The SAMURAI BLUE (Japan National Team) finished their training camp in Austria which started on Saturday 2 June. On Wednesday 13, one day after their victory against Paraguay, the squad worked out to cool themselves down at the facility in their hotel. Their session utilised the swimming pool as well as the gym to prompt a quick recovery from the match.

Following lunch, the team headed for the Innsbruck Airport to take off to Russia. The four-hour flight took them to Kazan, where the team will be based in during the World Cup. The SAMURAI BLUE are designated to utilise the facilities of the local club, FC Rubin Kazan, for their base camp.

The representatives from the Sports Ministry of Kazan along with the local residents wearing their traditional costume welcomed the Japanese players.

The team will make their final tune-up in Russia before entering the World Cup.

Coach’s Comment

NISHINO Akira, Coach of SAMURAI BLUE (Japan National Team)
It feels a little chilly in Russia. I am glad that we arrived in Kazan without any problems. While we wrapped up the camp in Austria yesterday, we gained good results in our final match, allowing us to enter Kazan with everyone well prepared for our first match in the World Cup against Colombia. What we can do from this point on is limited. We will thoroughly analyse Colombia and do everything we can do, while integrating what we haven’t been able to openly discuss strategically thus far.

Schedule

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

2018 FIFA World Cup Russia

Tournament Dates: 14 June - 15 July 2018

Group stage
1st Match Tue. 19 June Kickoff at 15:00 vs Colombia National Team (Mordovia Arena)
(21:00 Japan time)
2nd Match Sun. 24 June Kickoff at 20:00 vs Senegal National Team (Ekaterinburg Arena)
(Mon. 25 June, 0:00 Japan time)
3rd Match Thu. 28 June Kickoff at 17:00 vs Poland National Team (Volgograd Arena)
(23:00 Japan time)

For more information