With two days to go until the first match of the KIRIN CUP SOCCER 2016 against Bulgaria, SAMURAI BLUE coach Vahid HALILHODZIC expressed his expectation on his players' performance at the official press conference on Wednesday 1 June, saying "It's going to be a good test if we can show our game against European powerhouses."

In addition to Japan and Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Denmark will compete in the tournament in a knockout system. Before the match between Japan and Bulgaria on Friday 3, Bosnia and Herzegovina face Denmark, and the results will determine pairings of the final and third-place match taking place on Tuesday 7 at Suita City Stadium in Osaka.

Those are the last international matches for Japan before the 2018 FIFA World Cup Final Asian Qualifiers to be held this September.

The team had an official practice session at the match site, spending time on tactical training with doors closed except the first 15 minutes. Due to discomfort in his left hamstring, forward HONDA Keisuke (AC Milan) trained separately again.

"Honda had been sharp, and it’s unfortunate, but we don't want to take a risk," reveals Halilhodzic his plan not to play him in the opener. "I will give a chance to another player." Meanwhile, the Japan boss indicates KAWASHIMA Eiji (Dundee United Football Club) will possibly make an appearance, "There is a great possibility Kawashima will play."

Kawashima says, "It's going to be a long-awaited chance for me if I have a chance to play. I've got to capitalise on it. And I will play in the way I always do, and give it my all to contribute to Japan National Team."

Bulgaria, who arrived on Tuesday 31 June, also had an official practice session on the same day at Toyota Stadium, The Eastern European team include forward Ivelin POPOV (Spartak Moscow/ Russia), who scored 21 goals in his 61 appearances, as well as nine players who have played for the national team only in 5 matches or less. Since missing out on Euro 2016 opening this month, Bulgaria have been preparing for the 2018 FIFA World Cup European Qualifiers.

Japan fell to Bulgaria 2-0 at the same site in the KIRIN CHALLENGE CUP 2013 three years ago. Japan have not grabbed a victory against Bulgaria as the record between the teams is Japan's four losses and one draw.

Halilhodzic says, "the opponents are good team with intensity and power. They have a reputation that they are stronger than us, but we are going to play out with aspiration.

The match between Japan and Bulgaria will kick off at 19:40 on Friday 3.

Coach and Players' Comments

Vahid HALILHODZIC, Coach of SAMURAI BLUE (Japan National Team)
We've got plenty of time for training throughout the long camp. My players, especially overseas-based players, were tired because it's the end of the season but got through the tough training. I can be optimistic. Honda was showing a good performance but unfortunately can't play the first match. I will come out with another game plan and give a chance to another player. It's a preparation for the World Cup Final Qualifiers. I want to try to win by showing our determination for this tournament and also proving that we improved (the team’s performance level) in my second year. The opponents are said to be one of European powerhouses, but I want to see how my players can show their own game against such teams on duels, aerial battles and attacks.

GK #1  KAWASHIMA Eiji (Dundee United Football Club)
I've been well so far from the overseas-based players camp. I have a good memory of playing for Nagoya at this stadium. So I want go out with a positive image rather than a negative one from the last loss against Bulgaria. It's been a while since Japan played against European style opponents last time. We are expected to play a different style of football compared to the style we got in the World Cup Qualifiers, and we've still got to keep challenging. Trying to create threats toward goal and defending aggressively while taking the initiative are things we need to improve. But if we can do that, it makes us not only skilful but also strong. Not being passive, we will always go aggressively on both offence and defence.

DF #5  NAGATOMO Yuto (FC Internazionale Milano)
We are in form as we have been going through a good camp of a series of two-a-day sessions. Bulgaria look like a team playing on short and quick counterattacks after solid defence. In the Croatia match, they were sitting back in their end when Croatia were keeping the possession. We have a common understanding on how to break through such opponents who sit back.

FW #4 HONDA Keisuke (AC Milan)
I took a risk (during training), but the better condition you are in, the more variety of challenges you can take. The injury is a result of it. It’s a good opportunity to work on training that you usually don’t when you are healthy enough to play football.  I'm thoroughly reviewing my body balance between right and left and my muscle condition. If the players feel messed up at this moment only because they don’t know whether I play or not, they can't get results anyway in the World Cup two years later. I think we've got to get more options, and I want my team to feel like, "It's better to play in this way." With such an expectation, I will watch their match off the pitch.

FW #11  USAMI Takashi (Gamba Osaka)
I watched video footage of Bulgaria. I didn't find a player who gave a strong impact to me, but we don't want to let our guard down. If we do what we normally do and play in the way we are supposed to, we can win. Their level is a bit higher than Asian teams, so the key is whether we can play our game against such a team. I always think of getting results.

Ivaylo PETEV, Coach of Bulgaria National Team
I hope it's going to be a good tournament. We are ready to play against good teams. We want to play a good game against Japan and other two teams. I know Japan have good players and they are a great team. We believe the KIRIN CUP will be a valuable tournament for our team's growth and development.

JFA-TV (Japanese version only)

Schedule

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

KIRIN CUP SOCCER 2016

Held in knockout system among SAMURAI BLUE (Japan National Team), Bosnia Herzegovina, Bulgaria and Denmark.

2016-6-3 (Fri.) Aichi/Toyota Stadium
16:00 kick-off (subject to change)  Bosnia Herzegovina National Team vs Denmark National Team
19:40 kick-off (subject to change)  SAMURAI BLUE (Japan National Team) vs Bulgaria National Team

2016-6-7 (Tue,) Osaka/Suita City Football Stadium
16:00 kick-off (subject to change)  Bosnia Herzegovina National Team or Denmark National Team vs Bulgaria National Team
19:30 kick-off (subject to change)  SAMURAI BLUE (Japan National Team) vs Bosnia Herzegovina National Team or Denmark National Team

More information

KIRIN CUP MUSEUM

Japan against the world, KIRIN CUP MUSEUM tracing the history is now open!