So that was a great campaign for Japan, They were the only team who didn't lose to England in the competition, whreas traditional teams like Brazil and Spain did. This team of Japan will have another chance, They are the same generation that will play the 2019 u20 world cup, so I hope until then They are better prepared and keep with the same coach of the u17, They can have great chances for that tournament. Now let's see if there were players who called the attention of the european scouts. Do you guys already know of any speculation in that regard?
And not only that, they didn't receive a goal of a team that scored 3 or more goals in every game, England only had a pair of good chances. I remember the great game Sugawara did in defense that day, it could sounds a little like a blasfemy, but him with Nakayama could be the future Nakazawa- Tulio duo we had in 2010. I wish.
Honestly, I think it was just England not being up to their usual standards that match. Japan was utterly dominated by France in their match and were quite bad against New Caledonia even if Japan had mainly used bench players in that match. Even if they had won the penalty shoot-out against England, I doubt they would have won the tournament.
True but I was talking about Japan's chances of winning the tournament. How would you rate Japan's chances of winning even if they had won the PK shoot-out against England?
Anybody knows why Kashiwa is always the one participating in the tournament other than other J league teams?
Lol, you mean the JFA just select Kashiwa to go? Wouldn't the logical way be for different clubs to take turns?
Maybe the one who chose them is the organization and not JFA? Is possible. And talking about today's match, great news, we will see Kashiwa play de final against PSG after a PK victory vs. Benfica after a 3-3 draw. Kashiwa was the most effective team (4 shots, 3 goals) and Kokubo made the rest. Man of the match and first time Kashiwa will play the final of the Alkass International Cup, congratulations
JFA has nothing to do with this competition guys. Teams pay (good money) to partecipate here and Kashiwa has one of the highest youth budgets.
Fantastic result. Leo was the man of the match yesterday against Benfica. Has improved a lot since last year. When do you think he will be ready to play senior football. Maybe next season?