The Japanese national team (17th in the FIFA rankings) drew with the Mexico national team (13th in the FIFA rankings).

The match took place in the US, where the 2016 FIFA World Cup (World Cup) North and Central America Tournament was held, but Japan created many opportunities, but ended up with a scoreless draw.

Midfielder Kamata Daichi (29, Crystal Palace), who started midfielder, showed great satisfaction in his play in a role similar to his club. “When I become a midfielder, I have to do things that change the situation, such as making vertical passes. I have to make a difference in defensively plus things. I think that what I do is usually do to the national team, so I think that the things I do are able to give back to the national team,” he said.

In the rematch with Mexico, which is in the top position in the FIFA rankings, we were able to see solid progress. “I was on the pitch the last time I played against Mexico. I can clearly see that we are growing,” he said, proud of his dignified draw.

While he was feeling good, he also mentioned the attacking challenges when fighting opponents that are different from those in Asia. “When the game becomes at the level of today, I think we could have had bigger opportunities if we could play at the counter faster and more directly in the goal. Unlike in Asian games, it's not that we're always breaking down, but rather that it's more important to have a quick short counter after taking the game, which is closer to European soccer. Today we were able to take good stakes, but in the end there were some parts that we couldn't get to take the shot. I think that's a challenge for the team, and we have to build it up.”

Japan, aiming for a higher quality battle, will compete against the US national team (15th place) on the 9th (10th Japan time).

[Japan National Team]Moriyasu Japan draws against difficult enemy Mexico / Live news details