On Friday 18 November, the U-21 Japan National Team played against the U-21 Spain National Team in an international friendly match held in Sevilla, Spain, where they lost 0-2.

Japan entered the match with SASAKI Masato (Kashiwa Reysol) starting in goal, with a defence line formed by HANDA Riku (Montedio Yamagata), SUZUKI Kaito (Tochigi SC), KIMURA Seiji (FC Tokyo), and KATO Hijiri (V-Varen Nagasaki). YAMAMOTO Rihito (Gamba Osaka) and FUJITA Joel Chima (Yokohama F. Marinos) were named as defensive midfielders, with MITO Shunsuke (Albirex Niigata), SAITO Koki (Sparta Rotterdam), and SUZUKI Yuito (Shimizu S-Pulse) positioned beneath the lone striker FUJIO Shota (Tokushima Vortis).

In the early stages of the match, the two teams, both adept at exchanging short and precise passes, engaged in a fierce battle in the midfield in attempts to seize the initiative of the match. In the 33rd minute, Saito delivered a pin-point pass through two defenders to set up a one-on-one situation for Suzuki Yuito, but the Spanish goalkeeper made a fantastic save to deny this opportunity. .....

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