With competition among domestic players heating up for a place on Japan's Under-23 London Olympic team, Kyoto Sanga striker Takumi Miyayoshi seized his chance to impress with the winning goal as Takashi Sekizuka's side beat J. League leaders Vegalta Sendai 1-0 in a practice match to wrap up their three-day training camp on Wednesday.
Miyayoshi, among a sprinkling of new faces looking to stake their claim for a place in the 18-man Olympic squad, struck with a clever finish in the 52nd minute of a game in which all 22 of Sekizuka's members saw playing time.
"I know if I don't take my chance then another one won't come my way," said the 19-year-old Miyayoshi. "I have to take the opportunities when they come along."
Miyayoshi, Tokyo Verdy midfielder Yuki Kobayashi, 19, Consadole Sapporo defender Tatsuki Nara 18 and 22-year-old Shimizu S-Pulse striker Genki Omae were all called up to the squad for the first time for this training camp.
Sekizuka said, "the players are moving around while still trying to think of how to play. But the new faces have made me feel they are confident that they can hold their own in this team."
Japan last month beat Bahrain 2-0 at home to reach their fifth successive Olympics. Takashi Sekizuka's charges topped Group C with five wins from six games in the final round.
The draw for the London Olympic soccer tournament takes place next Tuesday. Japan will continue preparations for London at an international tournament in Toulon, France in May.