The Japanese national team, aiming to participate in the Soccer World Cup Qatar Tournament, has begun full-scale practice in Sydney for the Asian final qualifying match against Australia on the 24th of this month.
In the final Asian qualifying round, Japan will be in second place in the group, who will be able to qualify for the tournament unconditionally, with two games left, and if they win the match against Australia, which will be held in Sydney away on the 24th of this month. Participation in the World Cup for 7 consecutive tournaments will be decided.
Japanese players started practicing in earnest on the 21st, and 12 people including Kaoru Mitoma of Belgian First Division Sanjirowers and Yuto Nagatomo of J1 FC Tokyo, who have a sharp dribble breakthrough, are running and passing. I sweated for about an hour.
Players playing in Europe will meet after the match at their club, and all will be able to practice the day before the match.
In the match against Australia, which is approaching three days later, Japan will be very close to getting the right to participate even if they draw, but if they lose, they will fall to 3rd place in the group and will be in a difficult situation.
Under these circumstances, both forward Yuya Osako and Hiroki Sakai on the right side back, who have been the cornerstones of the offense and defense, declined due to injuries, and substitute members are required to inspire for the first time. increase.
Mitoma said, "Because the future of the Japanese national team is decided, I feel like trying my best. I think that I am required to play to change the flow, so I want to put out such a place and contribute to victory in any situation." I was talking about.
Local Japanese cheer at the practice venue
At the stadium in Sydney, which was the practice venue, more than 100 people, including Japanese children playing soccer and their parents, visited the stadium, and the Hinomaru with the words "Do your best! Japan national football team" was put up in the audience seats. I also cheered on Japanese players.
A 10-year-old girl said, "I'm happy to see the players' fast passes. I'm hoping to see Mitoma and Ito run and shoot in the match."
In addition, a man in his 40s said, "Sports are best seen live, so I will do my best to support them at the stadium on the day of the match. I want the players to make good preparations and welcome the day."
In New South Wales, where Sydney is located, supporters are expected to visit from Japan on the day of the match as the isolation after entering the country has been abolished on condition that the new corona vaccine has been vaccinated.