[Japan National Team]Kou Itakura is appointed as the new captain of Moriyasu Japan. Three days until the match against the Netherlands, spiritual supporter Wataru Endo leaves the team.

[Nashville, Tennessee, USA, 11th (12th Japan time)]The Japanese national team, who will be participating in the World Cup North and Central American tri-nation tournament, practiced at the Nashville SC Training Center on their fourth day here. It was announced that midfielder Wataru Endo (Liverpool) would be withdrawn due to a left foot injury, and defender Kou Itakura (Ajax) was appointed as the new captain on an emergency basis. There are only three days left until the Japan national team’s first World Cup match against the Netherlands. Supported by a mature team, Itakura will lead Moriyasu Japan.