- Day 7 -
We have reached Day 7.
This will be an important day for advancing to the first round league.
We headed to the dining venue for breakfast from the morning and then went straight to the match venue.
We will face the match to break through the first round!
[Match 1]
vs Olympic Marseille
First Half 1-1
[Scorer] Yuha TSUMURAYA
Second Half 1-1
[Scorer] Harushiro MATSUSHITA
Total 2-2
[First Half]
We utilized the lessons learned from yesterday and entered the match with focus from the start.
They are actively stealing the opponent's ball in defense, and as they control the pace of the match, they connect passes up to the goal area, and finally, Yuha TSUMURAYA scores by sending the ball to the opposite side. They take the lead.
However, just 8 minutes later, we were broken down on the right side, leading to a long shot and a goal conceded. After that, both teams failed to capitalize on their chances, and the first half ended.
【Second Half】
The game developed with the opponent gradually pushing us back, resulting in longer playtime in our own half. Despite our persistent defense, we were unable to connect the balls we won, leading to a difficult period. In the 9th minute, we lost a pass in our own half, which resulted in a long shot and a goal conceded. Both goals we conceded were from long shots.
After that, the difficult times continued, but in the 15th minute, Harushiro MATSUSHITA stole the ball from the opposing center-back, dribbled it all the way to the goal, and took a shot to score!
The pressure we maintained since the first half paid off, and we have equalized!
Although there were continued threats afterward, we managed to defend well with the GK at the center, and the match ended in a draw.
[Match 2]
vs Paris Saint-Germain FC
First Half 0-0
Second half 1-0
Total 1-0
[First Half]
From the beginning, the opponent had possession of the ball, but the DF line remained focused and did not allow the opponent to attack as they wished.
They also connect the ball carefully without fearing the opponent's pressure and advance towards the goal, but they cannot take a shot and fail to capitalize on the opportunity.
The first half ends without either side being able to capitalize on their chances.
【Second Half】
Similar to the first half, we will have a long period of time where the opponent holds the ball. We will defend selflessly centered around the two forwards and gradually apply pressure on the opponent.
In that situation, we create chances by inducing mistakes from the opponent, but there are also noticeable passive plays, such as choosing a pass instead of a shot, which makes it difficult to expand our opportunities.
In a back-and-forth battle, a corner kick opportunity was gained in the 19th minute, and player Haruka Yanai scored with a header. The match ended as it was, marking a dramatic victory.
Although we finished in 3rd place in the preliminary round, we advanced to the upper league through a wildcard spot due to the results of other groups.
The second stage league will be divided into 4 groups of league matches with 3 teams each, and only the team in first place can advance to the Final Round.
It has been decided that the first match of the second league will be held at 20:30 based on the results of the draw.
The players fought hard in two matches and were quite fatigued, but to reach the "Next Stage," they shifted up a gear and raised their spirits for the match!
[3rd Match]
vs Stade Rennais
First Half 0-0
Second Half 1-1
[Scorer] Harushiro MATSUSHITA
Total 1-1
[First Half]
From the beginning, they were able to play with high motivation and showed a spirited performance!
We fought hard for the ball and were able to create several chances with plays directed towards the goal, but we couldn't finish them off.
The opponent had many players with speed and technique up front, and there were several moments when we were in danger due to being broken through in the center by passes or on the sides by dribbling.
【Second Half】
The opponent had possession of the ball, but they began to show signs of fatigue little by little, and combined with our effective pressing, their mistakes became more noticeable.
In the 8th minute, after recovering a pass from the opposing goalkeeper in midfield, Harushiro MATSUSHITA received the ball, turned to face the goal, skillfully bypassed two defenders, and calmly slotted the shot into the net for a goal.
After persistently trying to capitalize on the chances we had multiple times, we were finally able to score.
In the 13th minute, we were put in a pinch after being broken down on the side, and although a shot was taken, it was saved well by goalkeeper Ren Kurita. However, immediately after, we conceded a goal from a loose ball following the opponent's corner kick. Once again, we conceded from a set piece, and given that we had been defending well, it was a very regrettable goal to concede.
After that, both sides began to show signs of fatigue, leading to an open game development.
Both teams created several chances in front of the goal, but were thwarted by the opposing GK's great saves, and conversely, there were moments when the opposing FW slipped and helped us.
It was a situation where either team could have scored, but the match ended as it was.
It ended in a 1-1 draw.
It was a tough schedule with three matches in one day, but through the matches so far, the players have become able to compete on equal terms with overseas teams, and we are starting to see their growth.
The key points for the remaining period seem to be how well the team can prepare to win and whether individuals can grow stronger and more resilient.
Tomorrow is the second match of the second round league.
To advance to the Semifinal Round, we must win, so we want to aim for an even higher stage from here, prepare well, and face the match to fight on equal terms or better!
Thank you for your continued support!
