＜Match Review＞
The Japan Club Youth Soccer Championship (U-18), which can be said to be a symbol of the hot summer, has reached its 47th edition. In this tournament held in Gunma Prefecture, Kawasaki Frontale U-18, who advanced to the knockout stage with 1 win, 2 draws, and no losses, and also achieved good results in the Prince Takamado Trophy JFA U-18 Soccer Premier League 2023 EAST, defeated Yokohama F.Marinos Youth 4-1 and Kawasaki Frontale U-18 2-1, and advanced to the semi-finals, returning to Tokyo.
1st HALF - Tense first half. We concede the first goal.
The game, which started with the kickoff in Tokyo, began in the 5th minute of the first half. The team pressed from the front line to disrupt the opponent's ball circulation in the defense line, causing them to make a passing mistake. They then expanded the ball to the right side and Shunsuke Kaneko skillfully evaded the opponent he faced and quickly sent the ball to the goal area. Tsubasa Watanabe tried to make a diving header but couldn't connect properly.
After that, he continued to carry the ball forward, but he couldn't bring it to a shot as he faced strong defense from the opponent. Gradually, Shimizu S-Pulse Youth started to create opportunities by using the width of the field for their attacks, and scenes where the ball was carried to the goal became noticeable. However, Shuto NAGANO player, in particular, put his body on the line at the final moment and didn't give the opponent any freedom.
However, in the first 35 minutes, when giving Shimizu a corner kick, Nishihara scored a goal with his head and allowed the opponent to take the lead. After that, the game continued with a back and forth attack and defense, but we couldn't catch up and ended the first half with a score of 0-1.
2nd HALF - Advance to the finals with a fierce attack of 4 goals
In the second half, Tokyo raises the signal fire of counterattack. Just 4 minutes into the second half, Suzuki Kaede quickly seizes the ball after a missed trap and exchanges passes with Yamaguchi Taiyo. Suzuki Ryunosuke breaks through the front line and receives the ball, skillfully maneuvering and shooting with his left foot while competing with the opponent. The shot is unfortunately blocked by the opponent, but Tokyo earns a corner kick from the sequence of events. Sugawara Yuta delivers the ball with his left foot, and Nagano Shuto successfully meets it with his head while competing with the opponent, bringing the game to an even score early on.
From here, Tokyo's attack power increases by one or two gears.
In the 13th minute of the second half, Ryunosuke Sato dribbled past the opponent's goalkeeper and swung his right foot after a goal kick from Wataru Goto. Taiyo Yamaguchi calmly guided the rebounded ball into the net, equalizing the score. Shortly after, the momentum continued as in the 20th minute of the second half, Yuta Sugawara aggressively pressed the opponent who picked up the ball in a deep position in the enemy's territory. With relentless pressure, limiting the opponent's passing options, and coordinated defense, the team formed a strong defensive formation. The opponent's goalkeeper struggled to clear the ball against the intense press, and Kaede Suzuki recovered the ball in a high position in the enemy's territory. After a series of precise passes, the ball was passed to Taiyo Yamaguchi, who swung his left foot from a difficult angle on the left side of the goal area. Although the ball hit the goalkeeper's foot and lost some momentum, it found its way into the goal, securing the team's third goal and leaving Shimizu behind.
Tokyo, which is gaining momentum, increased their lead in the second half of the 28th minute. Player Shunsuke Kaneko, who stole the ball from a fierce contest on the right side of their own field, initiated a counterattack. He sprinted to the front of the penalty area and then expanded to the left side. Kaneko calmly finished in front of the goal after receiving a cross from his teammate, scoring the decisive fourth goal to widen the lead. They continued to calmly play the game and gave Shizuoka their second goal in the 40th+4 minute of the second half, but the game ended with a score of 4-2. They advanced to the final stage for the first time in three years.
MATCH DETAILS
＜FC Tokyo U-18＞
STARTING XI
GK Goto Wataru
DF Nagano Shuto / Ishido Junpei / Numata Aosa (37th minute of the second half: Sasaki Masahide) / Kaneko Shunsuke
MF Watanabe Tsubasa (27th minute of the second half: Yoshida Kisei) / Sato Ryunosuke / Tanabe Yukio (27th minute of the second half: Tanaka Kiwa) / Suzuki Kaede (39th minute of the second half: Ito Romeo) / Sugawara Yuta
FW Yamaguchi Taiyo (37th minute of the second half: Otani Divine)
SUBS
GK Masataka KOBAYASHI
DF Takamasa KANEKO
MF Shun KOGA/Hyugo OMACHI
GOAL
後半4分:永野修都/後半13分:山口太陽/後半20分:山口太陽/後半28分:金子俊輔
Shimizu S-Pulse Youth
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Sokuho Oishi
DF Kaiga Iwasaki/Shogo Iwamoto/Hayato Arimura/Kenryu Iwao
MF Narumi Ota/Naru Hoshito (8 minutes into the second half: Tamane 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: Genki Nishihara, Second half 40+4 minutes: Genki Nishihara
[Post-match comments from Director Takashi Okuhara]
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 player＞
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 Player
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 player
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
