U-15 Japan National Team, dubbed “00JAPAN” held their final practice, one day before their second match against the U-15 Hong Kong National Team in the AFC U-16 Championship India 2016 Qualifiers for about 80 minutes in the evening of 18 September.

After they warmed themselves up with some warm-up menus and a 6-on-6-plus two free men passing drill in a narrow area, they had a 3-on-2 training with a goalkeeper, which they had repeatedly done, checking their transition between their offence and defence, such as how to find ways to attack and how to keep their defensive line.

In the end, the team played a 11-on-11 intrasquad game for about 20 minutes and some hard battles were seen during it. But they occasionally exhibited plays in which they didn't seem to have full concentrations, and coach MORIYAMA Yoshiro harshly told them the mind-set to get in the following day's game during a meeting that they had after the practice.

At the night meeting, as they were informed of the death of Mr. Dettmar Cramer, who was called the father of Japanese football, the players and staff remembered his achievements and had a moment of silence. They concluded the meeting, sharing the good image of their game against Mongolia in their first tournament match.

In this tournament, which serves as the qualifying for the AFC U-16 Championship India 2016 Qualifiers, the first-place teams and the top four teams of the runnerup finishers of each group will be given the berths for its finals, which will be played in India next September. If Japan wins the Hong Kong match, they will punch a ticket for the finals in the first place of their group.

“00JAPAN” will square off against the U-15 Hong Kong National Team on 20 September.

* ”00 JAPAN” is the nickname of the U-15 Japan National Team that consists of members who were born after 2000.

Players' Comments

DF #42   KOBAYASHI Yuki (Vissel Kobe U-15)
I had an impression that the U-15 Hong Kong National Team carefully relay passes from their defensive line and attack from their sides. We would like to hold Hong Kong's strengths by pressing and coaching from up front. Everyone has focused on every single training, so the team has a good mood and we feel very fulfilled.

In tomorrow's game, we want to be aware of the positions of our defensive line, make our passes faster and win by any means. We'll do our best so we can compete in the finals next year.

FW #11   YAMADA Hiroto (Cerezo Osaka U-18)
U-15 Hong Kong National Team has their own offensive ways, relay passes and have players who stand out. But I think we can make chances so many times if we stick to play our own game. We have gotten used to the climate, practiced at the game venue and accumulated productive training, so we are ready.

If I get to play, I will absolutely show some results. We have held meetings with just the players, and have been unified as one. We would like to make it the best game for us, taking advantage of what we've done in our training.

Schedule

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