[Day 4]
The Europoussis2024 tournament, which you will participate in starting today, will begin!
After having breakfast, we moved to the tournament venue and preparations for decorations and shops were already underway. Many people had already arrived and the atmosphere of the venue was amazing and very impressive!
Started with the opening parade.
We walked along the parade course in the town while introducing the team and singing chants for each team.
The people of the town, the opposing team, and even the children we played with at the elementary school yesterday all called out "FC TOKYO" in a loud voice, and the children were also very excited.
After returning to the venue, it's time for lunch and then the game begins!
The first match was played between the top team and TOULOUSE FC, who belongs to the French League 1, with high individual physical abilities and technical levels, resulting in a loss due to consecutive goals.
It was a match that made me realize the level of the world.
■Match 1 VS TOULOUSE FC
Result: 0-5
The second match was played against the prestigious Italian team AS ROMA, and in the first match, we were able to get used to the physicality and take the lead. After that, we conceded 2 points, but we were able to equalize the game with a free kick. The game continued to be closely contested, but we conceded a third goal and ended up losing as we tried to equalize.
■2nd Match VS AS ROMA
Result: 2-5
The third match was against a team that had won the regional tournament in France and qualified for this tournament. We were scored on first, but managed to equalize later on. Both teams created chances and had a great back-and-forth battle, but unfortunately we were unable to score and ended up losing the match.
■Match 3 VS ETOILE BLEUE st CYR
Result: 1-2
The fourth match is against the local team of the host region for this tournament. It is the last match of the first day of the tournament.
We aimed for victory and gave our all in the game! We continued with great attacks and scored multiple goals, achieving our first win in the tournament.
■Match 4 VS PLEUDIHEN C
Result: 10-0
The match ended in a disappointing result, but it was a wonderful day where everyone felt the high level of the world and faced themselves.
In addition, after the lost game, it was very impressive to see coaches, fans, and supporters from other teams encouraging the children who fought hard with words like "good" and "nice". I was deeply moved by the involvement of European children!
We were welcomed from Tokyo outside of the game, and many people asked for autographs from both players and staff! We were very happy to sign clothes, shoes, balls, etc. with kanji!
After the tournament ended and we returned to our accommodation, the owner's child came to visit us and invited us to play soccer together. We had fun playing soccer in their spacious backyard!
Since arriving in France, everyone involved seems to be really happy that FC Tokyo has come, and even though not all words are understood, they have been greeted with kindness and respect through gestures and words, and I am spending every day feeling the warmth of people.
【Day 5】
The second day of the tournament has arrived!
We will fight in the remaining 1 match of the qualifiers and then advance to the ranking decision tournament. The atmosphere at the venue is wonderful today as well, and the local children who have been supporting FC Tokyo since yesterday have come to support us with their handmade cheering boards and many gifts!
■Qualifying Match 5 vs SC CAEN
Result: 0-5
Yesterday, it was a match against a strong team that finished the preliminary round in first place. Overall, the level was very high and we were overwhelmed by the game.
※The team has become the champion of this tournament.
Qualifying is 5th place, and we will advance to the ranking decision tournament!
We were able to successfully attack and score points by skillfully controlling the ball in our match against a regional team from France, and we were able to achieve a splendid victory!
■Ranking Determination Tournament Sec. 1 Match
vs HERSCHBACH
Result: 4-0
It was a match against a team launched by player Matuidi, who has experienced winning the World Cup as a former French representative. The children were active and created many chances, but were stopped by the opponent's goalkeeper's good defense, resulting in a goal from a counterattack. Unfortunately, it ended in defeat.
■Ranking Determination Tournament Sec. 2 Match
vs ONE FC MIAMI
Result: 0-1
This is the final match of the tournament, and we have been repeatedly scored on by skillful spacing. We also created chances, but were unable to finish, resulting in another loss in the final match. This concludes all matches of the tournament.
■Ranking Determination Tournament Sec. 3 Match
vs BREST
Result: 0-3
Although it was a disappointing result in the game, the children's play and the coaches' behavior were praised and we were selected for the "Fair Play Award".
During the tournament, many people have been cheering for "Ale Tokyo" and asking for autographs and photos from children and staff. It was very impressive to see how happy they were that FC Tokyo participated in this tournament!
The tournament results may not have been satisfactory, but the children were keenly aware of the difference in level between overseas and soccer. However, they also experienced and learned many important things as human beings, such as interacting with others, warmth, and kindness.
After the tournament, we went sightseeing in Saint-Malo. Despite being tired from the game, the beautiful scenery and leisurely flow of time helped the children's fatigue disappear, and we enjoyed sightseeing!
The tournament is already over, and tomorrow we will return to Japan!
We will continue to work hard until we return home!
