The SURUGA bank Championship 2015 OSAKA, deciding match between the J.League Yamazaki Nabisco Cup champions and the Copa Total Sudamericana champions, takes place on Tuesday 11 August as its press conference was held on Monday 27 July at the match site Expo '70 Commemorative Stadium.

The press conference was convened by the Japan Football Association President DAINI Kuniya, SURUGA bank President and CEO OKANO Mitsuyoshi, Gamba Osaka coach HASEGAWA Kenta and captain ENDO Yasuhito. They expressed their feeling and enthusiasm for the competition.

Comments

DAINI Kuniya, JFA President
The SURUGA bank Championship has made a significant commitment to the development of Japanese Football and the international contribution through football. River Plate have built on the momentum as they claimed a spot for the FIFA Club World Cup in December in Japan as the South American representative. 

15 days after this upcoming SURUGA bank Championship, Gamba Osaka have the first leg of the quarterfinals at the AFC Champions League (ACL), contending for the FIFA Club World Cup spot. If Gamba win the ACL, the contest would see Gamba face River Plate again at the world stage. This year's SURUGA bank Championship is a must-see for fans. I hope they will show their best performance to football fans, and I'm looking forward to seeing the match where we can convey how wonderful football is.

OKANO Mitsuyoshi, President and CEO of SURUGA bank 
It's a great honour to support the SURUGA bank Championship now in its 8th year as the presenting sponsor. The championship provides a valuable opportunity for fans to see world-class performances in Japan. I hope the Gamba squad clinch this international title with their enthusiasm as the representative of the J.League. 

The mission of our company is to "cast your dream into shape" and "assist your dream dated." With the concept of "I DREAM," we support "all the dreams into football" through sponsorships for various football tournaments.

HASEGAWA Kenta, Coach (Gamba Osaka)
It's the title Gamba have never won, and fans also have high expectation for that. We started the season with a determination to aim at all the titles we can get. So we all will get together to battle for it. River Plate are strong, but there is something that you won't get without a victory. I hope we will gain the experience we can gain only in official matches like this and take advantage of it for the upcoming AFC Champions League and other international competitions.

ENDO Yasuhito (Gamba Osaka)
I'm looking forward to playing against River Plate, who have rich tradition and history. But you can't enjoy unless you win it. We will show off Gamba's prowess at home and go all out to win the match. It's the title we've never grabbed, so our motivation is high. As long as I'm active, I'm happy to win as many titles as I can possibly win. That's one of the titles I want to get.

JFA-TV (Japanese version only)

SURUGA bank Championship 2015 Osaka
J.LEAGUE YAMAZAKI NABISCO CUP / COPA TOTAL SUDAMERICANA Championship Final

Gamba Osaka vs River Plate
Tue. 11 Augusut Kickoff 19:00/Open 17:00 (subject to change)
Osaka/Expo '70 Commemorative Stadium
More information
Ticket Information (Japanese version only)