Looking ahead tomorrow’s first match in the tournament, the team had practices in the morning and afternoon.

It was the best weather, beautifully sunny and low humidity, for playing football. In the morning, they first engaged in passing drills, and later worked on ball movement across the entire pitch all the way to a shot. GKs centred their training on taking care of high balls and cross balls.

The afternoon workout was the final brush-up for the match. In a very relaxing setting, all the players did another passing drill by making a big circle altogether. Later on the offensive players worked on shooting while the defenders made sure their positioning on the defence line.

Finally the Slovakia Cup will kick off tomorrow. Players are expected to perform what they have worked on in the training last two days. 

Comments From Players

OGAWA Hiroki（Urawa Reds Youth）
We had two days of training for the Slovakia Cup starting tomorrow. In the training, our goal was to play creative and aggressive style of offensive football. I will carefully make my judgments and communicate with my teammates, and do my best to show what we have trained. First, we will get a good win tomorrow. Then we will keep improving what we do in the matches and aim for winning the championship. We will collectively play our best, so please keep supporting us.

MISAO Kento (Tokyo Verdy Youth)
Finally the Slovakia Cup will start tomorrow. It was a short period of two days, but I think we had enough to make sure the basic concept of our team together. Our first opponent is Russia. The first match of a tournament is going to be difficult, but we want to play a good game and win. My individual goal is to do everything I can on the pitch, hold the opposition scoreless and help my team to win. We will play our best as one team to get the best result, which is winning the championship. So please keep sending supporting wishes from Japan.

Schedule

SLOVAKIA CUP 2014