Thu. 10 September
On the fifth morning, as it was the day after a practice match, the players focused on recovering, using the pool and the ice bath. They moved on to their hotel near Narita after expressing appreciation to the staff which had supported them.

Fri. 11 September
They held a practice session at Nakadai Athletic Stadium in Narita on the morning of the sixth day. The players started with stretching, followed by some kick-ups in pairs and a 4-on-4 with two free players. In the end, they were divided into four groups of five to play mini games. They played exciting games, cheering whenever there was a goal and finishing the camp in Japan.

Before their departure, NAKATA Koji, the former national team player, came to the hotel. He encouraged the team, and gave them some important tips – how to play in the Asian qualifying round, the atmosphere of the site, and the way to spend time at the hotel.

Then the players left for Ulan Bator in Mongolia from Narita Airport, arriving at their destination before the evening. They will finally start their training sessions in Mongolia the following day.

Sat. 12 September
They held two practice sessions the day after their arrival. In the morning, the players used the MFF Football Center, in which the coming matches will be held. They checked on the condition and the size of the artificial turf and the changing room, thinking of the coming match.

Just like at the camp in Sugadaira, the players checked their physical condition by using heart rate monitors to take their pulse. Although some players got out of breath a little because of the high altitude in Mongolia, there was a good atmosphere around the team. The players held a productive session. In the afternoon, they focused on “00JAPAN” attacking tactics on a different ground.

They started with passing the ball among three players to increase the accuracy of passing the ball to the player’s foot. Then they had 2-on-2 and 4-on-3 exercises with the goalkeepers in order to practice getting through to the goal area and coordinating in attack. At the end, they played a 10-on-10 intrasquad game to finish the practice session on the first day in Mongolia.

* ”00 JAPAN” is the nickname of the U-15 Japan National Team that consists of members who were born after 2000.

Players' Comments

DF   SAKUTA Ryutaro (Vissel Kobe U-15)
I attended the training session to make up as much time as possible, as I joined late due to my injury. I’d like to adjust my condition to catch up with others. We communicate a lot, building a united team with an upbeat atmosphere. As all of us expect to play in the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup, all we need is to show what we’ve been practicing in the first qualifying round.

MF   SUZUKI Toichi (Cerezo Osaka U-15)
We’re finally in Mongolia. I think there is an excellent atmosphere around the team. At the Sugadaira camp, I learned how to improve the accuracy of passes and shots, and the timing of intercepting the ball, by playing at a different position from usual – as the defensive midfielder. I think I was able to perform, focusing on goals, in today’s practice session.

As I still need to improve the quality of my passing, I’d like to learn about the players, from whom I might receive passes, and adjust myself before the coming match. I’ll play my best in the coming two matches to get through the qualifying round.

FW   TANAHASHI Akito (Yokohama F Marinos Junior Youth)
I displayed my strength at the Sugadaira camp – getting through to the area behind the defensive line and predicting plays in front of goal. I still need to improve my shots and dribbling.

As the team’s atmosphere is good, I’d like to enhance the awareness of each individual to make the team even better. The quality of shots was not great in today’s session. So I’d like to play more calmly while staying aggressive tomorrow. I want to improve the quality in front of goal for the coming match.

Schedule

Note: The schedule is subject to change due to the team condition, the weather, etc.