On Saturday 8 October, SAMURAI BLUE (Japan National Team) undertook the first practice session held in Melbourne, the next match site, in run up to the fourth match of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Asian final qualifiers against Australia scheduled on the 11th.  

The squad arrived in Melbourne in the morning. After taking rest at hotel, they got on a pitch in the city in the early evening. The atmosphere was light and relaxed, and the starting field players of the Iraq match went through light recovery regimen including ball moving excercises and 2-on-2 foot tennis, while substitutes worked harder in drills such as five-on-fives. NISHIKAWA Shusaku, the starting goalkeeper against Iraq, practised together with his fellow goalies to make sure of saving skills necessary for corner-kicks and free-kicks. 

In contrary to the current weather in Japan that still is in the last phase of summer heat, it is sunny but chilly in Melbourne. Defender MORISHIGE Masato (F.C.Tokyo), however, just laughs at the difference. “It’s no problem. It’s like one of those years when winter comes earlier than usual”. Forward HONDA Keisuke (AC Milan) is not bothered, either, saying “this actually helps us move more.” “The meaning of the win against Iraq will change according to whether we win, lose or draw in the Australia match. We have to play this next match as if it were a final match,” added Honda.

Forward OKAZAKI Shinji, who injured his ankle in the Iraq match, worked out separately for a precautionary purpose just as he did on the previous day. NAGATOMO Yuto (FC Internazionale Milano) was determined not to accompany the trip to Australia due to an injury he suffered on the previous day session. 

On 6 October on the road, Australia drew to Saudi Arabia 2-2, who are tied with Australia in points. As the result, they still maintain the top place in Group B, while Japan at fourth with two wins and one loss are trailing by only one point. 

The match against Australia kicks off at 20:00 local time on Tuesday 11.

Players' Comments

DF MORISHIGE Masato (F.C. Tokyo)
Australia have been trying to execute passing football, and they also have a weapon of height for situations like set-pieces and cross ball finishes. We allowed a goal to Iraq from a set-piece, so it’s important for us to keep them away from playing freely by making sure every one of them is guarded and putting our body on them. It’s important to create an atmosphere where they feel that we as a team don’t concede easily off set-pieces. We want to make it our habit even in practise. 

MF SAITO Manabu(Yokohama F・Marinos)
Iraq match gave us an important win for the rest of the final qualifiers, and I think we successfully created momentum that can be carried over to Australia. I was watching the match as I was asking myself what I would do, given a chance to play. It was disappointing for me not to play on the pitch, but I know I have to convert it to positive energy for the future. So, in practices and matches, I want to keep picturing myself playing on the pitch and asking myself how will I do it. I will make sure to be prepared in order to pay back the disappointment I am feeling now. I think it’s important for me to show what I am good at, for example initiating attacks and disorganising defence, in addition to showing what I am expected to do within the team.

FW HONDA Keisuke (AC Milan)
I am feeling the pressure that we must keep winning against teams in Asia. Australia got younger and they have lost some of the big names. But they still have players who are playing overseas including Europe, and I believe they are changing their style game to incorporate passing game. It was very important to win against Iraq, but the meaning of the win will change according to whether we win, lose or draw in the Australia match. I feel that we have to play this next match as if it were a final match. Having more injuries is a serious problem, but we won’t get affected too much, if the next line of players gets well-prepared. I want to help them as well.

MF KIYOTAKE Hiroshi (Sevilla FC)
We succeeded in taking good mood here by winning the match against Iraq. But we have to change our frame of mind. I think our physical condition will get better in the next two days. The first goal we scored against Iraq was a goal off a quick vertical attack, which our coach is aiming as our ideal style. But it’s not that we can do that all the time. So when that style doesn’t work, it’s important to settle down, keep possession of the ball and look for different opportunities to attack. Ultimately it’s dependent on us to do the job on the pitch, and we have to be smart on the pitch.

Schedule

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

ASIAN QUALIFIERS - ROAD TO RUSSIA

2016-10-11 (Tue.) - 20:00 (estimate time) (Japan Time 18:00) 
Docklands Stadium (Melbourne, Australia)
Australia National Team vs SAMURAI BLUE (Japan National Team)
More information