23rd International Youth Tournament of Václav Ježek 2nd match　vs U-17 Czech Republic National Team
2016-8-17 (Wed.) - 17:00   Playing Time: 90min. (45min.×2)
TACHOV (Czech Republic)

U-17 Japan National Team　3-2 (0-1, 3-1)　U-17 Czech Republic National Team

Scores
39'　Goal against (U-17 Czech Republic National Team)
59'　SAKAI Masaki (U-17 Japan National Team)
70'　NAKAMURA Shunta (U-17 Japan National Team)
72'　Goal against (U-17 Czech Republic National Team)
76'　HORI Kenta (U-17 Japan National Team)

Line-ups
GK: OKI Yuya
DF: SUGIYAMA Danto, AOYAMA Yusuke, YAMADA Kota, OKANIWA Shuto
MF: NAKAJIMA Motohiko, IZAWA Haruki, FUJIMOTO Kanya, SAKAI Masaki
FW: NAKAMURA Shunta, TAGAWA Kyosuke

Substututes
GK: SARUTA Haruki
DF: NAKAGAWA So, TANAKA Riku, MIYAMOTO Toshiaki
MF: SAITO Mitsuki, HORI Kenta, NISHIYAMA Taiga, TSUBAKI Naoki
FW: KATO Takumi

45'　TAGAWA Kyosuke → KATO Takumi
65'　SAKAI Masaki → HORI Kenta

Match Report

The U-17 Japan National Team met the U-17 Czech Republic National Team, the host country, for the second match of this tournament. As Japan had lost their first game, they were determined to win to keep their tournament hopes alive ahead of their third match.

In the first half, the team kept the midfield compact with the two defensive midfielders IZAWA Haruki and FUJIMOTO Kanya, who settled their movements so they could pass the ball in a timely fashion to right and left, and find their rhythm. Although Japan took 10 shots, they could not find the back of the net. Then in 39th minute, the opponent did not miss a brief opportunity to strike a goal from the centre. Japan conceded a goal.

In the second half, KATO Takumi came off the bench to aggressively look for goals from the beginning. Japan succeeded to score in the 59th and 70th minute, turning the match around. However, the opponent scored the equaliser after 72 minutes. The game stayed as a seesaw struggle.

In the 76th minute, when the opponent started to show their tiredness, NAKAMURA Shunta earned a penalty kick, from which HORI Kenta calmly scored to go ahead again. Japan sustained their lead until the final whistle, and achieved their aim of keeping their tournament hopes alive for the last game.

They will play against the U-17 UAE (UNITED ARAB EMIRATES) National Team in their third match on Friday 19 August.

Coach and Players' Comments

YAMAGUCHI Motohiro, Coach
This result is only natural, when we perform well enough to show our genuine strength. Although there is still plenty of room for improvement, above all I’m pleased that we won today. We’d like to prepare well for the coming game.

MF #14  IZAWA Haruki (Urawa Reds Youth)
We couldn’t find our rhythm and made mistakes in yesterday’s match against Ukraine, as it was our first game. However, we could pass the ball around as a team today, and I could play calmly. Although the Czech Republic is physically stronger and faster, we could cope with them today. It was a shame that we conceded goals from our mistakes, but I’m really glad we won.

DF #12  SUGIYAMA Danto (Ichiritsu Funabashi High School)
The opponent was very swift and physically strong. Staying competitive against them for the full 90 minutes has given us great confidence. I’m over the moon with our victory.

Schedule

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

[23rd International Youth Tournament of Václav Ježek 2016]
GroupA: Czech Republic, Ukraine, Japan, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
GroupB: Slovakia, USA, Hungary, Russia