Olympic Games
An attacking display shown against Paraguay in the opening game was matched by a more gritty and resolute display against Mali, giving head coach Go Oiwa plenty to smile about after seeing how his charges were able to adapt to different challenges.
“I want to praise the players for standing by the tactics as we were ready to defend more in the first half before coming out a bit more in the second half,” said Oiwa.
“I always say that a match isn’t only won with the 11 starters. The importance of replacement players becomes more crucial as the level goes up and my players understand that."
Just like he did in the final of the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024™ against Uzbekistan, Japan goalkeeper Leo Kokubo was instrumental to the Blue Samurai’s success with a number of impressive saves.
The Sint-Truiden player’s performance also went some way in putting off Cheickna Doumbia’s stoppage time penalty as he kept his second clean sheet of the tournament.
"I really wanted to protect the team, and I'm very happy that it came out,” said Kokubo.
“First of all, we got a winning point of six, so it's very big for us. Next, I want to continue winning and challenge in the next round."
Japan face Israel in their final Group D match on Tuesday.
Photos: AFP
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