On Saturday 10 June, the U-19 Japan National Team played their second group stage match of the 49th Maurice Revello Tournament against the U-23 Panama National Team.

Following their 2-1 victory over Morocco, Japan rotated their entire starting lineup, and in the eighth minute, ISHII Hisatsugu (Shonan Bellmare U-18) was awarded a free kick deep in the opposition's end. However, the shot taken by YUKUTOMO Toki (Ehime FC) was unable to capture the target.

Panama launched a series of attacks during the 11th and 12th minutes, but the Japanese defenders showed great composure to keep the opposition at bay. A close opportunity presented itself in the 34th minute, when Panama forced a turnover deep in the Japanese end, but KOBAYASHI Masataka (FC Tokyo U-18) made a spectacular one-handed save to preserve the clean sheet.

In the 39th minute, HOMMA Justin (Vissel Kobe U-18) responded to a long feed and redirected the ball to setup the shot of Ishii, but his attempt was saved by the goalkeeper. The Panamanian goalkeeper also denied Yukutomo in the 43rd and 45th minutes, as the first half ended scoreless.

Japan’s struggle to possess the ball continued in the second half, as Panama gradually gained ground, creating back to back opportunities in the 59th and 60th minutes to threaten the Japanese goal.

UCHINO Kotaro (University of Tsukuba), TOKUNAGA Ryo (University of Tsukuba), and KANDA Hiroto (Shoshi High School) were introduced to the game in the 63rd minute, followed by KOIKE Naoya (Hosei University), who replaced injured midfielder SUZUKI Haruto (Nagoya Grampus U-18).

Although these substitutions allowed Japan to keep the ball moving in the midfield, they conceded a goal to Panama from a counterattack in the 75th minute.

In search of the equaliser, SHIOGAI Kento (Keio University) was introduced in the 78th minute, but Japan struggled to create chances against Panama who shifted their system to a five-back formation to secure their lead. Despite their late surge, Japan conceded another goal from a counterattack during additional time, losing the match 0-2.

The U-19 Japan National Team will now face the U-23 Cote d'Ivoire National Team in their third and final group stage match on Tuesday 13 June.

The 49th Maurice Revello Tournament

Tournament dates: Mon. 5 – Sun. 18 June 2023
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