2016 NTC Invitational Tournament 2nd Match vs U-19 Costa Rica National Team
2016-7-1 (Fri.) - 14:30   Playing Time: 90min. (45min.×2)
U.S. Soccer National Training Center (Los Angeles/USA)

U-19 Japan National Team   3-0 (3-0, 0-0)   U-19 Costa Rica National Team

Scores
2'   NAGANUMA Yoichi (U-19 Japan National Team)
15'   NAGANUMA Yoichi (U-19 Japan National Team)
29'   KAKITA Yuki (U-19 Japan National Team)

Line-ups
GK: YAMAGUCHI Rui
DF: KOJIMA Masaya, OMINAMI Takuma, NODA Hiroki, YANAGI Takahiro
MF: NAGANUMA Yoichi, ICHIMARU Mizuki, KUBOTA Kazune, TAKAGI Akito
FW: KAKITA Yuki, IWASAKI Yuto

Substitutes
GK: KOJIMA Ryosuke
DF: URATA Itsuki, TOMIYASU Takehiro, MACHIDA Koki
MF: DOAN Ritsu, KAMIYA Yuta, WATANABE Kouta, ENDO Keita
FW: OGAWA Koki, KISHIMOTO Takeru

69'   IWASAKI Yuto → KISHIMOTO Takeru
69'   KOJIMA Masaya → TOMIYASU Takehiro
69'   ICHIMARU Mizuki → WATANABE Kouta

Match Report

The U-19 Japan National Team met Costa Rica for their second game.

Japan, who had drawn their first match with Panama, initiated attacks from the beginning of the game to earn their first victory in this tournament. After just two minutes, Japan earned a corner kick. Although the opponent’s goalkeeper punched away a shot from KUBOTA Kazune in front of goal, NAGANUMA Yoichi reacted to a loose ball and fired a strong long-distance shot, striking the opener. 

In the 15th minute, Japan pressed up front, forcing the opponent into mistakes, so that the team could intercept the ball. Naganuma, then observed the goalkeeper’s movement while dribbling up to the penalty area, and struck a goal. Japan built a two-goal lead with Naganuma’s consecutive shots. After 29 minutes, KOJIMA Masaya at right back initiated dribbling in the opponent’s area, drawing the defenders to him, and sent a pass to IWASAKI Yuto. Iwasaki dribbled up through the left side to pass the ball to the centre of the goal, which KAKITA headed home, scoring Japan’s third goal. The game went into the second half with the advantage to Japan.

In the second half, Costa Rica sent five new players onto the field to initiate attacks from the beginning. Japan gradually took the initiative to pass the ball around after playing patiently. During set pieces the team started to use individual strengths, including Kakita’s advantageous height, to send long-distance balls and react to loose balls. Although Japan continued to control the game, looking for more goals, the score stayed the same. The team won a sweeping victory 3-0, earning their first win in the tournament. They will play their third game of this championship against the hosts, USA, to claim the title.

Players' Comments

FW ＃11  KAKITA Yuki (Kashima Antlers)
I’m glad to join this tour to the USA. I was pleased that I could strike a goal in today’s game against Costa Rica, which showed my character. However, since there are still many things to be improved, I’d like to fix them one by one to prepare in the best condition for the final qualifying round in October. I’ll pursue a victory in the game against the USA the day after tomorrow, so that we can win the championship before leaving for Japan.

DF ＃19  OMINAMI Takuma (Jubilo Iwata)
During the game against Costa Rica, we could initiate attacks from the side back just as we had discussed in a meeting, and scored three goals in the early time of the first half. In terms of defence, we moved the defensive line up and down, keeping our defence compact. After the opponent substituted five players in the second half, we were under pressure a little. However, we stayed patient, and defended solidly. We’d like to play as a united team to earn a victory against the USA, so that we can finish this tournament with a good result. 

GK ＃12  YAMAGUCHI Rui (FC Lorient)
We performed well by concentrating well in today’s game against Costa Rica. We attacked and defended as a united team, and won the match 3-0. It was excellent we struck three goals in the first half, but I’d like to point out we kept a clean sheet, which was also vital. Personally, as I found various problems to be fixed, I’d like to work on them. I’ll remain focused for the coming game against the USA.

MF ＃21  NAGANUMA Yoichi (Sanfrecce Hiroshima)
We played our second game today, thinking of our tasks from the first game and remaining highly focused. As we scored early on in the game, we could take the initiative to control the match. The defenders also led the team in defending excellently even under the opponent’s pressure. I was able to score a goal myself. I’d like to play hard in our third match, showing off the characteristic Japanese style.

Schedule

*Local Time
*This competition is four nations tournament.
*The schedule is subject to change due to the team condition, the weather, etc.