One day ahead of the KIRIN CHALLENGE CUP 2021, coach MORIYASU Hajime of the U-24 Japan National Team appeared in an online press conference on Sunday 11 July to share his aspiration towards their match against the U-24 Honduras National Team at YODOKO SAKURA STADIUM (Osaka). With the team in their final preparation phase ahead of the Tokyo Olympics, which will start on Thursday 22 July, the coach commented, “We hope to utilise this match to polish our game intuition both as a team and as individuals.”

The U-24 Japan National Team have launched their training camp in Omaezaki, Shizuoka from Monday 5 July, before moving to Osaka on Saturday 10. The team held their official training session at YODOKO SAKURA STADIUM on Sunday 11 to prepare for the KIRIN CHALLENGE CUP 2021.

Honduras have clinched the Tokyo Olympics by defeating USA at the semi-finals of the Concacaf qualifiers, before losing to Mexico in PKs at the final. With Japan in line to face Mexico at the group stage, this match will provide a perfect opportunity to simulate the match against their group rival.

When asked about Honduras, coach Moriyasu mentioned, “They have a solid foundation at the individual level. They consist of many players with great physical strengths and sound techniques.” The coach also shared his take on the match, “We will be facing a team who plays with a high intensity level, so I want our players to use this opportunity to work on their teamwork and polish their game intuition.”

Coach Miguel FALERO of the U-24 Honduras National Team also commented, “This will be an important match for both teams, as we prepare ahead of the Olympics.” When asked about his side’s strong points, the Uruguayan coach mentioned, “Our ability to build our offence. Our players can put up a fight against any opponent and will never give up until the end.”

The KIRIN CHALLENGE CUP 2021 match between the U-24 Japan National Team and the U-24 Honduras National Team is scheduled to kick-off at 19:30 on Monday 12 July at YODOKO SAKURA STADIUM.

Coach and Players' Comments

MORIYASU Hajime, Coach of U-24 Japan National Team
During our training camp in Shizuoka, we were given the opportunity to play a training match against a college team, where I told my players to polish up their game intuition. In tomorrow’s match against Honduras, we hope to raise the level of intensity and fully regain our game intuition, both as a team and as individuals, ahead of the Olympics. We also hope to showcase a performance that can encourage and give energy to those who were affected by the pandemic and natural disasters.

MF #10 DOAN Ritsu (PSV Eindhoven)
We must consider winning as a prerequisite when we face Honduras. With just two matches left ahead of the Olympics, it is important that the players are on the same page in every aspect. The offence and defence must be aware of when to push forward and when to retreat. How we build our offence and defence is another thing we must clarify ahead of the tournament. Game management is a huge aspect when competing in a tournament, so we hope to showcase a mature playing style where we prioritise winning in tomorrow’s match.

MF #16 SOMA Yuki (Nagoya Grampus)
I personally think that we cannot suddenly change the things we have been working over the years, so I will focus on getting myself involved in our team’s goals and give my best effort to help the team win matches. I will try to showcase a performance that can lead the team to winning the gold medal at the Olympics. I will enter each match with the intention to win the battles in front of me, make runs, compete, score, and assist goals for the team.

Mon. 12 July 2021 [19:30]*subject to change
U-24 Japan National Team vs U-24 Honduras National Team
Venue: YODOKO SAKURA STADIUM (Osaka)

Match Information