Po nogometnom savezu Japana:
Match Report
Although both teams initiated attacks from the beginning of the game, neither could find the back of the net despite goal-scoring opportunities. The game remained scoreless in the first half.
In the second half, Croatia gradually slowed down due to temperatures over 30 degrees, while Japan pressed up front to steal the ball and initiate attacks more frequently. In the 55th minute, Japan intercepted on the opponent’s right side. URATA Itsuki, who started the game for the first time after re-joining the national team, dribbled up to send a superb cross to the area in front of the goal. OGAWA Koki reacted to it and headed home, striking the opener. Despite the fact that Croatia attacked back fiercely, Japan defended well with excellent saves from the goalkeeper KOJIMA Ryosuke.
After 69 minutes, Japan stole the ball in the opponent’s area and sent it from KISHIMOTO Takeru to Ogawa. DOAN Ritsu, who ran towards the goal, finally received the ball, and reacted calmly against the opponent’s goalkeeper to find the back of the net. Japan built a two-goal lead, and took the initiative. In the 80th minute, KUBOTA Kazune, who came off the bench, sent a cross from a quick corner kick, and Ogawa went close with a header. Although the shot was once defended, Japan reacted to a loose ball and SUGIMORI Koki struck a powerful shot, stretching Japan’s lead.
After 82 minutes, KISHIMOTO Takeru took a loose ball and dribbled up for 30 metres to score a goal. Then in the 84th minute, ICHIMARU Mizuki, who came off the bench, passed through to the left. Doan reacted to it and sent a quick low cross to the goal area, where Kishimoto slotted the ball home.
Japan won the match 5-0, finally earning a vital victory in the first game of a championship. The team will meet the U-19 Czech Republic National Team on Friday 17 June.
http://www.jfa.jp/eng/news/00010197/
[uredio stodra - 20. lipnja 2016. u 17:02]