Having their final match of the group stage on 21 September, the Japan National U-21 Team had a practice in Ansan on 19th.

As the match against Nepal two days later will start at 2 pm, not like last two matches played in the night, the practice was conducted in the morning for the first time with skipping regular recovery routine usually done on the day after a match.

Nishino Takaharu worked out separately due to his right knee injury suffered in the previous practice, but the total of 19 players trained under warm and cheerful weather. While head coach Teguramori occasionally instructed on even minor details, the practice included making sure transition from defence to build-up and to finishing and 6-a-side scrimmage using only one attacking side. After the original set of practice, players on the offensive end stayed late for shooting drills and direct freekick simulations with the head coach himself giving advice. The players seemed to have already let go of the loss against Iraq and Teguramori was satisfied with what he saw in the practice saying “The team have coming along nicely together and we are playing pretty well now.”

Before dinner, they had a team meeting to look back the last match against Iraq and share the problems and necessary improvements to be made for the next match.

Now with 1-1 record after two matches, the Japan National U-21 Team will clinch the spot in the Round 16 if they win the next match against Nepal. Depending on the outcome of the other match in the group, they still may do so as the top seed.

As a side note, at the athletes’ village, the team are staying in the same building as Nadeshiko Japan and both teams including Nadeshiko’s head coach Sasaki Norio and other staffers often see each other. They are encouraging each other for their own back-to-back Asian Games titles.

Comments

ENDO Wataru (Shonan Bellmare)
In the last match (against Iraq) I played the anchor position, and it was different from what I usually do with my team (Shonan). Before I actually did it, I was expecting certain things. And after it’s over, there were things I did well and also not so well. We could have defended better. We allowed three goals, and that’s what we as a team and I individually have to adjust.
In the next one against Nepal, no matter which position I play, I want to correct the mistakes I made in the last match and show what I can do well.

HARAKAWA Riki(Ehime FC)
Looking back the last two matches, we have been experiencing Middle-East-style football and I know they are different from what we have in J.League. We know we have to win through all the adversity and we know this team can do it. We will make sure to win the next match against Nepal and go to the knock-out stage.

Men’s Football TV Broadcasting Schedule

Sun. 21 Sep. 13:50 to 16:00, 3rd game of Group Stage vs. Nepal on NHK Sogo (Live)
* Broadcast in Tohoku region will be on NHK E-Tele from 14:00
* Broadcasting schedule is subject to change without notice, please check the latest TV programs.

U-21 Japan National Team Match Schedule

17th Asian Games （2014/Incheon）Groups