Day after the contest against Singapore in  2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Asian Qualifiers Round 2, SAMURAI BLUE (Japan National Team) fine-tuned in Singapore on 13 November.

It had been in the rainy season in Singapore and it had continuous squally days. On the last day of their training in Singapore, a lighting warning was issued just before the start. The squad were not able to go out to the pitch, starting the training 15 minutes late. They were also caught by heavy rain at times during the session.

The squad were divided into three groups: the starting squad in the Singapore match where they won 3-0, substitute field players and three goalkeepers. The starting lineup including forward MUTO Yoshinori (1.FSV Mainz 05) went through recovery-centred workouts such as running, stretching and trunk training.

On the other hand, substitutes including midfielder KAGAWA Shinji (Borussia Dortmund), who saw action midway through the match, had dribbling drills and acute passing drills and a small-sided 5-on-5 game. During the workouts, coach Vahid HALILHODZIC instructed how to control and receive the ball while keeping a sharp eye on players' moves.

Forward KANAZAKI Mu (Kashima Antlers), who tallied his first international goal, and midfielder KIYOTAKE Hiroshi (Hannover 96) had tune-up at their accommodation facility as a precautious measure due to bruise and blister on his foot respectively.

When the players finished the an-hour tune-up session and were about to leave the site, a lightning warning was issued again. There was a big crack of thunder nearby.

After getting back to hotel and finishing the preparation for departure, the team flew to Phnom Penh, where their sixth fixture of the qualifiers is going to be held. Starting from 14th, they will begin tune-up for the match against Cambodia (on 17th at National Olympic Stadium, Phnom Penh).

While Japan moved up to top spot in Group E with a win over Singapore, Cambodia fell to Afghanistan on 12th in the neutral place, Teheran, settling for the bottom with no points after six straight losses.

Players' Comments

DF MORISHIGE Masato (F.C. Tokyo)
Yesterday, I looked for a chance to pass the ball up, exchanging passes with Kashiwagi. And we were able to connect the ball from the defence with a good rhythm. I think it was easy for the offensive players to start moving. There were a couple of good plays when we sent the ball up the pitch after quick passes between Hasebe and Kashiwagi. I've got some confidence. 

In terms of the battle for the position on this squad, it's important to showcase myself in every single match. And not reacting to everything that’s happening too much but continuing the effort with patience is the shortcut for the starting position. The Cambodia match will take place on an artificial pitch. I don't really have an experience to play on it, so I will get more information and get prepared for it.

DF SAKAI Hiroki (Hannover 96/Germany)
I was relieved we got three points in the Singapore match. It all comes down to the goal early in the match. I think it would have ended differently if we had scored early in the June match. We had a good rhythm in the first half yesterday and we were able to pass the ball around in the way how we wanted because the opponents were sitting back in their end. 

But in the second half, they came up and we somewhat lost concentration. It's important to play like yesterday's first half every time even against stronger opponents. Kashiwagi and Honda have got good playing instincts and all I needed to do was just run and look for the right time to coordinate. I have an experience in playing on an artificial pitch.

DF YOSHIDA Maya (Southampton FC/England)
Talking about my goal in the Singapore match, we were told to score through set pieces and the loose ball came to me. It was lucky. It would have been great if I could have scored with the header before that moment, though. In the second half, we allowed the opponents to create more chances than the ones in the last match. That's something I care about.

But I'm happy the players at different positions got goals and we kept a clean sheet. If new faces show good performances, the pressure on the players who played before that will be also stronger. Without bench strength, we can't battle it out in the following qualifiers and finals. Including my position, competition within the team is welcome.

FW MUTO Yoshinori (1.FSV Mainz 05/Germany)
I think I was able to do minimal work as a left attacker in the Singapore match. Against opponents who sit back, towering ability is effective. The defender in front of me was small, so I told Honda and Sakai before the match, if they sent the ball to me, I could win and hit the ball. My assist came in such a way, and it was a good goal. If I could ask for more, I wish I could have got a goal. My skill side and tactics side are going to be better and better, and I want to show my aggressiveness more.

JFA-TV (Japanese version only)

Schedule

2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Asian Qualifiers Round 2 AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 Preliminary Joint Qualification

11-17 (Tue.) - kick off at 21:14＜Japan Time＞ (subject to change) 
Cambodia/National Olympic Stadium
Cambodia National Team vs SAMURAI BLUE (Japan National Team)
More information