U-18 Japan National Team had 2 training sessions in both morning and afternoon as preparation for the CFA International Youth (U-18) Tournament 2015 which starts from 7 September.

In the morning, they focused on defence and checked their tactics.

In the afternoon, they had sessions particularly for offence. Using the whole of the pitch, they tried to improve their play in a good offensive flow as a team and they also had a session to make a good finishing form with good speed and combination play. After the 2 training sessions, forward players left the pitch to have another shooting from crosses session.

In the SBS International Cup which was held this August, they couldn’t score well even though they made good chances, so the players are expected to improve their finishing accuracy to score more goals during this tournament, which is also important experience for the team for the next qualifying round held in October. 

Finally tournament kicks off from tomorrow. Japan face U-18 Syria National Team in the first match.

Players' Comments

FUNAKI Kakeru (Cerezo Osaka U-18)
Today we had 2 training sessions in the morning and afternoon. In the morning training for defence, we paid attention to stealing the ball even in the condition that we had one less defender. 

In the afternoon, we focused on offence. We still have lot to do to improve the quality of crossing and finishing accuracy. We have to be stricter in finishing our attack with goals. Our matches start from tomorrow so I want to be ready with my best condition and show my advantages to get the victory. 

SUZUKI Tokuma (University of Tsukuba)
It has been 3 days since we started the camp, and now we have got used to the environment in China and our condition is good. The tournament starts from tomorrow and I want to do my best in each game, not giving any opportunities to our opponents.

YOSHIHIRA Tsubasa (Oita Trinita U-18)
Our competition starts from tomorrow. This is a good simulation for the qualifying round in this October so I keep this in my mind all the time in this tournament. We want to make a good combination in both offence and defence, and put in good performances and to get the victory. 

Schedule