Friendly Match  vs  Higashi Fukuoka High School
2015-12-10 (Thu.) - 13:30   Playing Time: 80min. (40min.×2)
Kumamoto Sogo Athletic Park Auxiliary Field (Kumamoto)

U-15 Japan National Team   1-2 (0-1, 1-1)   Higashi Fukuoka High School

Scores
28'   Goal against (Higashi Fukuoka High School)
44'   Goal against (Higashi Fukuoka High School)
47'   KOZUKI Soichiro (U-15 Japan National Team)

Line-ups
GK: OUCHI Issei
DF: NAMAIZAWA Yohan, NISHIO Ryuya, KOBAYASHI Yuki, IWAI Ryuji
MF: YOSHIDA Tasuku, KOZUKI Soichiro, HIGASHI Shunki, SHIMIZU Ryoma, SEBATA Gijo
FW: ISHI Kaisei

Substitutes
GK: TAKAYAMA Shioki
DF: KUWAHARA Kaito, SUGAWARA Yukinari, SEKO Ayumu, INOUE Miki
MF: FUKUDA Sho, KIDA Hinata, FUKUOKA Shimpei, HIRAKAWA Rei, FUJIWARA Shiryu
FW: KUBO Takefusa, NAKAMURA Keito, TANAHASHI Akito, MIYASHIRO Taisei

2'   ISHI Kaisei → FUKUDA Sho
HT   OUCHI Issei → TAKAYAMA Shioki
HT   YOSHIDA Tasuku → HIRAKAWA Rei
44'   FUKUDA Sho → FUJIWARA Shiryu
57'   SHIMIZU Ryoma → TANAHASHI Akito
60'   IWAI Ryuji → KUWAHARA Kaito
63'   HIGASHI Shunki → NAKAMURA Keito
63'   KOZUKI Soichiro → MIYASHIRO Taisei
69'   SEBATA Gijo → KUBO Takefusa
77'   NAMAIZAWA Yohan → KIDA Hinata

Match Report

"00JAPAN", U-15 Japan National Team short-listed squad, played the second practice game of this camp with 40-minute halves against Higashi Fukuoka High School, and lost it 2-1.

Japan’s starting line-up consisted of players who were not on the pitch in the game against the U-15 Korea Republic National Team on 9 December. At the beginning of the game, the captain KOBAYASHI Yuki and NISHIO Ryuya led the team to defend against a physically stronger team, not letting the opponent create goal-scoring opportunities. The game went on as a seesaw struggle. Although KOZUKI Soichiro, who was positioned as one forward, initiated attacks to look for goals, the team was always one step away from finding the back of the net. Then in the 28th minute, the opponent got through the left wing, striking the opener from a cross. The game went into the second half at 1-0 despite Japan’s good effort.

Although Japan was eager to level the game in the second half, they conceded another goal in the 44th minute. The goalkeeper TAKAYAMA Shioki punched away a shot from the left side, only for it to be slotted into the goal by the opponent. Japan wanted to impact the game. After 47 minutes, KOZUKI Soichiro, who received a pass in the centre, struck a strong long-distance pass, closing the gap to one goal. Japan substituted several players one after another to refresh the team, and allowed them to move up a gear.

In the 50th minute, FUJIWARA Shiryu, who reacted to a through ball from Kozuki Soichiro, faced the goalkeeper 1-on-1. However, his shot, as well as the one from Fujiwara Shiryu in the 55th minute, were superbly saved by the goalkeeper. Despite the fact KUBO Takefusa took a shot in the 77th minute, and NAKAMURA Keito in the 78th minute, Japan could not score the equaliser and unfortunately lost the match 2-1.

Japan will meet the U-15 Korea Republic National Team once more on 11 December.

* "00 JAPAN" is the nickname of the U-15 Japan National Team that consists of members who were born after 2000.

Players' Comments

NISHIO Ryuya (Cerezo Osaka U-15)
We couldn’t score through our opportunities and ended up losing the game, just like yesterday. Personally, intercepting the ball and staying strong near the ball gave me some confidence. However, I need to improve the line control and coaching. I’d like to give attention to forecasting, just as I have always been advised to do so by the staff. This team switches swiftly between attack and defence, which gives us an advantage in the rapid build-up from the defensive line. I’ll practice hard to improve my problems, so that I can contribute to the team’s victories in the remaining two games.

FUJIWARA Shiryu (Tokushima Vortis Junior Youth)
Despite numerous goal-scoring opportunities, I couldn’t score any goals in today’s game. I realise I need to improve my shooting skills. I’d like to receive the ball in a better position to be able to dribble to take a shot, which is my characteristic way to score. I’ll play as hard as possible in the remaining two matches to win both of them.

KOZUKI Soichiro (Kyoto Sanga F.C. U-15)
I aimed at the space behind the defenders, while staying ambitious for goals, thinking about what I learned in France trip – "stay challenging". As a result, I could display my strength by running towards the centre to take shots. Above all, I’m happy that I scored a goal. However, I could have struck more goals with my opportunities and could have contributed more to defence, improving my ability in keeping possession. I’m enjoying playing in this team, "00JAPAN", which always gives me opportunities to improve myself. I’ll try my best to show what we learned today to get a good result in tomorrow’s match.

KOBAYASHI Yuki (Vissel Kobe U-15)
I’m really frustrated, as we lost the game despite numerous goal-scoring opportunities. Personally, it was good that I could intercept the ball and stayed competitive against the opponent. Having said that, there is still room to improve how to react to crosses as well as to avoid mistakes in passing. There is a good atmosphere around in this team, and we play football together very well. As we lost the first match against the U-15 Korea Republic National Team, I’m determined to win tomorrow.

Schedule

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