Pathum Thani: Head coach Yoshiro Moriyama said Gaku Nawata’s two goals were the defining moments in their AFC U17 Asian Cup™ Thailand 2023 final triumph against Korea Republic on Sunday.
Nawata struck his first with a sublime free-kick just after Korea Republic had been reduced to 10 players while his second ended whatever hopes their East Asian rivals had of a comeback, with the player going on to scoop the Most Valuable Player and Cremo Top Goalscorer Awards.
Yutaka Michiwaki netted the third in added time. The triumph meant Moriyama added the AFC U17 Asian Cup title to the AFC U-16 Championship crown he guided Japan to in 2018.
“Today’s game was tough,” said Moriyama. “We couldn’t play our usual attacking game because our opponents defended well. The turning point, however, was the first and second goals scored by (Gaku) Nawata. His contribution was important because the Koreans have good attacking players and can score with just one chance.”
“We didn’t change tactics, but before the first goal our passing was not accurate. But we improved afterwards and had an opportunity to score from a free-kick because the Koreans made it hard for us to score in open play.”
Despite having a numerical advantage after Korea Republic were reduced to 10 men following Ko Jong-hyun’s dismissal, Moriyama instructed his charges to go on the offensive in the second half.
The 55-year-old’s plan paid off handsomely as Japan added two more goals with Nawata scoring off a beautiful team build-up before Michiwaki wrapped things up.
“We carefully selected players based on their strengths and I instructed them to go on the offensive at the start of the second half and encouraged them to challenge for every ball.” “Earlier in the tournament, I emphasised to my team that anything could happen during a match and urged them to be prepared for all scenarios on the pitch and find appropriate solutions during the game. Playing in the rain was challenging but we did this before during one of our training sessions.”
Moriyama now wants his players to deliver at the FIFA U17 World Cup Indonesia 2023.
“It will be the third time I will lead Japan to the World Cup. Previously we only managed a top-six finish, this year I want them to reach the semi-finals and maybe become the first Asian side to win the title.”
“I’m delighted I could motivate my players to perform at 100 percent. I tried to create a relaxed environment for them while also providing the necessary motivation for matches. I’m constantly stressing the importance of attacking football and that has been my secret for success in the tournament.”