The final match day of the 15th All Japan University Futsal Championship took place on Sunday 25 August, as the final and third place match were played at Kishiwada City Gymnasium. At the final, Tama University Futsal Club (Kanto1/Tokyo) defeated Toin University of Yokohama Futsal Club (Kanto2/Kanagawa) 5-3 to become the first university champions of the Reiwa era.

Ahead of the final, the third place match took place, as Hokkaido University Esperanza (Hokkaido) squared off against Tohoku University D-GUCCI (Tohoku/Miyagi). It was Tohoku University who scored the opening goal, when KITABATAKE Hiroyuki shook the net in the eighth minute, but Hokkaido University rallied back with goals scored by HIGUCHI Umi and UTSUGI Kota in the ninth and 19th minute respectively to take the lead at halftime.

While Tohoku University was the aggressor in the second half, they struggled to convert their opportunities to level the match. With both sides falling short from scoring a goal in the second half, Hokkaido University finished in third place, which is their best finish at the All Japan University Futsal Championship.

The final featured a match-up between two sides making their first ever final appearances, as Tama University and Toin University of Yokohama showcased a heated battle. While both sides started off the match with a passive approach, it was Toin University of Yokohama who scored the opening goal after they induced an own goal from a corner kick. After taking the lead, the Yokohama side continued to create opportunities from their counterattacks but failed to capture their second goal.

The match was levelled in the 12th minute, when Tama University’s YASUI Ryoga took on the goalkeeper one-on-one to capture the equaliser. With momentum on their side, Tama University took the lead before halftime, as ARAKI Tatsuya converted a corner kick to make it 2-1.

In efforts to equalise the match, Toin University of Yokohama applied aggressive pressure from their front line to start off the second half, but Tama University effectively evaded the pressure to take control of the match. Tama University went onto outscore Toin University of Yokohama in the second half, as they made it 5-2 by the 32nd minute mark. Although Toin University of Yokohama added one more goal from their power-play, Tama University managed to hang onto their lead to claim their first ever national title.

Tama University’s coach FUKUZUMI Arihiro, a former member of the Japan Futsal National Team, praised his team after the match, “our players are now capable of making their own decisions according to the game flow.” Tama University was also awarded with the Fair-Play Award.

Coach and Players' Comments

FUKUZUMI Arihiro, Coach (Tama University Futsal Club )
We came long ways, and the players worked extremely hard to earn this title. We continued to work with the same principles and the players continued to believe in our approach. This title is a result of our hard work and I am very glad that we have accomplished this feat. The final match progressed within our expectations, so we were able to keep our composure throughout the match. Our players showed great individuality and made their own decisions on the court, which helped us earn this result. The fact that we have won through the tough competitions of the Tokyo qualifiers helped us nurture our confidence. We played against many of our rivals and improved ourselves throughout the competition.

NAGUMO Sota (Tama University Futsal Club )
I am glad that our hard work has finally prevailed. We have played against Toin University of Yokohama many times in the past, but they showcased a different level of strengths and pressure today. Ahead of the match, we kept telling each other to give our best efforts and showcase our usual performance, and I feel like that approach has helped us earn this title. I personally would like to challenge myself to reach higher levels and I hope to play at the F. League, so I will continue to work hard to achieve my goals.

TSUTSUMI Yuta (Toin University of Yokohama Futsal Club)
We entered the match with great motivation and managed to score the opening goal with our aggressive approach. However, our opponents had the upper hand in terms of individual skills and showed the difference in the man-to-man coverage. This match made me realise that I need to improve my one-on-one skills. Although I injured my knee yesterday, I feel like I was able to showcase my best performance, so I have no regrets.

UTSUGI Kota (Hokkaido University Esperanza)
This was a very fun tournament. After entering the knockout stage, there was a good amount of nervousness in each match. We faced Kobe University at the second round, Tama University at the third round, and Tohoku University at the third place match, and we feel fortunate to be able to face such strong opponents. All the third year players excluding myself have announced their retirement after this tournament, but we were able to play with a positive atmosphere and it gave us a wonderful experience. There were so many exciting matches and this tournament has given me a precious memory.

Sun. 25 Augsut 3rd Place Match/Final Highlights

The 15th All Japan University Futsal Championship

Tournament Dates: Fri. 23 - Sun. 25 August 2019
Venue: Kishiwada City Gymnasium, Osaka

Tournament Information