On Sunday 27 November, the U-15 Japan National Team played their third match of the Football Federations Cup against the U-15 Mexico National Team.

Prior to the match, the team held a meeting to review their second match against Spain, as the players went over their strengths and weaknesses to prepare for the next match.

Japan took an early lead in the second minute, when KUMASHIRO Keito sent a pass to HAMASAKI Kento, who carried the ball into the box before firing a shot that captured the upper left corner of the goal. With the players showing great enthusiasm to finish the tour on a high note, Japan scored their second goal in the 20th minute, when NAKAYAMA Shion responded to a long feed delivered by OSADA Towa to take on the goalkeeper one-on-one. Calmly assessing the situation, the striker converted the opportunity with a lobbing shot that went over the head of the goalkeeper and into the net.

With momentum on their side, Japan continued to create chances to threaten the opposing goal. In the 45th minute, OSA Ryuki played a pass-and-go with KUMASHIRO Keito to take a shot, but his shot sailed over the crossbar. Japan did not let up in the second half, as they continued to press forward, but were unable to add to their tally, as the match ended 2-0. As a result, Japan finished the tournament in third place.

Players' Comments

GK #1 ARAKI Rui (Gamba Osaka Junior Youth)
I am glad that we were able to finish the tournament with a win. Although I am satisfied with the fact that I was able to keep a clean sheet in all three matches, the semi-final match against Spain, which we lost in a penalty shoot-out, was very disappointing and at the same time, reminded us of the difficulty of football. This tour gave me an invaluable experience of playing against some of the world powerhouses, which made me realise how different it is compared to how the game is played in Japan. I felt this especially in the penalty shoot-out against Spain. Their shot speed and technique were something I have never seen before, and it was a great learning experience. It also strengthen my desire to play for the national team again.

DF #2 EGUCHI Takuma (Vissel Kobe U-18)
We entered this third place match with the intention of showcasing what we are capable of doing. Although we went through a rough patch at the beginning, we managed to take an early lead, which allowed us to focus on the game. It gave me a lot of confidence to know that I could compete at this level and that the team was able to finish the competition without giving up a goal. I hope to make the most of all the experience I gained through this tour to become a better player.

MF #14 HAMASAKI Kento (Vissel Kobe U-15)
I entered this match determined to score goals that would lead the team to victory, so I am glad that I was able to do so. However, this match also served as a reminder that I need to improve my techniques, so that I will continue to work hard at my club to become a better player.

FEDERATIONS CUP

Tournament period: Wed. 23 - Sun. 27 November 2022
Venue: La Nucia Camilo Cano (Spain)

Tournament Information