On Monday 25 March, one day ahead of the KIRIN CHALLENGE CUP 2019 match between the SAMURAI BLUE (Japan National Team) and Bolivia National Team, Coach MORIYASU Hajime appeared in an official press conference at the match venue, Noevir Stadium Kobe in Hyogo. The Japanese coach expressed his intention to rotate the starting line-up and shared his aspiration to, “Fight to earn the victory.”

The team also appeared at the match venue on this day, as they held an official training session in the afternoon. The players were seen going through their warmup routines followed by a passing drill conducted by the field players including KAGAWA Shinji (Besiktas J.K.) and INUI Takashi (Deportivo Alaves). The session was conducted under a positive atmosphere where the players actively communicated with each other.

The session was closed to the media shortly after, as the team went through their tactics ahead of their match against Bolivia.

During the official press conference held prior to the training session, Coach Moriyasu stated regarding the starting line-up, “I would like to utilise all the players on the roster. We’re basically rotating the entire line-up.” With the team in their phase to rebuild towards the FIFA World Cup in 2022, the coach shared his aspiration to broaden and heighten the overall team strengths.

Five players were newly selected into the roster for this series of matches, including KAMADA Daichi (Sint-Truidense V.V.) and ANZAI Koki (Kashima Antlers), who entered the match against Colombia as a substitute. With NISHI Daigo (Vissel Kobe) also returning to the line-up, it will be interesting to see how the new faces integrates with the experienced players like Kagawa.

Kamada shared his take on the match, “I am fully aware of the team concept and how my teammates play. If I am given the start, I will play patiently while anticipating for my chance to score. My ability to score will be tested.”

Following their 0-1 loss to Colombia, the SAMURAI BLUE will seek to bounce back in their final national team match in the Heisei era.

In order to improve their offence, Coach Moriyasu demanded his players to heighten the quality of their shots as well as their intention to attack the goal, as he mentioned, “I want them to keep on trying even if they fail once or twice. They need to stay positive and go for the third.”

On the other side, Bolivia has newly appointed Coach Eduardo VILLEGAS this February and they are preparing ahead of this June’s Copa America, a tournament in which Japan is also invited and scheduled to participate in.

The South American side has faced the Korea Republic National Team on Friday 22, and lost the match 0-1, making their record under the new head coach one draw and one loss. The team will be seeking for their first win in Kobe.

Coach Villegas described his team, “The team’s strengths lie on our solid defence. We have newly welcomed the young players who fought through the U-20 FIFA World Cup South American Qualifier, which shall bring change to the team.” The Bolivian native continued by sharing his aspiration for the match, “We played an intense match against Korea Republic. We will enter the next match with high motivation.”

Besides the three players who plays in Chile and Mexico, the Bolivian side consists mostly players who plays in the domestic league. Among those players, many of them are under the age of 23, with three players joining from their U-20 team.

The two countries have faced each other twice in the past, where Japan has the advantage with a win and a draw. While Japan is ranked 27th in the FIFA ranking, Bolivia is in 60th.

In their previous match against Korea Republic, Bolivia kept a clean sheet until the closing minutes of the match. With that in mind, Coach Moriyasu alerted his side, “They are capable of playing that way. They are a strong team who can commit to their defence.” The Japanese coach continued by adding, “We must stay flexible and make the adjustments according on the pitch.”

Veteran midfielder Inui showed his enthusiasm towards the match, “We need to penetrate the flanks. The team needs to keep in mind of the connection between the fullbacks and the forward when making the approach upfront.”

The match between the SAMURAI BLUE and Bolivia National Team will kick-off at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday 26.

Coaches and Players' Comments

MORIYASU Hajime, Coach of SAMURAI BLUE (Japan National Team)
We will always be striving to win the match and our approach will remain the same in that aspect. With this match being held in Japan, we will prepare ourselves in the best way possible and give a total team effort to win the match. Despite the short preparation time, we will give our best within our abilities and showcase an exciting performance and result for our supporters.

Bolivia are capable of committing to their defence while anticipating for their opportunities to counter attack. They have kept a clean sheet until the last minutes in their match against Korea Republic. Their defence is solid, and they are also capable of attacking when given the opportunity. We must play aggressively, but also stay flexible to make the adjustments depending on how our opponents approaches us. Both our offence and defence must maintain a high intensity throughout this match.

With the support of many people, the Japanese football community has seen a wonderful growth in the Heisei era. Our job is to succeed the efforts made by our predecessors and further develop the legacy they have left for us. To do so, we must give our very best in the present moment. I will do my job to help the team win tomorrow, which can lead to a further development for the Japan National Team.

GK #23 SCHMIDT Daniel (Vegalta Sendai)
We have lost two consecutive matches since the Asian Cup final, so we hope to break that streak. I am personally looking for a shutout and hope to showcase a consistent performance that can comfort the people who are watching the match. Even if we are dominating the match, it’s still possible to concede from a counter attack, so I will focus on the managing the risks.

DF #3 SHOJI Gen (Toulouse Football Club)
There will be occasions where we concede chances to our opponents, but as long as we can keep a clean sheet, that will be fine. We just can’t afford to make three or four mistakes at once, because that will cost us a goal. This call-up to the national team has given me a stronger urge to contribute to the team and prove that I belong to this team. I am more aware of what message I want to convey and what I want to learn.

DF #20 HATANAKA Shinnosuke (Yokohama F･Marinos)
Compared to my club, I have a different role and the play styles are totally different with the national team, but I hope to make the adjustments as I play along. I want to contribute to our defence by staying vocal and get myself involved in our offence by providing timely passes. It’s important to keep in mind of the risk management while the team is attacking and care for the counter attacks when we turnover the ball. I am looking forward to seeing how much I can perform at this level.

MF #14 INUI Takashi (Deportivo Alaves)
Losing the match is not an option and I am fully prepared for this match. Our ability to finish has been the key focal point for Japan, and we have to be able to score goals in more matches. That’s what it takes to become a stronger team, so we hope we can be like that.

MF #21 DOAN Ritsu (FC Groningen)
We did very well in the first half against Colombia, but we had to make some changes in the second half. I was able to talk with SHIBASAKI regarding our build-up plays, so we should be able to show some improvements in our next match.

FW #18 KAMADA Daichi (Sint-Truidense V.V.)
We were kept scoreless in our previous match, so we must focus on scoring a goal today. If I am given the opportunity to start the match, I will play patiently while anticipating for my chance to score. My ability to score will be tested.

Eduardo VILLEGAS, Coach of Bolivia National Team
It is an honour to be able to play against Japan who performed superbly at the FIFA World Cup. The Japanese players showed great discipline to create a block in defence to actively initiate their attacks during the World Cup. We are still a new team and through these matches against A-Class teams, we hope to improve ourselves and enhance our form ahead of the Copa America.

Schedule

SAMURAI BLUE (Japan National Team) Squad & Schedule

SAMURAI BLUE (Japan National Team) vs Bolivia National Team
Match Date: Tue. 26 March 2019 Kick-off time 19:30
Match Venue: Noevir Stadium Kobe, Hyogo

Tournament Information