Three players have been selected for the U-23 Japan national team for the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024, aiming for a ticket to the Paris Olympics and to become the Asian champions in their age category: Taishi Brandon NOZAWA, Kuryu MATSUKI, and Ryotaro ARAKI.
In the first match of the group stage on April 16 against China, Matsuki was in the starting eleven. In the second match against the UAE (United Arab Emirates) on the 19th, Araki was in the starting eleven, and in the third match against South Korea on the 22nd, both Nozawa and Araki were in the starting eleven. Seiji KIMURA, who is on loan at Sagan Tosu, also came on as a substitute in the match against China and started in the match against the UAE. This time, we will deliver a reporter's column covering the struggles of the blue-red warriors during the group stage.
The quota for participation in the Paris Olympics prepared for Asia is "3.5 slots." To secure a ticket to the main tournament, it is necessary to finish in the top three in the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024, or if finishing fourth, to win against Guinea in the intercontinental playoff.
The U-23 Japan national team, led by coach Go OIWA, faced China, UAE, and South Korea in the group stage. Japan, placed in a tough group, was forced into a difficult situation from the first match with a player being sent off, but they fought tenaciously against China, securing victory by holding onto Matsuki's opening goal. They then achieved a convincing win against UAE, dominating both offense and defense. After two matches, they secured their advancement to the knockout stage. In the third match against South Korea, they made significant player changes, but suffered a defeat after conceding a goal from a set piece in the final moments. They are set to face the host nation Qatar in the quarterfinals.
Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
Since the start of the tournament, I haven't had many opportunities to play. Still, Brian Okubo Rei made consecutive starts in two matches, saying, "While supporting in my own way, I was preparing to be ready whenever I got the chance." He focused on training and approached the final adjustments with concentration, actively encouraging those around him before and after the matches and during halftime. This was all driven by his strong desire to contribute to the team's victory. Even without the chance to stand on the pitch, he thought about what he could do and took action.
He got his chance in the third match against South Korea. "This is a tournament where everyone's strength is needed, so we will unite to win against South Korea. I was conscious of that when I stepped onto the pitch." From the early stages of the match, he showed stable build-up play and responded proactively to the opponent's runs behind. Although he conceded a goal from a set piece, he demonstrated excellent saves with quick reactions during subsequent critical moments, showcasing a performance that held key points.
There is no doubt that the match against South Korea left a sense of regret. Nevertheless, the blue and red guardian has begun to move forward towards the next opportunity.
Kuryu MATSUKI
The highlight of the group stage was undoubtedly the team's first goal scored in the 8th minute of the first half against China. Fuki YAMADA delivered an inswinging cross from the right side, and the ball was skillfully pushed in with a left-footed inside volley as he dove in front of the goal.
"When Kaede-kun made the cut-in, I was able to get in at the right moment, and since a good ball came, I was glad that I could calmly slot it in while watching the goalkeeper. We practiced that shape, and I felt quite good about shooting from crosses during training. I'm glad it went in."
In the first match against China, they fought hard beyond just scoring goals. Although they faced a numerical disadvantage due to a player being sent off early in the first half, they adapted by changing positions from inside half to defensive midfielder, responding with strong physical defense. They showed quick reactions in recovering second balls, stifling the opponent's chances. Even in difficult situations, they showcased their performance and demonstrated their inherent mental strength.
In the match against UAE and Korea, he started on the bench, but it is typical of him to make an impact even when coming on as a substitute. He touched the ball without pressure, created rhythm, and attempted to create chances multiple times. While there was a desire for one more result, he is expected to show that in the upcoming Final Round.
Ryotaro ARAKI
Seeing my teammate Kuryu MATSUKI score a goal in the first match against China ignited a fire within me.
"Honestly, I was happy about Kuu's goal, and I thought I couldn't fall behind either."
When he was named in the starting lineup for the UAE match, he actively engaged with the ball from the beginning, aiming for the goal. In the 20th minute of the first half, he received the ball deep on the left side and skillfully took it to the center to shoot. Although it was blocked by the crossbar, it was a scene that conveyed his eagerness to score.
In other situations, he played a role between the front line and the final line, and showcased his characteristics by making dribbles. He was involved with the ball and was able to create chances. I think he managed to calm the team while observing the flow of the game and effectively developed the attack. As for goals, he reflected, "I want to improve my finishing in the next match," indicating that it was a satisfying performance.
In the following match against South Korea, Araki started as a starter. Although the team suffered a defeat, he fought hard to change the flow of the game by dropping back to receive the ball and showing his drive forward. In the second half, he came close to scoring with a long-range shot, demonstrating his presence even as the team lost. Since his form is not bad, we hope to see further contributions in upcoming matches.
Seiji KIMURA
He was forced to withdraw due to an injury before the start of this season and had just returned to the pitch in March. Nevertheless, Coach Oiwa called him up for an important tournament based on the trust he has built so far.
The opportunity came in the 22nd minute of the first half against China. Ryuya NISHIO was given a red card, which left the team short on center-backs, leading to an unexpected chance to play. "I was definitely more unprepared than I would have been for a planned substitution, so there was a bit of nervousness and anxiety," he said. Despite that, Kimura delivered a stable performance. He countered the opponent's tall forward with height and tightened the team's defense by putting his body on the line at crucial moments.
In the second match against the UAE, he started as a starter and scored his first goal in an international match since the Paris Olympic generation began its activities in the 27th minute of the first half. He skillfully headed Rihito YAMAMOTO's cross, hitting the left post before finding the back of the net.
"I really thought that the chances of being selected were low, so I am very grateful to have been chosen like this. Not only do I want to express my gratitude, but I also want to repay that with solid results. I wanted to show my appreciation through results, so I am very happy to have scored a goal and achieved that."
Kimura contributed to two consecutive clean sheets. "I felt really frustrated, so I am very happy to be back in the national team like this," said the man looking forward, as he leads the team's defense in pursuit of further results.
Two more wins until we secure a ticket to the Paris Olympics. First, winning the next Semifinal Round is the minimum requirement. The crucial match against the host country Qatar will kick off at 23:00 Japan time on April 25 (Thursday). Let's pay attention to the efforts of the blue-red warriors fighting with the Rising Sun flag, aiming for the world.
text by Ryohei Hayashi (Football Journalist)
photo by Kenichi Arai
