Umesaki (in blue) in action during the AFC Youth Championship 2006.

By Chetan Kulkarni

KOLKATA: Young gun Tsukasa Umesaki has declared his aim to go flat out to help Japan break their duck in the Asian youth showpiece.

Japan have lost in the Final of the AFC Youth Championship five times over the years and on Thursday booked their place in the Final against DPR Korea after edging Korea Republic 3-2 on penalties after full time (1-1) and extra-time (2-2) ended in a stalemate.

“It is a learning process for me and I would surely like Japan to break the jinx and clinch the Asian youth title this time,EUmesaki, who is 19 years old, told www.the-afc.com.

Umesaki made his J-League debut for Oita Trinita last year against Sanfrecce Hiroshima and his skills attracted the attention of national coach Ivica Osim, who immediately drafted the Nagasaki-born midfielder into the national side.

“It’s every footballer’s dream to get into the national side. It was a valuable experience playing with the senior team I hope this tournament will help me get a permanent place in the national roster,Esaid Umesaki, who has scored three goals in 21 matches for Oita besides creating innumerable goal-scoring chances.

Japan youth coach Yasushi Yoshida was also all praise for the teenager. “He is a good player and has a bright future. He is the backbone of our team and his national team experience came in handy at times,Ehe said.

“He is an inspirational player and initiates good moves. His speed and agility also helps the team in general,Eadded Yoshida.

Umesaki spelt out his team’s goals in no uncertain terms. “We got the better of Korea Republic in the semifinals and have already qualified for the FIFA U-20 World Cup, now our target is to clinch the crown.E