On Tuesday 26 March, the SAMURAI BLUE (Japan National Team) will face the Bolivia National Team in the KIRIN CHALLENGE CUP 2019 at Noevir Stadium Kobe, Hyogo.

1 Win and 1 Draw in the past matchups

Four days following their KIRIN CHALLENGE CUP 2019 match against Colombia, the SAMURAI BLUE will face another South American side, Bolivia. Ever since the 1994 FIFA World Cup USA, Bolivia has not appeared in the World Cups, as they finished ninth out of 10 teams at the CONMEBOL Qualification Round for the World Cup in Russia. However, the Venezuelan side who finished 10th in the same qualification round has tied 1-1 against the SAMURAI BLUE at the KIRIN CHALLENGE CUP 2018 held last November, proving that the South American side is certainly a force to be reckoned with.

Japan has faced Bolivia two times in the past as they drew 1-1 at the group stage in their first ever Copa America (held in Paraguay) appearance in 1999, followed by a 2-0 victory at the KIRIN CUP 2000. The most recent match was held at International Stadium Yokohama which attracted 65,073 people, where YANAGISAWA Atsushi struck the opener in the seventh minute from a freekick delivered by MIURA Atsuhiro. The second goal came in the 34th minute, when Yanagisawa once again captured the net following an excellent string of pass-work displayed by the team. This match represented Japan’s first home win in seven matches after Coach Philippe TROUSSIER took the helm in October 1998. In this match, the Bolivian side was seen anticipating for their opportunities to counter attack, but with the solid defence showcased by the Japanese goalkeeper NARAZAKI Seigo, Japan managed to take away the match with a clean sheet.

Young talents striving to excel under new coach

With the Copa America Brazil 2019 scheduled ahead of them in June and July, while the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar CONMEBOL Qualification Round coming up next March, Bolivia has hired a new coach this January, as Coach Eduardo VILLEGAS took the helm of the team. In their recent matches where the interim coach managed the team, the attacks were led by their ace striker, Marcelo MARTINS, who has scored against Brazil and Argentina at the FIFA World Cup Qualification Rounds. Their midfielder Jhasmani CAMPOS is a prodigy from the world renowned Tahuichi Academy, while the defence is led by a 21-year old centre half Luis HAQUIN. Another 21-year old is anticipating to make his national team debut, as Ronaldo SANCHEZ has been called up to this tour following his breakout season at the domestic league.

While Bolivia is expected to launch fast breaks from their solid defence, Japan must find ways to break through the opposing defence line. Following the recent AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019, Coach MORIYASU Hajime has mentioned, “We must come up with more variations and heighten the quality of our plays in order to break through opponents who are dropping deep in their territory.” Ahead of the Copa America, where the South American powerhouses awaits, and to prepare for the intense battles in Asia to earn their spot into the FIFA World Cup, Japan must find ways to earn positive results against a team with solid defence.

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