On the 6th day of the expedition to the Netherlands, we were taken from our homestay to the venue and gathered there.
By accepting everything in each household and actively communicating, the distance with the host family has further shortened.
 

The upper league that Musashi has advanced to consists of 2 groups (3 teams each), and the teams with the same ranking in each league will ultimately compete in a ranking determination match.
With yesterday's dramatic victory, the possibility of winning remains, and the players were naturally motivated.

Celtic suffered a frustrating defeat in their first match yesterday.
What to watch out for are set plays that utilize height and the individual skills of player Dembélé, who has already made his debut with Celtic at -20.
To actively challenge against height without backing down, and to confirm that multiple people will counter individual skills.
It was a closely contested start, but we conceded a goal from a corner kick, just like yesterday, taking advantage of our height.
However, no one looked down.
The flow of the game didn't change much in the second half, but when Tanaka, who came on as a substitute, put his body on the line up front and became the starting point for the attack, he shifted the momentum of the match.
◈ Then, Takahashi, who was waiting at the far side, skillfully headed the cross from Osako, who broke through the left side, to equalize the score.
They launched a fierce attack aiming for an additional goal, but no goals were scored, resulting in a draw.

The second match is against the prestigious Belgian club RSC Anderlecht, which has produced many famous players from its youth academy.
The opponent will take advantage of their physical strength to attack.
Although they conceded a goal in the first half, in the second half they desperately clung to the opponent's physical strength and began to win the ball back with multiple players.
Created many chances but fell just short, losing 0-1.
As a result, we will move on to the 5th place playoff.

The opponent in the 5th place playoff is the strong Danish team, FC Copenhagen.
There are many small players, but they have high skills and good positioning, allowing for a smooth tempo in passing.
During halftime, the players discussed and confirmed to apply pressure from the front line.
Coach Sato said, "If we continue like this, nothing will happen and we will end in a draw. We must win this match and prove that we have grown during this expedition." The players entered the second half with even more passion.
Aggressively defending to win the ball in high positions, repeatedly threatening the goal.
However, time just keeps passing without being able to score a goal.
◈Then, just before the end of the match, they earn a free kick in front of the penalty area. Mihara aims directly at it, but it is deflected by the GK.
Tosaka quickly reacted to this loose ball, scoring the long-awaited Final Round goal.
Finished the tournament in 5th place.

After that, everyone watched the Final Round held after the 5th place playoff.
The teams that advanced to the Final Round are Ajax and Celtic, who faced each other in the qualifying league.
The court was filled with spectators, creating the best atmosphere as Celtic won 1-2.
I felt the gap between us, but I also felt that we had a sufficient chance to win.

During this expedition, we were able to gain a lot of valuable experiences both on and off the pitch.
There were times of confusion, but by 'accepting everything', each player, as well as the team, was able to grow.
At the venue, many people, including spectators and staff from participating teams, praised us with comments like "good job!" and "good team!"
I want to bring back the confidence and challenges gained from this expedition and connect them to future success.

I will stay at the bungalow for one night and head home tomorrow.
I will return to Tokyo without letting my guard down until the end.