We will deliver a report on the 4th day of the Spain-Portugal expedition, which is being held from April 3 (Mon) to April 12 (Wed).
On the 6th day of the 4th day of the expedition (Wednesday), we also started with a morning walk, stretching and exercises.
After having breakfast, we took a short break and then went for a walk along the coast for about an hour to prepare for the 18:30 kick-off game in the morning. The sea in the area where we stayed is also a famous spot for surfing, and we were able to see the World Surf League competition, which is held on seas all over the world, during our walk.
Afterwards, we returned to the hotel and held a meeting to review yesterday's match against SL Benfica and organize our strategy for today's match against Sporting CP.
In addition, this overseas expedition has given us the opportunity to reflect on the meaning of participating and the determination of each individual as a soccer player.
After having a late lunch, we will take a bus for about an hour to the training facility of Sporting CP, which is the venue for today's match. Sporting CP is not only a rival team of SL Benfica, but also a famous Portuguese powerhouse club. It is also known as the former club of Cristiano Ronaldo, and only a limited number of people are allowed to enter the facility.
The site has 6 pitches, a covered practice field, and a clubhouse, and the top team was training in private on the covered pitch.
Today's opponent is also a team of the same age group, and we are also scouting information from yesterday's match against SL Benfica. From the warm-up, you can feel the tension on the pitch as we prepare for the match.
FC Tokyo U-18 has finished their meeting and warm-up, and now it's kickoff.
We will continue to play with our bodies while feeling the physical abilities, play intensity, and skill in moving the ball of each opponent player from the start, as well as the seriousness of this match.
They often have possession of the ball and are able to carry it to their own deep position, but they do not easily allow shots and gradually create attacking opportunities.
We were focused and carrying the game, but we were caught off guard for a moment and conceded a goal just before the end of the first half. We will go into halftime with a score of 0-1.
Several players will be substituted during halftime and we will enter the second half.
After the start of the second half, we entered the game with great momentum and were able to score our first chance, tying the game. We continued to attack with that momentum and were able to score again, taking the lead. We then skillfully controlled the ball and maintained our advantage throughout the game.
As the opponent increases their intensity and the battle for the ball becomes even more intense, they create a chance and equalize. Both teams continue to fight for the next goal without backing down, resulting in a back-and-forth battle. However, in the final moments of the game, they concede a goal and despite continuing to attack and aim for a goal until the end, they are unable to score and the game ends.
Although it was a defeat, everyone approached the game with a strong determination and it became a valuable experience for the future.
After returning to the dormitory in a hurry without even taking a break in that situation, I quickly went to bed after having a late dinner. I prepared for tomorrow's early morning trip.
