Ahead of their World Cup opener against Colombia in four days, SAMURAI BLUE (Japan National Team) held a training session behind closed doors on Friday 15 June, the second day at their base camp in Kazan.

Contrary to the previous day, where the team held their FIFA Open Day, allowing the public to observe their training session, the team trained for two hours under spring like weather with a hint of breeze.

The first 15 minutes of the session was open to the public as the players were seen warming up by stretching and repeating short sprints, while the three goalkeepers went through drills to block shots from both sides.

The closed portion of the session was spared mainly for defending set-pieces following their meeting in the morning where Colombia’s attacking patterns were discussed with video footage.

While Coach NISHINO Akira spoke regarding his team, “we have a good vibe going around our players because we came here with positive momentum,” he also described the undisclosed session, “we worked on our tactics with players forming teams.” The coach continued by saying, “we were able to conduct a solid session where the players kept their focus. We will like to continue to prepare this way.”

The three players who worked out separately in the session held on the previous day, OHSHIMA Ryota (Kawasaki Frontale) with left back strain, SHOJI Gen (Kashima Antlers) with stiffness in his right thigh, and OKAZAKI Shinji (Leicester City Football Club) with stiffness in his right calf, continued to engage in a separate workout during the first 15 minutes.

SAKAI Hiroki (Olympique de Marseille) pointed out the importance of simulating the upcoming matches and the need to prepare for the various potential situations where the team may concede goals. “It is always possible to concede goals. Discussing those scenarios prior to the match may actually lower the probability of allowing the goal. How we can maintain our composure is important.”

Goalkeeper KAWASHIMA Eiji (Football Club de Metz) also mentioned, “we must understand the characteristics of our opponents, anticipate how they may approach us, and prepare for that.”

Prior to the training session, team photos were taken. As the team staff joined the players, the logistics manager showed up in the same uniform as the players with the captain badge, which brought laughter to the players. As Coach Nishino let the officer sit on his laps, the laughter turned even bigger, which created a very cheerful atmosphere.

The team will continue its work out in Kazan until Sunday 17 before leaving for Saransk where the match against Colombia will be held. An official practice is scheduled one day prior to the match at the match stadium.

Players' Comments

GK #1 KAWASHIMA Eiji (Football Club de Metz)
The most important thing in defending set-pieces is not to allow freedom to the opponents. Deflected balls can result in allowing a goal, too, so we must execute our defence until the very end of the play. There are some aspects that must be taken cared tactically, but at the end, it really comes down to putting your body to the opponents. It’s how we can commit ourselves as we communicate with each other. The last World Cup was not just about the Colombia match. So many different emotions were involved in 2014. We all have spent this past four years carrying those different emotions. I want to make sure to display what we have done in this four years.

FP #11 USAMI Takashi (Fortuna Dusseldorf)
The quality of the Colombian team has gone up, and they have height and athleticism. We have to adjust the quality of our ball delivery and the recipient’s timing to meet the ball, even severely than usual. We must not simply depend on height but utilise speed and unpredictability. Our opponents don’t have many flaws, and even if they do have one, they can simply cover up those holes. That’s why the match will come down to each set-piece and each momentary gap. We must catch them off guard and attack their mistakes even before they realise that they made a mistake. What is expected from each one of us is the same, regardless of when you enter the match. It’s how you get involved in the offence and how you create the opportunities. It’s how drastically you can make it appear.

FP #13 MUTO Yoshinori (1.FSV Mainz 05)
I think we have studied our opponents well and engaged in a quality practice. Of course, we can’t expect everything to go in our favour, and there will be occasions where things will go against us, but we must not be overwhelmed by the atmosphere of the stadium and showcase how strongly Japan can play. Our opponents are stronger and faster than us, and it will be difficult for us to keep possession of the ball. But if we can create time, that gives us that much time to create chances and ultimately gives us chances to win. I want to help my team win. The match will be tense, but if someone can display a courageous play, that will energise the entire team. Ever since I started playing as a forward, I have been given less opportunities to showcase my dribbling skills. But I am originally a dribbler, so I want to regain my old self. My experience in this World Cup will be worthless if I can’t show what I am made out of.

FP #19 SAKAI Hiroki (Olympique de Marseille)
Colombia’s Falcao is always present in critical moments, even though he looks like he is slacking at times. He anticipates the cross balls from the blind spots of the defenders, and he always seem to score a few goals that way. We must keep our focus and it will mean a lot if we can keep them out from scoring in that fashion. We must find ways to reduce their chances of scoring off crosses, by eliminating the numbers coming into the box. As a defender, we have given up many goals and accumulated lots of frustrations over the years. I would like to release those emotions in this major event.

Schedule

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

2018 FIFA World Cup Russia

Tournament Dates: 14 June - 15 July 2018

Group stage
1st Match Tue. 19 June Kickoff at 15:00 vs Colombia National Team (Mordovia Arena)
(21:00 Japan time)
2nd Match Sun. 24 June Kickoff at 20:00 vs Senegal National Team (Ekaterinburg Arena)
(Mon. 25 June, 0:00 Japan time)
3rd Match Thu. 28 June Kickoff at 17:00 vs Poland National Team (Volgograd Arena)
(23:00 Japan time)

For more information