After the match against Finland on 8 January, the U-18 Japan National Team did not have any matches planned for two days. On 9 January, instead of holding a training session on the pitch, the players had recovery training at the pool in the hotel in order to refresh their bodies.

On 10 January, the players did some four-on-two passing, had a mini-game in a half-length pitch, and finished with shooting practice in preparation for a consolation final, which will be held on 11 January. They stayed focused during the hour training session.

On the afternoon of 9 January, they went to see the city sights to refresh their mind. Although there was no sign of the sun, the temperature stayed around two degrees Celsius, which was very mild for Russia. The players enjoyed walking around tourist spots, taking photographs.

They had dinner at a Korean restaurant in the city, which was recommended by the Korea national team at the same championship. The players enjoyed numerous bowls of rice with Bulgogi, Kimchi hot pot, Tofu spicy soup and Topokki, which they could not have at the hotel. They seemed to be very satisfied. Then after dinner, Kubota, who was born on New Year’s Day, did a short performance in front of the others. Abe followed and did a short performance to set the whole room laughing.

After starting on New Year’s Eve, there is just one remaining match on the Russia tour. Japan will play against Bulgaria on 11 January to decide 7th place.

Comments

ABE Koto (Albirex Niigata Youth)
We went sightseeing in the town yesterday. I felt very relaxed, experiencing Russian culture and scenery. Today we held a pre-match training session for tomorrow’s game to check our attack and defence. As there is a very good atmosphere in our team, I’d like to win our final match with a good result and by playing well.

ITAKURA Kou (Kawasaki Frontale U-18)
Yesterday we went to see the city sights in Saint Petersburg and had Korean food to refresh ourselves. Tomorrow we’ll play our last match in the Russia tour. I’d like to do my best, showing what we’ve learned in the tour, and win the match as a united team.

NODA Hiroki (Ohzu High School)
Yesterday we used the pool in the morning, and went sightseeing in the afternoon. It was both mentally and physically refreshing. In today’s training session, I think we prepared well for tomorrow’s match. I’d like to play well to get a good result and have a good game.

Schedule

*The schedule may be subject to change according to the team condition, the weather, etc. without notice.

The 27th Valentin Granatkin Memorial International Football Tournament Group Rosters

   Group A: Russia, Lithuania, Moldova
   Group B: Belarus, Estonia, Latvia
   Group C: Bulgaria, Slovenia, Kazakhstan
   Group D: Slovakia, Saint Petersburg, Greece
   Group E: Moscow, Korea Republic, Finland
   Group F: Japan, U-17 Russia National Team, Azerbaijan