Day 9
Today is the final day of the tournament!

[Semifinal Round]
vs Toulouse FC

First Half 1-0
[Scorer] Harushiro MATSUSHITA
Second half 1-1
[Scorer] Harushiro MATSUSHITA

Total 2-1

This team is considered to be a top contender for the championship in this tournament, with top-class speed, technique, and physicality in all aspects!
The tournament organizers and the game venue were filled with passionate supporters, and we faced the game in a completely away environment.

【First Half】
We started the game with the intention of actively taking the opponent's ball and playing on their court as much as possible.
In the 8th minute, Harushiro MATSUSHITA broke through behind the opponent and scored a brilliant looping shot over the opponent's GK! We scored the opening goal during a good period of play after the start of the game.
After that, we were troubled by the opponent's speed and technique, and faced many pinches, but we all defended by putting our bodies on the line. There were some tough times, but we finished the first half as it was.

【Second Half】
In the second half, there was a continued battle for possession in the midfield, and it was a close match where either team could have scored a goal.
He was able to fight strongly even in the ball game, and he was able to fight without showing any big gaps, but he lost a point in a moment in the 15th minute. It seemed that it would be a PK battle, but in the 20th minute. In the last one play, Harushiro MATSUSHITA took advantage of the opponent's gap and broke out from the midfield, and then scored with a dribble!
Game over!

We won 2-1 and advanced to the Final Round!

[Final Round]
vs Olympique Marseille
First Half 0-0
Second Half 0-0
PK 4-3

The opponent we drew with in the qualifying league was also a team that made us keenly aware of the difference in speed and technique, so our players were determined to approach the game with determination.

【First Half】
We were able to form a solid defensive block against the opponent who was coming from behind and were able to firmly go for the ball at our feet.
However, we often get stripped by technique and speed, and frequently face danger in front of the goal. However, the team was able to defend well and hold off the danger, ending the first half.

【Second Half】
Both teams are feeling the fatigue from playing multiple games, and mistakes are starting to increase. However, we continue to connect passes and push forward towards the opponent's goal, creating chances.
I actively took shots whenever I had a shooting chance, but unfortunately I missed the goal or was blocked by the opponent's GK's nice save, and I couldn't convert the chance. The opponent also gathered the ball and tried to score, but we also stayed focused and defended until the end, and the second half ended.
Entering the PK battle.

【PK Battle】
We approached the game with a positive mindset, having won the PK battle the day before.
When the opponent's first player scores, our first player misses. Then, both teams' second players score, and the opponent's third player's shot hits the post and misses. This play brings the momentum to our side. Tokyo's third player scores solidly, and Marseille's fourth player's shot hits the crossbar and misses. The Tokyo players are also energized by two consecutive failures.
The fourth player from Tokyo and the fifth player from Marseille calmly made their shots. And the fifth kicker, who will decide the game, is Kazuto YAMASHITA, who was also entrusted with the fifth shot yesterday.
In a pressure-filled situation where winning is decided, we won in the penalty shootout by beautifully placing it in the top left corner.

TSF International Tournament, FC Tokyo won their first championship as a Japanese team! This is also their first championship in the 11 years they have participated as a club!
This tournament is similar to the French national tournament (Club Youth Championship), and in addition to strong teams from France, teams from Europe such as Borussia Dortmund, Liverpool FC, and Juventus FC are also participating.
At such a tournament, we received words of congratulations from various stakeholders on the Japanese team's victory.
Throughout this tournament, we have seen significant growth from each and every player on and off the pitch.
They have shown us how they have become stronger and able to fight as the days go by, and as a result, they were able to end the tournament with the best form of victory, the championship.
After changing clothes, we headed to the dinner venue and were greeted with a grand celebration by the event staff to celebrate our victory.

While other teams have returned home within the day, as they are based in Japan or within Europe, they kindly prepared meals for us who will be returning the next day.
After the meal, express your gratitude to the staff who took care of you during the tournament and say goodbye.
We will depart from the dormitory early in the morning and head to the airport in Paris.

We will now spend another full day traveling and return to Japan on April 3 (Tue) at around 13:00 on a flight arriving at Narita Airport.
I hope to return safely, being careful not to have any accidents or troubles until the end.
This French expedition is now over.

After returning home, we will continue to fight in the league using this overseas training as our nourishment.
Thank you for your continued support!


[TSF International Tournament 2024]
[Group Stage]
①vs FC Girondins de Bordeaux ⚫️1-2
②vs Olympic Marseille △2-2
3 vs Paris Saint-Germain FC 〇1-0

[Second League]
①vs Stade Rennais △1-1
②vsRC Strasbourg〇2-0

[Quarterfinal Round]
vs FC Girondins de Bordeaux 〇0-0 (PK4-2)

[Semifinal Round]
vs Toulouse FC 〇2-1

[Final Round]
vs Olympic Marseille 0-0 (PK4-3)


[Result]
Champion
Fair Play Award

[Top Scorer]
Harushiro MATSUSHITA 4 goals