[U-18] 8th and 9th Days of the 2026 Gothia Cup
[Playoff B Final]
Kickoff at 12:15 p.m. on Saturday, July 18
vs Racing Abidjan (Côte d'Ivoire)
(valhalla1)
●0-0 (0-0, 0-0 PK: 3-5)
The final match of this tournament marked our first encounter against an African team.
The entire team shared the anticipated scenarios for the game and approached the match accordingly.
【First Half】
From the very start of the match, we struggled against the unique physical abilities of the African team and were pressed back for a long time. There were several scenes where we approached the opponent’s goal on counterattacks, but none reached a clear scoring chance, and the first half ended scoreless.
【Second Half】
From the second half, we got used to the opponent's characteristics and gradually increased the time we held the ball.
However, in the final moments, the opponent's quick closing down and dynamic play prevented us from executing our plans as we wished.
Although we lost possession during build-up and they created several scoring chances, Kensuke FRANK's saves prevented any goals.
The match ended without any goals, and unfortunately, we lost in the penalty shootout, finishing the tournament in 6th place.
The day after the match, everyone participated in cleaning the accommodation where we stayed during the tournament.
Living together with 18 people in one room.
While we usually interact mostly in terms of soccer, through this tournament, by seeing aspects of our teammates off the pitch, I believe we were able to understand each other better. Also, thanks to this mutual understanding, I feel that a sense of unity as a team was born.
We departed from Sweden, passed through Helsinki, and were able to safely return to Japan.
It is important for each individual to consider how to apply the experiences and insights gained this time in the future.
There were also players who said, "We have to change our daily lives."
Please look forward to the players' future!
This concludes the 2026 Gothia Cup diary.
Thank you for your support!
◇2026 Gothia Cup Day 1 Match ReportHere
◇2026 Gothia Cup Day 2 Match ReportHere
◇2026 Gothia Cup Day 3 Match ReportHere
◇2026 Gothia Cup Days 4 and 5 Match ReportHere
◇2026 Gothia Cup Day 6 Match ReportHere
◇2026 Gothia Cup Day 7 Match ReportHere
