Tue. 8 December

U-15 Japan National Team short-listed squad started their training camp in Kumamoto. "00JAPAN", the U-15 Japan National Team, who got through the AFC U-16 Championship 2016 qualifier in Mongolia in September, aim to book a place in the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017 by winning matches in the  AFC U-16 Championship 2016 next year in India.

A training camp for the U-15 Korea Republic National Team was also hastily arranged in Kumamoto and Japan will play two friendlies against them. Japan will play four consecutive games in total, including practice matches against Higashi Fukuoka High School as well as Ozu High School.

"00JAPAN", who arrived in Kumamoto in the morning, started their training session in the afternoon. They began their practice with passing in a triangle formation, 3-on-2, and 1-on-1. The players focused on "keeping a wide view and space" as well as "maintaining movement through quality passing and receiving", which they have been practicing as "00JAPAN".

The players got themselves ready for the following days match in their usual way - practicing 1-on-1, followed by some 6-on-6, in which many players including eight newcomers played aggressively in both attack and defence. The defenders especially stayed vocal, giving effective instructions now and then. Then the team finished their session with an 11-a-side game.

In the evening, they reviewed their games in the Val-de-Marne U-16 International Friendly Tournament 2015, in which they participated last month, to prepare themselves for the coming match. The team will meet the U-15 Korea Republic National Team, who will take part in the AFC U-16 Championship 2016, on Wednesday 9 December.

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

Players' Comments

DF   NISHIO Ryuya (Cerezo Osaka U-15)
I was very surprised when I was chosen for the U-15 Japan National Team short-listed squad for the first time, but I am very proud. I’d like to maximise these opportunities. I am trying hard not to be physically defeated in 1-on-1 - my particular strength - in the team. As I haven’t been properly able play my style yet and I stayed a little passive in today’s session, I’d like to be more vocal tomorrow. I hope to become more confident by playing well against the U-15 Korea Republic National Team, who are physically very strong.

DF  INOUE Miki (Ventforet Kofu U-15)
Last time I joined the U-15 Japan National Team short-listed squad, I learned the importance of preparation, of anticipating the play, and of having a competitive attitude. I’m pleased to be here again, and eager to show what I’ve been practicing everyday, staying competitive in 1-on-1. The staff advised me in today’s session to read the game with precision to be able to play accordingly. I also learned from my teammates how to steal the ball from a player, who is physically stronger.

There are some experienced players, who joined the national team before, and I can learn from their attitude towards the trip as well as from the atmosphere they foster. I’d also like to deliver my opinions, and display my strengths. I’m determined to win tomorrow’s game against the U-15 Korea Republic National Team, playing with higher spirit and staying strongly near the ball.

FW  ISHI Kaisei (Sagan Tosu U-15)
My issue is not being able to take shots accurately enough as well as not being able to trap the ball as I want with the first touch. I’m working on these everyday in the team. As I also need to improve the physical aspects of my game; I try to run more than anyone, especially when it’s tough. I look forward to playing against strong high school teams during this trip, not to mention the U-15 Korea Republic National Team. I’d like to contribute to the team’s victory by staying physically competitive and defending from up front. Personally, I’d like to stay ambitious for goals, making shots whenever I cans.

Schedule

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