Japan's courage to send the Under-21 Team to the 2018 Asian Games deserves a thumbs up. Not competing with other contestants who were even strengthened by three senior players, Japan is now on the semifinals.
In the semifinals played at Pakansari Stadium, Cibinong, Bogor Regency, Wednesday night (08/29/2018), Japan will face the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Japan proves toughness both mentally, physically and skillfully. Coach Hajime Moriyasu's team went to the semifinals with only one defeat, while in the group stage against Vietnam.
Japan also did not need an extension of time and even penalties to seal victory in every match they had before.
The team's solidarity and solidarity because they have gathered for a long time, become one of the keys to Japan's success at the 2018 Asian Games so far.
Different things were shown by the opposing team, UAE, who had to ensure victory on penalties in the last two games, namely in the last 16 and quarter-finals.
Even so, the U-23 UAE national team coach, Maciej Skorza, stressed that it would not be a weakness that Japan could exploit in the semifinal match.
"Players compensate for their fatigue with high enthusiasm and commitment to the style of play," Skorza was quoted as saying by Gulf News.
The 46-year-old coach added, his squad level at the 2018 Asian Games has increased from one match to the next. In addition, players called him to have a strong personality that made them not afraid to face anyone.