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7 June 2023
Japan 2-1 Morocco : Post-game reactions
Japan won (2-1) their first match against Morocco. Here are the post-match reactions of the Japanese and Moroccan players and coaches.
Kazunori Jo (Japan head coach) :
"I'm very pleased with the win, but it's only the first game, the important thing is what comes next. We're already focused on our next game against Panama on Saturday.
Morocco were physically superior to us, but that didn't stop us. I'm pleased with the performance of my players, I think they held their positions well in this match.
When you take part in the Maurice Revello Tournament as Japan's national team, the aim is to go as far as possible. But nothing's done yet, and we need to get back to work to prepare for the next match, which will be just as tough as the one against Morocco today."
Ryo Tokunaga (Japan midfielder and captain) :
"In the first half, we had the chance to score but we didn't. In the second half, we were perhaps too defensive but we were able to turn the game around. So we're very happy.
Yes, we were a bit shaky physically. Especially with the players on the flank like the number 10 (Mohamed Radid) who was very quick. We were able to hold out and only concede one goal. That's very positive for us. We'd like to control the game better in our next match."
Mohamed Ouahbi (Morocco head coach) :
"In midfield, there were too many short passes and too many lost balls, so we didn't have enough control over the game. We also played too fast through the middle. We didn't take advantage of the space they left between midfield and their defence. We should have done more to break down lines and attack at their backs. It was much better in the second half. We were more compact and aggressive. Our midfielders got out quicker and prevented them from building. We managed to score on merit, even though Japan could have scored one or two goals in the first half. Unfortunately, it was at a time when we were in control of the match that we conceded the equaliser. That's where we're going to try and improve, because in certain areas of the pitch we need to play more simply and take the pressure off. We're all disappointed now, but it's not over yet.
We didn't necessarily want to sit back and wait for a draw, but continue to play the way we've been playing since the start. That was very important. After the 1-1 draw, some of the players had a physical setback and we made all our changes because we had to with the injury to our central defender. We didn't have much choice at the back and that was a bit of a problem. The plan didn't go according to plan but they gave it their all. We tried to complicate the game in certain parts of the pitch and that cost us dearly.
We're not going to approach our next games any differently. We can play with our strengths. In the second half, it was better because we turned the game around more quickly and we were very dangerous when our full-backs crossed and split the ball. So we have to approach the next games in the same way. We've lost but we'll always try to win the next games."
Ylies Ziani (Morocco forward) :
"We've trained well since we arrived here. We've had to get used to each other because we're not used to playing for our respective clubs. This afternoon, we tried to concentrate and cause Japan problems, even if that wasn't always the case. We played well, that's true, but unfortunately we were undone by two Japanese chances.
We all worked together to be a team, a solid block and not eleven individuals who could make the difference. On the whole it worked, even if we did get two goals in the end.
The coach asked us to be creative and that's what I tried to do, trying to help the team as much as I could. We had to create danger. Personally, I was rewarded with an assist. I've always tried to break through on my flank, that's what the coach wanted me to do.
My main objective is to help my team as much as possible on the pitch and to try and ensure that Morocco go as far as possible in this tournament."
