At the Tokyo Olympics, the Japanese national football team defeated the difficult enemy Mexico in the second round of the qualifying league on the 24th.

We are very close to breaking through the qualifying league as two consecutive victories.


The driving force behind this was the two signboards of the attack, Ritsu Doan, 23 years old, and Takefusa Kubo, 20 years old.

"Fateful partner"

Mexico was a gold medal winner at the 2012 London Olympics, and was also the cause of Japan's loss in the semi-finals.

In this tournament, 36-year-old goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa and others have joined as an overage frame to increase the strength of the team, and in the first match of the qualifying league on the 22nd of this month, they won a 4-1 victory over France.

I was already showing its strength.



Although it seemed to be a difficult development, it was Doan and Kubo, two signboards of Japan's proud attack, that moved the game from the beginning.

We were discussing, "Let's make a difference between the two from the first half."

Aun's breathing

In the 6th minute of the first half, Doan evaded the opponent's mark and skillfully received a through pass on the right side, quickly sending a low ball to the penalty area.

Kubo, who ran there, stretched out his left leg and scored the first goal.

It was a lightning-fast attack that broke Mexico's defense at once.

Doan


"I gave a

pass because I believed that he would run over there.

"



Kubo


"I ran in believing that the pass would come in front of the goal. It was decided calmly.



" I've been working together for many years, so I can understand each other with a sense without talking too much. "It can be said that the two" Aun's breathing "created the first goal.


Director Hajime Moriyasu also praised this goal as "doing a big job."

Doan “If you try your courage, you won't lose”

The second point was that I was able to get a glimpse of Doan's skill and mental strength.

Doan was given a penalty kick 5 minutes after the opening goal.


While Ochoa, a famous goalkeeper who was also active in the World Cup, stood in the way, he kicked in front of him with his left foot and scored an additional point.

Doyasu players


"partner thought was courage win of the opponent if standing in the middle. While I think that"'ll not lose if tried courage ", was kicked in the middle,"



the end, the free kick to one less became partner It must be said that it is a reflection that I gave it and suffered the first goal of this tournament, but the unwavering result shown by these two signboards can be said to be a good harvest to make up for the problem.

Next is against France

France in the same group won, so it was not decided to break through the qualifying league, but if Japan wins or draws in the final match of the qualifying league with France on the 28th, it will be decided to advance to the final tournament without complaint.

Doan


"just win"

Kubo


"I think the important thing is not the beginning but the end. If you win as it is, you will end up laughing at the end. Everyone wants to switch to the next game firmly."



"Two signboards" play like a match against Mexico If you show me, there is no doubt that Japan will break through the qualifying league for the first time in two tournaments.