On Sunday 5 March, the U-20 Japan National Team held their final training session ahead of their second group stage match against the Kyrgyz Republic in the AFC U20 Asian Cup Uzbekistan 2023.

Following their 2-1 victory over China PR on Friday, the players spent a day recovering their body on Saturday, before holding this training session, where they went over their tactics against their next opponent, the Kyrgyz Republic.

“We weren’t able to demonstrate our rhythm and collectiveness after conceding the first goal in the early minutes of the match against China PR,” said Head Coach TOGASHI Koichi, who pointed out that their ability to maintain their composure will be the key in their next match against the speedy and technically-sound Kyrgyz side.

Speaking of the team, coach Togashi commented, “The 23 players selected here are capable of fighting in many different ways. The team is preparing with a positive vibe both on and off the pitch.” The presence of team chef NISHI Yoshiteru has also helped the players prepare themselves, as one of the team staff pointed out, “The players' appetites have clearly increased. During these long stays abroad, it is crucial that they do not lose weight.”

The U-20 Japan National Team will play their second group stage match of the AFC U20 Asian Cup Uzbekistan 2023 against the U-20 Kyrgyz Republic National Team on Monday 6 March.

Coach’s Comment

TOGASHI Koichi, Head Coach of U-20 Japan National Team
It is important that we play our own game against the Kyrgyz Republic, who consist of many talented players and fast strikers. In our match against China PR, we spent the entire first half trying to recover from the opening goal we conceded, which disabled us from demonstrating our rhythm and collectiveness. That is why it is so important for us to showcase a solid performance from the outset. We have spent a lot of time working on our set-pieces since last year, so we hope to capitalise from it. The 23 players selected here are capable of fighting in many different ways and we hope to use that to our advantage when we face the Kyrgyz side.

AFC U20 Asian Cup Uzbekistan 2023

Tournament Dates: Wed. 1 - Sat. 18 March 2023

Tournament Information

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