Japan has taken its first step toward its first Olympic medal in 56 years.
The Japanese Olympic soccer team, led by head coach Oiwa Ko, beat Paraguay 5-0 in the first Group D match of the 2024 Paris Olympics men's soccer at Bordeaux Stadium in Bordeaux, France, on the 25th (Korea time). Mito??Ske was responsible for two goals in the 19th minute of the first half and the 18th minute of the second half. Rihito Yamamoto scored an extra point in the 24th minute of the second half. On top of that, Shota Fujio scored in succession in the 36th minute of the second half and the 42nd minute of the second half to end the victory. Paraguay, on the other hand, suffered as Wilder Viera was sent off with a red card just 24 minutes after the first match.
Japan ranked No. 1 in Group D with the victory. Mali and Israel, which are in the same group, left a 1-1 draw. Japan will confirm its advance to the tournament early if it wins the match against Mali at 4 a.m. on the 28th. However, the status of Hiragawa, who left due to injury, is a question mark. According to Japanese media Sports Hochi, Oiwa said "We have to check it out." Hiragawa injured his ankle at the opponent's tackle. He was stretchered off to the bench.
사진=AP Yonhap News
Photo = AFP Yonhap News
Japan's goal for this tournament is clear. It's a medal. Japan is aiming for its first medal in 56 years since the bronze medal at the 1968 Mexico Games. Japan was aiming for the gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics just before. However, he failed to achieve his dream, losing 0-1 to Spain in the semifinals and 1-3 to Mexico in the bronze medal match.
It's a bold challenge. Japan set up the final list without wild cards (players aged 24 or older) for this tournament. In principle, only athletes under the age of 23 can participate in Olympic men's soccer. However, up to three players in each team can be selected as wild cards over the age of 24. Japan did not play a wild card in this tournament. This is the first time in 16 years since the 2008 Beijing Games. Japan used all three wild cards in London in 2012, Rio in 2016, and Tokyo in 2012. Some players, including Endo Wataru (Liverpool), expressed their intention to participate in the Olympics with wild cards, but Japan formed a team with only players under the age of 23. At that time, national team director Masakuni Yamamoto said "There were many difficulties in the convocation process (in relation to overseas players). I think the failure to pick a wild card is the result of the evolution, growth, and leap of Japanese soccer", he explained.
