Japan U-23 coach Makoto Teguramori has named defenders Tsukasa Shiotani of Sanfrecce Hiroshima and Hiroki Fujiharu of Gamba Osaka as two of Japan’s three overage players for the Rio Olympics.
According to japantimes.co.jp, Teguramori, included both players in the squadon Tuesday.
It is gathered that the remaining slot will likely be awarded to a forward, with Urawa Reds’ Shinzo Koroki, Kawasaki Frontale’s Yoshito Okubo and Yuya Osako of Cologne as candidates.
“They’re both tough,” Teguramori said of Shiotani and Fujiharu, who are members of the full national side.
“Fujiharu has the work rate to get up and down, and Shiotani has the height and strength to hold his own in one-on-ones. I’m counting on them to improve us on both attack and in defense.”
Commenting after his inclusion in the team, Fujiharu stated that he is targeting gold in Rio.
“As long as I’m going, I want to come home with a gold medal in hand,” Fujiharu said.
“Playing in the Olympics has been a dream of mine.
“It’s important to gain international experience since my goal is to play at the World Cup in Russia.”
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