The JFA 10th O-40 Japan Football Tournament concluded on Monday 7 November with Fujieda FC (Host/Shizuoka) winning the tournament for the first time.

Both semi-final matches were closely contested. The match between Fujieda and Hiroshima Forties (Chugoku/Hiroshima) entered half-time tied at 0-0. Although Hiroshima defended tenaciously to keep the home side at bay, Fujieda scored the first goal in the sixth minute of the second half, which proved to be the decisive goal. In the other match, SOL TODA (Kanto2/Saitama) took the lead against Iwaki Senior FC (Tohoku1/Fukushima) in the first half and added another goal in the second half to advance to the final for the first time in team history.

The final turned out to be another tense match, with SOL TODA collecting the ball to their two forwards while also delivering the ball behind the opposing defence line to exploit the space. Fujieda on the other hand, tried to build their offence through quick passing. After the two sides created a number of close opportunities on both ends, it was the home side who scored the opening goal, when SUGIYAMA Kazuhiro superbly controlled the ball in the midfield and delivered a pinpoint through ball to set up the goal of IGUCHI Daisuke.

In efforts to rally back, SOL TODA made three substitutions to shift their system to a more attacking formation. However, with Fujieda taking control of the ball possession, the Saitama side struggled to create chances. Despite making two more changes towards the end, SOL TODA fell short from finding the equaliser, as Fujieda claimed their first ever national title on their home ground.

Players’ Comments

SUGIYAMA Kazuhiro (Fujieda FC)
I got emotional when I heard the final whistle since we had been preparing for this competition all year. Every year, we have had strong runs, but it has been challenging to win five games. It was a big accomplishment that we were able to advance past the semi-finals, which had historically been the most difficult game. It boiled down to who wanted it more in the decisive match, which was closely contested until the very end. We had some tough matches, but we managed to overcome them as a team. This is a title won with a total team effort. Today we would like to enjoy the moment, celebrate, and then think about our next goal.

IGUCHI Daisuke (Fujieda FC)
Sugiyama-san delivered a great pass, so I just had to slot the ball. It was a total team effort. Once we make it this far, it comes down to who wants it more. I ran hard until the end so that we can hold onto our lead. Physically, I felt good, especially after scoring the goal. This was my first time playing in the nationals, but the atmosphere was different, and it felt so good winning the title.

NAGASE Hirokazu (SOL TODA)
Fujieda played great football today. The level of competition is so much higher at the national tournament, and the final was especially a tough one. It was challenging even though we were on the verge of winning the title, because of injured players and others who couldn't make it to the tournament, but I think that could be said for other teams as well. The Kanto qualifiers are as competitive as the national tournament, so we need to keep our spirits up and hope for the best, so that we can return to this stage next year.

MASANOBU Hiroyuki (Hiroshima Forties)
Although we were able to achieve our goal of reaching the knockout stage, I wish we could have won one more match, but the Shizuoka side was so much stronger than us. Despite facing a tough opponent, we were able to give our all today. Our club consist of an O-60 team, so we're in it to stay together for many years to come. Our goal is to achieve results in a tournament like this, and the young players who will join us next year were cheering us on. The level of competition in the Chugoku region is also rising, and we hope to help boost the senior football scene.

JFA 10th O-40 Japan Football Tournament

Dates: Sat. 5 - Mon. 7 November 2022
Venue: Fujieda Sports Complex Park, Fujieda City Field (Fujieda, Shizuoka)

Tournament Information