AFC U-19 Championship Bahrain 2016 Semifinal vs U-19 Vietnam National Team
2016-10-27 (Thu.)- 19:15  Playing Time: 90min. (45min.×2) 
Bahrain National Stadium (Manama/Bahrain)

U-19 Vietnam National Team　0-3 (0-2, 0-1)　U-19 Japan National Team

Scores
6'　KISHIMOTO Takeru (U-19 Japan National Team)
10'　NAKAMURA Shunta (U-19 Japan National Team)
51'　NAKAMURA Shunta (U-19 Japan National Team)

Starting Line-ups
GK: HIROSUE Riku
DF: IWATA Tomoki, ITAKURA Kou, MACHIDA Koki, HATSUSE Ryo
MF: ENDO Keita, ICHIMARU Mizuki, HARA Teruki, NAGANUMA Yoichi
FW: KISHIMOTO Takeru, NAKAMURA Shunta

Substitutions
GK: KOJIMA Ryosuke, WAKAHARA Tomoya
DF: FUJITANI So, TOMIYASU Takehiro, NAKAYAMA Yuta, FUNAKI Kakeru
MF: DOAN Ritsu, SAKAI Daisuke, MIYOSHI Koji
FW: OGAWA Koki, IWASAKI Yuto

61'　ICHIMARU Mizuki → TOMIYASU Takehiro
88'　KISHIMOTO Takeru → OGAWA Koki

Match Report

The semifinal of the AFC U-19 Championship Bahrain 2016 saw the meeting of the two team, Japan and Vietnam, who already qualified for the U-20 World Cup. The Japanese squad who aim to become the finalist for the first time since 2006 changed ten of their starting eleven members from the quarterfinals to compete for this match.

The kick-off time for all the matches so far were between four and five o’clock in the afternoon. However, the starting time of the semifinal was 19:15 p.m., and the temperature was slightly cooler than their previous games.

In the 6th minute, midfielder ICHIMARU Mizuki (Gamba Osaka) send a free kick near the half-way line towards defender ITAKURA Kou (Kawasaki Frontale), who won the battle in the air utilising his height advantage and found forward KISHIMOTO Takeru (Cerezo Osaka). He then struck it brilliantly to score the opener for Japan.

The Japanese side continued to attack aggressively after their first goal and earned a free kick. Defender HATSUSE Ryo struck it directly at goal, but denied by the opponents’ goalkeeper. However, NAGANUMA Yoichi (Sanfrecce Hiroshima) reacted to the loose ball and fired a shot, where NAKAMURA Shunta (Kashiwa Reysol U-18) changed the course of the ball right in front of the goal and netted home. In the opening 10 minutes, the East Asian squad scored two goals and took the early initiative of the match.

The remainder of the first half remained scoreless, but Japan dominated the match did not allow Vietnam to cut their lead. Then, in the 6th minute of the second half, the Japanese squad surge into the opponents’ penalty area. The ball was once send away by the opposing defender, but Nakamura reacted to the cleared ball and slotted into the net for the third goal for the East Asian side. Despite their three-goal advantage, they were still on the hunt for goals. However, they could not add to their tally of scores and won the match 3-0 against the Vietnam National Team.

In the final match of the championship, the U-19 Japan National Team will meet Saudi Arabia on Sunday 30 October.

Coach's and Players' Comments

UCHIYAMA Atsushi, Coach
We showed the well-balanced performance and, at the same time, competed aggressively throughout the match. We took the early initiative scoring off a set play in the first half. We had two primary aims for this tournament—booking a place in the world cup and becoming the Asian champions—and assembled the team. We altered the starting members significantly, primarily due to their physical fitness, and decided that these players were better fit to play and win the game. We have only two days to prepare for the final against Saudi Arabia. We will be making the best preparation possible and get ready including the conditioning of the players for the last game of the championship.

DF ＃4  MACHIDA Koki (Kashima Antlers)
In the Vietnam match, we competed with the squad members who were given only limited playing time in the tournament so far. All of those players entered the match with strong determination and showcased their strengths in the game. Our performance today of keeping the opponents from scoring was definitely a position for myself and the team. We only have two days prior to the final against Saudi Arabia. Every member of the squad will make the best preparation possible for the match, and we will take the title back to Japan.

MF ＃11  NAGANUMA Yoichi (Sanfrecce Hiroshima)
In the semifinal match, we nearly changed all the starting members of the team. For the players who haven’t had the opportunity to play much in the game, this was their chance to show their skills and earn a spot in the starting line-up.  From the beginning of the match, we were able to play at our tempo and showcase our style of football. Personally, I was able to display my strength in breaking through the defenders by dribbling. We need to make a good preparation for the final as a team and return to Japan becoming the Asian champions.

FW ＃14  NAKAMURA Shunta (Kashiwa Reysol U-18)
From the beginning of the tournament, I wanted score goals and contribute to the team. I am quite happy to actually do so in the match today. I was always thinking about capitalising on the limited chance I was given to play. I am delighted with the performance today—scoring two goal for the team. The next match will be the final. Now that the summit is within our reach, we might as well climb all the way to the top and finish the championship.

Schedule

*Local Time
*The schedule is subject to change due to the team condition, the weather, etc.
*The Championship's top four ranked teams will then fly the Asian flag at the FIFA U-20 World Cup Korea Republic 2017. If Korea Republic, the hosting country of 2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup, advances to the semifinals, the playoff matches will be held deciding the fifth place among the four losing teams in the quarterfinals.

AFC U-19 Championship Bahrain 2016

2016-10-13(Thu.)～2016-10-30(Sun.)
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