On Tuesday 13 October, the SAMURAI BLUE (Japan National Team) played in their second international friendly match of their Netherlands tour, where the team faced Cote d'Ivoire National Team. Late substitute UEDA Naomichi scored the decisive goal just before the final whistle to give the Japanese side their first victory since resuming their activity following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Four days after they drew 0-0 against Cameroon National Team, Japan entered this match against the African powerhouse with a four-back formation, while rotating eight players from their starting line-up. With SUZUKI Musashi playing up top, KUBO Takefusa, KAMADA Daichi, and ITO Junya played as the attacking midfielders, while ENDO Wataru was named into one of the defensive midfield positions. NAKAYAMA Yuta, who served as a defensive midfielder in the first match, was positioned as the left fullback, while MUROYA Sei took the field as the right fullback, and it was SCHMIDT Daniel who was named as the starting goalkeeper.

Cote d'Ivoire on the other hand, rotated four players from their 1-1 draw against Belgium, placing GERVINHO, Jumaa SAEED, and Nicolas PEPE upfront, while Eric BAILLY led their three man defence line, showcasing loads of talents who plays for top clubs in Europe. .....

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