AFC U23 Asian Cup
The Gamba Osaka custodian, who had three clean sheets enroute to the final, produced a sparkling display to keep China PR at bay in the final.
The 19-year-old was barely tested in the two group stage matches against Syria and United Arab Emirates as Japan booked their spot in the quarter-finals with a game to spare.
Rested for their final group stage match against Qatar, Araki was back between the posts for the quarter-final against Jordan.
Rested for their final group stage match against Qatar, Araki was back between the posts for the quarter-final against Jordan.
Although he was beaten for the first time in the tournament by Ali Al Azaizeh, Araki showed his coolness in the penalty shootout by saving two of Jordan’s spot-kicks.
His calmness and commanding presence played a key role in the 1-0 semi-final victory against Korea Republic, easily saving the two shots on target their East Asian rivals had while Araki was a picture of calmness in the final as Japan cruised to a 4-0 win against China PR.
His calmness and commanding presence played a key role in the 1-0 semi-final victory against Korea Republic, easily saving the two shots on target their East Asian rivals had while Araki was a picture of calmness in the final as Japan cruised to a 4-0 win against China PR.
“I’m extremely happy. Conceding only one goal in this competition wasn’t just down to me. I’m truly grateful to our defensive line and all my teammates. Every game was played under great pressure and that experience has helped me grow. I want to take what I’ve learned here back to my club and put it into practice.
“Winning the championship is the best possible result but we still have areas to improve. We will keep working on those and aim to become a team capable of competing at a higher level.”
“Winning the championship is the best possible result but we still have areas to improve. We will keep working on those and aim to become a team capable of competing at a higher level.”
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