The Japanese national football team, Samurai Blues held an open practice session at Jubilee Stadium, Kogarah on Monday, in preparation for the World Cup qualifiers against Australia on Thursday.
More than 100 children and their families gathered at the stadium to get a glimpse of the national team and cheer on the players.
For the many players of Mate FC, a Japanese football club, run by former Japanese national player, Yuzo Tashiro, it has been a long and exciting wait to see their heroes.
"I hope this will inspire them to love soccer even more and train harder" Yuzo tells SBS Japanese.
The Samurai Blues were gifted with a large Japanese flag, with messages from children and students attending MATE FC and Sydney Japanese International School.
From left, Yuzo Tashiro, Consul-General of Japan in Sydney, Masahiro Kiya, Takao Teramoto Source: Yumi Oba
Consul General of Sydney Masahiko Kiyani, dressed in his uniform, also attended the event, warmly watching over the children as they cheered for the team.
Consul General Kiya thanked the Japanese athletes for sharing the opportunity with the children of Sydney, and said that the Japanese living in Sydney cheering for the team will greatly contribute to their victory.
Japan, currently in second place in their group, will qualify for the World Cup if they beat Australia in Thursday's match.
"I hope to see Japan qualify for the World Cup in Sydney" says Consul General Kiya.
The Asian qualifying round for the World Cup will be held this Thursday, March 24, at Stadium Australia in Sydney. Kickoff is at 8:10 p.m AEDT.
For the audio interview in Japanese, click below.
Listen to SBS Japanese Radio on Tue, Thu and Sat from 10pm
