8 October (Sat.)

The U-19 Japan National Team arrived in Dubai the day before for the final training camp prior to the 2016 AFC U-19 Championship in Bahrain. The out-field players went for a walk near the hotel and did some stretches in the morning of the second day.

The three goalkeepers, on the other hand, held a one-hour practice session on the field. The players trained hard under the blazing sun with temperatures over 35 degrees in the morning.

In the afternoon, the whole team attended the practice session. With less than one week to go before the first game of the 2016 AFC U-19 Championship in Bahrain, the players had a one-hour-and-a-half training, focusing on maintaining high level of concentration in a real match. They worked on getting themselves in good condition.

9 October (Sun.)

The team started their training session in the late afternoon on the third day in Dubai. They played a practice game on a full-size pitch and prepared for the training match against Al Wasl Sport Club the following day on 10 October. Coach UCHIYAMA Atsushi occasionally stopped the practice game, so that they could go through each play in detail. He also instructed the players to improve the accuracy of each movement. 

Players' Comments

FW #14 NAKAMURA Shunta (Kashiwa Reysol U-18)
I’m very proud to be selected for the U-19 Japan National Team to play in the 2016 AFC U-19 Championship in Bahrain. Although I only belong to a youth team at the moment, I’m experiencing a higher standard of play with professional players in the team. During training sessions, I realised I still have room to improve in many aspects of the game compared to the others. Having said that, since I’m here, I’d like to contribute to the team’s victory when given the opportunity to perform. I felt really nervous at first, but elder players took care of me, and I believe I’m communicating with them better every day. I want to continue doing so, and I’ll do my best to get through the final qualifiers.

MF #15 DOAN Ritsu (Gamba Osaka)
The team were vocal during practice sessions. We have been building up a good atmosphere since the domestic training camp. As we still need to go through plays in detail, I’d like to improve the quality of the team within a short time before the championship. Tomorrow’s practice game will be the last one before the tournament. So I’ll show everything I’ve got and stay determined to get a positive result.

DF #16 IWATA Tomoki (Oita Trinita)
The whole team have been preparing well so far. Going into the first game, I’d like to continue my hard work and maintain our positive momentum. Since Bahrain is not as hot as Dubai, I’d like to get myself in good condition here in Dubai. I’ll try my best to grab a spot in the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2017. I will take on this international competition as Asian champions.

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.