AFC U17 Asian Cup
Kitahara, who finished the tournament with Most Valuable Player and Top Goalscorer awards, played a decisive role in the final by scoring Japan’s third goal in a dominant first-half display that ultimately proved enough despite a nervy finish.
“We played a brilliant first half and built a 3-0 lead. In the second half, some of the same weaknesses we’ve shown in the past came through again but the entire team - including the defensive line - worked together to see out the game and win the title,” said the FC Tokyo U-18 midfielder.
“I think that ability to hold on and secure victory is one of the big areas of growth we’ve shown in this edition of the AFC U17 Asian Cup.”
“I think that ability to hold on and secure victory is one of the big areas of growth we’ve shown in this edition of the AFC U17 Asian Cup.”
.jpg?w=2400&q=80)
Kitahara also stressed the importance of maintaining focus in high-pressure moments as Japan were forced to withstand late pressure from China PR.
“Football is a game where nothing is decided until the final whistle, so in that sense, I think one of the reasons we were able to win was that we stayed focused and kept our concentration right until the very end.”
“Football is a game where nothing is decided until the final whistle, so in that sense, I think one of the reasons we were able to win was that we stayed focused and kept our concentration right until the very end.”
Despite his influential performance, Kitahara admitted he could have put the result beyond doubt earlier in the second half.
“There were instances have extended the lead and played the final moments with much more control and less pressure.
“In that sense, I regret not taking those big opportunities in the second half. By the time we reach the World Cup, I want to have worked so hard so that I perform at a level beyond even the head coach’s expectations.”
“There were instances have extended the lead and played the final moments with much more control and less pressure.
“In that sense, I regret not taking those big opportunities in the second half. By the time we reach the World Cup, I want to have worked so hard so that I perform at a level beyond even the head coach’s expectations.”
Related News
- AFC U17 Asian Cup
Japan’s Ono eyes improvements after dramatic title win
- AFC U17 Asian Cup
Ukishima proud of China PR despite heartbreak
- AFC U17 Asian Cup
Japan survive China PR fightback to clinch title
- AFC U17 Asian Cup
Japan’s Kitahara takes MVP, Top Goalscorer Awards
- AFC U17 Asian Cup
Japan’s Kosei Oshita scoops Best Goalkeeper honour
Item 1 of 5