On Thursday 15 June, the SAMURAI BLUE (Japan National Team) faced the El Salvador National Team in the KIRIN CHALLENGE CUP 2023 held at Toyota Stadium in Aichi, where they scored six goals to record their first victory since the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™.
As Head Coach MORIYASU Hajime mentioned, “We want to make tactical challenges while aiming for victory,” during the press conference held the day before, the team displayed a new look with their 4-1-4-1 formation to start the match.
OSAKO Keisuke (Sanfrecce Hiroshima) was given the start in goal with ITAKURA Kou (Borussia MG) and TANIGUCHI Shogo (Al-Rayyan SC) playing as the two centre halves in front of him. SUGAWARA Yukinari (AZ Alkmaar) and MORISHITA Ryoya (Nagoya Grampus) were named as the two fullbacks, with the latter making his senior squad debut. MORITA Hidemasa (Sporting CP) anchored the midfield with DOAN Ritsu (SC Freiburg) and HATATE Reo (Celtic FC) playing in the centre. KUBO Takefusa (Real Sociedad) and MITOMA Kaoru (Brighton & Hove Albion FC) were positioned in the flanks with UEDA Ayase (Cercle Brugge KSV) serving as the lone striker. .....
EAST ASIAN FOOTBALL FEDERATION
NEWS / RELEASE
10MA TOPICS! [JAPAN FA]【Match Report】SAMURAI BLUE score six goals in win over El Salvador - KIRIN CHALLENGE CUP 2023
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