The final matchday of the U-16 International Dream Cup 2025 JAPAN took place on Sunday 8 June, at J-Village Stadium in Fukushima Prefecture. U-16 Japan National Team, who had won their first two matches, secured a 2-0 victory over the equally undefeated U-16 France National Team to claim their fifth consecutive title.

U-16 Japan National Team 2-0 (2-0, 0-0) U-16 France National Team

Ahead of the decisive match, in which the winners would be crowned champions, head coach ONO Shingi sent his players onto the pitch, telling them: “This will be a different kind of match to the last two. France rely heavily on long balls and will use tactics designed to throw you off your game.”

Responding to their coach’s words, the Japanese side adopted a high defensive line, applying pressure from the front to disrupt France’s build-up play. In attack, they frequently utilised TAKAKI Eito (Kashima Antlers Youth) as a target man to launch effective attacks.

In the 20th minute, midfielders OGASAWARA Hiro (Kashima Antlers Youth) and WADA Takeshi (Urawa Red Diamonds Youth) took successive shots after breaking into the half-space inside the box. MIIDERA Shin (FC FUORICLASSE SENDAI) reacted quickly to the rebound, calmly slotting the ball into the net to put Japan in the lead, as the midfielder later reflected, “It rolled nicely to me, so all I had to do was finish it off.”

With momentum on their side, Japan extended their lead in the 39th minute when Miidera challenged for the ball up front, and Takaki latched onto the loose ball to score the second goal. Reflecting on the moment, Takaki said, “I was able to demonstrate my instinct as a striker.” He then ran towards the bench to celebrate with his teammates.

As the first half drew to a close, France began to create chances of their own. However, in additional time, Miidera collected the ball in his own half and dribbled through the opposing defence, creating a one-on-one opportunity with the goalkeeper. Despite his solo effort, the French keeper blocked his shot, and the first half ended with Japan leading 2–0.

In the second half, Coach Ono’s warning about France’s “disruptive tactical attacks” proved prophetic, with the French side launching an all-out offensive. They dominated the physical battles, preventing Japan from creating clear attacking opportunities and repeatedly threatening from both flanks with swift, incisive moves.

Nevertheless, the Japanese players remained composed and focused. Defender MORII Leedo (Sanfrecce Hiroshima FC Youth) later recalled, “We shifted our mindset from trying to score more goals to trying to preserve our lead.” Japan maintained their two-goal advantage with resolute defending until the final whistle, securing a hard-fought victory and their fifth consecutive tournament title.

As a result, the final standings were:
1st – Japan
2nd – France
3rd – Cote d'Ivoire
4th – Colombia

Japan’s Takaki was named the tournament’s MVP, while the Golden Boot went to France’s forward Mathis Tony LOUE, who scored twice.

Coach and Players' Comments

ONO Shingi, Head Coach of U-16 Japan National Team
Before the match, I told the players, “This will be a different kind of match to the last two. France rely heavily on long balls and will use tactics designed to throw you off your game, so you’ll need to be mentally prepared.” The players did really well to stay focused throughout the match, especially in the second half, when we had to defend for long stretches. If we had conceded a goal, I think the outcome could have changed. However, everyone fulfilled their defensive responsibilities to keep a clean sheet, so I believe this was a valuable experience for the players.

DF #3 MORII Leedo (Sanfrecce Hiroshima FC Youth)
We knew we were up against a strong team, so we all reminded each other to stay focused from the start, and I felt I was able to get into the game in a good way. They had pace, so I made a conscious effort to make contact and stop them before they could get in behind us. Personally, I feel like my performance dropped a bit when we were under pressure in the second half, so that is something I need to work on. But as a team, we shifted our mindset from trying to score more goals to trying to preserve our lead. We kept talking to each other and stayed focused, which helped us get through it.

MF #14 MIIDERA Shin (FC FUORICLASSE SENDAI)
At the start of the match, the opposition came at us with great intensity, forcing us onto the back foot. However, once we took the lead, we found our rhythm and were able to play the way we had planned. I was in the right place at the right time for the opening goal. The ball rolled to me nicely, so all I had to do was finish it off. I'm glad I was able to give the team some momentum. I still feel that my dribbling isn’t quite up to the standard of the world’s best players, so I want to hone my skills by gaining more experience playing for the national team.

FW #9 TAKAKI Eito (Kashima Antlers Youth)
When I scored, I saw a defender in front of me, so I moved the ball slightly and aimed to shoot through his legs. I am glad it came off perfectly. I think I showed good instincts as a striker. Helping the team beat France in the match in which I was given the armband has given me great confidence moving forward. However, playing against opponents with much stronger physiques reminds me that I need to build up my strength. I will continue to work hard to become a bigger threat to opponents.

U-16 International Dream Cup 2025 JAPAN

Tournament dates: Wed. 4 June - Sun. 8 June 2025
Participating teams: Japan, Cote d'Ivoire, Colombia, France
Venue: J-Village Stadium (Fukushima) [Free admission to all matches]
Tournament information

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