AFC U23 Asian Cup
The midfielder helped a much-changed Japan side battle to a 1-0 win over Korea Republic in the semi-finals on Tuesday with the performance giving Sato plenty of confidence ahead of Saturday’s final against China PR.
Despite head coach Go Oiwa making five changes to his starting lineup from the quarter-final against Jordan, Japan rarely looked out of place with their dominance reaping rewards through Kaito Koizumi’s 36th minute strike.
“There are many great things we can take from the semi-final into the final,” said Sato, whose corner led to the only goal of the game.
“We’re going to win with all 23 players, starters and subs. The subs have this in mind as well. All 90 minutes (against Korea Republic), we managed to defend and persevere, and that’s why we won.”
“There are many great things we can take from the semi-final into the final,” said Sato, whose corner led to the only goal of the game.
“We’re going to win with all 23 players, starters and subs. The subs have this in mind as well. All 90 minutes (against Korea Republic), we managed to defend and persevere, and that’s why we won.”
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The squad is being groomed for the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2028, which will also serve as the qualifier for the Los Angeles Olympics, with most of the players having been part of the side that competed at the AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2025™.
Japan drew 1-1 with Korea Republic in the group stage last year and Sato expressed pride with how the players are developing.
Japan drew 1-1 with Korea Republic in the group stage last year and Sato expressed pride with how the players are developing.
“What we learnt from the draw in the U20 was the need to improve on our set-plays. The coach also told us to remain focused throughout the match and we did that, which allowed us to defend our lead and make the final.”
With Japan now one match away from a record-extending third title, Sato and his teammates will be determined to further show how much they have matured as players in Saturday’s final against China PR.
With Japan now one match away from a record-extending third title, Sato and his teammates will be determined to further show how much they have matured as players in Saturday’s final against China PR.
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