On Friday 6 September, the U-22 Japan National Team faced the U-22 Mexico National Team at Estadio Miguel Aleman in Celaya, Mexico, where the two sides showcased a heated battle that ended in a scoreless draw.

In this match against the Central American powerhouse, acting coach YOKOUCHI Akinobu started a line-up with OSAKO Keisuke in goal, a three-man defence line consisting IWATA Tomoki, TATSUTA Yugo, and MACHIDA Koki. SAITO Mitsuki and TANAKA Ao took the role as the defensive midfielders, while NAGANUMA Yoichi and SUGIOKA Daiki were positioned in the flanks. UEDA Ayase was named as the lone striker along with WATANABE Kouta and ABE Hiroki playing as the offensive midfielders.

Nearly 13,000 local fans crowded into the stadium, as the match kicked-off under a complete away atmosphere for Japan, and it was the home side who took the initiative in the early goings. With Mexico applying aggressive pressure from their frontline, Japan was forced to make numbers of mistakes, as they struggled to keep possession of the ball. On the other hand, Mexico created multiple opportunities through short-counters and longballs. In the 14th minute, Japan almost conceded the opening goal from a mistake committed by Osako, but Mexico failed to capitalise the opportunity......

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