Although there is a time difference, everyone said they slept well, and we welcomed the morning of the third day!

On the first and second days, although there was a bit of fatigue, we were energetically having breakfast from the morning.
For breakfast, we had French specialties such as bread and flakes, which provided us with energy for today's activities.

In the morning, we trained using the facilities utilized by the top team and academy of the prestigious French club Stade de Reims.

In training, we focused on ball possession, confirming what we have built up and organizing our defense. I believe we were able to train in a very good atmosphere.

After training, I observed the top team's training at Stade de France.
I was constantly amazed by the play of players representing Japan and those active in the French league. I believe it was a very stimulating time for the players.
And, the three Japanese players, Junya Ito, Keito Nakamura, and Sekine, took a group photo and provided individual autographs and photo opportunities. The time spent interacting with players representing Japan was very precious.

After the tour, we had lunch at the restaurant located within the Stade de Reims facility, surrounded by top players from the men's and women's teams, as well as academy players. The meal was well-balanced, hearty, and very delicious. We are recharging our energy for the afternoon training match!

We also had a brief tour of the facilities and took a cool commemorative photo in the meeting room used by the top team players.

In the afternoon, we held a practice match with the Stade Reims academy, which will also participate in the tournament, consisting of three 20-minute halves.

I think this is a match that tests how much we can challenge ourselves against a really good opponent, and whether we can showcase our play without fearing failure.
At the start, they tried to connect the ball from the goalkeeper and advance, but they struggled with the opponent's intense press and spent a lot of time being pushed back. However, they managed to respond tenaciously, centered around the defensive line and the goalkeeper, without allowing easy shots.

From the middle of the match, we gradually started to break through the opponent's press and increased our ability to advance the ball, but we still struggled to enter the penalty area and could not take a shot.
In defense, we applied high pressure from the front to win the ball in coordination, challenged to win individually through teamwork, and responded tenaciously until the end, but in the very last moment, we conceded a direct free kick, ending the first half.


From the second match, the members were changed, and everyone participated.
While continuing the good things from the first half, we entered the opponent's court with the ball, and for that, we approached the second half with the awareness of making vertical choices first.

The vertical options have increased, and there have been more passes to the back, as well as vertical passes from the midfield and sides.
However, I am overwhelmed by the speed and power that I have never felt in Japan, the way they come to take the ball with their long legs, the one-on-one tactics, and their ball control, making it difficult to score a goal. We concede two goals in that unpleasant flow.


In the third instance, there were scenes where the team moved the ball while working together to take a shot, and both as a team and as individuals, the scenes of challenge have increased.
However, we were unable to score a goal, and we conceded 1 point.


[First Half]
0-1
[Second Half]
0-2
[3rd]
0-1


I think it was a good match where there were many good aspects and challenges, and being able to play against a physically superior opponent before the tournament will be beneficial for the next time.
Since we haven't scored a single point, we'll do our best to score tomorrow!

We held a meeting after dinner in the evening.
We reflected on the football aspects and mainly discussed our daily lives and meals. While confirming the team's rules once again, we reconsidered our behavior during the expedition. We organized what it means to make decisions and take action on our own. For my personal growth, I want to keep pushing myself on the fourth day! I will do my best starting tomorrow as well!

◇Details for Day 1 and Day 2 are here