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 against this opponent.
In the Final Round, aiming to win the championship for the first time in six years after three years, we approached the match determined to win and achieve victory in Tokyo.
1st HALF—A match where neither side gives in. The teams go into halftime tied.
The final match 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 he maintained possession of the ball. With the cooperation of Ryunosuke SATO and Watanabe TSUBASA, they broke through and entered the penalty area, but could not 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 crisis.
After that, a back-and-forth battle continued, resuming from the opponent's goal kick after the water break. Although the opponent's goalkeeper's kick was cleared once, the ball was picked up and attacked from the right side. When player Ando received the ball near the right corner of the penalty area, he trapped it and immediately struck with his right foot. The ball hit the right post and was drawn into the goal, allowing the first goal to be conceded following the Semifinal Round.
However, immediately after, Tokyo launched a counterattack. Seisa NUMATA stole the ball in midfield, and Yuta SUGAWARA passed it to Ryunosuke SATO. They surged up the right side, with Shunsuke KANEKO supporting from behind. After delivering a cross directly, Taiyo YAMAGUCHI headed it in to equalize immediately. From the kickoff after conceding, the ball never stopped, and they caught up to tie the game. With that momentum, Tokyo maintained possession and created chances, but they could not convert, ending the first half at 1-1.
2nd HALF—Dramatic goal leads to extra time
In the second half, both teams continued to exchange attacks, and in the 29th minute, the match changed. Although they maintained possession of the ball, they were unable to penetrate the penalty area. Ryunosuke SATO, Watanabe TSUBASA, and Seisa NUMATA connected to deliver a cross, but it was cleared and resulted in a corner kick. The ball kicked by Yuta SUGAWARA was headed by Shuto NAGANO 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 midfield and spread to the left side. Player Tōno created space from the defender with a feint, received the ball in the vital area, compactly swung his right foot, and the ball was drawn into the top right corner of the goal, equalizing the score. After that, both teams focused on a fierce battle for the ball in midfield. Just as it seemed the second half would end, the match shifted during the nearing end of the 4 minutes of added time.
When the opponent's throw-in caught us off guard for a moment, the throw-in ball was deflected with a header, allowing Takkei to break into the penalty area. With a left-footed shot, the ball was sent into the near side, and just before the end of the match, Tokyo allowed a turnaround. However, the drama is not over yet. Just when it seemed the match would end like this, a dramatic turn of events occurred in the final play. Right after the kickoff, we circulated the ball and attacked into the opponent's territory. Yoshida Kisei on the right side supplied a cross with his left foot, and Shuto NAGANO, who had run in from behind, connected with a header to shake the goal net. At that moment, the whistle signaling the end of the 80th minute was blown, and this heated match, which had returned to square one in the last play, entered extra time.
EXTRA TIME—The closely contested match ended without a result and went to a penalty shootout
As the match went into extra time, both teams seemed to be affected by fatigue from consecutive matches in the sweltering summer heat, leading to an increase in simple mistakes. In that moment, Tokyo seized a brief opportunity. Seisa NUMATA's pass found Taiyo YAMAGUCHI, who broke free and entered the penalty area, but his left-footed shot was blocked by the opposing goalkeeper's advance. After that, Tokyo continued to attack but lacked the final precision to convert their efforts into goals.
Even after entering the second half of extra time, Ryunosuke SATO created chances with his dribbling breakthrough, but the opposing players defended well and could not score. There was a moment when they were caught off guard and a shot was taken, but Wataru GOTO responded calmly. Tokyo created multiple chances but could not convert them into goals, and the match ended, leading to a penalty shootout.
PENALTY SHOOTOUT
Tokyo, kicking first, saw their first kicker Ryunosuke SATO miss wide, failing the first shot. The following kickers, Yuta SUGAWARA as second, Kisei Yoshida as third, and Shuto NAGANO as fourth, calmly scored, while the opponent's fourth kicker missed over the goal, tying the score at 4-4. The fifth kicker for Tokyo was Taiyo YAMAGUCHI, who had the team's highest number of goals so far. He aimed to score here to put pressure on the opposing Gamba Osaka kicking second, but the opponent's goalkeeper made a save. It became a tough situation where if the opponent's fifth kicker scored, Tokyo would lose. Standing firm was Wataru GOTO. When the opponent's kicker shot the ball on a trajectory close to the center, GOTO blocked it with his remaining foot, keeping the match alive. Afterwards, both sides calmly scored up to the sixth kicker, leading to the seventh. Tokyo's seventh kicker, Masahide Sasaki, aimed the ball opposite to the goalkeeper, but missed the goal frame. The opponent's seventh kicker calmly scored, ending the match. Tokyo showed persistent resilience by repeatedly catching up, but fell just short and finished as runners-up in the tournament.
MATCH DETAILS
<FC Tokyo U-18>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Wataru GOTO
DF Shuto NAGANO/Jumpei ISHIDO/Seisa NUMATA/Toshiyuki KANEKO (8 minutes into extra time: Shoei SASAKI)
MF Watanabe TSUBASA (1 minute into extra time: Divine CHINEDU OYA) / Ryunosuke SATO/Kota TANABE (15 minutes into the 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
28th minute of the first half: Taiyo YAMAGUCHI / 24th minute of the second half: Shuto NAGANO / 40+6 minutes: Shuto NAGANO
<Gamba Osaka Youth>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Ryota ARAKI
DF Yona Mine Koutarou/Daiki YAMAGUCHI
MF Izumi Keibo/Daiki MIYAGAWA (1 minute into extra time: Hikaru ENDO)/Ookura Shinpei (6 minutes into extra time: Nakajima Yuugo)/Furukawa Kanta/Morita Masamitsu
FW Okamoto Hinata (30 minutes into the second half: Takei Ryoutarou)/Amano Yuto (34 minutes into the second half: Tonno Taisei)/Andou Rikuto (30 minutes into the second half: Hisanaga Torajirou)
SUBS
GK Joshua Steiman
DF Ko HASEGAWA
MF Yuta SASAKI/Tenma YAMAMOTO
GOAL
26th minute of the first half: Riku Ando/37th minute of the second half: Taisei Tono/40+4 minutes of the second half: Ryotaro Takei
[Coach Takashi OKUHARA Post-Match Comments]
Q, please review the game.
First of all, I would like to express my gratitude to the club youth federation for hosting such a wonderful tournament. Since returning to AJINOMOTO FIELD NISHIGAOKA, I feel that the teams from Tokyo, who are usually our rivals, have created an atmosphere like home during the two matches. I would like to take this opportunity to convey my thanks.
Although we couldn't ultimately become champions with today's results, I spoke to the players after the match about not stopping their journey to becoming professionals and continuing to value each day starting from tomorrow.
Gamba Osaka Youth is a truly wonderful team, where players analyze each other and engage in plays to neutralize strengths as well as to showcase their own. It was fair play, and there were points for us to learn from, so I want to work hard every day to ensure we can win the next time we compete.
Q: The match against the opponent in the first game of the group stage has become the Final Round. Did you feel any differences compared to the opening match?
A, we were aware that we could strengthen ourselves while competing in the group stage and tournament, but Gamba Osaka's precision had also improved. I think there were more situations where we were on the back foot.
Q: It was a very tense match. What do you think were the factors that allowed you to cope well with the summer heat and consecutive matches, and what do you think were the reasons for not being able to win in the penalty shootout?
In the Premier League, we have been struggling, and we have conceded many goals in the final moments of the first half. In that sense, I believe we have significantly grown throughout this tournament in terms of not looking down even when we concede and sticking together to endure until the end. The final moments are important not only for mental strength but also for technique and judgment; everything matters. I was conscious of that, and I think the players fought well. If I had to say, I have some regrets about my decisions and assessing the players' fatigue levels. However, I have been closely observing every move of the players, including rest days, and I take pride in my decision-making ability as of today.
Q, I believe that the growth of the younger students was significant in this tournament.
I believe that the struggles in the Premier League are key to that aspect. It is important how the third-year students perceive the younger students. I think this tournament allowed the third-year students to effectively incorporate the first-year students, and the first-year students learned to face soccer with humility. I believe we were able to create a sense of unity that we have never seen before. I also noticed first-year players, who had never shed tears before, showing their emotions. It was really great to see players who seemed indifferent to competition being inspired by witnessing the opposing team winning today. I hope this leads to their future.
[Player Interview]
<Watanabe TSUBASA>
Q, please review today's game.
A, today's match was so intense that I can hardly remember it. The ups and downs of emotions were significant, making it the most enjoyable match of my life.
Q, in this tournament, you were the one wearing the captain's armband and leading the team.
At first, when I heard I would become the captain, I was a bit anxious because I didn't see myself as a captain. In the first match of the tournament against Gamba Osaka Youth, I wasn't able to behave as a captain, but comparing the first match against Gamba Osaka and the last match against Gamba Osaka, I think today I was able to speak out as a captain and call out to individuals while looking around.
Q: Do you think the experience from this tournament will contribute to your future play? How will you utilize it?
In this tournament, I believe that not only I but also the team has been able to grow significantly. 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.
Q: The Premier League will continue after this. Please say a word to the fans and supporters.
A, today as well, I believe we were able to advance to the Final Round thanks to the support of my teammates, and of course, the fans and supporters who cheered for us until the last penalty shootout. With that in mind, I want to continue to work hard to show the best version of ourselves in the Premier League as a way to give back.
<Player Kisei Yoshida>
Q, please review today's game.
A, today's match started with us conceding the first goal. It was not a good start to allow the first goal even in the Semifinal Round, but I think it was good that we were able to recover and score without looking down on ourselves.
Q, in this tournament, we also saw the third-year students leading the team despite many substitutions.
A, after all, since I came in midway, I thought I contributed by changing the flow, scoring, and ensuring the victory.
Q, many fans and supporters came to cheer.
A, indeed, the cheers from teammates who are not registered for this tournament, as well as parents, fans, and supporters resonated in our hearts and became our strength. I believe that it was because we felt that atmosphere that we were able to have a stronger sense of unity.
Q: The Premier League continues. Please share your enthusiasm.
A, although we finished as runners-up in this tournament, I would like to continue building steadily without getting too emotional about it. 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 no matter what. I believe the opponent also came in with a strong mindset. As a defensive player, I conceded 3 goals, so I hope to improve on that.
Q: I believe the feeling of determination to score in the final scene led me to the goal.
A, since there was little time left, I thought that if we didn't do something, it would just end as it was. The moment the ball flowed to the right side, I thought to myself, 'This is going to come,' so even though I was far from the goal, I was only thinking about making sure to score. When I headed the ball with all my might, it went into the goal, so I was glad.
Q: What do you think are the factors that have allowed you to become stronger throughout the tournament despite struggling in the Premier League?
In the Premier League, as you can see from the standings, the situation has not been going well, but I believe the desire to succeed in this tournament was strong among all the team members. During the event 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 feelings about the number "3" on your jersey?
In the top team, the number is worn by players like Masato MORISHIGE and Kanta DOI, who was with FC Tokyo U-18 until last season. It is a number worn by players who can play both center back and midfield, so I feel a great weight as it has been worn by key players in the team.
Q, many fans and supporters visited AJINOMOTO FIELD NISHIGAOKA.
There were fans and supporters who had come to cheer us on since the group stage in Gunma Prefecture, and while the Semifinal Round was great, the support during the Final Round was especially incredible. Although we ended up losing, we felt the support reaching us. Even in such a tough situation, I believe we were able to fight until the penalty shootout thanks to that support.
<Wataru GOTO>
Q, please review today's game.
A, after conceding the first goal, we quickly equalized and scored again, but we showed some weakness in the final moments and ended up being turned around. As a team, we managed to equalize in the end, but I couldn't stop the ball in the penalty shootout, leaving me with a very frustrating feeling.
Q, please review the tournament.
The tournament started while we were struggling in the Premier League, but the team was able to grow with each match, and the third-year students were able to create a sense of unity. We lost in the Final Round, but it was impressive that we were able to play in a really good atmosphere that we had never experienced before.
Q, you made a series of great saves throughout the tournament.
A, we conceded 3 goals again today, and there are only issues remaining. There were many middle-range shots today, so I want to improve my shot-stopping ability and the coaching aspect of moving my teammates.
Q: The matches will continue from here. Please send a message to the fans and supporters.
Although the results in the first half of the Premier League were not forthcoming, many fans and supporters came to cheer us on, so in the second half, I want to continue winning in the Premier League for the sake of the fans and supporters.
