It was cloudy all day, but the heat and humidity were not too high. The players held a training session from 2:00 in the afternoon.

In the review meeting after yesterday’s match against U-18 Muang Tong United, they shared and sorted out any issues that they had. The team will play the second practice game against U-18 Bangkok Glass and take itself to the next level.

The players did some physical exercises in the sandpit at the Rajamangala National Stadium between training sessions. This is a training method for strengthening the lower body, in order to cope with the poor condition of the pitch due to the sudden torrential rain and still to play as usual.

Their second training match against U-18 Bangkok Glass will kick off at 16:00 tomorrow.

*Japan Under-16 National Squad: Team that shoots for the FIFA Under-17 Word Cup 2015

Comments

YOSHITAKE Hirofumi, Head Coach
It’s been five days and the players seem to be getting used to the atmosphere of Thailand and life as a member of the national team. Their performance on the pitch has improved gradually, too. In the meeting, we discussed and shared images, which I call ’resonance’, by stopping the video and asking the players ‘what might happen next’. Consequently, they now share a deeper understanding about cutting through toward the goal and the playing style of the 98JAPAN. However, I know this generation can be very fickle, being brilliant one day and not great the following day. I expect they will play well at their second practice match tomorrow.

SASAKI Takumi（Vegalta Sendai Youth）
I kicked the ball today for the first time in a week. I learned many things while I was outside the pitch, watching the team. I participated in the training session, thinking of what I learned so far and trying to use it in my play. Although there were some issues of mine, such as not watching the opponents and not reading the flow of the match, I was really pleased that I could play today. I will do my best, remembering how I felt today, in order to give something back to my team.

WATANABE Kouta（Tokyo Verdy Youth）
I started in the middle of this camp as an additional member, but I could communicate with other players actively. I’d like to prepare myself for tomorrow’s match against Bangkok Glass, using what I learned in the practice session today, so that that the team can be improved.

SUGA Daiki（Consadole Sapporo U-18）
I realised I wasn’t focusing on stepping and that I wasn’t quick enough to support other players in the practice match. I was blocked by the opponent’s defences when I started to attack, which I can improve on in future training sessions and games.

Schedule

Future Schedule