It was the sixth day in Bangkok for 98 JAPAN players. After having a meeting in the morning, they moved to a new hotel. With new environment and new mindset, they keep getting ready for the AFC U-16 Championship to be held in September.

In the afternoon they had a three-hour practice at Osotspa M-150 Saraburi FC’s field, working on fundamentals, tactics, and shooting. It seemed the player meeting in the morning worked well to re-motivate the team. The voice heard when they react to team staff and when they talk to each other during their plays were louder than before and Concentration was there in every single play. The way they practiced certainly made onlookers look forward to the match against the U-16 Thailand National Team tomorrow.

The friendly match against the U-16 Thailand National Team is scheduled at 16:00 tomorrow at Rajamangala Stadium.
There is a great possibility to play against the local national team in the semi-final of the AFC U-16 Championship where a spot in the U-17 World Cup will be at stake. If that comes true, no wonder the stadium will be full of local supporters cheering for Thailand.
It is a valuable preparation for Japan to get a sense of that projected match and how it is like to play against the host country tomorrow. The match will be again aired on the official website.

* 98 JAPAN: the nickname for the U-16 Japan National Team who look to play in the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2015 Chile

Comments

YOSHITAKE Hirofumi, Head Coach
We got into a new hotel, we changed rooming and we came out for another practice at a new facility with refreshed mindset. Fatigue has mount up for the players and they are getting sluggish, but having another match against U-16 Thailand National Team, we had a good practice with the shared goal and good spirits. In the morning, we had group discussions to talk about what we have to do one day before the match and on the day of the match individually and collectively. As the discussion went on, it came to their understanding that we have to keep doing the same preparation we normally do, no matter what we have on the next day, a final qualifier, another practice or whatever it may be. I expect them to perform well in the next match.

TANAKA Ao（Kawasaki Frontale U-18）
It’s the sixth day in Bangkok. As we have had many different practices, I think my weakness has been more obvious. That’s getting ready for matches and practices and “observing opponents”. Those are things I’m missing. I will make sure to do everything I can including those things for the third match against the U-16 Thailand National Team tomorrow. We will get a win as one team together.

HARADA Gaku（Yokohama F･Marinos Youth）
It was another training for the third match of this simulation training camp. Individually and as a team, we could focus on the training. I have been working specifically on “always thinking as I play”. I am still far from what I envision as an ideal, but I want to keep working on it and improving. I will stay focused on last two matches and want to win with strong determination.

WATANABE Yo（Urawa Reds Youth）
It has been six days since we got here in Thailand, and we have had good practices and matches. Now we are getting tired, but what’s important is “how relentlessly we can keep playing and running when things get tough.” At the same time, we have to improve on our weaknesses, for example how we tactfully play a match.
In the upcoming two matches, we need to gain as many positive results as possible, and if I get a chance to play, I will do my best to score.

Schedule

Future Schedule