The second round fixtures of the Prince Takamado Trophy JFA 32nd U-15 Japan Football Championship took place on Sunday 13 December.

Pick-up Match1

JFA Academy Fukushima U-15 0-2 (0-0, 0-2) Kashima Antlers Tsukuba Junior Youth

The match started with the tournament debutant Kashima Antlers Tsukuba Junior Youth (Kanto3/Ibaraki) taking the initiative. The Tsukuba side forced turnovers through their quick approach to the ball, while their fullbacks made aggressive overlaps to add layers to their offence. In the sixth minute, Tsukuba’s NOTOYA Aoi broke through the left flank before sending a cross to centre, allowing KINOSHITA Yuki to strike a shot, but his attempt was saved by the GK of JFA Academy Fukushima U-15 (Tokai1/Shizuoka), IZUMI Sora. Another opportunity was created in the 26th minute, when Tsukuba’s OYAMA Koji fired a shot, but his effort also fell short from scoring the goal.

Academy Fukushima came out strong in the second half, as NODA Shuntaro created some close opportunities, but led by Oyama and SHINNO Takuto, the Tsukuba defence kept the score line intact. After evading Fukushima’s attacks, Tsukuba broke the deadlock in the 51st minute, as Notoya connected with a cross sent by OTA Shungo to score the opening goal. With HIGUCHI Haruma scoring the team’s second goal in the 75th minute, Kashima Antlers Tsukuba advanced to the quarterfinals.

Pick-up Match2

Gamba Osaka Junior Youth 4-2 (2-1, 2-1) Yokohama F. Marinos Junior Youth

Yokohama F. Marinos Junior Youth (Kanto7/Kanagawa) got off to a great start after HAMADA Kotaro scored the opener in the sixth minute, but the team started to struggle against the opposing defence, as coach MATSUKI Hideki later reflected, “We were not able to build-up our plays from the defence line, because our opponent showcased great balance in their defence.” As the match progressed, Gamba Osaka Junior Youth (Kansai1/Osaka) started to control the match, as they scored the equaliser in the 19th minute, when IMANISHI Yu converted a loose ball following a cross sent from the left flank. Imanishi went onto score the go-ahead goal in the 40th minute, giving his side the lead before the break.

With momentum on their side, Gamba Osaka continued to apply pressure in the second half, as CHO Ourin later mentioned, “We were able to finish the first half on a high note, so we tired to score more goals in the second half.” In the 41st minute, HIKASA Renko responded to a through ball sent by ENDO Futo and struck a powerful shot that gave Osaka a two goal lead. Hikasa scored another goal in the 53rd minute, this time from the assist of MIYAGAWA Daiki. Despite conceding a goal to the Academy side towards the end, Gamba Osaka kept their lead to get a step closer to their back to back title.

Coaches and Players' Comments

YAMAO Mitsunori, Coach (JFA Academy Fukushima U-15)
We wanted to showcase our football style at the national stage, but our opponent’s defence was so solid. They were at a such high level, we could not break through with our individual efforts, and we had to make collective efforts to create opportunities. Although we manged to do well in the second half, where we created some chances, we gave up two goals from our own mistakes. I feel that we did not have what it takes to win this match.

NOTOYA Aoi (Kashima Antlers Tsukuba Junior Youth)
We prepared ourselves so that we can win the title in our first tournament appearance. This year’s team consists many players with great endurance, so we can outrun any team. I knew we can win this match if we can keep the first half scoreless. I was not able to play well in the first round, so I am glad I was able to contribute for the team’s victory in this match. I will continue to be eager to score goals. I hope I can score goals in our next match and guide the team to another victory.

CHO Ourin (Gamba Osaka Junior Youth)
Despite conceding the opening goal, it was great to see our side rally back within the first half. It helped that we managed to score our third goal in the early minutes of the second half. This year’s team has great energy, and we are eager to win matches. We carry an enthusiastic vibe even outside the pitch. We told each other that even if we concede a goal, we can bring back the momentum if we keep our composure. We have worked on our fundamentals ahead of this tournament. We hope to make a deep run and defend the title, which was won by our senior players.

MATSUKI Hideki, Coach (Yokohama F. Marinos Junior Youth)
Our opponent showcased a really solid match today. We were not able win the ball in the midfield and did not make enough runs. The intensity level was so different compared to yesterday’s match, and it feels like we were not able to make our adjustments to it. Three of our second year players started in this match, so we are looking forward for our future matches. The third year players are now aware of where they stand in the national stage, so we hope to utilise this experience to become a better team.

Prince Takamado Trophy JFA 32nd U-15 Japan Football Championship

Tournament duration: Sat. 12 - Mon. 28 December 2020

Tournament Information