International Friendly Match vs U-23 Vietnam National Team
2016-1-7 (Thu.) - 16:30   Playing Time: 90min. (45min.×2) 
Al Ahli Stadium (Doha/Qatar)

U-23 Japan National Team   2-0 (2-0, 0-0)   U-23 Vietnam National Team

Scores
11'   TOYOKAWA Yuta (U-23 Japan National Team)
18'   ONAIWU Ado (U-23 Japan National Team)

Line-ups
5　UEDA Naomichi
12　MUROYA Sei
13　NARA Tatsuki
14　TOYOKAWA Yuta
15　KAMEKAWA Masashi
16　ASANO Takuma
17　MISAO Kento
19　IDEGUCHI Yosuke
20　ONAIWU Ado
21　YAJIMA Shinya
22　SUGIMOTO Daichi

Substitutes
1　KUSHIBIKI Masatoshi
2　MATSUBARA Ken
4　IWANAMI Takuya
6　YAMANAKA Ryosuke
7　HARAKAWA Riki
8　OHSHIMA Ryota
9　SUZUKI Musashi
10　NAKAJIMA Shoya
11　KUBO Yuya
18　MINAMINO Takumi
23　NIEKAWA Ayumi

HT　SUGIMOTO Daichi → NIEKAWA Ayumi
69'　ASANO Takuma → SUZUKI Musashi
69'　TOYOKAWA Yuta → MINAMINO Takumi
69'　MISAO Kento → HARAKAWA Riki

Match Report

U-23 Japan National Team will meet the U-23 Vietnam National Team at Al Ahli Stadium the day after the match against the U-23 Syria National Team. The coach MIURA Toshiya leads Vietnam. Japan played against Vietnam in the qualifiers of the AFC U-23 Championship in March 2015, which was also first qualifying round of the Olympics, and won the game 2-0. The game against Vietnam was also completely closed to supporters as well as to media, just like the one against Syria.

Japan, who made 10-player changes to the team from the game against Syria, took the initiative from the beginning. After 11 minutes, TOYOKAWA Yuta reacted to a pass from YAJIMA Shinya, and fired a volley, striking the opener.

Then in the 18th minute, after ASANO Takuma’s shot from the space behind defenders was saved by the opponent’s goalkeeper, ONAIWU Ado took a shot without any break. Japan added insurance, building a two-goal lead, early in the match before halftime. NIEKAWA Ayumi replaced SUGIMOTO Daichi in the second half. Vietnam, on the other hand, substituted all 11 players. Vietnam started to pick up their pace with fresh strength. In the 68th minute, although Japan sent three new players to look for more goals, the score stayed the same. Japan won the match 2-0. 

U-23 Japan National Team won two consecutive important games prior to the final qualifiers. The team will move to an official hotel for the championship on 8 January with the other countries, whom they will play in the group stage. The championship is finally starting, with five more days before the opening game.

Coach and Players' Comments

TEGURAMORI Makoto, Coach
We scored two goals in a good way early on in the first half. The players pressured the opponent and struck goals from combinations on the wings. In the second half, as the opponent replaced all their players, we struggled in some areas against a new team. The opponent fired two close shots, which ended up hitting the goalpost. So we learned that unless we go in for the kill, there is a chance that we may have a rough time. It was good to learn that before the championship, just like conceding a goal in the match against Syria. I think the speed of the forward movement has been improving, prioritising the order of attacks. It’s up to us how to overcome the pressure. It was really productive to play two good games before the championship. 

MIURA Toshiya, Coach (U-23 Vietnam National Team) 
It was very productive to play against Japan, who are a team deservedly at Olympic level, just before the final qualifiers. I felt Japan were really determined to win today’s game. Especially after building a two-goal lead, the team seemed to play to secure three points, rather than taking any risk. 

#22  SUGIMOTO Daichi (Kyoto Sanga F.C)
Although we weren’t pressed too much, it was good that we stayed focused to keep a clean sheet. We played well – we kept possession well, pressuring the opponent for a while and striking goals to win. Having said that, we could have scored more. I think we slowed down a little with the opponent’s pace. In terms of defence, I was cautious about the opponent’s counter-attack. Prior to today’s game, we defenders discussed risk management during attacks.

#21  YAJIMA Shinya (Fagiano Okayama)
We couldn’t score at all in two games in December, but it was good that we struck goals from combinations up front today. I think it’s thanks to the fact that we communicate more nearer the championship, while continuing to practice combinations. We decided to aim at the space behind defenders at the beginning, as we weren’t sure how the opponent would play. Toyokawa struck a goal off my pass. Although we scored two goals at good and early points in the game, our playing became a little unstable, which let the opponent create some opportunities. We should have taken another shot through so many opportunities, but we couldn’t, which was our task. 

#14  TOYOKAWA Yuta (Fagiano Okayama)
I fired a volley off a pass from Yajima. I think I showcased my strength - striking a goal. Winning the match prior to the championship brought us some confidence, while finding some problems to be fixed. I’d like to fix them by communicating with my teammates in practice sessions within the limited time before the opening game. All of us are determined to win the first game, building up positive momentum for the final, so that we will book a place in the Olympics. 

#20  ONAIWU Ado (JEF United Chiba)
I could score off a loose ball from Asano’s shot, which was taken from the space behind the defenders. Both the first and the second goals were made through direct plays. We, both passers and receivers, share an understanding of “going to the space behind defenders”, creating goal-scoring opportunities and taking shots. So I think it’s working well. I believe I displayed my strengths – keeping possession up front and staying competitive. Having said that, I made several careless mistakes in passing, which was my task. As I hadn’t scored for this national team, I’m pleased I struck a goal. The opening game will be vital. I’ll play hard with my teammates as a united team. 

JFA-TV (Japanese version only)

Schedule