Japan’s U-22 (U-22) national soccer team, which is preparing for the 2024 Paris Olympics, won a complete victory with five goals against the world-class Argentina U-22 national team.
Japan’s U-22 national team defeated Argentina 5-2 in a friendly match at the IAI Stadium in Shizuoka, Japan on the 18th. 안전놀이터
Japan, which led by Sato Gain (Verder Bremen)’s first goal in the 18th minute of the first half, allowed Pablo Solari (River Plate) in the 22nd minute of the first half and Thiago Almada (Atlanta United) in the 5th minute of the second half to turn the tables.
However, Japan succeeded in turning the game around again with a scoring show that scored four goals in 21 minutes from the 22nd minute of the second half.
Suzuki Yuto (Brunbue), who tied the game 2-2 in the 22nd minute of the second half, gave Japan the lead by completing a multi-goal nine minutes later.
In the 36th and 43rd minutes of the second half, Yuta Matsumura (Kashima) and Shio Fukuda (Mönchengladbach) also joined the scoring procession one after another, defeating Argentina.
According to Japan’s Kyodo News, Oiwa Ko, the head coach of the Japanese national team, told reporters after the game, “The home fans’ support was really great,” adding, “I want to praise our team’s pressure that caused the opponent’s error.” “I will also praise the aggression of scoring opportunities (due to mistakes),” he said.
The Japan Football Association also made the U-22 national team, led by Oiwa, participate in the Hangzhou Asian Games held in September and October.
Players born in 1999 or younger competed in the competition, and up to three “wild cards” over the age of 24 could be included, but Japan set up a team of young players born in 2001 or younger to target the Paris Olympics.
Japan finished second after losing 1-2 to Korea led by Hwang Sun-hong in the final, but Oiwa said after the game, “It’s a good result to come to the final as young players,” adding, “This tournament will help you qualify for the Olympics.”
Meanwhile, Argentina’s U-22 national team and manager Javier Mascherano lost face.
Mascherano made a name for himself as a world-class midfielder while playing for Liverpool (England) and Barcelona (Spain).
According to Japanese media Sports Hochi, Mascherino said after the game, “The results are very worrisome,” adding, “I don’t want to use the accumulation of fatigue (due to long-distance movement).” Apart from fatigue, I left the impression that we are a weak team with poor organization,” he said.