By Miho Matsuzaka

For the Athens Olympics in August, the members of the Japanese National Soccer team Under-23 (all players are under 23 years old) warmed to their training. As members of the Olympics, many players were called together to a camp. The 20 members, who were selected through strict testing, are wonderful and they have good techniques. In February, the international exhibition games help them to grow in every game, so in the final preliminary against the UAE (United Arab Emirates) Japan accomplished a great feat. Japan got into the Olympics due to this game.

On March 18th, the Asian round's final game of the Athens Olympics qualifying tournament was played at the Kasumigaoka National Stadium. The Japanese team played against the UAE team. Japan had 2 wins and 1 draw, acquired 7 points and was in the lead in the UAE round. However, Japan lost a game against Bahrain in Japan in the first round, so Japan ended up with the same points as the UAE. It was unclear if Japan could go to Athens. Therefore, Japan had to win the next game in order to go to Athens. At the stadium, Japanese fans wore the Japan team's uniform and give vocal support.

In this game, Japan attacked the UAE from the first half and Nasu and Okubo, two Japanese players, scored one point each. In the second half, Okubo added one point and Japan defended the attacks of the rival team. Eventually Japan won by a score of 3 - 0 and could go on to Athens. Japan obtained the qualification for the Olympics three times in a row. After finishing the match, the message "Congratulations！ We won the ticket to go to Athens !" was projected on the big screen. The players, the head coach and assistant coaches ran up to players from the bench, their faces beaming with smiles. Players poured a bucket of water on Yamamoto, the head coach, in celebration of the victory. After that, players went around the field greeting fans with smiles.

In an interview after the game Yamamoto said, "We still have a long way to go, but I'll be happy whether we win every game at Athens or not." This is his second time as an Olympic coach. This time is the first time for him as the head coach, and he will command the players at Athens.

In order to test their strength, the Japanese team played a friendly game against Turkey on May 26. This game was difficult as they were attacked by Turkey from the first half. In the second half. Japan scored one point before finishing the game. Konno scored a goal with a head shot from the corner kick of Morisaki. That tied the score. After that, neither team could score any more goals, and the game ended in a tie.

After the game Turkey's head corch said, "Japan has highly skilled players and many players have talent which makes this a good Japanese team." Yamamoto said, "The results ended in a draw, but I think the players could grow. Turkey's team was strong on the attack, but it was good for our players to have this game. I'm grateful to Turkey for playing the game," he said.

Turkey's team has more ability than Japan's team. The FIFA (Federation Internationale de Football Association) ranks Turkey as seventh. However, Japan tied with them in the game, so they may have a chance of winning a medal.

Looking back over the game, Japan took a three-line formation, so they tended to be caught off guard in the end zone. Turkey took advantage of this weakness and broke Japan's side and let out a quick cross. Japan learned the difference of ability which they never could have known by playing games with only Asian countries. It was a challenge to see how fast they could cover the end zone. "I want them to show their power to conquer without putting the older Japanese players on this team," Yamamoto said.

Konno, who plays for FC Tokyo, was the only player who played a full game since the final qualifier started. He is a great defender and doesn't foul. Yamamoto said, "He is this contest's MVP." Both Tulio, who hasn't been a regular member for about two months, and Komano, who hadn't played a game since last July, returned to the Japanese team. As a result, players will contest for each position more. It is a great pleasure to think how players improve in every game and whether Japan can get a medal. Therefore, we'd like to give our full support for their success in the Athens Olympics.