NEWS
Day off re-energises team for Colombian match
22 June 2014
Alberto Zaccheroni, the head coach of the Japan national team, met with the press at the team’s base in Itu in São Paulo on 21 June. He told them that he had cancelled the practice sessions for that day and gave the players a day off.
The Japan national team, who are currently at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, lost their first match 2-1 against Côte d'Ivoire and played out a 0-0 draw in their second match with Greece on 19 June. The team is now sitting in third place in Group C with one point after two games. The players are focused on beating Colombia in the last match of the group stage, which would give them a glimmer of hope of making the knockout stage.
With three days to go before the Colombia match, there is reason enough for giving the players a day off. The head coach Zaccheroni noted: ‘I know each player is under pressure. As they’re not satisfied with the previous two games and the variety of reasons for the losses, they might think about things too much and negatively, which is not right. The best way to be released from all that stress is to have a good rest.’ He explained the importance of feeling refreshed mentally by having a day off.
When asked about his feelings towards the Colombia match, he commented: ‘we’ve come this far. What we need at the last moment is concentration and determination. I as well as all the players know what we’ve been practicing for four years and that we deserve more. We’ll focus on the vital things. There are a couple of crucial points we need to adjust. Within the next three days we’ll fix those and get ready in the best condition for our third match.’
On their day off, the players stayed at their base, taking part in voluntary training or spending their time individually. For a change of scenery, they dined out at a churrascaria in Itu.
The team will start training again on 22 and fly to Cuiabá, the host city for the next game, on 23 June.
Comment
Alberto ZACCHERONI, Head Coach
I know the whole team was not satisfied with the previous two games. Although there is more than one reason why we couldn’t show our playing style, I do think something in their minds prevented the players from playing with good speed in those matches. The result of the first match also had an impact on the second match. It’s vital to play as a well balanced team once again, because our team didn’t function properly in those games. We have one more to go. We need to push everything we have, such as our technique, with speed and more accuracy. When I have a chat with the players, I can feel they will do it next time. So, I feel very positive now.
JFA-TV
Schedule
Wed, 21 May ~ Sun, 25 May | - | Training Camp | |
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Sun, 25 May | 18:30 | "Dream for Our power 2014" send off party (Tokyo/Yoyogi National Stadium Yoyogi Gymnasiums 1) |
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Tue, 27 May | 1-0 | Kirin Challeng Cup2014 vs Cyprus National Team (SAITAMA Stadium2〇〇2) |
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Thu, 29 May ~ Fri, 6 June | - | Training Camp (Unaited States) |
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Mon, 2 June | International Friendly Match | ||
3-1 | vs Costa Rica NationalTeam (United States/Tampa) |
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Fri, 6 June | 4-3 | vs Zambia NationalTeam (United States/Tampa) |
LIVE Hong Kong : 6/7 07:30~ i-CABLE Sports Super Soccer Channel 61 Thailand : 6/7 06:30~ True Sport 1 True Sport HD 2 |
Sat, 14 June | 2014 FIFA World Cup Brasil | ||
1-2 | 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil vs CÔTE D'IVOIRE National Team (Arena Pernambuco) |
[LIVE] NHK G Sun,15 June9:00~(12:00) [VIDEO] NHK BS-1 Sun, 15 June 19:00~20:54 NHK BS-1 Fri, 20 June 4:00~5:55 NHK BS-1 Sat, 28 June 17:00~18:55 |
|
Thu, 19 June | 0-0 | 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil vs Greece National Team (Estadio das Dunas) |
[LIVE] NHK BS-1 Fri,20 June 6:00~9:10 NTV Fri,20 June 5:50~9:15 [VIDEO] NHK BS-1 Fri, 20 June 20:00~21:55 NHK BS-1 Sat, 28 June 19:00~20:55 |
Tue, 24 June | 16:00(JST) Wed,25 June 5:00 |
2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil vs Colombia National Team (Arena Pantanal) |
[LIVE] Asahi National Broadcasting Wed,25 June 4:40~7:20 [VIDEO] NHK G Wed,25 June 9:05~11:00 NHK BS-1 Wed,25 June 20:00~21:55 NHK BS-1 Sat, 28 June 21:00~22:55 |
※Broadcast time is Japan time.
Related News
- National Teams 2014/06/21 Japan return to base camp, resume training for third match
- National Teams 2014/06/19 Zaccheroni wants composure out of players for Greece match
- National Teams 2014/06/18 Japan National Team’s meticulous preparation for Greece match
- National Teams 2014/06/17 Samurai Blue work out as families visit camp site
- National Teams 2014/06/16 Japan squad return to Itu, prepare for next match
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