Champs Japan grateful for experience of playing against world’s best
IPOH: With just one week of preparation before arriving in Ipoh for the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, Japan have surprised everyone by lifting the title for the first time.
It was Japan’s first final appearance in the tournament, and they displayed their resilience against a formidable Pakistan side to win 4-1 in the penalty shootouts after the match ended 2-2 in regulation time at the Azlan Shah Stadium on Saturday.
The Samurais, who are under the leadership of head coach Yoshihiro Anai, had a fantastic run in the tournament as they reached the final without losing any of the round-robin fixtures.
Their only blemish was a 1-1 draw against Pakistan, who entered the final without losing a game.
Anai said competing here in Ipoh had been a valuable experience for his squad, which had 13 youngsters under the age of 25.
“We prepared for this tournament just a week before arriving here and I’m very pleased with how the team have performed,” said Anai.
“I started by watching each player’s basic skills and knowledge on the fundamentals of the game.”
The 36-year-old Anai said the players had done their homework before the tournament and he believed in their abilities.
“I’m happy to see that each player stepped up. It’s very good to compete here because it’s a great experience for all of them.
“The players never gave up, even when playing in the final against a strong team like Pakistan,” he said.
Japan drew first blood when Seren Tanaka scored a field goal in the 12th minute, but Pakistan’s Ajaz Ahmad equalised in the 34th minute from a field goal.
Pakistan, who have won the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup three times, then took the lead through Abdul Rehman in the 37th minute, but Japan replied with a goal from Kazumasa Matsumoto 10 minutes later to tie the game 2-2 and force a penalty shootout.
The Samurais kept their composure and went on to win the shootout 4-1.
“We learned a lot from the Pakistan team,” said Anai.
Previously, Japan’s best was a fourth place finish in the 2022 edition.