Departed for Camp Just Before FIFA World Cup

SAMURAI BLUE departed for Florida, USA from Narita International Airport taking a chartered flight on 29 May.
The Japan squad led by Albert Zaccheroni Head Coach, 23 registered members, two of training partners, coaching staff set out for Brazil amid “Nippon” call by several hundred supporters came all the way to airport, even for midnight flight.
Head coach Zaccheroni was given bouquet from Japan Air Line staff at boarding gate and “Arigato, Ittekimasu, Gambarimasho (Than you, I’m leaving for Brazil, let’s fight for it)” he replied in Japanese.
The squad has been training mainly on conditioning and checking the team concept at the training camp held in Ibusuki, Kagoshima city until 25 May this week. At camp just before in Florida, “Needs to enhance speed and accuracy” said head coach Zaccheroni. The squad will work on conditioning considering high temperature and humidity climate of matches in Brazil.
During just before camp, the squad will be playing warm-up matches against Costa Rica on 2 June, Zambia on 6 June, and arriving in Brazil on 7 June taking chartered flight.
The Japan National Team, fifth consecutive FIFA World Cup appearance, will be taking on Cote d’Ivoire on 14 June at Recife, Greece on 19 June at Natal, Colombia on 24 June at Cuiaba.

First Training in Florida

Arrived in USA on the night of 29 May local time, the Japan National Team worked on first training on 30 May, the next morning.

There was a heavy squall just before the training in area of the ground in Clearwater close to Tampa, Florida. But luckily the rain has stopped at 5 P.M. right before starting time of the training, the clear blue sky welocomed the squad.

Hot and humid weather with over 30°C as assumed, the players worked on menu such as running and checking tactics running, the 90 minutes of training was conducted simulating the upcoming matches in Brazil.

Comments

NAGATOMO Yuto(Internazionale Milano/Italy）
This is going to be a good chance of simulation of Brazil, said to be hot and humid climate similar to environment of Brazil. I have never been strongly dedicated myself to this championship, I always considering World Cup not only in the training and everyday life as well, I have a strong feeling and desire to win the matches. I know we have to be the leading actor of the World Cup.

KAWASHIMA Eiji(Standard Liege / Belgium）
After taking the flight yesterday, I took rest immediately; I think I can make a good preparation for this is very good place and good atmosphere. Mentally speaking, I’ve been playing with firm determination, aiming for this championship and not intend to make a fuss about this. All I have to do is prepare well in the final training, practice things we’ve prepared so far.

KAGAWA Shinij (Manchester United/England)
I have a strong will for this championship and I should be the one to lead the team. As time is limited, I can’t do any special preparation. But I am determined to prepare mentally and physically and get myself ready with the best condition for the first match.

INOHA Masahiko (Jubilo Iwata)
As the period getting into the final period, I think I am going to review small thing and what I practiced for four years with teammates and head coach. Our team is aiming for attacking-football; I am going to bring the defense line to higher position. This will be one of thing I am going to practice and I hope to make a good preparation extracting four year experience.

MORISHIGE Masato（FC Tokyo）
It is clear how we are going to play in Brazil, I believe we can generate good outcome in Brazil after holding good training in the USA.

KAKITANI Yoichiro（Cerezo Osaka）
This place (Florida) is perfect for getting ourselves used to the time difference as it is the same time zone as Brazil. I’m gradually beginning to feel the championship is coming up soon. Firstly I have to make better body condition. It is important to relieve my stress as much as I can, living as relaxed as I can, and most importantly paying close attention on the meal.

JFA-TV

Schedule

 ※Local Time