII Olympiad/XVII Paralympic Games (Paris 2024)

Football Tournament: Thu. 25 July - Sat. 7 September 2024
Tournament information