Today we will face Schalke 04 U19, which is considered to be the strongest team in this expedition.
I want to challenge without fear against Schalke, who is at the top of the Bundesliga U19 West.
After a two-hour bus ride to the ground, we arrived to find ourselves in a match under heavy rain, with the natural grass being soft and bumpy, unlike in Japan, creating conditions that felt like a true challenge.

Right from the start, slipping while trying to respond to the opponent's cross ball in the penalty area caused a fumble, allowing them to score first.

The opponent has shown a noticeable difference from previous teams, demonstrating skills that can be executed even in these ground conditions, systematic possession from the goalkeeper, and players with extraordinary physical abilities.
After conceding a goal, we created our own opportunities and bravely challenged by breaking through the center and from the outside, but we couldn't break through in the final moments. We felt the strength of the Bundesliga's top club.
In the 26th minute, during a period of good flow, a mistake in the final line was capitalized on, resulting in an additional goal. Furthermore, in the 41st minute, a breakthrough on the left side led to a cross that was converted in the center, ending the first half at 0-3.

At halftime, Coach Sato sends them out with, "Since we've come all the way to Germany and are getting to compete against such a good opponent, let's accept reality and see what kind of tries we can make from here. Let's challenge ourselves!"

As the second half began, the team applied aggressive pressure from the front line, and by continuously challenging the ball holder, they put pressure on the opponent. In the 51st minute, Yachida intercepted possession from the goalkeeper, and although Imamura couldn't take a shot, Yokota scored from the loose ball into the left corner of the goal. They pulled one back.
From here, the forwards increased their work rate and continued to work hard, while the defenders remained calm and displayed the Tokyo style by being strong in one-on-one situations. Although they created several chances, they continued to struggle in the final moments, and the match ended with a score of 1-3.
We suffered our first defeat of the current expedition.

I want to organize what I was able to do today and what I couldn't, so that I can approach tomorrow's final match with a clear mind.