SAMURAI BLUE (the Japan National Team), who aim to become back-to-back champions in the EAFF East Asian Cup, started their practice session in Wuhan, China on 31 July in preparation for the coming opening match against Korea DPR in two days.

Vahid HALILHODZIC, the coach, appeared at an official press conference prior to the championship and expressed his enthusiasm: “although the players seem to be tired, they have strong ambition and spirit.”

As this championship is not included in the FIFA Calendar and is also before the season’s start in Europe, most of the players in the team comes from the J.League, including young newcomers to the team. Many of them played a match in the league on 29 July and flew to China on 30 July. So they focused on recovering during the evening practice session that night.

In front of the media, the players started running after sunset in the cooler temperature. Then the outfield players moved onto light exercises, such as dribbling, kick-ups, and passing the ball around. There was a relaxing atmosphere with occasional smiles around. 

The three goalkeepers, on the other hand, practiced saving short-distance shots, and focused on some physical training with detailed step-movement.

Japan won the previous East Asian Cup in Korea Republic in 2013. The team will meet Korea DPR on 2 August, Korea Republic on 5 August, and China PR on 9 August. Four countries will play each other in a round-robin league style to decide the winner.

In the meeting just after arriving in China, the coach Halilhodzic encouraged his new team with the newcomers to “meet this challenges”. He commented: “the most vital thing is recovering. I have three strategic plans, but I’d like to decide which one to use depending on the players’ condition in the practice sessions.”

He also expressed his expectation: “I’d like to make this championship an excellent one with top performances. I hope the players will show their strong motivation on the pitch.”

Japan rank 50th in the FIFA World Ranking, while Korea DPR rank 129th, Korea Republic 52nd, and China PR 77th. Japan’s record against Korea DPR is 7 wins, 6 losses and 4 draws, against Korea Republic is 13 wins, 38 losses and 22 draws, and against China PR is 11 wins, 7 losses and 6 draws.

The defender MORISHIGE Masato (F.C. Tokyo), who attended the media conference with the coach, commented: “it wasn’t easy at all to win the previous championship. It will be harder this time.” He also expressed his target: “I aim to win the championship with my new teammates.”

All the matches will be held at the Wuhan Sports Centre Stadium.

Coach and Players' Comments

Vahid HALILHODZIC, Coach of SAMURAI BLUE (Japan National Team)
Although the players seem to be tired, they have strong ambition and spirit. I encouraged the players to “meet this challenge” in yesterday’s meeting.

Although I have three strategic plans, I’d like to decide which one to use depending on the players’ condition in the practice sessions today and tomorrow. As three players have picked up injuries, I can’t decide who will start the game until I see their condition in tomorrow’s practice session. I’d like to try out the players in many combinations in the three matches of the championship.

The most vital thing for the players is recovering. Although we only have one more day, tomorrow, for a proper practice session before the match against Korea DPR, I expect that the players will show their strong motivation on the pitch. I’d like to make this championship an excellent one with top performances. 

DF   MORISHIGE Masato (F.C. Tokyo)
We are going to face this championship with newcomers in our team, but we aim to win the tournament. It wasn’t easy at all to win the previous championship. However, I expect it will be even harder this time, as we have won the championship once. The opening match is vital. So I’d like to get ourselves ready within this limited time, focusing on winning the first game.

FW   ASANO Takuma (Sanfrecce Hiroshima)
I was a little nervous in the first national team practice session, but there was a good atmosphere around. I think the atmosphere will be even better if we win the coming games. So I’d like to make that happen.

I’d like to display my strengths – getting through speedily and initiating attacks – just like I do in my club team, as I think the coach expects to see pace from me. I think I can play well under any circumstances if I can show my style with my strengths. I’d like to fulfill my role.

JFA-TV (Japanese version only)

Schedule

EAFF East Asian Cup 2015

Sun. 2 August - Sun. 9 August
China/Wuhan
More information