The Japanese national team (17th in the FIFA rankings) defeated the Chinese national team (94th in the 2nd place), 2-0, and they were able to win the championship for the second consecutive victory in the tournament.

Midfielder Inagaki Sho (33, Nagoya Grampus), who came on as a substitute since the start of the second half, nodded, “I was conscious of preparing the team in order for the team to win, and I was able to do that to a certain extent,” and expressed his frustration, saying, “I was able to score one middle pitcher. I have regrets.”

He scored a spectacular mid-range shot in the previous match against Hong Kong. With many young players in the first meeting, and many young players, he shows outstanding stability and tightens the team. On this day, he assisted with an additional goal from defender Mochizuki Henry Kaiki (23, FC Machida Zelvia) in the 19th minute of the second half, with the score being 1-0.

In the next match, they will face host Korea for the championship. “I have a unique atmosphere and excitement, so I'm looking forward to seeing how much I can lead Japan to victory, and I'm looking forward to it,” he puts pressure on himself. The level has suddenly changed from the previous two matches, and the game will be a huge away game. “This time, there were many young players calling out for the first time, and I was not exposed to that atmosphere, and it is my job to play calmly and make the team calm, so I would like to work hard in that sense as well,” he said with determination.

[Japan National Team]Nagatomo Yuto played in his first national team match in 2 years and 7 months, winning 2-0 against China E-1 Championship/Details