<Match Review>
The final match of the 47th Japan Club Youth Soccer Championship (U-18) was held just one day after the semifinal match against Shimizu S-Pulse Youth on July 31st. It was a match against Gamba Osaka Youth, who they faced in their first match of the tournament. In the group stage, they had a 1-1 draw against each other.
In the final round, which is the first time in three years, we are determined to win the championship for the first time in six years and want to win in Tokyo at all costs.
1st HALF—Both teams refuse to give in. The game is tied at halftime.
The final round began with the kickoff of Gamba Osaka Youth. Both teams aim for the goal while holding onto the ball, but the high concentration in front of the goal prevents them from taking a shot, resulting in a close match. In the 13th minute of the first half, Shuto NAGANO started a long feed and kept the ball on the left side, breaking through with the cooperation of Ryunosuke SATO and Watanabe TSUBASA, but Gamba Osaka Youth's strong defense prevented them from taking a shot in the penalty area. Then, in the 16th minute of the first half, a long pass from the opponent's center back went over Shuto NAGANO's head and reached Gamba Osaka Youth's Ando, who dribbled and took a shot, but Wataru GOTO calmly blocked the ball, avoiding any danger.
After that, the attack and defense continued to go back and forth, and the game resumed after the opponent's goal kick during the water break. Although the opponent's goalkeeper's kick was cleared once, the ball was picked up and broken from the right side, and when Ando received the ball around the right corner of the penalty area, he immediately trapped it and swung his right foot. The ball hit the right post and was sucked into the goal, allowing the opponent to take the lead once again in the semifinal round.
However, Tokyo immediately counterattacks. Seisa NUMATA steals the ball in the midfield and passes it to Yuta SUGAWARA. He quickly connects with Ryunosuke SATO. They swiftly move up the right side and pass it to Shunsuke KANEKO, who has come up to support from behind. He crosses it directly and Taiyo YAMAGUCHI heads it in, equalizing the score. From the kickoff after the goal, the ball never stops and they manage to catch up to the tie. With that momentum, Tokyo continues to hold onto the ball and create chances, but they are unable to score and the first half ends in a 1-1 tie.
2nd HALF—Into Extra Time with a Dramatic Goal
In the second half, both teams continued to attack and defend, but the game changed in the 29th minute. Despite holding onto the ball, the situation was such that they couldn't enter the penalty area. However, Ryunosuke SATO, Watanabe TSUBASA, and Seisa NUMATA connected and crossed the ball, which was cleared and resulted in a corner kick. Kicker Yuta SUGAWARA kicked 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. It was a difficult time for Tokyo as they struggled to keep up.
In the 36th minute of the second half, the ball was taken in the midfield and played out to the left side. When Atsuno player took the distance with the defender in a game of wits, he received the ball in the vital area and swung his right foot compactly, and the ball was sucked into the upper right corner of the goal, tying the game. After that, both teams concentrated 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 of the 4 minutes of additional time.
When the opponent took advantage of a momentary gap during a throw-in, the ball was headed away and player Shuto NAGANO was able to break through into the penalty area. The ball was then passed to the near side with his left foot, resulting in a last-minute comeback for Tokyo. However, the drama was not over yet. Just when it seemed like the game was about to end, a dramatic turn of events occurred in the final play. Tokyo continued to attack in the opponent's half, passing the ball around after the kickoff. Kisei YOSHIDA on the right side supplied a cross with his left foot, and Shuto NAGANO ran in from behind to head the ball into the net. The whistle blew at the 80-minute mark, signaling the end of the game and sending the intense battle into extra time.
EXTRA TIME - The closely contested match ended in a draw and went to a penalty shootout.
As the game went into extra time, both teams seemed to be affected by the fatigue of playing in the scorching heat of midsummer, resulting in more simple mistakes. In the midst of this, Tokyo took advantage of a momentary opening. Seisa NUMATA made a pass to Taiyo YAMAGUCHI, who broke through and entered the penalty area. However, his left-footed shot was blocked by the opposing goalkeeper's dive. Despite Tokyo's continued attacks, they were unable to find the final precision needed to score.
Even in the extended second half, Ryunosuke SATO's dribble breakthrough created chances, but the opposing player was unable to break through the goal. There were moments where they were caught off guard and a shot was taken, but Wataru GOTO calmly responded. Tokyo created multiple chances, but were unable to score, and the game ended, leading to a penalty shootout.
PENALTY SHOOTOUT
Tokyo, the first to attack, missed the first goal as player Ryunosuke SATO shot the ball outside the frame. The following players, Yuta SUGAWARA, Kisei YOSHIDA, and Shuto NAGANO, calmly scored their goals, while the opponent's fourth player missed and tied the score at 4-4. The fifth kicker, Taiyo YAMAGUCHI, had scored the most goals for the team so far. It was a crucial moment to put pressure on Gamba Osaka, the second to attack, by scoring here, but the opponent's goalkeeper made a save. The situation became tough as the opponent only needed to score their fifth goal to win. Wataru GOTO stood in their way. When the opponent's kicker kicked the ball with a straight trajectory, he blocked it with his remaining foot. The game was not over yet. Both teams calmly scored their goals until the sixth kicker, and then moved on to the seventh. Tokyo's seventh kicker was Shoei SASAKI, and although the ball went in the opposite direction of the goalkeeper, it missed the goal. The opponent, who was second to attack, calmly scored their seventh goal and the game ended. Tokyo showed great perseverance by catching up multiple times, but fell just short and ended the tournament as runner-up.
MATCH DETAILS
＜FC Tokyo U-18＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Wataru GOTO
DF Shuto NAGANO/Jumpei ISHIDO/Seisa NUMATA/Shunsuke KANEKO (8 minutes into first half of extra time: Shoei SASAKI)
MF Watanabe TSUBASA (1 minute into first half of extra time: Divine OTANI)/Ryunosuke SATO/Koda TANABE (15 minutes into second half: Kisei YOSHIDA)/Kaede SUZUKI/Yuta SUGAWARA
FW Taiyo YAMAGUCHI
SUBS
GK Masataka KOBAYASHI
DF Takamasa KANEKO/Yuki IWATA
MF Romeo ITO/Hyugo OMACHI/Kio TANAKA
GOAL
First half 28th minute: Taiyo YAMAGUCHI/Second half 24th minute: Shuto NAGANO/Second half 40+6 minutes: Shuto NAGANO
＜Gamba Osaka Youth＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Ryui ARAKI
DF Tora YUNAMINE/Haruta YAMAGUCHI
MF Keiho IZUMI/Daiki MIYAGAWA (1 minute into extra time: Kaiki ENDO)/Shinpei OKURA (6 minutes into extra time: Yugo NAKAJIMA)/Kanta FURUKAWA/Masamitsu MORITA
FW Yoko OKAMOTO (30 minutes into second half: Ryotaro TAKEI)/Yuto AMANO (34 minutes into second half: Taisei TONO)/Rikuto ANDO (30 minutes into second half: Kojiro HISANAGA)
SUBS
GK Stayman Joshua Sotaro
DF Hasegawa Kosei
MF Sasaki Yuta/Yamamoto Tensho
GOAL
First Half 26th Minute: Tsubasa ANDO/Second Half 37th Minute: Taisei TONNO/Second Half 40+4th Minute: Ryotaro TAKEI
[Takashi OKUHARA Coach Post-Match Comments]
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 were not able to become champions with today's result, after the game ended, we talked to the players about not giving up on their journey to become professionals and continuing to value each day from tomorrow on.
Gamba Osaka Youth is an excellent team, and we were able to see plays where we analyzed each other and tried to eliminate each other's strengths, as well as plays where we showcased our own strengths. It was a fair game, and there were also things we can learn from, so we will continue to work 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>
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.
<Yoshida Kixei Player>
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>
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>
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.
