On Tuesday 16 October, the SAMURAI BLUE (Japan National Team) faced the Uruguay National Team in the KIRIN CHALLENGE CUP 2018 at Saitama Stadium 2002. Facing the South American side who is ranked fifth in the FIFA rankings, Japan earned a 4-3 victory thanks to the brace scored by midfielder MINAMINO Takumi (FC Red Bull Salzburg) who is in a three-game scoring streak. With this win, Japan has now recorded three consecutive victories under the new regime of Coach MORIYASU Hajime.

Following their 3-0 victory over the Panama National Team four days ago, Coach Moriyasu has rotated his starting line-up with the exception of OSAKO Yuya (Werder Bremen) and Minamino, who has started in all three matches under the new coach. With HIGASHIGUCHI Masaaki (Gamba Osaka) in goal, NAGATOMO Yuto (Galatasaray S.K.), SAKAI Hiroki (Olympique de Marseille), YOSHIDA Maya (Southampton FC), and MIURA Genta (Gamba Osaka) featured the defence line, while SHIBASAKI Gaku (Getafe C.F.) and ENDO Wataru (Sint-Truidense V.V.) were placed in the defensive midfield position. NAKAJIMA Shoya (Portimonense S.C.), DOAN Ritsu (FC Groningen), and Minamino were named in the midfield with Osako playing as the lone striker.

In contrast, the Uruguayan starting line-up saw just two changes since their previous match against the Korea Republic National Team four days ago. Forward Edinson CAVANI and defender Diego GODIN were included in the line-up that featured nine of the members who participated in the recent World Cup where the team finished in the top eight......

＞＞READ MORE "JAPAN FA"