AFC U23 Asian Cup
The defending champions, despite opting to rest many regulars, proved too good for Qatar as a 2-0 win on Tuesday saw them completing their Group B commitments with a perfect record of three victories.
#AFCU23 | Group B: Japan 2-0 Qatar
Having already sealed qualification after Matchday Two, Japan could have easily lost focus but Nagano said all the players were determined to complete the group stage with a third win.
“After the second match, we already knew that we were assured of finishing top but it was still important for us to win the third game and go into the knockout stage on a positive note,” said Nagano, who played against the United Arab Emirates and Qatar.
“I think it was good that we stayed mentally focused, managed the game properly and were able to secure the victory.”
“After the second match, we already knew that we were assured of finishing top but it was still important for us to win the third game and go into the knockout stage on a positive note,” said Nagano, who played against the United Arab Emirates and Qatar.
“I think it was good that we stayed mentally focused, managed the game properly and were able to secure the victory.”
The FC Tokyo defender said the squad had gelled as the tournament progressed as the players became more cohesive.
“At the start, there were parts of the team that didn’t quite click but as the days went by, I think we were able to build the team together through discussion and understanding each other.
“Against Qatar, there were moments that didn’t go perfectly but we managed to score the opening goal, defend solidly at the back and then add another after the substitutions.”
“At the start, there were parts of the team that didn’t quite click but as the days went by, I think we were able to build the team together through discussion and understanding each other.
“Against Qatar, there were moments that didn’t go perfectly but we managed to score the opening goal, defend solidly at the back and then add another after the substitutions.”
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Up next are Jordan in the quarter-finals but with Japan having advanced with a record of goals scored and none conceded, Nagano said they will take on the West Asian side with confidence.
“Achieving wins without conceding is a positive outcome. Now our focus is on the quarter-finals.”
“Achieving wins without conceding is a positive outcome. Now our focus is on the quarter-finals.”
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