On 11th, Japan U-21 national team work on the final tune-up in Chiba to wrap up their domestic training camp ahead of the upcoming Asian Games to be held in Korea Republic.
While the practice was even uncertain to be held due to thunderstorm earlier, they eventually started their training as the thunder left before the team arrived at the site. After warm-up, the young internationals reviewed the total transition moves from building up at the backline all the way to a finish for every position in the full-sized pitch. And then, they had an 11-a-side game-style scrimmage in a half-sized pitch to finish up their training that lasted an hour and a half.

In addition to the 20 registered players, two university students, who played on the Japan university selection team in the warm-up match in June, Yuzawa Masato (Ryutsu Keizai University, right) and Sawakami Ryuji (Osaka University of Health and Sport Sciences, left) joined the domestic training camp. They appeared to be very motivated and committed to make a national team in the future and went back to their own team.

Goalkeeper Sugimoto Daichi (Kyoto Sanga), suffering his left-foot injury during the training two days ago and being out of practice since then, was determined today to leave the team. Instead, goalkeeper Popp William (Tokyo Verdy) was called up and joined the team on the same day.
Japan U-21 finished the four-day training camp in Japan and will move to the host country Korea Republic to get ready for the opening match on 14th.

Comments

YUZAWA Masato（Ryutsu Keizai University）
This was my first time to participate in national team’s practice. I learned a lot from that.
I played with players who are as young as I am and regulars on this national team and I could learn high-level skills. That made me want to step up further.
I will take back what I learned to my team and work hard to get involved in the national team again.

SAWAKAMI Ryuji（Osaka University of Health and Sport Sciences）
During the four days (I joined), I found what I need to improve and what part of my play came through. I will take them back to my team and practice hard to come back to this team again.

Schedule

17th Asian Games （2014/Incheon）Groups