On a day after their brilliant victory in the opening match, Japan U-21 National Team worked on tune-up training at the ground near the athletes’ village. The players who saw action in the previous match except for the goalkeeper had recovery drills such as light jogs, while the players who played for a handful of minutes or did not play at all lightly worked out on passing and controlling drills and ball possessing. In the afternoon, the young Japan visited “Multi Support House,” which the Japan Sport Council manages at the event site during the Asian Games. After the players experienced recovery menus such as cryotherapy, they had Japanese-style dinner at the dining room there.

By the way, as this was the story on the previous game day, the team had late dinner at the dining room after getting back from the match to the athlete’s village.

After the dinner, they celebrated the birthday of Nishino Takaharu, who just turned 21 on the day　by　singing “Happy Birthday to You” altogether. They did not have any birthday cake just as a regular birthday at home, but he was also celebrated by some athletes from other competitions and countries who came across that moment. Popp William wrapped up their victory night with his “celebratory party trick.

Comment

NISHINO Takaharu (Gamba Osaka)
I never had my birthday celebrated during the national team’s spell before. After the victory, I was happy that we won the match and they took time to celebrate my birthday, and then athletes from other countries also came to us and celebrated my birthday together. That’s something I rarely experience in my life. I’m also happy with Popp celebrating me with his party trick and he screwed it up just as I wanted.

(Asked about the match against Iraq) Though I wasn’t on the roster when U-19 had a match against them, I was disappointed at the U-22 Championship when I took the captain role. But I will get an opportunity to play an official match against them. This time we will surely get a win and hopefully get through the group stage on top.

Foot ball Men, TV broadcasting schedule

19:50-22:00 on Wed, Sep. 17th, Group stage 2nd game against Iraq, NHK BS1 (Live)
※As broadcasting schedule is subjected to change without notification, please reconfirm the latest TV program listing.

U-21 Japan National Team Match Schedule

17th Asian Games （2014/Incheon）Groups