Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Riffa: The team spirit in the Japan camp was distinctly lifted at the AFC U-19 Championship Bahrain 2016 after securing their spot in the semi-finals, effectively clinching their place in the FIFA U-20 World Cup Korea Republic 2017 for the first time in almost a decade.
Japan’s extra touch of class came from No10 skipper Daisuke Sakai, who despite not getting on the score sheet, was instrumental in the young Samurai Blue’s convincing 4-0 victory over Tajikistan on Monday.
“I feel really happy to have qualified after the last four failed attempts and of course, I am very honoured to have done so as captain but it would mean just the same if I was not,” the teenager told the-AFC.com.
Apart from being a handful for the Tajikistan defence, the teenager presented a wide range of options for his side, clearly evident from his assist to marksman Yuto Iwasaki for Japan’s final goal. As one of the few survivors from the last edition in Myanmar, the midfielder added the defeat two years ago had ignited in him the desire to make amends in this campaign.
“I was part of the team when we lost in the quarter-finals in Myanmar. Since then, we have set our sights on qualification for this edition. I was not lucky enough to do it the last time and we were surely under pressure coming into this game, but I am happy that we proved Japan’s position among Asia’s best.”
For many, the defining moment of the Championship is the opportunity to compete with the world’s best in Korea Republic next May. With three quarter-final appearances, including one as runners-up at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 1999, the young Samurai Blue are arguably the most successful Asian sides in world football. Yet, after 35 previous attempts, the AFC U-19 Championship title remains absent from their shimmering trophy cabinet.
“We want to stay focused and take one game at a time. Our next opponents, Vietnam, have a slight advantage as they have three days' rest before the semi-final while we will have two days. We would like to create history by winning this title for the first time ever. This is a good opportunity for us to do it,” concluded a pleased Sakai.
Photo: AFC