1/18 Training Match
On the 18th, the 7th day of the Okinawa camp, a practice match (30 minutes x 3) was held against Meio University at Kaigin Field Kunigami, resulting in a 10-0 victory.
Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI sent out his players with the intention of keeping the entire team compact and moving the ball around as if the opponent were a mannequin, in order to prevent them from defending.
In the 4th minute of the first game, Kota TAWARATSUMIDA, the first player of the new system, successfully scored the opening goal and started the goal rush. After that, an own goal was added. Ewerton GAUDINO and Marcelo RYAN also scored, ending the first game with a 4-point lead.
The second goal was scored by Taiyo YAMAGUCHI, a first-year professional player, and Tsuyoshi OGASHIWA. In the third goal, YAMAGUCHI scored his second goal of the day, followed by a goal from trainee Keita ENDO. The final goal was scored by Leon NOZAWA, securing a double-digit score and a victory in the team's first external match.
FOCUS ON
Official photographer's camp photo project "FOCUS ON" selected by the official photographer. On the 7th day of the camp, we selected this one piece that captured a soccer girl who looked at the pitch with envy. On this day, at the Kaigin Field Kunigami, the local Kunigami FC Quinners served as ball persons in a practice match against Meio University. As they were supporting the ball pick-up before the match, they were amazed by the Okinawa-born goalkeeper Taishi Brandon Nozawa, who came in front of them. The local hero who had a big ambition and climbed up to the Japan national team has become an existence that gives children big dreams.
CAMP VOICE vol.7 Taiyo YAMAGUCHI
In the first practice match of the season against Meio University, Taiyo YAMAGUCHI, in his first year since being promoted to the top team, scored two goals and showed his skills. The first goal came when he received a pass from Tsuyoshi OGASHIWA in the area and struck the ball with his right foot into the left side of the goal. He then jumped onto a cross from Keita ENDO on the left side and shook the net for the second goal. After the team's impressive 10-0 victory, the recorder was pointed towards YAMAGUCHI for an interview.
Q, scored 2 goals in the first international match. Please review each goal.
A, the first goal was not with my strong left foot, but with my right foot. Still, I think it was good that I was able to take a good shot without using too much strength from my body. For the second goal, I didn't make a clean hit on the cross, but I was able to put it in well by pushing it in. I personally think that both goals were good goals with a lot of emotion put into them.
Q, it seemed like you were very conscious of the timing and location of entering the goal area.
A, I think that in order to play in the game, you have to leave results and numbers. That's why I thought about how I could score and approached this game, so I think that's why I played well in the game.
There was also a chance to score a third goal.
Although we had many chances, we couldn't score the third goal. We will continue training and work on our shooting skills to score more goals in the future.
Q, I played on the right side and forward in this game. Do you want to be able to play any position?
A, I want to actively work on it if there is a chance to play in any position. I think it's important to be a player who can play anywhere, not just a forward, so I want to work towards that.
Q, one week has passed since the camp, and I have seen many seniors giving advice.
A, I still feel that there are many technical deficiencies even in practice. Thanks to the detailed guidance from older players like Keigo HIGASHI and myself, I feel that I am gradually improving my skills. I also have a sense of improvement in other small areas.
Q, there are about 2 weeks left until the camp.
In order to play in the game, I think practice matches will become a place to appeal. So, I want to leave results and score many goals even in practice, and appeal my strengths in post-play and goal involvement to prepare for the start of the season.
Q, are you tired?
A, that's it (bitter smile). But still, I'll do my best.
Text by Kyohei Baba (Freelance Writer)
