On the morning of the 19th (Friday), the sixth day of the expedition, some players looked sleepy due to the late match time yesterday, but they started the day with the customary morning walk.
After doing gymnastics, we divided into groups to hold a dance competition. Each group expressed themselves while sharing ideas, and we were able to see sides of them that we don't usually see.
Preparations for the match continued, and the third match of the qualifying league kicked off at 17:30 local time. The opponent was the strong Swedish team Malmö FF, which is also the team of Zlatan Ibrahimović.
In a situation where victory is the only way to advance from the qualifying league, naturally, we will be more motivated.
From the start of the match, we aggressively go for the ball from the front line aiming for the goal, but the players of Malmo FF utilize their high skills, moving the ball at a good tempo, making it difficult to apply pressure.
In the 10th minute of the first half, we conceded a goal from a cross from the left side that was headed in.
Although the situation has become more difficult, the players are aiming for a comeback and motivating each other.
We have improved our defense and increased ball recovery in high positions, leading to more time with the ball.
As the pressure increased, in the 21st minute of the first half, Soma ARATA was fouled in the penalty area and won a penalty kick, which Kanato HATAYAMA calmly converted to make it 1-1.
We confirmed as a team once again during halftime, and we were able to play aggressively in both offense and defense right from the start of the second half.
In the 2nd minute of the second half, a free kick was awarded on the right side. The ball kicked by Tsumugi OBATA went to player Arata, who was free on the far side. It was a great opportunity, but the shot went over the goal and did not result in a turnaround. After that, they continued to take bold shots, but were unable to score.
As we entered additional time, we increased the number of attackers to aim for another goal and turn the game around. However, we were unable to score against the opponent's determined defense, and the match ended in a 1-1 draw.
The goal of advancing to the upper tournament was just one step away, and the players were filled with regret.
Due to the results of other teams, we finished 4th in the group stage and will have a ranking match against Dynamo Kyiv from Ukraine tomorrow.
Tomorrow will be the final match of this tournament.
In order to end with a victory for all the many supporters who have been supporting us, we switched our mindset and completed our activities on the sixth day.
