The final match of the "47th Japan Club Youth Soccer Championship (U-18)" was held one day after the semifinal match against Shimizu S-Pulse Youth on July 31. It was a match against Gamba Osaka Youth, who they faced in the first match of the tournament. In the group stage, they had a 1-1 draw with them.
In order to seize the championship after 6 years in the final round, which is the first time in 3 years, we faced the match with a strong determination to win at the Tokyo venue.
1st HALF—Both teams refuse to give in. The game is tied at halftime.
The final match started with the kickoff of Gamba Osaka Youth. Both teams aim for the goal while holding the ball, but they are in a state of equilibrium where they cannot shoot due to high concentration in front of the goal. In the 13th minute of the first half, Shuto Nagano keeps the ball on the left side, starting from a long feed by Ryunosuke Sato, and breaks through with the cooperation of Ryunosuke Sato and Tsubasa Watanabe, entering the penalty area. However, they are unable to bring the ball to a shot due to the strong defense of Gamba Osaka Youth. Then, in the 16th minute of the first half, a long pass from the opponent's center back goes over Shuto Nagano's head and reaches Ando, a player of Gamba Osaka Youth. Ando dribbles and takes a shot, but Wataru Goto calmly deflects the ball, avoiding any danger.
After that, the attack and defense continued to go back and forth, and the game resumed with the opponent's goal kick after the water break. Although the opponent goalkeeper's kick was cleared once, the ball was picked up from the right side and Ando received the ball around the right corner of the penalty area. He trapped the ball and immediately swung his right foot. The ball hit the right post and was sucked into the goal, allowing the opponent to take the lead again following the semifinals.
However, Tokyo immediately counterattacks. Seisa NUMATA steals the ball in the midfield, and Yuta SUGAWARA connects the ball to Ryunosuke SATO. They quickly advance on the right side, and Shunsuke KANEKO, who came in support from behind, receives a direct cross. Taiyo YAMAGUCHI immediately equalizes by heading the ball into the goal. Without the ball stopping once from the kickoff after conceding a goal, they quickly equalize. With the same momentum, Tokyo takes control of the ball and creates chances, but fails to score, and the first half ends in a 1-1 draw.
2nd HALF—Into Extra Time with a Dramatic Goal
In the second half, both teams continued to engage in a back-and-forth battle. In the 29th minute of the second half, the game changed. Despite maintaining possession of the ball, they were unable to penetrate the penalty area. However, Ryunosuke SATO, Tsubasa WATANABE, and Aosa NUMATA connected and sent a cross, which was cleared and resulted in a corner kick. Kicker Yuta SUGAWARA delivered the ball, and Shuto NAGANO headed it in front of the goalkeeper, successfully scoring a comeback goal. After that, Gamba Osaka increased their momentum to equalize. They relentlessly recovered the ball with intense pressing from the front line. Tokyo faced a difficult time.
In the 36th minute of the second half, the ball was stolen in the midfield and played out to the left side. When player Tono created distance from the defender through tactics, he received the ball in the vital area and compactly swung his right foot, and the ball was sucked into the top right corner of the goal, equalizing the score. After that, both teams focused on intense ball battles in the midfield. Just as it seemed that the second half was about to end, the game changed in the timing when the 4 minutes of additional time were about to end.
If caught off guard by the opponent's throw-in for a moment, the ball from the throw-in is headed away, and player Takai is allowed to break through into the penalty area. The ball is played into the near side with the left foot, and Tokyo concedes a comeback goal near the end of the game. However, the drama is not over yet. Just when it seemed like the game was about to end, a dramatic turn of events occurs in the final play. They pass the ball around and attack the opponent's territory from the kick-off. Player Yoshida Kisei on the right side supplies a cross with his left foot, and player Nagano Shuto runs in from behind to head the ball into the goal net. Then, the whistle signaling the end of the 80th minute is blown, and the intense battle that reset the game in the last play enters into extra time.
EXTRA TIME—The closely contested match ended without a result and went into a penalty shootout
As the game went into extra time, both teams seemed to be affected by the fatigue from playing in the scorching heat of midsummer, and simple mistakes started to increase. In the midst of that, Tokyo took advantage of a momentary opening. Taiyo Yamaguchi, who broke free on a pass from Seisa Numata, entered the penalty area and took a left-footed shot, but it was blocked by the opposing goalkeeper's dive. Despite Tokyo's continued attacking efforts, they were unable to find the precision needed to score a goal.
Even in the second half of extra time, Ryunosuke Sato's dribble breakthrough created opportunities, but the opponent's player couldn't score despite their efforts. There was also a scene where they took advantage of a momentary gap and took a shot, but Wataru Goto calmly responded. Tokyo created multiple chances but couldn't convert them into goals, and the game ended, leading to a penalty shootout.
PENALTY SHOOTOUT
Tokyo, the first attacker, missed the first shot by shooting it outside the goal. The second attacker, Yuta Sugawara, the third attacker, Kisei Yoshida, and the fourth attacker, Shuto Nagano, calmly scored their shots, while the opponent's fourth attacker missed and the score became 4-4. The fifth kicker is Taiki Yamaguchi, who has scored the most goals for the team so far. It was a crucial moment to put pressure on Gamba Osaka, the second attacker, by scoring here, but the opponent's goalkeeper made a save. If the opponent's fifth kicker scores, it will be a tough situation to lose. Standing in the way was Wataru Goto. When the opponent's kicker kicked the ball on a trajectory close to the center, Goto blocked it with his remaining foot. He didn't let the game end. After that, both teams calmly scored until the sixth kicker and advanced to the seventh kicker. Tokyo's seventh kicker was Masahide Sasaki, and the ball went in the opposite direction of the goalkeeper, but missed the goal. The opponent in the second round calmly scored with their seventh kicker, ending the game. Tokyo showed great resilience by repeatedly catching up, but fell just short and finished the tournament as the runner-up.
MATCH DETAILS
＜FC Tokyo U-18＞
STARTING XI
GK Goto Wataru
DF Nagano Shuto/Ishido Junpei/Numata Aosa/Kaneko Shunsuke (8 minutes into the first half of extra time: Sasaki Masahide)
MF Watanabe Tsubasa (1 minute into the first half of extra time: Otani Divine)/Sato Ryunosuke/Tanabe Koda (15 minutes into the second half: Yoshida Kiho)/Suzuki Kaede/Sugawara Yuta
FW Yamaguchi Taiyo
SUBS
GK Masataka KOBAYASHI
DF Takamasa KANEKO/Yuki IWATA
MF Romeo ITO/Hyugo OMACHI/Kio TANAKA
GOAL
First half 28 minutes: Taiyo YAMAGUCHI/Second half 24 minutes: Shuto NAGANO/Second half 40+6 minutes: Shuto NAGANO
＜Gamba Osaka Youth＞
STARTING XI
GK Araki Ryuichi
DF Yonamine Kotaro/Yamaguchi Haruta
MF Izumi Keiho/Miyagawa Daiki (1 minute into extra time: Endo Kaede)/Okura Shinpei (6 minutes into extra time: Nakajima Yugo)/Furukawa Kanta/Morita Masamitsu
FW Okamoto Haruki (30 minutes into the second half: Takei Ryotaro)/Amano Yuto (34 minutes into the second half: Tono Taiki)/Ando Rikuto (30 minutes into the second half: Hisanaga Torajiro)
SUBS
GK Stayman Joshua Sotaro
DF Hasegawa Kosei
MF Sasaki Yuta/Yamamoto Tensho
GOAL
First half 26 minutes: Rikuto Ando / Second half 37 minutes: Taiki Tono / Second half 40+4 minutes: Ryota Takei
[Post-match comments from Director Takashi Okuhara]
Q: please review the game.
First of all, I would like to express my gratitude to the Club Youth Federation for organizing such a wonderful tournament. After returning to Ajinomoto Field Nishigaoka, we were able to experience a home-like atmosphere thanks to the teams from Tokyo, who are usually our rivals. I would like to take this opportunity to thank them for managing two matches that made us feel this way.
Although we couldn't become champions with today's result, after the game ended, I spoke to the players about not stopping their progress towards becoming professionals and continuing to cherish each day from tomorrow onwards, without giving up on what they have been doing so far.
Gamba Osaka Youth is an excellent team, and we saw plays where they analyzed each other and tried to nullify each other's strengths, as well as plays to showcase their own strengths. It was fair play, and there were also points for us to learn from, so we want to continue working hard every day to win the next match.
Q, it became the final round against the opponent in the first match of the group stage. Did you feel any difference compared to the opening match?
A, we also had the recognition that we could gain strength by fighting in the group stage and the tournament, but Gamba Osaka's accuracy had also improved. I think there were more scenes where we were on the defensive.
Q, it was a very tense game. What do you think were the factors that allowed us to successfully handle the heat of summer and consecutive matches, and what factors do you think prevented us from winning in the penalty shootout?
In the Premier League, we have been struggling and conceding many goals in the last additional time during the first half of the season. In that sense, I think we were able to grow significantly in terms of not looking down even if we concede goals and sticking together as a team to endure until the end. The final part of the game is important not only mentally but also in terms of technique, decision-making, and everything. I was aware of that, but I think the players fought well. If I have to point out something, I have some regrets about my own tactics and assessing the players' fatigue. However, I have confidence that I have demonstrated my tactical ability up to this point by closely observing every move of the players, including rest days.
Q: I think the growth of underclassmen was significant in this tournament.
A, I think that part is the key to struggling in the Premier League. I think it is important how the third-year students accept the underclassmen. In this tournament, the third-year students were able to incorporate the first-year students well, and I think it was a tournament where the first-year students were able to learn to face soccer with humility. I think we were able to create a sense of unity that we had never seen before. I could see some first-year players who had never shed tears before shedding tears. I think it was really good that their hearts were touched when they saw the scene of today's opponent winning the championship, as players who seemed to have a lack of awareness for competition. I hope they will continue to connect it to the future.
[Player Interview]
＜Watanabe Tsubasa player＞
Q, please look back on today's game.
A, today's game was a very intense match that I hardly remember. There were significant ups and downs in emotions, and it became the most enjoyable game of my life so far.
Q, the captain mark was worn in this tournament and became a leading presence for the team.
At first, I was anxious about becoming the captain because I didn't think I had the character to be a captain. In the first match of the tournament against Gamba Osaka Youth, I wasn't able to behave as a captain, so comparing the first Gamba Osaka match and the last Gamba Osaka match, I think today I was able to speak up as a captain and give individual instructions by looking at my surroundings.
Q: How do you plan to utilize your experience in this tournament to improve your future play?
A, I think not only me but also the team was able to grow significantly in this tournament. Even though we are currently struggling in 11th place in the Premier League, I want the team to become capable of aiming for the top.
Q, the Premier League will continue after this. Please say a few words to the fans and supporters.
A, I think we were able to advance to the final round because not only my teammates but also the fans and supporters supported us until the last penalty shootout today. In return, I want to continue to do my best to show the best performance in the Premier League from now on.
Q, please look back on today's game.
A, today's match was a game where we conceded the first goal. It was not a good start to concede the first goal in the semifinals, but I think it was good that we were able to score and equalize without getting discouraged.
Q, In this tournament, we also saw the presence of third-year students leading the team while making many appearances as substitutes.
A, after all, I thought that since I joined in the middle, I would change the flow, score, and contribute in order to win.
Q, many fans and supporters came to support.
A, as expected, the support of teammates, parents, and fans/supporters who were not registered for this tournament resonated in my heart and became a source of strength. I believe that because we also had that atmosphere, we were able to have a stronger sense of unity.
Q, the Premier League continues. Please give us your enthusiasm.
A, although we finished as runners-up in this tournament, I would like to continue steadily building on this without getting too high or low. I hope that all the fans and supporters will continue to support us.
Shuto NAGANO Player
Q: please review the game.
A, because we were able to catch up to a tie just before the end of the second half, I really wanted to win this game no matter what. I think the opponent also approached with a strong determination. I, as a defensive player, have conceded 3 goals, so I hope to improve on that.
Q, I think the determination to score at all costs led to the goal in the final scoring scene.
A, because there was little time left, I thought if I didn't do something, it would end as it is. When the ball flowed to the right side, I thought to myself, "This is coming." Even though it was a far position from the goal, I only thought about scoring for sure. I was glad that it went into the goal when I headed it with all my might.
Q, in the midst of struggling in the Premier League, where do you think the factor that has made you stronger throughout the tournament lies?
A, as you can see from the rankings in the Premier League, the team's determination in this tournament was strong despite the difficult situation. During the hosting period in Gunma Prefecture, the players communicated with each other and reflected on their own play through meetings. I feel that the relationship between the players improved with each game.
Q: Do you have any thoughts on wearing the number "3" on your back?
In the top team, players like Masato MORISHIGE and Kanta DOI, who was with FC Tokyo U-18 until last season, wear this jersey number, as they can play both as a center back and in midfield. So, I feel a great sense of responsibility as this number has been worn by players who have been playing a key role in the team.
Q, many fans and supporters visited AJINOMOTO FIELD NISHIGAOKA.
There were fans and supporters who came to support us from the group stage in Gunma Prefecture, and not only in the semifinals but especially in the final round, the support was amazing. Although we ended up losing, the cheers reached us. I think it was thanks to the support that we were able to fight until the penalty shootout even in a tough situation.
Wataru GOTO Player
Q, please look back on today's game.
A, while we were able to quickly equalize and score additional points after conceding the first goal, we ended up being reversed due to a lack of concentration in the final part. Although we were able to catch up with the team in the end, I personally couldn't stop the ball in the penalty shootout, which left me feeling extremely frustrated.
Q, please reflect on the tournament.
The tournament started while the team was struggling in the Premier League, but we were able to grow as a team in each match, with the third-year students playing a central role and creating a sense of unity. Although we lost in the final round, it was impressive that we were able to play the game in a really good atmosphere that we had never experienced before.
Q, he was making great saves throughout the tournament.
A, today we conceded 3 goals again and there are only challenges remaining. Today, there were many mid-range shots, so I want to improve my ability to stop those shots and the coaching aspect of moving my teammates.
Q, the games will continue from now on. Please give a message to the fans and supporters.
Although the results were not coming in the first half of the Premier League, many fans and supporters came to support us, so in the second half, we would like to continue winning in the Premier League for the sake of the fans and supporters.
