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Japan opened their FIFA U17 World Cup campaign in style after thrashing Honduras 6-1. Keito Nakamura scored the tournament’s first hattrick and his teammates Kubo Takefusa, Miyashiro Taisei, Toichi Suzuki also got their name’s on the scoresheet. The coach seemed really pleased with his team and it was evident from his facial expression during the press conference.
“The result was above my expectations, while I talk about the game I will have to talk about our attack and I think we scored so many goals today because of our players individual quality and also our quality to attack as a unit, a number of goals scored was above my expectation, it's a good beginning to the tournament and a good preparation for the game against France,” Yoshiro Moriyama stated about the game.
The Japan coach did mention that his side needed to improve their game more if they are to get past the quarterfinals which have sort of been a choking zone for the Japan team. The coach also mentioned that he didn't like it very much during the spells when Honduras were given ample space to play freely and have shots at his goal.
“Have not seen the game, but know that their attack is very powerful, and they have very good speed and quality,” was the coach's reply when quizzed about the upcoming France game and if he had watched the France vs New Caledonia game.
The coach stated the need to stay humble and grounded especially after a big win and also mentioned that his boys needed improvement and a lot to fix if they are to do well in the knockout stages. He also stated that their upcoming opponents would be different and more difficult opponents.
Speaking about hattrick hero Nakamura, the coach said that he is good with both feet and has a good shot and his turning is also superb. The coach also mentioned that where Honduras were more focused with Kubo it gave the other Japanese players the freedom to play their game freely and score goals.
The Japanese captain Shimpei said that even though they didn't expect to score so many goals they believed that they could win the game and he was very happy that they could get off to a perfect start.
He also mentioned that his injury is not something to worry about and it was precautionary step in which he limped off the pitch and sat out of the last few minutes of the game so that he didn't aggravate the pain and injury. He also mentioned that he took up the game of football at the age of 3 and started to go to an academy from the age of 5-6.
The Japanese sensation Kubo said that being compared to Messi is a great honour as Messi is the world's best player but he doesn't give much thought to these comparisons and wishes to play his own game and maybe one day make a big name for himself.
He felt it was the best possible way to start the World Cup campaign and he was happy with his performance as he bagged a goal and an assist, he was also happy that the team had four different scorers on the night, which is always a good thing to have.
