The fourth day of the France expedition has arrived, and the main tournament is finally starting.
For breakfast today, I chose bread at the bakery again, and also ate fruits and cereal.
By the fourth day, we were able to smoothly handle preparations and clean-up on our own.
After having breakfast, we reviewed the strategy again while watching the footage of yesterday's training match in the room, then moved to the game venue.
Before the match started, all participating teams held a parade around the city.
Local club kids, townspeople, and members of other teams were very happy that we came all the way from Tokyo, and they cheered loudly with the shout "TOKYO."
The cheers during the parade and the atmosphere at the venue were wonderful, and the children's spirits were greatly lifted!
We warmed up and prepared for the group league matches. The group league consists of a round-robin among 6 teams to determine the rankings.
On the first day, we played 4 out of 5 matches against the following opponents.
Preliminary Match 1: PLOUVORN
Second Qualifying Match: LIVERPOOL
Preliminary Match 3: NICE
4th Qualifying Match: QUEVILLY
All opponents were of a high level, and although it was very frustrating, we were unable to earn any points on the first day.
The children experienced differences that cannot be felt when playing against Japanese players, such as the opponent's high skill level, physical strength, and agility.
We will channel this frustration with all our strength into the final preliminary match and the ranking match held tomorrow, the second day!
After all the matches were over, dinner was prepared at the tournament venue, and everyone ate together before returning to the lodging.
We receive very thorough support in tournament management as well.
After finishing hanging the laundry, the children went to bed immediately!
The 5th day of the expedition will be the remaining preliminary matches and the placement matches.
The children are also enthusiastic and determined to finish in as high a position as possible!
More than half of the expedition days have passed, and so far I have been healthy and energetic without any illness!
