The third day of the Germany expedition, the 5-match training match against a local powerhouse team will finally start today.
The first opponent is the youth (U-19) team of Bundesliga's Bayer Leverkusen. The venue was the Leverkusen Academy training ground, with a kick-off time of 6:00 PM local time.

At the beginning, there were moments where we were overwhelmed by the opponent's strength, but we gradually gained control of the pace while evading the pressure.
However, in the 14th minute, a vertical pass from a counter attack pierced through the DF line and a crucial clearance mistake was made. The ball was quickly picked up and a goal was conceded.
In the 16th minute, immediately after, Ryo SATO flew over the opponent's DF line with a vertical pass from Takuya WATANABE and scored a skillful shot over the head of the GK, equalizing the score in no time.
After that, the game progresses at a Tokyo pace. While breaking through the opponent's high DF line, Kenta OKUMA and Yoshiatsu OIJI create numerous scoring opportunities, but are unable to score.
The first half ends with a score of 1-1.

In the second half, Leverkusen, who had been scolded by the coach at halftime, increased their intensity in the battle for the ball and were pushed back by their aggressive vertical attacks.
On the other hand, Tokyo patiently waited for opportunities to counterattack, with GK Yasuhiro Yamaguchi leading the way after coming on in the second half.
However, at the 66th minute, when the ball was taken in the midfield, a penalty was given for entering the penalty area, although it was a close call, resulting in a goal against us.
Allowing the lead again. Despite repeatedly making player substitutions, all 20 members of the away team fought until the end in a total team effort, but the game ended with a score of 1-2 at the final whistle.
Could not win the first game of the expedition.
It is not a pessimistic content, but in a world-class battle, if you give even a moment of opportunity, it will surely be decided. I want to use today's lesson in tomorrow's Dortmund match.

FW Ryo SATO's comment
"I found it difficult as it was my first game in Germany. I realized that I needed to get used to the opponent and the condition of the ground."
GK Kohei YAMAGUCHI's comment
"I think we were able to experience a type of soccer that we couldn't experience in Japan, and everyone was able to grow. I want to continue to give my all in tomorrow's game."