On Tuesday 26 March, the SAMURAI BLUE (Japan National Team) faced the Bolivia National Team at the KIRIN CHALLENGE CUP 2019 and won the match 1-0 with the help of the goal scored by midfielder NAKAJIMA Shoya (Al Duhail SC) in the second half to record their first win in three matches.

As mentioned at the pre-game press conference, Coach MORIYASU Hajime rotated the entire line-up from their match against the Colombia National Team on Friday 22.

The fresh line-up featured eight players making their first ever start under the current regime. SCHMIDT Daniel (Vegalta Sendai) made his return in goal since the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019, while HATANAKA Shinnosuke (Yokohama F･Marinos) and MIURA Genta (Gamba Osaka) were positioned as the centre halves. In the right fullback position, NISHI Daigo (Vissel Kobe) made his return to the national team since June 2011, while ANZAI Koki (Kashima Antlers) covered the left side. It was HASHIMOTO Kento (F.C. Tokyo) and KOBAYASHI Yuki (SC Heerenveen) playing as the defensive midfielders, with KAGAWA Shinji (Besiktas J.K.) filling in the number 10 role. USAMI Takashi (Fortuna Dusseldorf) and INUI Takashi (Deportivo Alaves) were placed in the flanks while KAMADA Daichi (Sint-Truidense V.V.) played as the lone striker upfront. In this match, Kagawa was given the armband for the first time in his national team career......

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