On Tuesday 30 July, the U-23 Japan National Team played their third and final group stage match of the Games of the XXXIII Olympiad (Paris 2024) against the U-23 Israel National Team at Stade de la Beaujoire in Nantes, France.

Japan, who had already qualified for the quarterfinals with two wins in a row, made six changes to the starting line-up that beat Mali. KOKUBO Leo Brian (Sint-Truidense VV) remained in goal, while KIMURA Seiji (Sagan Tosu) returned to the line-up after being rested in the previous match, with SUZUKI Kaito (Jubilo Iwata) and UCHINO Takashi (Fortuna Dusseldorf) making their first appearances of the tournament. NISHIO Ryuya (Cerezo Osaka) started at full-back after playing at centre-back against Mali. In midfield, YAMAMOTO Rihito (Sint-Truidense VV) started for the third time in a row, while ARAKI Ryotaro (FC Tokyo) made his second consecutive start and KAWASAKI Sota (Kyoto Sanga FC) his first of the tournament. Up front, YAMADA Fuki (Tokyo Verdy) started on the right wing for the second match in a row, while FUJIO Shota (FC Machida Zelvia) and SATO Kein (SV Werder Bremen) made their first starts of the tournament at centre forward and left wing respectively.

Israel, who needed a win to keep their hopes alive, threatened on the counterattack in the opening minutes but Kokubo, who has been in fine form at this tournament, produced a series of superb saves to deny them. Gaining momentum from their defence, Japan began to create chances of their own, with Sato, Araki and Uchino combining well down the left. However, with both teams playing their third game in a week in hot conditions, neither side had the quality to convert their chances.

The stalemate continued into the second half, but it was Japan's late substitutions that made the difference. The decisive moment came in the first minute of additional time when FUJITA Joel Chima (Sint-Truidense VV), who replaced the injured Kawasaki in the 79th minute, sent a through ball down the right flank for Sato to cross into the box, where HOSOYA Mao (Kashiwa Reysol), who had come on with Fujita, was on hand to fire home with his right foot.

The goal gave Japan their third win in a row and took them to the top of the group. They will now face Group C runners-up Spain in the quarterfinals.

Coach and Players' Comments

OIWA Go, Head Coach of U-23 Japan National Team
I thought the players really understood the importance of the game and played well. I want to give them a lot of credit for that. I am sure each player faced different internal challenges, but they showed remarkable determination and resilience, which had a significant and positive impact on the team and those watching, instilling a sense of strength and confidence for the games ahead. Game management is an area that we always need to improve. We need to improve the quality of our play when we are not in possession and try to manage the game better when we are. We had already secured a place in the quarterfinals before this game and had a pretty good idea of who we were up against. That is why we took the time to go over our approach before the game.

MF #7 YAMAMOTO Rihito (Sint-Truidense VV/Belgium)
Our strength is undoubtedly our defence and tenacity in midfield. If we can show that, I think we can compete with Spain and that's where I wanted to bring something extra, to move the ball forward and do some work in front of goal. I think we were a bit loose at the start, but we managed to control the game as time progressed. I made a conscious effort to keep the balance at the back in Joel's absence. We're confident in our ability to control the opposition defensively and we didn't feel like we were being beaten too much. Our defenders, including Brian, were always focused and I think that gave us the most confidence out of the three games.

MF #8 FUJITA Joel Chima (Sint-Truidense VV/Belgium)
As a team we were hoping to score, so I was happy when we did. The game was pretty open when I came on and I was wide open when I got the ball. I didn't get a good feel for the ball at first, but I'm really happy that we were able to capitalise on that one chance, where Kein made a good pass for Mao to convert. I think we've been able to play patiently as a team and then we've had a bit of luck on our side because the opponents haven't been getting their shots right, so I think we've got a bit of that going for us.

FW #11 HOSOYA Mao (Kashiwa Reysol)
(When asked why he didn’t celebrate much after scoring) I was simply tired. I came on as a substitute, but it was hot and humid today, so I think that goal helped us to calm down a bit. The team played Spain once, but I wasn't there, so I don't know exactly what kind of opponent they are. My impression is that they are very good at passing and possessing the ball. How we defend against them will be key, so we will start preparing from today. Kein has been making a lot of runs for the team, so I am happy to have scored off his assist. I hope I can do the same for him in our next game.

Games of the XXXIII Olympiad/XVII Paralympic Games (Paris 2024)

Football Tournament: Thu. 25 July - Sat. 7 September 2024
Tournament information