NEWSNews

2016.3.26[Academy]

[U-18] America Expedition Report Day 9

On the 9th day, the final match of this away game was held the next day. In the morning, a practice match was held with Mexico's PUMAS, and in the afternoon, the players attended a meeting.
 

The match against PUMAS (half court / 8:8 / 15 minutes x 2) saw a 6-1 victory with the first half ending with goals from Hara and Arakawa, and the second half with a hat-trick from Sugiyama and Imamura. This was a big win against our first opponent in the group stage. (In the group stage, we won 2-2 on penalties.)

PUMAS Training Match Ends in 6-1 Victory! Group photo with PUMAS, who are also staying at the same hotel


After lunch, the participating teams gathered for a players' meeting. The players from the U-12 tournament also joined, making it an event with over 500 people in attendance.

Table soccer, video games, table tennis, and lifting spaces are installed, allowing players from around the world to interact with each other.

At the players' meeting Table soccer with other teams
I want to cherish the friends I connect with through soccer


As one of the various events, a talk event by Mr. Raul Gonzalez, former Real Madrid player, was held.
 

In a style of answering questions from participating players, I sent a message saying, "Nowadays, it's natural to have an environment to play soccer, but if you just play soccer in the given environment, you won't grow any further and it won't be fun. You have to think for yourself and play soccer while realizing it, otherwise you won't become more than a coach. Just like robots and current machines."

Mr. Raul's words were conveyed to me by interpreter Okuda.


Tokyo players left the venue excitedly.
 

I want to make the most of my strength and finish the tournament by returning tomorrow's final match in America to the Premier League T1 League in Japan.

The 5th place deciding match will be against SPORTING KANSAS CITY on the 26th at 12:00. (Kickoff at 26:00 on the 26th in Japan time)