U-16 Japan National Team crowned as the inaugural champions of the U-16 International Dream Cup 2015 JAPAN on 28 June. The hosts won all the three contests they played in the tournament, which opened on 24 June in Osaka.

The four participating teams moved from J-GREEN Sakai to Kincho Stadium for their final games. U-16 Chile National Team and U-16 Costa Rica National Team played first and Costa Rica, who had taken two losses, came in the game in an aggressive manner from early. Chile scored first, but Costa Rica didn't back away and equaled before halftime.

Chile struggled against Costa Rica's checking, but with the loud cheering of their own supporters in the stands behind their backs, Chile retrieved a lead on the 66th minute and ended up posting a 2-1 win.

In the tourney's finale, U-16 Japan National Team took on the U-16 France National Team with the championship at stake for both sides. France, taking advantage of their physicality and checking, didn't let Japan do how they wanted to play. The game entered halftime scoreless.

On the 51st minute, a late substitute NAKAJIMA Motohiko dribbled from the left side into the center field in the French territory. Nakajima brought the ball around the box and fired a middle shot. The low shot went into the next and Japan struck first.

Japan added another goal as NAKAMURA Shunta netted one on the 64th minute. France cut the deficit to one as they scored on a penalty kick on the 71st minute, but SAITO Mitsuki made a goal from a counter attack to give Japan a 3-1 lead in the stoppage time. U-16 Japan National Team, who completed all their three games in victories, became the champions of the first International Dream Cup.

HASHIOKA Daiki, the leader of Japan's defence, which allowed just one goal throughout the three games of the tournament, was selected the MVP, while Nakamura, who lacked up five goals, including one in the French match, won the scoring champion.

Head coach's comment

MORIYAMA Yoshiro, Head Coach (U-16 Japan National Team)　
Because our opponents were a superior team, all of our members worked their butts off, running until they'd fall down. Our opponents were better in one-on-ones, so we played our defence with the entire team while we tried to make our players' distances shorter to attack with the entire team offensively. It is a strength for Japan that a few more players get involved when someone has the ball, and it paid off for our goals today. I think that our hard work was the biggest element for the win.

Tournament MVP

HASHIOKA Daiki (U-16 Japan National Team, Urawa Reds Youth)
We were forced to play tough three games, but we are excited about winning them all. 

Our defensive players were saying that we would not give up any goals in this tournament, so it's disappointing that we allowed one. My goal is to make the A national team, so I would like to keep doing my best.

Scoring champion

NAKAMURA Shunta (U-16 Japan National Team, Kashiwa Reysol U-18)
I scored a goal to help our team win and help our team win the championship, so I'm extremely excited about it. That I scored four goals in our first game gave me a boost. Every game was difficult, but I think our unity and hard working prevailed other countries. My goal is to score at least one and lead my team to a win every game.

JFA-TV (Japanese version only)

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

U-16 Chile National Team   vs.   U-16 Costa Rica 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
U-16 Chile National Team   2-1   U-16 Costa Rica National Team
U-16 Japan National Team   3-1   U-16 France National Team

The Cup information