U-18 Germany Expedition Day 7, the final training match opponent is Schalke 04 U-17. It's a battle between the same generation and we absolutely cannot lose!
Kickoff at 12:00 at the stadium located about 15 minutes away by bus from the Schalke Arena I visited the other day.
We want to have a satisfying game as a summary of this expedition.

At the beginning, we struggled with the heavy and slippery turf, which made it difficult to approach the opponent's strong ball using their physical abilities. However, we gradually got used to it and started to control the pace.
In the 8th minute, we moved the ball quickly from the midfield and quickly brought it to the goal, where Kenta OKUMA received a one-touch pass from Daisuke MINAMI and, with another one-touch, turned and struck the ball with his left foot, piercing the right corner of the goal and taking the lead!
After that, MF Shuto ABE and Yoshitake SUZUKI led the attack, while FW Daikuma, Minami, and Ryo SATO aggressively aimed for the goal, and the first half ended with the game in their favor.

In the 48th minute just after the start of the second half, a free kick is given in front of their own goal, and a sharp ball is headed in to equalize.
However, we will continue to play Tokyo-style soccer without feeling discouraged.
In the 55th minute, from a scramble in front of the opponent's goal, Ohkuma pushes it in and regains the lead.
Despite creating several chances, they were unable to break through Schalke's solid defense.
Still, we continued to attack boldly until the end while being careful of the counter, and the game ended with a score of 2-1.
Won the final match of the Germany expedition.

I was able to experience the high level of German football during this expedition, and it made me realize the essence of football, which is "scoring goals and defending goals". I want to use this experience to contribute to the growth of the team and individual players in the future.
After the match, they moved to the home base of Ajax, Amsterdam Arena, by bus and watched the European Championship qualifier "Netherlands vs Turkey". The players were mesmerized by the best venue and atmosphere, and were eagerly watching the battle between the two countries, including the supporters of both sides, with shining eyes.

Comment from MF Katsuya AIHARA
"I felt like I had more successful plays against players with better physicality than me, rather than plays that didn't work. I want to use this experience when I return to Japan."
Comment from MF Takuya KOYAMA
"I think I was able to use my passes and dribbles effectively and play the way I imagined. It was good that I was also involved in scoring. When I return home, I want to prepare well for the Premier League."