On Thursday 6 April, the third match of the 50th Montaigu Tournament group stage saw the U-16 Japan National Team take on the local U-17 VENDEE Select Team after the Gabon National Team suddenly had to withdraw from the tournament. The match kicked off at 19:00 in front of more than 1,500 spectators, an even larger crowd than Japan's first match against Portugal.

From the early stages of the match, Japan showed great aggression to pressure the ball, which led to the opening goal scored in the fourth minute, when NOMURA Yuto (Nagoya Grampus U-18) won the ball near the opposing penalty area before quickly passing it to KUMASHIRO Keito (Roasso Kumamoto Youth), who calmy slotted the ball into the left corner with his right foot to give Japan the lead.

In the 10th minute, SEKIGUCHI Kota (Shimizu S-Pulse Youth) converted a free kick won just outside the box to make it 2-0, before HAMASAKI Kento (Vissel Kobe U-18) scored the third goal in the 36th minute with the assist coming from Leo William CHRISTOPHERS (Southampton FC U16).

With momentum on their side, Japan continued to apply pressure in the second half and scored the fourth goal in the 43rd minute when OSADA Towa (Gamba Osaka Youth) converted the cross delivered by MORI Soichiro (Nagoya Grampus U-18). Osada, who entered as a substitute, scored his second goal with a powerful shot struck in the 57th minute, before assisting the goal of Sekiguchi in the 65th minute to cap off Japan’s 6-0 victory.

The U-16 Japan National Team will now face the U-16 France National Team in the semi-finals.

【Upcoming schedule】
Saturday 8 April: Semi-finals
17:30 England vs Romania @Montaigu
19:30 France vs Japan @Montaigu
Monday 10 April
13:30 Third-place match @Montaigu
17:45 Final @Montaigu

Players' Comments

DF #18 MORI Soichiro (Nagoya Grampus U-18)
We tried to raise the intensity in this game, both on offence and defence, and really pushed ourselves to reach the semi-finals in good shape. Despite the fact that we defeated our opponents 6-0, there was much room for growth in terms of our defensive intensity. The host nation, France, will be our opponent in the semi-finals. We anticipate playing in an entirely away atmosphere, but we intend to learn from our mistakes from the previous three games and fight with the utmost dedication and responsibility that comes with representing our nation.

MF #6 Leo William CHRISTOPHERS (Southampton FC U16/England)
I am glad that we were able to win this game. We were able to play in front of a big crowd and it was fun to play in such a great atmosphere. Personally, however, I would like to improve the quality of my passing, ball control, and preparation before receiving the ball. I want to improve and be ready for the next two games.

MF #7 HAMASAKI Kento (Vissel Kobe U-18)
We had already clinched the semi-finals entering this match, so we focused on making challenges on the pitch today. Although I was able to score a goal, I felt that I needed to raise my intensity level in offence. We will be facing a very good team in the semi-finals, so we hope to prepare well to win two more matches and take home the title.

FW #9 NAKATSUMI Naru (Gamba Osaka Youth)
It was great to play in front of such a big crowd. Even though the team won, I found the match to be frustrating because I didn't take advantage of the opportunities that were offered to me. I hope to showcase better performances in the semi-finals and final.

The 50th Montaigu Tournament

Tournament Dates: Tue. 28 March - Wed. 12 April 2023
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