Japan national soccer team will make major changes to the squad for the match against Venezuela, coach Moriyasu declares

On the 27th, the Japan national soccer team (ranked 17th in the world) released the day-before practice for their international friendly match against Venezuela (47th) (held on the 28th at Edion Peace Wing Hiroshima). At a press conference the day before, coach Hajime Moriyasu stated, ``I want to make major changes to the lineup.'' It looks like this will be a match to discover new talent.

In the 3-1 win against Uruguay on the 24th, midfielder Kuryu Matsuki (Southampton), who was called up to the national team for the first time, scored the opening goal, and Kento Shiogai, who was playing for the national team for the fourth time, also scored a goal.

On the other hand, FW Umina Tanimura (Yokohama F. Marinos) and the other three players who were called up for the first time did not play. GK Reo Kokubo Brian (Sint-Truiden), who has never played in the match, also stayed on the bench.

The match against Venezuela was the second of a total of four matches in this national team's activities. Coach Moriyasu said, ``We will start with players who are making their first cap for the national team and players with little experience.I hope they will challenge themselves to see what they can do against a fierce and tough opponent.''

However, Coach Moriyasu said, ``It's not going to be a new strategy that goes beyond the original base.''

In the match against Uruguay, there were times when our passes didn't connect and there were times when we were forced into the opponent's hands. He points out the need to maintain basic tactics, such as quick shifts between offense and defense, even if the team changes.

While discovering new forces, we also track the content and results. Even though he is a lower-ranked opponent, the standards that the coach demands are high.