SAMURAI BLUE (Japan National Team) attended a practice session on 6 September, in preparation for the match against Afghanistan in the second round of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia Asian qualification, which is to be held in two days time in Tehran.

It was slightly cooler on the second day in Tehran, and the players did some jogging and physical training. They were divided into three groups to practice receiving the ball and passing it in a limited area, focusing on switching and the speed of passes. Then they held a closed session to mainly check attacking tactics.

After the first proper practice session at altitudes between 1200 and 1500 meters above sea level in Tehran, the midfielder KAGAWA Shinji (Borussia Dortmund/Germany) noted, feeling the differences in the environment: “I tend to have a shortness of breath after sprints due to this high altitude. I’d like to adjust it in tomorrow’s practice. I’ll show my performance more in front of the goal.”

Although the coming match will be held in a neutral country because of Afghanistan’s unstable situation, many supporters will be expected from neighbouring countries, creating a similar atmosphere to a home game.

Kagawa commented, showing his enthusiasm; “I heard the next opponent tends to come forward more than the one before. If so, we have some space, and I’ll make sure to use those opportunities. Also, I’d like to strike a goal next time. I will focus on getting shots on target.”

The forward KOHROGI Shinzoh (Urawa Reds), who also stays ambitious for goals, noted: “I’d like to show my abilities, as I have an opportunity to be on the pitch. I’ll look for goals.”

The defender SAKAI Hiroki (Hannover 96/Germany), who was at right back in the game against Cambodia three days ago, and the defender NAGATOMO Yuto (FC Internazionale Milano/Italy), who contributed to attack while balancing between both wings in the game, commented, showing satisfaction with the improvement of the team through each match: “we had a good solid practice session today, showing our strength. We could fix our problems from the previous match. I expect our performance will be better.”

Japan won against Afghanistan 2-0 back in the Asian Games in New Delhi in 1951.

Players' Comments  

DF   NAGATOMO Yuto (FC Internazionale Milano/Italy)
After today’s practice, I felt that I needed to adjust myself more to this climate without much humidity and the new environment. Having said that, we had a good session, and I expect my body will adjust soon. We can’t go any further if we use away environments or successive games as excuses. You have to play consecutive matches in the World Cup anyway.

All I need is to keep my good condition, so that I can contribute to my team with my performance. As I’d like to support the players up front to play as they want to, I told Muto: “employ me as a decoy to aim at the goal.” I’ll communicate more with others to play better.

MF   KAGAWA Shinji (Borussia Dortmund/Germany)
Although it’s hot, it’s less humid and that's better. I’d like to receive passes more often with more stamina than the match against Cambodia from the first half, showing my ambition for goals.

I need to fix the speed for initiating attacks, including speeding up before the goal and focusing on the change in speed. I’d like to play, thinking of initiating movements. I don’t want to think about the score too much, but will focus on taking shots at goal whenever I have opportunities.

FW   KOHROGI Shinzoh (Urawa Reds)
I think we have almost recovered from the flight. As we still have some time before the game, I think we can adjust ourselves. We had a good practice session. As I have an opportunity to be on the pitch, personally I’d like to get a good result whenever I have the opportunity, as does the team.

I’d like to show my performance more in front of the goal, because I don’t think I have shown it enough yet. I’d like to display my skill in practice sessions as well, so that other teammates can understand my strengths.

DF   YONEKURA Koki (Gamba Osaka)
Although it’s very dry here, I don’t think it will affect the match too much. We fixed our problems from the previous match in detail in today’s session. I always observe matches and get myself ready for each one every time, thinking of what I’d do if I were on the pitch.

I have never played at left back for Gamba. However, I’d like to know get some tips during the national team practice sessions, which will give me some advantage. I’d like to improve myself among other excellent players.

JFA-TV (Japanese version only)

Schedule

2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Asian Qualifiers Round 2 AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 Preliminary Joint Qualification

SAMURAI BLUE (Japan National Team)  vs   Afghanistan National Team
2015-9-8 (Tue.) - 16:55＜Local Time＞ 21:25＜Japan Time＞ (subject to change) 
Tehran/Iran

More information
Announcement from Iran Embassy of Japan – To people who come for the match against Afghanistan –