“This is going to be a test for me as well as for the players.”

TEGURAMORI Makoto, the head coach of the U-22 Japan National Team, who appeared at a press conference in Yurtec Stadium Sendai on 30 June ahead of the match, commented on the importance of the game against Costa Rica.

KUSHIBIKI Kazuki joined the team at noon on the same day, and all 24 players got together.

The team held an open practice session in Yurtec Stadium Sendai from 5:00 in the afternoon. The players started with a warm-up and agility training, followed by passing and controlling practice. They also focused on attacking combinations and set pieces, and had a 10-a-side practice match, finishing a highly concentrated one-hour session. 

As the practice session was held on the same pitch as the coming game, the players checked the atmosphere of the stadium and the condition of the grass, thinking of the match.

The team – young Samurais from Sendai – will show the world what they can do tonight.

Head Coach and Players' Comments

TEGURAMORI Makoto, Head Coach
It’s been a while since the first qualifying round. Each player has been practicing hard to improve himself back in his respective club team until now. The coming match will be a good opportunity for us to see our current level. In terms of building a team, it’ll be a vital game to decide how to develop the team in the future. This is going to be a test for me as well as for the players.

With six months to go before the final qualifying round, and one year before the championship. We must focus on building our team, aiming at an even higher level. I’d like to show our ability to surprise the world next year.

FW #24   ONAIWU Ado (JEF United Chiba)
Frankly speaking, I’m very pleased, as well as surprised, that I was chosen for the national team for the first time. I’ve been enjoying myself in the practice sessions for these two days. I’d like to show off my strengths – finishing and plays up front using my body. I’d like to play in the Olympics, which will lead me to become an international player in the future.

DF #15   KUSHIBIKI Kazuki (Consadore Sapporto)
I’m surprised at the fact that I was selected for the team this time, to be honest with you. As I was late joining due to the league match schedule, I’m not sure how much time I’ll be given on the pitch. I’ll try hard as much as possible, showing off my strengths, including one-on-one skills and plays near the ball. I’ll do my best to stay in the team.

DF #5   UEDA Naomichi (Kashima Antlers)
I think it will be a good opportunity for us to play against Costa Rica, one of the Latin American countries, to improve individual skills, as it’ll give us a different experience from playing in Asia. I’d like to challenge myself to see how well I can play in the match.

With six months to go before the final qualifying round, I’d like to find out what needs to be improved after winning the game against Costa Rica. Each player will practice to be better back in his respective club team to get his own position, so that we can improve the team even more. 

MF #12   YAJIMA Shinya (Fagiano Okayama)
I'm looking forward to the game against Costa Rica, as it’s a rare opportunity for us to play against a non-Asian team. I’d like to play, thinking of the balance between attack and defence, and contribute to scoring goals. After winning the coming match, I’d like to practice finishing shots in any goal-scoring opportunities for six months before the final qualifying round back in my own club team.

FW #14   KANAMORI Takeshi (Avispa Fukuoka)
Although I haven’t been part of the national team for approximately eight months, once I’m here I’d like to score goals. I think I have improved in defence, which was my weakness, while I was away from this team. So I want to show this progress. I enjoyed the practice session with my teammates, as it has been a little while. Having said that, as we have to stay competitive during this limited time, I’d like to show my strength – dribbling, getting through with the ball, and finishing shots.

MF #20   IDEGUCHI Yosuke (Gamba Osaka)
If I’m on the pitch against Costa Rica, I’ll play aggressively to shoot down the opponent’s chances without hesitation. As the Olympics is given considerable attention around the world, if I play well, it’ll lead me to the future. I’ll try hard in my own club team as well.

MF #8   NOTSUDA Gakuto (Sanfrecce Hiroshima)
I’m pleased to have this opportunity, as we don’t play that often against non-Asian teams. My strengths are to initiate attacks, to face forward, and to take shots. I believe I have improved them even more. I’d like to show those skills on the pitch to see how much I can play against the opponent.

JFA-TV (Japanese version only)

International Friendly Match

U-22 Japan National Team  vs.  U-22 Costa Rica National Team
2015-7-1 (Wed.) – 19:00
Yurtec Stadium Sendai, Miyagi
TV Coverage: National Live Broadcasting by TV Asahi group
Ticket information (Japanese version only)
Match information