Prior to the third group stage match of the FIFA U-20 World Cup Korea Republic 2017 against Italy, the U-20 Japan National Team held a practice session in Cheonan city on Friday 26 May. The team held a team meeting first before checking the condition of the pitch at the site. Then they moved to a practice ground in order to work on set pieces, build-ups, and training in a game format.

16 teams in total – 12 teams, who are top the two teams of each group, and the top four among the third placed in each group – will advance to the knockout stage. Japan play in group D, in which Uruguay are currently in the lead with six points, followed by Italy on goal differences with the same points, while Japan are sitting in third and South Africa in fourth place without a win after two games. Three matches of both group A and group B were already held. The final group stage games of group C and D will be played on Saturday 27 May and the ones in group E and F will be on Sunday 28 May.

Since Italy will only need to earn one more point by drawing with Japan to get through to the next stage, the coach UCHIYAMA Atsushi commented: ‘we need to play, bearing in mind what the opponent needs or how they’d play to get through. We’d like to play as many matches as possible by qualifying for the next stage.’

Due to injury, OGAWA Koki had to leave the team. The captain SAKAI Daisuke noted: ‘it was such a shame that he had to leave. However, it’s a good opportunity for the forwards. If we perform as well as OGAWA, the level of the team will be pushed up.

The potential of our team will be tested.’ TAGAWA Kyosuke, who has not been on the pitch so far in the past two matches, commented enthusiastically: ‘whenever I have my opportunity, I will do my best. Scoring would be the best I’d ask for. Although I expect a tough match, I believe we will have our time if we look for our chances.’

The U-20 Japan National Team’s third group stage game against U-20 Italy will kick off at Cheonan Sports Complex at 20:00 on Saturday 27 May.

Coach's and Players' Comments

UCHIYAMA Atsushi, Coach
We’ve been aiming to get through the group stage and play as many matches as possible. We need to judge games and plays well, understanding the opponent’s situation and requirements to advance to the next stage. Having said that, we must stay balanced, while Italy defend solidly. I’d like to choose players, bearing in mind their physical and mental condition after consecutive matches. I’d like to think of all three games of the group stage as one stage, and use our win in the first match to our advantage.

FW #13 IWASAKI Yuto (Kyoto Sanga F.C.)
Italy’s defence is solid. Since they may play to draw in order to just get through the group stage, I know it’ll be tough. Although OGAWA’s absence does impact the team, we just have to do what we can. We’d like to perform well as the best players for the team.

MF #7 DOAN Ritsu (Gamba Osaka)
It’s going to be a big match and I’ll be nervous. Having said that, I’m looking forward to it. Since I couldn’t score in the match against Uruguay, we attackers learned that we needed to improve the quality of shots. I’d like to perform, learning from our experience. I’d also like to stay very competitive, showing my enthusiasm, near the ball as well as whenever I have an opportunity.

Schedule

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