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AFC U17 Asian Cup
Japan looked set for elimination after trailing for much of the contest before Chimezie Kai Ezemuokwe’s stoppage-time equaliser forced the tie to penalties, where goalkeeper Kosei Oshita emerged as the hero by saving two spot-kicks.
#U17AC - Semi-final: Japan 1-1 (3-2 PSO) Uzbekistan
Ono admitted his side struggled to cope with Uzbekistan’s intensity in the opening half but was pleased with the response shown after the break.
“It was a very tough game and we really needed to score. Eventually we found the breakthrough at the last minute,” said Ono.
“Having courage was the most important thing. In the first half, we were overwhelmed by the Uzbekistan team but in the second half we changed our mindset and started to play our football. That was the biggest positive for us.”
“It was a very tough game and we really needed to score. Eventually we found the breakthrough at the last minute,” said Ono.
“Having courage was the most important thing. In the first half, we were overwhelmed by the Uzbekistan team but in the second half we changed our mindset and started to play our football. That was the biggest positive for us.”
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Ono believes the dramatic win will provide his young squad with valuable confidence and experience moving forward.
“Winning this game will give the players confidence,” Ono added. “Reaching the final and playing one more match at this level will be a very good experience for them.
“But we also found some areas where we can improve and we need to learn from this match.”
“Winning this game will give the players confidence,” Ono added. “Reaching the final and playing one more match at this level will be a very good experience for them.
“But we also found some areas where we can improve and we need to learn from this match.”
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Uzbekistan head coach Sergey Chigodaev was left disappointed after seeing their dream of retaining the title shattered.
“It was a tough game. We are very disappointed to concede in the last minute, especially after working so hard throughout the match,” said Chigodaev. “But I want to thank the players for their effort. They are very young, they gave everything on the pitch and they showed real character in a difficult situation.
“I did not make tactical changes at half-time, and I do not want to blame the players,” added Chigodaev.
“It was a tough game. We are very disappointed to concede in the last minute, especially after working so hard throughout the match,” said Chigodaev. “But I want to thank the players for their effort. They are very young, they gave everything on the pitch and they showed real character in a difficult situation.
“I did not make tactical changes at half-time, and I do not want to blame the players,” added Chigodaev.
Despite the defeat, Chigodaev is excited with the potential within the squad, particularly midfielder Akhrorbek Ravshanbekov.
“All of our players performed well, but they were tired and overworked after a very intense tournament. We have many young talents and Ravshanbekov, in particular, has a very good future ahead of him. He showed quality and personality in big moments.”
“All of our players performed well, but they were tired and overworked after a very intense tournament. We have many young talents and Ravshanbekov, in particular, has a very good future ahead of him. He showed quality and personality in big moments.”
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