The teams played their second matches of U-16 International Dream Cup 2015 Japan, which kicked off on 24 June in Osaka.

Japan and Chile, who won their first matches, played against each other. While it kicked-off in a slight rain, Japan took the lead with quick pass work. On the 37th minute, ARAI Hikaru took a shot at goal but it didn’t hit the back of the net, then FUJIMOTO Kanya pushed that ball into the goal. Chile kept trying to attack Japan’s goal with their counter attack, one of their advantages, but Japan consistently defended their lead. On the 55th minute, NAKAJIMA Motohiko scored the additional goal and Japan won this match 2-0.

On the other hand, U-16 Costa Rica National team played against U-16 France and were desperate to win this time after losing their first match. France scored on the 24th, 26th, and 44th minute and added another two goals in the 2nd half. France beat Costa Rica 5-1.

The final match of the first International Dream Cup that lets us enjoy characteristics of teams from different continents will kick off on the 28th. Japan and France will play against each other in this final match.

Which will be the first winner of this International Dream Cup? You can watch the game free of charge. Please come and enjoy the future star players who will lead the football future of each country.

Head Coaches’ Comments

MORIYAMA Yoshiro, Head Coach (U-16 Japan National Team)
We knew that Chile is very aggressive team; they are eager to work hard, playing so intensively in front of the ball. Since they are a team of strong passion, we just tried not to lose ourselves even in front of their strong plays, maintaining our level of play. I appreciate all the players for playing very hard today. Their hard work leads us to our win.

Laurent Guyot, Head Coach (U-16 France National Team)
First of all, it was good that we could win the match and score multiple goals, which we couldn’t do in the previous one. I think we are getting ready to play against Japan for the final on this Sunday. To get the victory, we have to beat Japan, but I know that it won’t be easy since they are a wonderful team.

JFA-TV (Japanese version only)

U-16 Japan National Team  vs.  U-16 Chile National Team - Highlights

U-16 Costa Rica National Team   vs.   U-16 France National Team - Highlights

U-16 International Dream Cup 2015 JAPAN Presented by JFA
Match Schedule

Match Day 1
Wednesday 24 June at J-GREEN Sakai Main Field [S1]
U-16 Japan National Team   7-0   U-16 Costa Rica National Team
U-16 France National Team   1-1 (PK 6-7)   U-16 Chile National Team

Match Day 2
Friday 26 June at J-GREEN Sakai Main Field [S1]
U-16 Japan National Team   2-0   U-16 Chile National Team　
U-16 Costa Rica National Team   1-5   U-16 France National Team

Match Day 3
Sunday 28 June at Kincho Stadium
12:30 Kick-off (tbd)   U-16 Chile National Team  vs  U-16 Costa Rica National Team
15:00 Kick-off (tbd)   U-16 Japan National Team  vs  U-16 France National Team

* Attendance to all matches is free of charge.

The Cup information