Match Review
The Final Round of the 47th Japan Club Youth Soccer Championship (U-18) was held one day after the Semifinal Round against Shimizu S-Pulse Youth on July 31. The match was against Gamba Osaka Youth, who they faced in the first match of the tournament. In the group stage, the result was a 1-1 draw, with no winner determined.
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 a kickoff from Gamba Osaka Youth. Both teams maintained possession of the ball while aiming for the goal, but the match progressed in a stalemate as both sides displayed high concentration in front of the goal, preventing any shots. In the 13th minute of the first half, a long feed from Shuto NAGANO initiated a play on the left side, where Ryunosuke SATO and Watanabe TSUBASA worked together to break through and entered the penalty area, but were unable to take a shot due to the solid defense of Gamba Osaka Youth. Then, in the 16th minute of the first half, a long pass from the opposing center-back went over Shuto NAGANO's head and reached Ando from Gamba Osaka Youth, who dribbled in and took a shot, but Wataru GOTO calmly deflected the ball, averting the 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 launched a counterattack. Seisa NUMATA stole the ball in midfield, and Yuta SUGAWARA passed it to Ryunosuke SATO. They quickly advanced up the right side and passed to Shunsuke KANEKO, who came up in support from behind. KANEKO delivered a direct cross, and Taiyo YAMAGUCHI headed it in to quickly equalize. From the kickoff after conceding the goal, the ball never stopped moving, and they caught up to tie the game.
Riding that momentum, Tokyo kept possession and created chances but could not score, ending the first half tied 1-1.
2nd HALF—Into Extra Time with a Dramatic Goal
In the second half, both teams continued to exchange attacks, and in the 29th minute, the game changed. Although they maintained possession of the ball, they were unable to penetrate the penalty area. However, Ryunosuke SATO, Watanabe TSUBASA, and Seisa NUMATA connected to deliver a cross, which was cleared and resulted in a corner kick. The kicker, Yuta SUGAWARA, sent in a ball that Shuto NAGANO headed in front of the goalkeeper. This shook the goal net and successfully turned the game around. After that, Gamba Osaka increased their momentum to equalize. They recovered the ball with intense pressing from the front line. It was a difficult time for Tokyo.
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.
Caught off guard by the opponent's throw-in, the ball was headed away, allowing Takei to break into the penalty area. He slid the ball with his left foot to the near side, and Tokyo conceded a comeback goal just before the end of the match.
However, the drama was not over yet. Just when it seemed the match would end like this, a dramatic turn of events unfolded in the final play. Immediately after the kickoff, Tokyo circulated the ball and attacked the opponent's territory. Kisei Yoshida on the right side delivered a cross with his left foot, and Shuto NAGANO, running in from behind, connected with a header that shook the goal net. At that moment, the whistle signaling the end of the 80 minutes blew, and the thrilling match, which was brought back to a tie in the last play, went 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
The first kicker for Tokyo, Ryunosuke SATO, misses the first shot, sending it wide. The second kicker, Yuta SUGAWARA, the third kicker, Kisei YOSHIDA, and the fourth kicker, Shuto NAGANO, all calmly score, while the opponent's fourth kicker sends it over the goal, making it a 4-4 tie. The fifth kicker is Taiyo YAMAGUCHI, who has recorded the most goals for the team so far. It was crucial for him to score here to put pressure on the trailing Gamba Osaka, but the opposing goalkeeper makes a save. If the opponent's fifth kicker scores, it will be a loss for Tokyo. Standing in their way is Wataru GOTO. As the opponent's kicker strikes the ball on a trajectory close to the center, GOTO blocks it with his foot, preventing the match from ending. After that, both teams calmly score until the sixth kicker, moving on to the seventh. Tokyo's seventh kicker is Masahiro SASAKI, who sends the ball past the goalkeeper but misses the goal frame. The trailing opponent calmly scores with their seventh kicker, ending the match. Tokyo showed resilience by repeatedly catching up, but ultimately fell just short, finishing as the runner-up in the tournament.
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.
A, first of all, I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to the Club Youth Federation for organizing such a wonderful tournament, and to the teams from Tokyo, who are usually our rivals, for creating an atmosphere like home during the two matches after returning to AJINOMOTO FIELD NISHIGAOKA.
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 recognized that we were able to improve our strength while competing in the group stage and the tournament, but Gamba Osaka's precision had also increased. I think there were more situations where we were on the back foot.
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?
A, although we struggled in the Premier League and conceded many goals in the final additional time during the first half of the season, in that sense, I believe we have grown significantly throughout this tournament in terms of not looking down even when conceding goals and staying united as a team to endure until the very end. The final decisive moments require not only mental strength but also technique and judgment, all of which are important. We were conscious of these aspects, and I think the players fought well. If I had to say, I do have some regrets regarding my decisions and assessing the players' fatigue levels. However, including rest days, I have closely observed every move of the players and am confident that I demonstrated my tactical ability to the fullest as of today.
Q: I think the growth of underclassmen was significant in this tournament.
A, I believe that the struggles in the Premier League also hinge on this aspect. How the third-year students accept and support the underclassmen is crucial. In this tournament, the third-year students successfully embraced the first-year students, and the first-year students learned to approach soccer with genuine humility. I think we were able to create a sense of unity that we had never seen before. There were even first-year players who shed tears, something that had never happened before. Players who previously seemed indifferent to competition were deeply moved after witnessing today’s opponent win the championship, and showing that emotional response was very positive. I hope they will carry this forward into the future.
[Player Interview]
<Watanabe TSUBASA>
Q, please look back on today's game.
A, today's match was so intense that I hardly remember it. The emotional ups and downs were significant, making it 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.
A, when I first heard I would be the captain, I was worried because I didn't really see myself as the type of character to be a captain. In the first match of the tournament against Gamba Osaka Youth, I wasn't able to behave properly as a captain, so comparing the first Gamba Osaka match and the last one, I think today I was able to raise my voice as a captain and look around to speak to individuals.
Q: How do you plan to utilize your experience in this tournament to improve your future play?
A, I believe that not only I but the entire team was able to grow significantly through this tournament. Even though we are currently struggling in 11th place in the Premier League, I want us to become a team that can aim for the top positions.
Q, the Premier League will continue after this. Please say a few words to the fans and supporters.
A, even today, they supported us all the way through the final penalty shootout. Of course, my teammates, but it was precisely because the fans and supporters cheered us on that we were able to advance to the Final Round. In return for that support, I want to continue doing my best to show our best form in the Premier League as well.
<Yoshida Kixei Player>
Q, please look back on today's game.
A, today's match started with us conceding the first goal. It was a poor start, similar to the Semifinal Round where we also allowed the first goal, but I think it was good that we didn't hang our heads and were able to score back without giving up.
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, since I came in during the match, I thought I should contribute by changing the flow, scoring goals, and helping the team secure the win.
Q, many fans and supporters came to support.
A, indeed, the cheers from teammates not registered in this tournament, parents, and fans and supporters resonated deeply with us and gave us strength. I believe it was precisely because of that atmosphere that we were able to have an even stronger sense of unity.
Q, the Premier League continues. Please give us your enthusiasm.
A, although the result of this tournament was runner-up, I want to continue steadily building up without getting carried away by the ups and downs. I hope the fans and supporters will continue to cheer for us.
<Shuto NAGANO>
Q: please review the game.
A, we were able to equalize just before the end of the second half, so I really wanted to win this match at all costs. I believe the opponents also approached the game with strong determination. As a defensive player, I conceded three 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, there was little time left, so I thought that if I didn't do something, the match would just end as it was. The moment the ball flowed to the right side, I thought to myself, "This is coming," so although I was far from the goal, I was only thinking about definitely scoring. I headed the ball with all my might, and it went into the goal, so I was glad.
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 standings in the Premier League, we were not doing well, but I believe the entire team had strong determination for this tournament. During the period held in Gunma Prefecture, the players communicated with each other and reflected on their play through meetings, and I feel that the relationships among the players improved with each match.
Q: Do you have any thoughts on wearing the number "3" on your back?
A, in the top team, this number is worn by players like Masato MORISHIGE and Kanta DOI, who was with FC Tokyo U-18 until last season, both of whom can play as center backs and midfielders. It is a number worn by players who have played a central role in the team, so I feel a great sense of weight and responsibility.
Q, many fans and supporters visited AJINOMOTO FIELD NISHIGAOKA.
A, there were fans and supporters who came to cheer us on from the group stage held in Gunma Prefecture, and the same was true for the Semifinal Round, but the cheers during the Final Round were especially incredible. Although we ultimately lost, the cheers reached us. Even in a tough situation, I believe we were able to fight all the way to the penalty shootout thanks to those cheers.
<Wataru GOTO>
Q, please look back on today's game.
A, although we conceded first, we quickly caught up and scored an additional goal, but in the final closing moments, some lapses appeared and we were overtaken. As a team, we managed to equalize in the end, but I was unable to stop the ball in the penalty shootout, which left me with a very frustrating feeling.
Q, please reflect on the tournament.
A, the tournament started while we were struggling in the Premier League, but the team was able to grow match by match, and the third-year students took the lead in creating a strong sense of unity. Although we lost in the Final Round, it was impressive that we were able to play in an atmosphere much better than ever before.
Q, he was making great saves throughout the tournament.
A, we conceded three goals again today, so only challenges remain. There were many mid-range shots today, so I want to improve my shot-stopping ability to stop those and also enhance my coaching to direct my teammates.
Q, the games will continue from now on. Please give a message to the fans and supporters.
A, Even though we didn't get results in the first half of the Premier League, many fans and supporters came out to cheer for us, so in the second half, for the fans and supporters as well, I want to keep accumulating victories in the Premier League.
