Congratulations, Japan. They became the second country after Iraq to win the "Asian grand slam": Asian Cup, U-23 Championship, U-19 Championship and U-16 Championship. Japan Asian Cup - 1992, 2000, 2004, 2011 U-23 Championship - 2016 U-19 Championship - 2016 U-16 Championship - 1994, 2006 Iraq Asian Cup - 2007 U-23 Championship - 2014 U-19 Championship - 1975, 1977, 1978, 1988, 2000 U-16 Championship - 2016
Ironically there is little correlation between winning youth tournament in Asia and having a strong senior team. Japanese won most of their AC title where their u19 and u23 had little achievements. I can only see a little relation between Iraq u19 title in 2000 and their AC 2007 championship. Other than that it doesn't look like a big deal. Congrats to whoever won this competition but I think these are slightly more than pat on the back for motivating younger players.
I partly agree with you. Tournaments are unpredictable, especially youth tournaments (a good example of this is Vietnam finishing in top four). However, I think it's all about the performance and discovering individual talents, not the result. Facts: Iraq won the 2000 AFC U19 Championship > 4th at Olympics > Winners of 2007 Asian Cup Iraq finished second at 2012 AFC U19 Championship > 4th at 2013 U20 World Cup > Winners of 2014 AFC U22 Championship > Fourth at 2015 Asian Cup > Third at 2016 AFC U23 Championship > Group stage at 2016 Olympics There is some kind of pattern as you can see. I don't know about the youth teams of Japan though.
Woahhh. Shocking statistics as for I thought that 70's & 80's era , Japan were as strong as there are now . Thanks for this data dude. Japan also managed to take part in their first ever WC not until France '98 & now there are no stepping back for them. Asia need more Football Federation like Japan which really give 100% commitment for the development of their youth players, leagues & National Team. Congrats Japan !