<Match Review>
The Japan Club Youth Soccer Championship (U-18), which can be said to be a symbol of the hot summer. The 47th tournament was held in Gunma Prefecture, and Kawasaki Frontale U-18, who also achieved good results in the 2023 EAST High School JFA U-18 Soccer Premier League, advanced to the semifinals by defeating Yokohama F.Marinos Youth 2-1 and 4-1. They returned to Tokyo.
1st HALF - A tense first half. Allowing the first goal.
The match, which started at Tokyo's kickoff, began with a press from the front line on the opponent's defense line's ball rotation in the first 5 minutes of the first half, causing the opponent to make a passing mistake. The ball was then taken to the right side, where player Toshiki Kaneko skillfully evaded the opposing player and sent a quick ball to the goal. However, Watanabe TSUBASA was unable to make a successful finish.
After that, he continued to carry the ball forward, but was unable to bring it to a shot due to the opponent's strong defense. Gradually, Shimizu S-Pulse Youth began to create opportunities to control the ball with attacks that utilized width, and there were scenes where the ball was carried to the goal, but Shuto NAGANO, at the center, put his body on the line and did not give the opponent any freedom.
However, in the 35th minute of the first half, Shizuoka gave a corner kick and Nishihara scored the first goal with a header. After that, the attack and defense continued to go back and forth, but they were unable to catch up and ended the first half with a score of 0-1.
2ndHALF—A fierce attack with 4 goals scored, advancing to the Final Round
In the second half, Tokyo raises the signal fire of counterattack. Just 4 minutes into the second half, Kaede Suzuki quickly takes the ball after a trap mistake and exchanges passes with Taiyo Yamaguchi. He sends the ball to Ryunosuke Sato, who competes with the opponent and skillfully shoots with his left foot from a clever deep cutback. The shot is unfortunately blocked by the opponent, but they earn a corner kick from the sequence. Yuta Sugawara competes with the opponent and skillfully meets the ball with his head, successfully bringing the game to an even state in the early stages.
From here, Tokyo's attacking power will increase by one or two gears.
In the 13th minute of the second half, Wataru GOTO's goal kick was received by Ryunosuke SATO, who dribbled past the defenders and took a shot with his right foot. The opposing goalkeeper deflected the ball, but Taiyo YAMAGUCHI calmly slotted it in to equalize. The momentum continued and in the 20th minute, Yuta SUGAWARA aggressively pressed the opponent who had received a deep ball in their own half. With relentless pressure, the team limited the opponent's passing options and formed a strong defensive formation. The opposing goalkeeper struggled to clear the ball under the intense pressure, and Kaede SUZUKI collected the ball in a high position. After a series of quick passes, the ball was passed to Taiyo YAMAGUCHI, who took a shot with his left foot from a difficult angle on the left side of the goal area. Although the ball hit the goalkeeper's foot, the momentum was not lost and the ball found its way into the goal, securing the third goal and extending the lead against Shimizu.
Tokyo, which is gaining momentum, launched a counterattack in the 28th minute of the second half, when Shunsuke Kaneko, who had snatched the ball from a fierce battle on the right side of their own field, ran solo to the front of the penalty area and expanded to the left side. Kaneko calmly received a pass from his teammate and scored the fourth goal to secure the victory. They calmly continued the game and gave Shizuoka a second goal in the 40th+4 minute, but the game ended 4-2. They advanced to the final stage for the first time in three years.
MATCH DETAILS
＜FC Tokyo U-18＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Wataru GOTO
DF Shuto NAGANO/Jumpei ISHIDO/Seisa NUMATA (37th minute of the second half: Shoei SASAKI)/Shunsuke KANESHIRO
MF Watanabe TSUBASA (27th minute of the second half: Jumpei YOSHIDA)/Ryunosuke SATO/Koda TANABE (27th minute of the second half: Kio TANAKA)/Kaede SUZUKI (39th minute of the second half: Romeo ITO)/Yuta SUGAWARA
FW Taiyo YAMAGUCHI (37th minute of the second half: Divine OTANI)
SUBS
GK Masataka KOBAYASHI
DF Takamasa KANEKO
MF Shun KOGA/Hyugo OMACHI
GOAL
4 minutes into the second half: Shuto NAGANO/13 minutes into the second half: Taiyo YAMAGUCHI/20 minutes into the second half: Taiyo YAMAGUCHI/28 minutes into the second half: Shunsuke KANEKO
Shimizu S-Pulse Youth
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Sokuho OISHI
DF Kaiga IWAZAKI/Shogo IWAMOTO/Hayato ARIMURA/Kenryu IWAO
MF Narumi OTA/Naru HOSHITO (8 minutes into the second half: Tamaki OKADA)/Ryunosuke YADA/Sean KOTAKE (25 minutes into the second half: Jojo NAKANO)/Genki NISHIHARA
FW Jigen TANAKA (35 minutes into the second half: Hiroto TASHIRO)
SUBS
GK Kaito SHIBASAKI
DF Naruki ISHIKAWA/Taro MURAKAMI/Seitaro TAI
MF Atsuki NAKAYAMA/Kyogo IWANAGA
GOAL
First Half 35th Minute: Motoaki Nishihara, Second Half 40+4th Minute: Motoaki Nishihara
[Takashi OKUHARA Coach Post-Match Comments]
Q: please review the game.
I watched several matches of Shimizu S-Pulse Youth and thought they were a very strong team. I expected there to be periods of being pushed back, and the key was how patiently we could fight. I think we faced a lot of shots, but we were able to keep it to one goal in the first half. Ideally, it would be desirable for the players to communicate and make adjustments during the game, but we had a good conversation at halftime and were able to motivate the players once again. I think that was crucial.
Q: What instructions did you give during halftime?
A, in simple terms, it means "communicating well among players." We prioritize having conversations in both directions. As there was a stagnation in that aspect, we made adjustments to eliminate communication barriers rather than focusing on tactical aspects.
Q: Please tell us the factors that surpassed Shimizu in terms of decisiveness.
A, I cannot tell you the specific details, but I think the fact that we have been building up through daily practice and the players were able to play with confidence is the reason why it bore fruit as a result.
I was impressed by Ryunosuke SATO's performance being the decisive factor, including the scene of the second goal.
A, I think today was not a good day for him in terms of ball feeling, but he was able to recover well in the game, including mentally. I think Ryunosuke SATO is able to grow because of the support of his teammates, starting with the encouragement of the third-year players.
Q, it was a striker-like 2 goals by Taiyo YAMAGUCHI.
A, he himself had injuries and difficult times. During that period, he reviewed his diet and improved his physical condition, which I think has greatly improved the control of the ball compared to before. In addition, he has a high level of decision-making ability, so I think "this is not enough yet."
Q, Yuta Sugawara's press back that led to the third goal was very effective.
A, his high athletic ability has been proven numerically in this tournament. The third goal in the previous Yokohama F.Marinos Youth match is also like that, and I think he is fighting well as a first-year student with his high defensive ability and plays that become accents in the attack.
Q, only one more win until the championship.
I want to fight without misunderstanding. I have been struggling in the Premier League and have only won two games in the first half. We have built up a lot as a team so far, and within that, players who have returned from injuries and national team activities have also joined, and I think the team's strength has increased. I want to continue playing the same kind of game until the end without losing humility.
[Player Interview]
<Taiyo YAMAGUCHI>
Q, please look back on today's game.
A, the start of the first half was not good, and we conceded a goal. However, it was good that we were able to discuss as a team during halftime and switch our mindset. In the second half, Shuto NAGANO scored an early goal, which boosted our momentum and allowed us to score multiple goals, including the second and third. It was good that I was able to score during this positive flow.
Q, please reflect on your first goal-scoring opportunity.
A, when player Ryunosuke SATO took a shot, I was thinking "don't let it slip away". By chance, it came loose in front of me, so I was able to score. I always aim for loose balls, so I'm glad I was able to convert it.
Q, I think the second goal was a goal scored by swinging my left foot and deciding with my feelings.
A, the shot hit the goalkeeper and went in, but it was a pattern that we had been working on in practice, so I think it was good to be able to make use of the characteristic of my left foot in the semifinal round.
Q, if we win the next game, we will be the champions.
A, since the tournament started, I have been aiming for victory, so I will give everything I can and definitely win.
<Shuto NAGANO>
Q: please review the game.
In this tournament, for the first time, we were put in a situation where we conceded the first goal and ended the first half that way. It was a tough match, but we were able to change our mindset during halftime and it was good that we were able to come back and turn the game around in the second half. It was also good that we were able to score a goal from a set piece early in the second half, at a good time.
Q, the momentum picked up in the second half after the halftime break.
At AJINOMOTO FIELD NISHIGAOKA, a home in Tokyo, many fans and supporters came to cheer. We were not losing in spirit, so at halftime, we confirmed that we would talk on the pitch. Although we were losing, we approached the second half with the belief that we could definitely turn the game around. I think it was good that we were able to equalize with a set play early in the second half.
Q, please look back on the scoring scene.
From the group stage, good balls have been coming in, so I thought a good ball would come up today as well. I believe that the determination to definitely score from there led to the goal.
Q, many fans and supporters came to support.
Even in an environment where we were behind, we could hear the cheers, and that motivated us to turn the game around. Today's result is thanks to the support and cheers from the fans and supporters. We are grateful to everyone who cheered for us.
Q, please say a few words about the Final Round.
A, I think the final round will be a tougher match than ever before, but I want to fight with the pride of wearing the Tokyo emblem. I want to carry the thoughts of the fans and supporters who support me, as well as my family and the players who couldn't join the team, and I want to seize the victory.
<Ryunosuke SATO>
Q, please review the game.
A, the first half was a difficult development, but we had a good discussion at halftime. There were also positive encouragements, and we were able to start the second half well. We scored goals in a good flow and I think the second half became a perfect game.
Q, in the second half, it seemed that the strengths of Ryunosuke SATO were particularly demonstrated.
I think both as a team and as an individual, we were able to make good plays in the second half. I could have taken a shot for the 4th assist, but I prioritized the probability of scoring a goal and making the best choice to win, so I played calmly.
Q, many fans and supporters came to today's match.
A, it was a great help. They gave us passionate support for our play and it was very encouraging. I think it was a victory that we achieved together as the Tokyo Family.
Q, please tell us your enthusiasm towards the Final Round.
Although we haven't achieved good results in the league matches, I believe that we were able to reach the final stage by fighting together as a team, including all the fans and supporters. In the last game, we will fight together and aim to seize the title of "Japan's best" at Nishi-Gaoka. We appreciate your continued passionate support.
◇For more details about the tournament, click here
