On Saturday 19 January, two days ahead of their round of 16 match against Saudi Arabia National Team at the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019, the SAMURAI BLUE (Japan National Team) resumed their trainings at the match site, Sharjah. The training session was closed to the media for the most part, as the team went through their tactics ahead of the match.

After traveling from the inland city Al Ain to the bay area of Sharjah, the team held a training session under a rather cool climate for about an hour and a half. With the players spending their first day-off on the day before, they looked refreshed and carried a positive vibe as they worked up a sweat at the local club team’s training field.

In the first 15 minutes where the session was opened to the media, the field players were seen going over their warmup routines as they went through short sprints and step-works before conducting a passing drill. The goalkeepers went through their own routines to catch the ball from different positions. Goalkeeper HIGASHIGUCHI Masaaki (Gamba Osaka), who has been training under a separate menu due to a back injury, was seen joining the rest of the team in certain drills.

Forward OSAKO Yuya (Werder Bremen) remained to train separately as he still seems to have discomfort in his right hip. However, he was seen going over ball control drills with the trainer where he received the ball from both short and long distance to go over his fundamental body movements. He was also seen exchanging words and laughter with Coach MORIYASU Hajime while taking a jog.

On this day, midfielder AOYAMA Toshihiro (Sanfrecce Hiroshima) was another player who trained under a separate menu, as precautionary measures were taken after he felt a discomfort in his right knee.

With Japan winning all three matches to advance through the group stage as the leader of Group F, Saudi Arabia recorded two wins and a loss, second only to Qatar in Group E.

While Japan holds a record of eight wins, one draw, and four losses against Saudi Arabia, they have lost in the most recent encounter where they played an away match at the final qualification round of the FIFA World Cup in September of 2017. At the Asian Cup, this will be their first match since 2011, where Japan has taken the win at the group stage.

Defender YOSHIDA Maya (Southampton FC) mentioned of Saudi Arabia, “They are well organised and with players with great speed upfront, they are capable of exploiting the space behind us.” The Japanese captain continued by stating, “We must finish our attacks with a shot in order to eliminate the opponents from initiating counter attacks. It’s important that we don’t turnover the ball in bad shape. We are in the knockout stage now, so a simple mistake can cost us the tournament.”

Midfielder ENDO Wataru (Sint-Truidense V.V.) shared his take on their approach at the knockout stage, “Of course there are lots of pressure, but we must be able to enjoy that pressure and function as a team. This is a great opportunity to showcase what we are capable of. We will give our very best.” Forward KITAGAWA Koya (Shimizu S-Pulse) also mentioned, “I win in the next match will give us momentum. If I can lift the team up with my goal, that would give me great confidence.”

After taking the time during the day-off to change his hair style, midfielder DOAN Ritsu (FC Groningen) stated, “I have not shown my best performance yet. I need to get more eager.”

The team will conduct their official training session at the match venue, Sharjah Stadium, on Sunday 20, as their round of 16 match against the Saudi Arabia National Team will kick-off at 15:00 (20:00 Japan time) on Monday 21.

Players' Comments

DF #3 MUROYA Sei (F.C. Tokyo)
The balance between the fullback and flank midfielder is an important factor when playing in the J. Leagues, and that was something I kept in mind during our match against Uzbekistan. After playing the group stage, it was evident that the side attacks and the individual penetration were key aspects of our game, so I hope to show my colour in the upcoming matches.

DF #20 YOSHIDA Maya (Southampton FC)
The team is carrying a positive vibe and besides Higashiguchi, everyone was able to play on the pitch during the group stage. Playing an away match in Asia at an official tournament can give these younger players a priceless experience. Although we have been struggling, the team has earned points in all matches, and I think this is an ideal way to construct a team.

MF #6 ENDO Wataru (Sint-Truidense V.V.)
We don’t want to give away the opening goal, so we must manage the risks as we did against Oman. If I can stop the opponents at my position, the team can gain good rhythm, and turn the play into our secondary attacks, so I will continue to focus on the transitions between defence and offence.

MF #14 ITO Junya (Kashiwa Reysol)
Our next opponent may be the strongest opponent we’ll face thus far, but we will give our best to showcase our style of football. If we can play our game, I feel like we can win the match, so we must prepare ourselves well. One of the key aspects we need to focus on is to increase the number and quality of our attacks, so if I am given the opportunity to play, I will try to create the difference upfront.

MF #21 DOAN Ritsu (FC Groningen)
Saudi Arabia has many talented players and they will attack aggressively in one-on-one situations, so we must be alerted. I know this will be a difficult match, but I will go onto the pitch with a strong intention that I will carry the team to win the title.

FW #11 KITAGAWA Koya (Shimizu S-Pulse)
I have been given the opportunity to play thus far, so I hope to give back to the team by getting myself involved in our goals. I have been able to take shots, so I will continue on that aspect. I feel like the key will be on how much I can penetrate the area in front of the goal. But for now, I will focus on the basics and give my best effort to apply pressure upfront to give my team the best chance to win the match.

Schedule

SAMURAI BLUE (Japan National Team) Squad, Schedule

AFC ASIAN CUP UAE 2019

Tournament Dates: Sat. 5 January - Fri. 1 February 2019

Knockout Stage Round of 16:
Mon. 21 January Kick-off 20:00 (Japan Time)
vs Saudi Arabia National Team

Broadcasting: Televised Live at TV Asahi Group
BS Broadcasting: Televised Live at NHKBS1

Tournament Information