AFC U23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024 AFC U23 Asian Cup Aiming for a ticket to the Paris Olympics and becoming the Asian champion in each age group From Tokyo to the U-23 Japan National TeamTaishi Nozawa Brandon,Kuo Matsuki,Ryotaro ArakiThree players have been selected.
Matsuki played in the first match of the group stage against China on April 16th, Araki played in the second match against UAE (United Arab Emirates) on April 19th, and Araki played in the third match on April 22nd. In the match against South Korea, both Nozawa and Araki were included in the starting eleven. Seiji Kimura, who is on loan to Sagan Tosu, also came on as a substitute in the match against China, and was in the starting lineup against the UAE. This time, we will be reporting on the struggles of the Blue and Red Warriors in the group stage in a column from a reporter who was reporting on-site.
There are 3.5 slots available for participation in the Paris Olympics for Asia. The condition for getting a ticket to the tournament is to finish 3rd or higher in the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024, or if they finish 4th, win against Guinea in the intercontinental play-off.
The U-23 Japan National Team, led by coach Tsuyoshi Oiwa, will play against China, UAE, and South Korea in the group stage. Japan, who were in a group of difficult opponents, had to face a difficult situation with some players sent off from the first match, but they fought tenaciously against China and defended Matsuki’s opening goal to win the match. A clear victory in an overwhelming manner. After two games, they decided to advance to the group stage. In the third match against South Korea, they made a lot of changes in their players, but they conceded a goal from a set piece in the final stages and lost. It was decided that they would play against the host nation, Qatar, in the quarterfinals.
Taishi Nozawa Brandon
He hasn’t had a chance to appear since the tournament started. However, Brian Reo Kokubo, who appeared in the starting lineup for two consecutive games, said, “I was preparing to do whatever I needed to do while providing support in my own way,” and continued to focus on training and making final adjustments before and after the game. At halftime, he actively called out to those around him. All of this was because his desire to help the team win came to the fore. Even though she didn’t have a chance to step on the field, she thought about what she could do and took action.
His chance came in the third game against South Korea. “This is a tournament that requires everyone’s efforts, so we will work as one to win against South Korea as well.I stood on the pitch with that in mind.” If they showed a stable build-up from the beginning of the match, they would be able to come forward and respond to their opponents’ attempts to get behind them. Although he conceded a goal from a set piece, he responded quickly and made a splendid save in the crisis that followed, showing a performance that contained important points.
There is no doubt that the match against Korea was a disappointing match. Still, the blue-red guardian is starting to move forward toward his next opportunity.
Kuo Matsuki
The biggest highlight of the group stage was probably the team’s first goal, scored in the 8th minute of the first half against China. When Kaede Yamada sent in an inswinging cross with his left foot from the right side, he jumped in front of the goal and deftly pushed it in with an inside volley from his left.
“I was able to get in between when Kaede-kun cut in, and a good ball came, so I was able to look at the goalkeeper and send the ball in properly. I had been practicing that shape. I actually felt pretty good about shooting from crosses during training. I’m glad I made the decision.”
In the first match against China, they struggled in ways other than scoring goals. Having had a player sent off early in the first half meant they were at a numerical disadvantage, but they changed their position from inside half to midfield and responded by putting their bodies on the line defensively. He also showed quick reactions when recovering the second ball, nipping the opponent’s chances in the bud. Even in difficult situations, he brought his own performance to the forefront, showing the strength of his innate mentality.
He started on the bench in the matches against UAE and South Korea, but it is typical of him that he can make his presence felt even when coming on as a substitute. He touched the ball without hesitation, created a rhythm, and created many chances. There is one thing he would have liked for more results, but he should be able to show that in the final tournament starting from now on.
Ryotaro Araki
In the first match against China, I watched my teammate Kuo Matsuki score a goal, and I felt a burning sensation in my heart.
“Honestly, I was happy to see Kuo’s goal, and I also felt like I couldn’t afford to lose.”
When he was included in the starting lineup in the match against UAE, he actively involved the ball from the beginning and aimed for the goal. In the 20th minute of the first half, he received the ball deep on the left side and took it to the center, where he took a deft shot. This shot was blocked by the bar, but it was a scene that showed his desire to score.
In other situations, he can play a role as a link between the front line and the last line, and he can make dribbling moves, demonstrating his strengths to the fullest. “I was able to get involved with the ball and create chances. I think I did a good job of keeping the team calm while watching the game unfold and developing the attack. All that was left was the goal. The next game will be decided. I want to improve my skills,” he says, and the content was challenging.
Araki also started in the next match against South Korea. Although the team suffered a loss, he fought hard to change the tide by stepping back, receiving the ball, and showing his forward momentum. In the second half, he approached the goal with a mid-range shot, and it can be said that he showed his presence even though his team was losing. His condition is not bad, so we hope to see him perform even better in future matches.
Seiji Kimura
He was forced to sit out due to an injury before the start of this season, and only returned to the pitch in March. Still, coach Oiwa called him to the important tournament based on the trust he had in him thus far.
The chance came in the 22nd minute of the first half of the match against China. Due to Takaya Nishio being sent off immediately, there was a shortage of centre-backs, and an opportunity to play suddenly came up. “I was a little nervous or anxious because I ended up being unprepared rather than being fully prepared.” Among them, Kimura showed a stable performance. He used his height to counter the opposition’s tall forwards and used his body to tighten up his team’s defense at key points.
In the second match against the UAE, he started and scored his first goal in a national team match since the start of the Paris Olympics generation in the 27th minute of the first half. He brilliantly met Rinhito Yamamoto’s cross with his head and hit it against the left post, sending it into the goal.
“Even though I thought it was unlikely that I would be selected, I am extremely grateful to have been selected, and not only am I grateful, but I also wanted to repay the favor with a solid result.” I wanted to express my gratitude with the result, so I’m very happy that we were able to score one point and achieve the result.”
Kimura contributed to two consecutive clean sheets. “It was really frustrating, so I’m really happy to be able to come back to the national team again,” said the forward-looking man, who will lead the team’s defense in hopes of achieving even better results.
There are two more wins left to earn a ticket to the Paris Olympics. The minimum requirement is to advance to the next quarterfinals. The big match against host country Qatar is the kick-off on April 25th (Thursday) at 23:00 Japan time. Pay attention to the struggle of the blue and red warriors who carry the Japanese flag on their backs and fight for the world.
text by Ryohei Hayashi (soccer journalist)
photo by Kenichi Arai
Tags: BlueRed Warriors Journey Paris AFC U23 Asian Cup Qatar Group Stage Summary TOKYO FANZONE
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