On the 9th, the Japan national team (19th in the FIFA rankings) made final preparations at Osaka's Panasonic Stadium Suita in preparation for their match against the Paraguay national team (37th in the FIFA rankings) (same venue on the 10th).
◇ ◇ ◇
DF Tsuyoshi Watanabe (28, Feyenoord) talked about FW Kiyo Ueda (27, Feyenoord), who is in great form with the club he joined this season.
When asked about the striker, who leads the team as the club's ace with eight shots in the first eight games, he replied, “He's not the core of the team, but without him, we wouldn't be able to score.He's clearly doing well, and I'm happy because we're working hard together.''
Leading the team from the back of the pack to the front. He says they are such good friends on and off the pitch that they are “always there almost all the time.'' “I've started hearing from other players that (Ueda) is definitely smiling more and seems to be having fun,'' he said, revealing the changes. They stimulate each other and create a synergistic effect.
“He's probably gotten better because of me joining the team and how well he's doing, and I think his good form has also influenced me. I think we have a good relationship where we can pull each other together.”
We also communicate well about soccer. In terms of coordination, the fact that he plays regularly gives him an advantage. “I'm told to always keep an eye on him.'' Even if Kiyo isn't there when he gets the ball, there are times when Kiyo's movements can free up pace, so I can keep an eye on those things while playing,'' he said confidently.
