We will deliver a report on the 4th day of the Spain-Portugal expedition, which is being conducted from Apr 3 (Mon) to Apr 12 (Wed).
On the 6th day of the 4th day of the expedition (Wed), we also started with a morning walk, stretching, and exercises.
After having breakfast, we took a short break and then went for a walk along the coast for about an hour to prepare for the 18:30 kick-off match in the morning. The sea in the area where we stayed is also a famous spot for surfing, and there was a World Surfing League tournament held on beaches around the world, which we were able to observe during our walk.
Afterwards, we returned to the hotel and conducted a meeting to review yesterday's match against SL Benfica and organize our strategy for today's match against Sporting CP.
Also, this overseas expedition has become a time to reconsider the meaning of participating and the determination of each individual as a football player.
After having a late lunch, we will pack our bags and take a bus for about an hour to the training facility of Sporting CP, the venue for today's match. Sporting CP is not only a rival team of SL Benfica, but also a strong club in Portugal. It is famous as the club where Cristiano Ronaldo, a player, was born. Only a limited number of people are allowed to enter the facility.
The site has 6 pitches, a covered training ground, and a clubhouse. The top team has been training in private on the covered pitch.
Today's opponent is also a team of the same age group, and we are also scouting information from yesterday's match against SL Benfica. From the warm-up, you can feel the tension for the game on the pitch.
FC Tokyo U-18 has finished their meeting and warm-up, and kick-off.
I will continue to play with my body on the line while feeling the physical abilities of each opponent player, the intensity of their play, and their skill in moving the ball, as well as their seriousness in this match, from the beginning.
Although they often have the ball taken away from them and are brought to their own deep positions, they do not allow easy shots and gradually create attacking opportunities.
We were focused and controlling the game, but we conceded a goal just before the end of the first half due to a momentary lapse. We go into halftime trailing 0-1.
Several player substitutions will be made at halftime to start the second half.
After the start of the second half, they entered the game with momentum and seized the first opportunity to equalize. Then, they continued their attack with that momentum and turned the game around. After that, they skillfully moved the ball and advanced the game in their favor.
The opponent further intensifies and the battle for the ball becomes even more fierce, allowing the opponent to create a chance and equalize. Both teams continue to fight for the next goal without backing down, resulting in a back-and-forth battle. However, towards the end of the game, the defense is broken and a goal is conceded. Despite continuing to attack and aim for a goal until the end, we are unable to score and the game ends.
Although it was a defeat, everyone approached the game with a strong determination, and it became a significant experience that will lead to the future.
No time to take a break in that situation, hurriedly returned to the dormitory and went to bed immediately after having a late dinner. Prepared for the early morning travel tomorrow.
