AFC U17 Asian Cup
That was exactly what Ryunosuke Sato did on Thursday at the Thammasat Stadium as his precise 74th minute strike rounded off Japan’s 3-0 victory against Islamic Republic of Iran and sent them through to the final of the AFC U17 Asian Cup™ Thailand 2023.
The attacking midfielder had passed up a few chances to find the back of the net prior to that and as such, decided to duel with Gaku Nawata over the dead-ball responsibility when it was awarded.
“We decided to do that in order to determine who got to take the kick,” said Sato, who arrowed a low shot into the bottom left corner. “I had many opportunities to score goals and I want to score more in future.
"We had good preparations for this match, same as we did against Australia in the quarter-final, and that led to this result."
The goal was the number 10’s second of the tournament and he also has two assists to his name, having impressed for the East Asians during the four matches he has played.
A highly-rated prospect back home, the 1.68-metre Sato makes up for his slight frame with his silky touch and close control, which allows him to get out of tight spots.
The FC Tokyo U-18 player, who turns 17 in October, has already made his professional debut after starting the senior team’s J.League Cup tie against Cerezo Osaka in March this year.
“I like to dribble past players and then either shoot or pass to help my team,” he said.
Sato is now looking forward to the task of helping his country go all the way and add the AFC U17 Asian Cup™ trophy to their three AFC U-16 Championship titles, when they play the final on Sunday.
"To be able to go to the final is a good achievement for our team and also for me personally, so I want to prepare well for it," he said.
"I don't feel any pressure for the final, I just want to enjoy the game and with a strong heart, I will try to show a good performance for the next match."
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