On Thursday 5 September, the SAMURAI BLUE (Japan National Team) faced the Paraguay National Team in the KIRIN CHALLENGE CUP 2019 taking place at Kashima Soccer Stadium and won the match 2-0 with the help of goals scored by OSAKO Yuya (Werder Bremen) and MINAMINO Takumi (FC Red Bull Salzburg).
Japan started Osako as their lone striker, with Minamino in the number 10 role, while positioning DOAN Ritsu (PSV Eindhoven) and NAKAJIMA Shoya (FC Porto) in the flanks. It was the first time these four players shared the field since they faced Venezuela last November.
In the early minutes of the match, midfielder SHIBASAKI Gaku (Deportivo de La Coruna) carried the ball up the right flank before sending a cross towards the middle, while Nakajima dribbled passed the opposing defenders to create opportunities, as Japan tested the waters to get themselves on the same page......
EAST ASIAN FOOTBALL FEDERATION
NEWS / RELEASE
10MA TOPICS! [JAPAN FA] SAMURAI BLUE earns win over Paraguay with the help of Osako and Minamino’s goals at the KIRIN CHALLENGE CUP 2019
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