[Day 4]
The Europoussis2024 tournament starts today!
After quickly having breakfast and moving to the tournament venue, decorations and shops were being prepared, and many people had already arrived, creating a wonderful and impressive atmosphere at the venue!
It started with the opening parade.
While introducing the teams, we walked along the town's parade route, singing chants for each team.
The townspeople, the opposing team, and the kids we played with at the elementary school yesterday all shouted “FC TOKYO” loudly, and the children were really excited.
After returning to the venue, we will have lunch and finally the match begins!
In the first match, the top team played against TOULOUSE FC, which belongs to Ligue 1 in France. The individual physical abilities and skill levels were high, but they continued to concede goals and lost the match.
It was a match that made us acutely aware of the world's level.
■Match 1 VS TOULOUSE FC
Result: 0-5
In the second match, we played against the prestigious Italian club AS ROMA. After getting used to the physicality in the first match, we took an early lead with the first goal. Although we conceded two goals afterward, we equalized with a goal from a free kick. The match continued to be tightly contested, but we conceded a third goal. While aiming for another equalizer, we were caught out in the back space and conceded more goals, resulting in a defeat.
■Match 2 VS AS ROMA
Result: 2-5
The third match was against a team that advanced through the regional tournament in France to participate in this competition. They conceded the first goal but managed to equalize afterward. Both teams created chances, and a wonderful back-and-forth continued, but they ended up conceding a goal that turned the game around. After that, they couldn't capitalize on their chances and ended up losing.
■Match 3 VS ETOILE BLEUE st CYR
Result: 1-2
The fourth match is against the local team from the host region of this tournament. It is the last match of the first day of the tournament.
We aimed for victory and gave our all in the match! We continued our wonderful attack and achieved our first victory in the tournament.
■Match 4 VS PLEUDIHEN C
Result: 10-0
The match ended in a disappointing result, but it was a wonderful day for everyone to feel the high level of the world and confront themselves.
Also, after the matches where we lost, it was very impressive to hear coaches from other teams, fans, and supporters encouraging the children who fought hard with words like "good" and "nice." I was deeply moved by the involvement of children in Europe!
Outside of the matches, we were welcomed by everyone from Tokyo, and many people asked for autographs from both players and staff! We signed in kanji on clothing, shoes, and balls, and they were very pleased!
After the tournament ended and we returned to our accommodation, the owner's child came to visit and invited me, saying, "Let's play soccer together!" We had fun playing soccer in the spacious garden at home!
Since coming to France, those involved seem to be truly happy that FC Tokyo has come, and while not all words are conveyed, I feel the warmth of people every day as they interact with genuine kindness and respect through gestures and words.
[Day 5]
It's the second day of the tournament!
We will fight the remaining match of the qualifiers and then advance to the ranking determination tournament. The atmosphere at the venue is wonderful today, and the local children who have been supporting FC Tokyo since yesterday came to cheer us on with handmade support boards and many gifts!
■Qualifying Match 5 vs SC CAEN
Result: 0-5
Yesterday, it was a match against a strong team that finished the qualifiers in provisional first place. Overall, the level was very high, and the game content was overwhelming.
The team that won this tournament.
We finished 5th in the qualifiers and will advance to the ranking determination tournament!
In the match against the regional team from France, we were able to control the ball and execute our attacks well, scoring multiple goals and achieving a splendid victory!
■Ranking Determination Tournament Match 1
vs HERSCHBACH
Result: 4-0
It was a match against a team established by Blaise Matuidi, a former French national team player who has experienced winning the World Cup. The children were lively and created many chances, but they were thwarted by the opponent's goalkeeper's excellent saves, and they conceded a goal from a counterattack. Unfortunately, it resulted in a defeat.
■Ranking Determination Tournament Match 2
vs ONE FC MIAMI
Result: 0-1
This is the final match of the tournament. We were exploited in space and conceded multiple goals. We created chances but were unable to convert them, resulting in a loss in the final match, and we have completed all matches of the tournament.
■Ranking Determination Tournament Match 3
vs BREST
Result: 0-3
Although the match ended in a disappointing result, we were honored to be selected for the "International Fair Play Award" for the children's performance and the coaches' conduct.
During the tournament, it was very impressive to see many people cheering for 'Ale TOKYO' and asking for autographs and photos from the children and staff, truly showing their joy that FC Tokyo participated in this tournament!
The results of the tournament may not have been satisfactory, but the children felt the gap in skill level compared to overseas in terms of soccer. However, in addition to that, they experienced and learned many important things as human beings, such as relationships with others, warmth, and kindness.
After the tournament, we went sightseeing in Saint-Malo. Although we were tired from the match, the wonderful scenery and the leisurely flow of time made the children's fatigue disappear, and we enjoyed the sightseeing!
Time flies, and the tournament is over. Tomorrow, we will return to Japan!
I will continue to work hard without letting my guard down until I return to my home country!
