NEWS News

Gothia Cup 2026 Second Match

Due to the draw in the first match, the second match was crucial to advance to the Semifinal Round. From the night before until the match, the players engaged in active discussions and approached the game with determination.

[Preliminary League Match 2]
July 14 (Tue) 1:20 p.m. Kickoff
vs Norcal Premier PDP (USA)
(Haden 4)
[Match Result]
1-0 (0-0, 1-0)
[Scorer]
Kou ITO

【First Half】
From immediately after kickoff, the match proceeded with the flow of FC Tokyo U-18.
Against the opponent's block, they tried to break through the center with combinations, but could not finish at the crucial moment, ending the first half scoreless.

【Second Half】
The second half was also controlled by FC Tokyo U-18, but just like yesterday's match, time passed without scoring. As a draw seemed likely past the middle of the second half, the team won the ball in the opponent's territory and scored the long-awaited opening goal through a short counterattack by Kou ITO. After that, there were moments when the opponent threatened the goal with set plays, but the team held firm and the match ended as it was.
This was our first victory in the tournament.

[Preliminary League Match 3]

July 15 (Wed) 10:00 a.m. Kickoff
vs Mijallby AIF (Sweden)
(SKF Arena)
[Match Result]
2-1 (0-1, 2-0)
[Scorers]
Takuto ISHIMURA, Kou ITO

[First Half]
At the start, we were caught off guard for a moment, the opponent got behind our defensive line and pushed through in a scramble, conceding a goal. The first half ended 0-1.

【Second Half】
In the second half, with a draw not being an option, the team reviewed tactics and the situation during the halftime meeting and faced the second half. With player substitutions, they aimed for a comeback. Late in the match, there was a corner kick opportunity. Choosing a short corner, from Eishiro TORIUMI's cross, Takuto ISHIMURA's header shot beautifully scored to equalize. They intensified their attack aiming for a turnaround but were unable to score further.
It seemed the match would end in a draw, but in the final play.
Once again, Eishiro TORIUMI delivered the cross. Kou ITO met it with a header, turning the game around.
Immediately after, the final whistle blew, securing the victory.

The next match will be against IFK Goteborg (Sweden).
We will fight with all our strength aiming for victory.
Thank you for your support!!

[Match 4]
Kickoff at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 16
vs IFK Goteborg (Sweden)
Match venue: SKF Arena

◇2026 Gothia Cup Day 1 Match ReportHere
◇2026 Gothia Cup Day 2 Match ReportHere
◇2026 Gothia Cup Day 3 Match ReportHere