On the morning of Saturday 26 March, the day after Japan’s victory over Bahrain 3-2 in the second game, the U-19 Japan National Team paid a visit with the Mali and the Mexico National Teams to the F1 circuit of the 2016 FORMULA 1 GULF AIR BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX, starting on Friday 1 April. The players enjoyed looking around in the pit area, which is not open to public.

In the afternoon, the U-19 Japan National Team held a training session from 16:00, and then invited Japanese people living in the Bahrain to the practice ground. They enjoyed a mini game and penalties together for an hour.

The team held another session from 16:00 on Sunday 27 March, the day before the game against Mexico. They focused on the coming matches, going through build-ups from the defensive line to shots. The players also checked the timing of stealing the ball and positioning in defence, and played a nine-a-side with a free player.

If Japan win tomorrow’s match, they can still win the championship. The team will play as a united team against Mexico to earn three points. 

Players' Comments

GK #1  KOJIMA Ryosuke (Waseda University)
This tour is our preparation for the coming AFC U-19 Championship in October and tomorrow is our final game against Mexico. So we’d like to play as a united team. Personally, I’d like to display what I’ve been practicing during this tour, and contribute to the team’s victory. There is a good atmosphere around in practice sessions. I’d like to prepare well to win tomorrow’s game.

DF #12  IWATA Tomoki (Oita Trinita)
We need to win tomorrow’s vital game against Mexico in order to finish at least in second place. Today we held a good practice session, going through the opponent’s attack and defence, and sharing tasks from the match against Bahrain. Since this tour is our preparation for the coming AFC U-19 Championship and we must not lose tomorrow’s game, I’d like to play our style to look for a positive result.

DF #6  HATSUSE Ryo (Gamba Osaka)
I’m glad to join this Bahrain tour. It’s my first time playing for my country and I felt the responsibility. During today’s session, we started with a warm-up, followed by shooting practice from build-ups and a nine-a-side game. There was a great atmosphere around the team. So I look forward to tomorrow’s game. As it’s our last match, I’d like to play for a victory with my teammates. 

MF #16  SASAKI Takumi (Vegalta Sendai)
Today we went through tactics in attack and defence, with the game against Mexico in mind. If this coming last game is a part of the preparations for the AFC U-19 Championship in October, we absolutely must win it. As we’re playing for Japan, all of us must prepare our best in order to live up to the national team’s name. Your support will be much appreciated.

Schedule

*Local Time
*The schedule is subject to change due to the team condition, the weather, etc.