Japan, a soccer boy at the Tokyo Olympics, will face Spain in the semi-finals.

In the 10th minute of the second half of the extension, Spain's Marco Asensio scored a goal and lost 0-1.


"I was hit by one opponent. I don't want to admit it, but it made a difference."


After the match, Takefusa Kubo told me to squeeze out the words.

Japan has the courage to quickly get close to the world's highest ball, Spain, where the ball dominance rate of this tournament exceeds 60%, and to own the ball, and to take the ball. I was conscious of connecting with my hands.



And as Japan expected, the match was a difficult one with Spain's ball dominance at 61%.

Eighteen shots were hit in Spain.



Nevertheless, Japan continued to defend itself with patience, centered on captain Maya Yoshida and goalkeeper Kosei Tani.


Furthermore, instead of turning to one side of the battle, when Volunteer Wataru Endo and Ao Tanaka boldly attacked the ball and stole the ball, they actively connected and made scenes approaching the opponent's goal many times.

However, of the nine Japanese shots, only one flew into the frame, and the match ended in no points.

Takefusa Kubo


"I don't want to make excuses for tiredness, but I couldn't decide because I had a chance."


Ritsu Doan


"I think there was something I could bring to the team. I'm sorry."



Spain decided It was 10 minutes in the second half of the extension that I was able to show my strength.


Three people have been attracted to Mikel Oyarzabal, who has scored two goals in this tournament on the left side.


Here, Marco Asensio in the penalty area gave a pass, and the skillful shot of Asensio who received this ball rejected Japan's dream of advancing to the final.

This one chance was taken by giving Asensio a small space, who scored five goals last season in Real Madrid, the Spanish League One powerhouse.

Maya Yoshida


"I often put up with the ball in the back while being dominated by the ball, but there was a difference in quality at the end."


Hiroki Sakai


"The goal-scoring scene also changes depending on whether or not the last step can be completed. I felt that there was still a difference. ”



Japan has continued to make good progress by breaking through the qualifying league with three consecutive victories and winning the quarterfinals while being involved in a penalty kick match.

It was noticed whether "third honesty" could break the thick wall of the semi-finals, but it was a match that made me keenly aware of the difference with the top of the world.

Still, Yoshida felt the growth of the team, and looked forward strongly in anticipation of the bronze medal bronze medal bronze medal bronze medal match.



Maya Yoshida player


"I think a terrible thing because it is this much of a fight in such a stage. One more time, to move against their own, want to end laughing as last medalist"



third-place game to be carried out in 6 days So, Japan rematched with Mexico, who won 2-1 in the qualifying league. We aim to win the bronze medal for the first time in 53 years since the 1968 Mexico tournament.