NEWS
SAMURAI BLUE regroup for first victory in EAFF East Asian Cup
07 August 2015
SAMURAI BLUE, who drew with Korea Republic 1-1 in the EAFF East Asian Cup 2015 the previous day, started their preparation for the game against China PR, aiming at their first victory.
The pitch condition in Wuhan was a concern due to torrential rain and thunder, which had started after the match against Korea Republic and lasted until the small hours. However, the heat of the sun was back the following day, and the pitch dried out. The players could hold a practice session as usual.
The players, who played against Korea Republic, did some running and stretching, focusing on recovery. Others, who were on the pitch only for a short time or were on the bench, held a practice session under the instruction of Japan coach HALILHODZIC. During a three-day break before the game against China PR, the team will focus on improving themselves as well as recovering from fatigue, so that they can deliver their first win.
The players will hold practice sessions tomorrow as well as the day after tomorrow, and play their last match against China PR in the EAFF East Asian Cup 2015.
Players’ Comments
FW #9 NAGAI Kensuke (Nagoya Grampus)
As we couldn’t fully attack in the game against Korea Republic, I’d like to fix our issues and finish our attacks with shots. I’ll prepare well, so that we can win a game in the end.
FW #13 KURATA Shu (Gamba Osaka)
I think SAMURAI BLUE have a different atmosphere and more responsibility compared to the other national teams separated by age. I am proud of playing for our country and I have been gaining good experience here. Thanks to other players’ help, I got to know them and felt comfortable very quickly.
I could play at my own pace on the pitch. As I expected that I had to play strongly near the ball against Korea Republic, I knew I could create opportunities if I played calmly to get through them. We could have played in the same way as a team. We cannot go home without a victory. So I’ll run and play as hard as possible to win the coming game.
JFA-TV (Japanese version only)
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Interview - ASANO Takuma (Sanfrecce Hiroshima)
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Interview - KAWAMATA Kengo (Nagoya Grampus)
Schedule
Fri. 31 July | 19:00 | Official Practice (Wuhan Sports Center Training Ground1) |
---|---|---|
Sat. 1 August | PM | Training |
Sun. 2 August | 1-2 | vs. Korea DPR (Wuhan Sports Center Stadium) |
Mon. 3 August | AM | Training |
Tue. 4 August | PM | Training |
Wed. 5 August | 1-1 | vs. Korea Republic (Wuhan Sports Center Stadium) |
Thu. 6 August | AM | Training |
Fri. 7 August | PM | Training |
Sat. 8 August | PM | Training |
Sun. 9 August | 20:10 | China PR (Wuhan Sports Center Stadium) |
EAFF East Asian Cup 2015
Sun. 2 August - Sun. 9 August
China/Wuhan
Related Information
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- National Teams 2015/08/04 SAMURAI BLUE tune up for Korea Rep. clash – EAFF East Asian Cup
- National Teams 2015/08/03 SAMURAI BLUE suffered come-from-behind loss to Korea DPR - 1st match in EAFF East Asian Cup 2015
- National Teams 2015/08/01 SAMURAI BLUE start training in Wuhan – two days to go before opening match of East Asian Cup -
- National Teams 2015/07/23 SAMURAI BLUE (Japan National Team) squad, schedule - EAFF East Asian Cup 2015 (8/2-9 @Wuhan, China)
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