On July 21, Soccer Daily revealed that the national soccer team is in the midst of its preparations for the 18-team tournament, while its rivals are equally poised in the shadows.
I. Japanese coach Mori Baoichi's continental search for a striker
Japan, the first opponent of the 18-team tournament, has quietly begun preparations.On June 27, the Japan Football Association announced that the Japanese team will play against the national soccer team and Australia at the Saitama World Cup Stadium. Coach Mori Boichi traveled to Germany in June and observed 10 UEFA Europa League matches live. He was impressed with the performance of the young players: "The fact that middle school students can play as starters in top teams shows the results of Europe's training of young players." July 24th kicked off the Paris Olympic Games men's football tournament, the Japanese Olympic team is also in Mori Baoichi's scope of observation. The team has no overage players, which is a major feature.
Of the seven overseas players, five were members of the U23 Asian Cup champions. U23 Asian Cup MVP Jeanju Fujita and J-League rookie of the year Mitsuyoshi Saito are seen as strong contenders for the Top 18 list.
Mori will also be looking at European players, such as Real Sociedad's warm-up match against Brighton, and Bayern and Tottenham's warm-up in Korea. Newly joined Bayern's Ito Yohki is also in his investigation. It is expected that Mori Boichi will announce the top 18 list at the end of August.
II. Bahrain is one step ahead
Bahrain, coached by former Henan Jianye Croatia coach Tarajic, have traveled to Slovenia for a two-week training session. The training takes place in Maribor until August 2nd. The Bahraini team has gathered 30 players who will warm up with local top league clubs such as Lokomotiv Zagreb. Bahrain's only European striker Youssef is absent due to the start of the new Czech league season.
III. Saudi Arabia's Mancini set for preliminary selection
The national soccer team will face Saudi Arabia in Sept. In February, six Saudi international players were banned for five months for openly defying the Italian coach. This time, Riyadh Victory goalkeeper Akedi was able to make it into the 35-man preliminary list, but famous player Faraj is still out of the picture. The Saudi Football Federation and Roberto Mancini held daily meetings to refine their preparation plans. Saudi Arabia will train in Riyadh on September 2 in preparation for the match against Indonesia.
Four: Australia's Arnold seeks European players
On July 18, the Australian soccer team decided to play the national soccer team at the Adelaide Oval. Many of the Australian national team players are from South Australia, such as stand-in goalkeeper Gautschi, midfielder McGrory and striker Goodwin, and the venue is designed to win more support from local fans. Coach Arnold and members of the coaching staff will visit the European players and assistant Mullensteen will keep an eye on Bayern ladder rookie Ilan Kunda in the hope that the 18-year-old Burundian winger can maintain his excellent form this year.
V. An orderly process of naturalization for Team Indonesia
Indonesia's preparations have been affected by head coach Shen Tailong's surgery and he is expected to recover in early August. Indonesia's naturalization process is in order, with Dutch Nijmegen defender Feldonk having completed his naturalization in June. The plan is to have at least two or three players naturalized before the Top 18 list is announced at the end of August. Danish Supergiants Copenhagen center back Dix will complete his naturalization by September and North American league FC Dallas goalkeeper Pais has been naturalized.
