With their World Cup opener against Colombia scheduled in two days, the SAMURAI BLUE (Japan National Team) held a training session behind closed doors at their base camp in Kazan on Sunday 17 June. The team then made their ways to the match site, Saransk in the afternoon.

Under clear sunshine of early-summer, the players were seen stretching and conducting core trainings in the first 15 minutes of their session, which was opened to the media. The field players were then seen going through passing and dribbling drills, while the three goalkeepers played keep-away with the coaches under a relaxed atmosphere.

The session was then closed to the public as the team went through their strategies as they have done in the past three days. The session lasted for about an hour as the team prepared ahead of the Colombia match.

OKAZAKI Shinji (Leicester City Football Club) continued to train separately inside the facility with a strained right leg.

After the training session, INUI Takashi (Real Betis) appeared in front of the press as he mentioned that he has missed some shots during the shooting drill and that he needs to “change his cleats,” inducing some laughs as he referred to the incident where Coach NISHINO Akira suggested Inui to change his cleats during the halftime of the Paraguay match, which he ended up scoring two goals in the second half.

A total of 32 teams will compete in 8 groups of 4 in the World Cup. Japan will compete in Group H, where they are scheduled to face Colombia on Tuesday 19 June at Saransk.

Japan faced Colombia four years ago at the World Cup in Brazil, where they played against each other in their final match of the group stage. Japan lost the match 1-4 as they left without qualifying for the knockout stage, but Colombia went onto defeat Uruguay in the round of 16, before losing to Brazil 1-2 in the quarterfinals. However, their presence made a huge impression as their core players including James Rodríguez made their ways into the top European leagues after the World Cup. Currently Colombia is ranked 16th in the FIFA rankings while Japan sits at 61st.

Facing the Colombian side, Inui shared his confidence, “I believe in our chances and I truly think we can do this. I will like to prove that with results.” His relaxed mood showcased how well prepared the players are.

On the other hand, SHIBASAKI Gaku (Getafe C.F.), who scored two goals in the FIFA Club World Cup Finals against Real Madrid in 2016, back when he played for the Kashima Antlers, shared his take, “I am preparing myself as I do all the time. I believe I can showcase what I’m capable of in the game, so I will like to prepare myself mentally as well,” displaying his nonchalant approach ahead of the big match.

The team will arrive at Saransk on Sunday 17 June, followed by their official training session at the match venue Mordovia Arena. Their first match will kick off at 15:00 local time (Japan time 21:00) on Tuesday 19 June.

Players' Comments

FP #4 HONDA Keisuke (CF Pachuca)
I am gradually getting pumped up. We are prepared to commit ourselves to earn results. Either I start the match or enter as a substitute, I will find the space, receive the ball, initiate attacks, and penetrate the goal area. I am asked to heighten both the frequency and the quality of each of those tasks. There are players who strives under pressure and those who cowers under pressure. I have lived under pressure. I will go out there and try to get results. As I self-question myself, I will tell myself that I can do this. At this point, all I can do is to give all I’ve got and enjoy this moment at the World Cup.

FP #7 SHIBASAKI Gaku (Getafe C.F.)
So far we have managed to prepare ourselves well, and with the match day fast approaching, we are getting in better condition. Now we just have to display that on the pitch. More than anything, I just want to focus on striking the ball well. It’s not about how Colombia will approach us, as long as I can place the ball to where I want it to be, set-plays can produce goals for us. With that being said though, we have all the information about Colombia in our heads. Even if we can’t create an opportunity within the flow of the game, set-plays are a little different. We must take each set-plays seriously and create chances from it. It is my first World Cup and I want to play play to my fullest potential. However it maybe, I strongly believe that I will be playing, and when I do, I will like to perform so that we can earn good results.

FP #14 INUI Takashi (Real Betis)
Watching how all the different countries play, it is very interesting to see how they all play differently and there are many interesting players as well. It’s not that I am seeking for new ideas, but it helps me feel relaxed and at the same time gets me excited. I’m entering this World Cup as a thirty-year-old, but there is only excitement at this point. I think this timing was just meant to be for me. I wasn’t expecting to be selected, and just being called up to this team gives me joy. But I feel obligated to return the favour with my play. I believe in our chances and I truly think we can do this. I will like to prove that with results. I am confident.

FP #21 SAKAI Gotoku (Hamburger SV)
After watching matches of other teams, it is evident that many of the teams are very well organised. Also, many of the matches have long stints where the match can go either way. That tells us how important it is to remain focused during the match. Moreover, the key lies on how long the players can keep their concentration on what the team has decided to do. As long as the team can stay cohesive, it is hard to get beaten, so we must focus on our distance between each players and try not to be scattered. Staying focused will be the key in this tournament, in both offence and defence.

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