According to Japanese football media football-zone, ahead of the AFC U-20 Asian Cup 2027 qualifier to be held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Japan's U-19 national team played a warm-up match against Toyo University at the Prince Takamado Memorial JFA Yume Stadium in Chiba City on August 26, ultimately losing 1-3. In this match, Nick Schmidt, playing as a defensive midfielder, started and played the entire first half, displaying strong form with accurate passes and decisive tackles. After the match, Schmidt discussed his decision to represent Japan in an interview.

Schmidt, who started as a defensive midfielder in this match, worked to create opportunities for his team through sharp tackles and his trademark accurate passing. However, the team struggled against Toyo University's high-pressure pressing, which was backed by superior physical conditioning. Japan fell behind 2-0 in the first half before Schmidt was substituted out. Although they scored one goal in the second half, they ultimately lost 1-3. Looking ahead, Schmidt said, "I want to demonstrate the experience I've accumulated with the team."

The 18-year-old Schmidt was born in Kiel, a port city in northern Germany, to a German father and Japanese mother. He showed early promise in football and joined the St. Pauli youth academy based in Hamburg. This talented player, who signed his first professional contract with the club in September 2025, is highly regarded by the club as a defensive midfielder with exceptional tackling ability.

Although Schmidt is also eligible to represent Germany, he has always aspired to play for Japan's national team, his mother's homeland. He said, "I took the initiative to contact them myself." In May 2024, he reached out to officials at the Japan Football Association (JFA).

He was subsequently selected to Japan's U-18 national team for the first time in October 2024.

Schmidt smiled and said, "The moment I received the call-up notification, I was truly delighted. The reason I wanted to represent Japan is because Japanese blood runs deep through my veins. My mother is Japanese, and when I heard I could play for Japan, I instinctively felt, 'This is the path I should take.' When selected, I was filled with great anticipation and determination to prove I deserve to play for the national team. I'm thrilled to compete for the colors of my mother's homeland." He expressed his enthusiasm in German.

This "Samurai" from Germany, wearing the blue jersey, has made his presence felt as a midfielder orchestrator for Japan's U-18, U-19, and U-20 national teams. At his club, he learns from and receives guidance from Japan's national team midfielder Joel Chima Fujita, constantly refining his skills. "I learn the most from Joel Fujita in the same position. He often talks to me during training. Whether it's a professional footballer's lifestyle, recovery, pre-match preparation, or training mentality, he's a role model for professional players." He is following in the footsteps of his admired "Blue Samurai."

During the winter break in January of this year, he made his senior debut in a friendly match against Bundesliga side Werder Bremen. However, just as his career was taking off, an unexpected setback occurred. In June this year, he was selected for Japan's U-19 national team to compete in the 52nd Maurice Revello Cup (Toulon Tournament) held in France, but was forced to miss the national team activities due to physical issues. Schmidt said, "I was very disappointed and angry with myself. But these things always happen in football, and it's also part of growing up. I must learn from it and come back stronger." To achieve this, he worked tirelessly in Germany, preparing for this national team call-up.

Regarding the AFC U-20 Asian Cup 2027 qualifier, which will begin on August 20, Schmidt enthusiastically declared, "I have experience from the U-20 AFC Asian Cup held in February last year, so I hope to become a leader. Even though my Japanese isn't perfect yet, I'll communicate with everyone as much as possible and help the team on the pitch. I think a player with my style can bring diversity to the team, and I hope to contribute in my own way. As a team, we must win all our qualifying matches, and everyone must fight to the very end. That's what's most important, and regarding the results, I believe they will come naturally." This German-born "Samurai," wearing the blue jersey, will guide the team toward greater achievements on the Asian stage.

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