The head coach of the Japan Under-21 (U-21) national football team has declared his ambition to win the gold medal at the upcoming Asian Games, particularly as the tournament will be held in Japan. This determination comes after a disappointing loss in the final four years ago, a memory the coach is keen to overcome.
Japan’s Squad for the Asian Games
The Japan Football Association (JFA) announced the 23-player squad for the U-21 national team that will compete in the Asian Games, scheduled to commence in September in Aichi and Nagoya. The roster includes notable players such as goalkeeper Leo Lion (21, AZ Alkmaar) and midfielder Nelson Ishiwata (21, Sint-Truiden).
Leading this team is coach Go Oiwa, 54, who is also slated to take over as the head coach of the senior national team starting March 2027. He will succeed Hajime Moriyasu, stepping into a significant role in Japanese football.
Reflecting on Past Defeats and Future Ambitions
Coach Oiwa carries the weight of the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games final, where his team narrowly lost 1-2 to the South Korean U-23 squad, managed by Hwang Sun-hong. Japan had taken an early lead through Kotaro Uchino in the second minute, but South Korea responded with an equalizer from Jeong Woo-yeong and a winning goal from Cho Young-wook, ultimately clinching the title.
The South Korean team for the upcoming tournament will also feature prominent players, including those from European clubs. Their squad is expected to include players like Bae Jun-ho (23, Stoke City), Yang Min-hyuk (20, Tottenham), and Kim Ji-su (22, Brentford). The wildcard selections for South Korea are Yang Hyun-jun (24, Celtic), Eom Ji-sung (24, Suwon City), and Lee Ki-hyuk (26, Gangwon FC).
Coach Oiwa’s Determination for Home Success
In a press conference held in Tokyo on August 1st, as reported by Japanese outlet ‘Daily News’, Coach Oiwa expressed his resolve. “While there were regrets from the previous tournament, it was a very meaningful event in terms of the growth of individual players,” he stated. “This time, we are determined to aim for victory with the goal of winning the gold medal at home.”
Oiwa, who recently led the team to victory in the 2024 AFC U-23 Asian Cup, was asked if he had any insights to share with the senior national team coach, Moriyasu, who also aims for the top spot in the Asian Cup to be held in Saudi Arabia next January. “There is nothing specific to share separately,” Oiwa responded cautiously. “We are constantly communicating about various aspects, such as player performance and match details. I also receive a lot of information when needed.”
Building a Cohesive and Developing Team
The coach highlighted the composition of his current squad, noting, “There are no players in this squad who have been selected for the first time. Therefore, I want to make this a group that can further develop the team’s unity and various aspects by one level.” This indicates a focus on building chemistry and improving the overall performance of the team.
When questioned about any specific advice received from Coach Moriyasu following Oiwa’s appointment to the senior team role, Oiwa mentioned the ongoing dialogue. “We are always in communication. Since we will continue to work together in the future, I hope we can continue to do so as we have done until now,” he remarked, emphasizing a collaborative approach between the youth and senior national team setups.
Looking Ahead to the Asian Games Challenge
The upcoming Asian Games present a significant opportunity for Japan’s U-21 team under Coach Oiwa. With the tournament being held on home soil, the pressure and expectations will be high. However, the coach’s clear ambition for a gold medal, coupled with his experience in winning the AFC U-23 Asian Cup, suggests a strong contender in the making. The team’s development and ability to gel, especially with no new call-ups, will be crucial factors in their pursuit of the coveted title.
The inclusion of players with experience in European leagues, alongside the coach’s strategic vision, sets the stage for an exciting campaign. The focus will be on overcoming past disappointments and delivering a championship performance for the home crowd, aiming to bring the gold medal back to Japan after a long wait.
