[Yongin (Korea) = Nagata Jun]The Japanese national team (17th in the FIFA ranking) defeated China national team (94th in the 2nd consecutive victory. Midfielder Uno Zento (21, Shimizu S-Pulse), who made his debut in the international A-match, played in the full midfielder. While teaming up with midfielder Tanaka Satoshi (Sanfrecce Hiroshima), he was able to build up his balls with a calm ball control and play in passing. Above all, despite being subjected to intense tackle from a merciless Chinese player, it was a big deal that he managed to get through with a shutout. First, regarding the defense, which focused on, he explained, “We were basically talking about trying to get ahead of the game. We had risks and risky defense, but the midfielders were conscious of covering the opposite side, and we assumed that the three players in the back would win 1-1 in the opposite direction.” His excitement towards the future was greater than his joy at making his A-Match debut. “The expression that he has taken the first step is right. By playing in a national team match for the first time, the standard of play has really improved, and I clearly understand that I have to be at a high level of awareness and level. I have to hone my own characteristics in that way,” he said to his firm determination. As he was the only selection from Shimizu, he also had the feeling of carrying the club. “It is my role to say that there are more and more players who will join the national team from Shimizu. I have that feeling. I hope that more and more good players will join from Shimizu from now on,” he said with emphasis. He joined the national team at the age of 21, but just like he played, his comments were grounded. “I'm not a really special player, so I have no choice but to steadily advance. What I've done in this situation has led to this time. That's why I want to strongly raise the standard again.” However, there were many things to reflect on during the Chinese War. This is that there was no scene where the midfielder left in the attack. “In the first half, we wanted to move at a good pace and control it well, but we ended up making station passes or even each station. It made it a little difficult. Even so, Satoshi's pass scored so it wasn't bad.” He then recalled, “If there was a more clear turn of events like a switch-like pass and the other side of the opponent, I think we could have made some shots even further forward and some shots.” From the second half, he learned through teaming up with 33-year-old Inagaki Masaru. “There were decisions when I took them, places I went, places I didn't go, places I stab, places I should learn, or something I should grow,” he recalls. He spoke about the behavior of the 38-year-old captain Nagatomo. “All 11 players from the A national team are all gathered with such influences. That's why people can share their image and combine them. That's what we need to improve from now on.” However, he was also very impressed by the response, saying, “I think I was able to complete the 90 minutes I could do in my own way.” [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
