On the day before the first match of the FIFA U-20 World Cup Korea Republic 2017 against South Africa, U-20 Japan National Team went through the final preparation in Suwon on Saturday 20. After checking out the pitch and the atmosphere of Suwon World Cup Stadium, the squad took time to review set pieces and build-up tactics at the adjacent field. Even with occasional smiles on their face, there was a sense of urgency felt during the workout.

At the press conference, Japan manager UCHIYAMA Atsushi said, ‘We are well-prepared both physically and mentally. We want to keep it compact and play patiently without giving the opponents much space to operate. I am looking forward to the match.’ Captain and midfielder SAKAI Daisuke enthusiastically added, ‘We want to play with a challenger’s mentality’.

The South Africa team finished the African Qualifiers in fourth place. After arriving in Korea Republic on Friday 12 May, they spent time adjusting to the time difference and getting used to the local conditions. Regarding the first appearance of this tournament since 2009, Amajita coach Thabo SENONG said, ‘This is wonderful for the football in South Africa. It will be a great opportunity to show our much-improved young players to the world.’

It has been two years and a half since this Japanese national squad was assembled, and 45 matches have been played during this time span as well as countless international trips. Defender TOMIYASU Takehiro commented, ‘Finally it’s time. We want to show what we have been working on and make it a great tournament for us.’ Coach Uchiyama further added, ‘I have instructed and trained my players to judge and act accordingly to each given situation, while playing against the teams with different styles of football. Now, it is the time to show it to the world.’ Japan’s first match of the FIFA U-20 World Cup Korea Republic 2017 against South Africa, which the entire team have waited for so long, is set to kick off at 5 p.m. on Sunday 21 May.

Coaches' and Players' Comments

UCHIYAMA Atsushi, Coach (U-20 Japan National Team)
In any tournament, the first match is very important. But once we can start off well with good results along with good performance, we can gain momentum going forward. Against South Africa with physically strong and have talented players upfront, we want to keep it compact and play patiently without giving the opponents much space to operate. By making good use of our collectivity, we want to deal with varying styles of football by our group-stage opponents, South Africa, Italy and Uruguay. This is a tournament where both the players and the team as a whole can grow significantly. We will try out and challenge new things as well.

MF #10 SAKAI Daisuke (Oita Trinita)
We are well-prepared for this tournament. We are also looking to start off strongly. The first match against South Africa is a very important match. We want to make sure to secure this one and advance out of the group stage. We have nothing to lose, so we want to play with a challenger’s mentality.

DF #6 HATSUSE Ryo (Gamba Osaka)
I believe all the members of South Africa National Team are physically gifted and possess high individual skills We need to take on a ‘challenge and cover’ defence, where one challenges the opponent in possession of the ball and the other support the defender by covering behind him. We also have to help each other as well. Our entire team including our staff are working hard and are willing to give everything to this game to earn three points. Personally, I feel I am up to the task and willing to challenge with all I have in tomorrow’s game.

Thabo SENONG, Coach (U-20 South Africa National Team)
I think we are in a tough group with Asian champions Japan, South American champions Uruguay and Italy. The Japanese squad are very skilled and don’t give away many goals. That shows how organised the team are. We are facing a very difficult match to start the tournament, but I will be advising my players to have confidence and concentration and enter the game.

Schedule

*The schedule is subject to change due to the team condition, the weather, etc.
*Local Time