Two games were held on the second day of the ‘U-16 International Dream Cup 2017 JAPAN presented by The Asahi Shimbun’ on Friday 16 June at Yurtec Stadium Sendai in Sendai city, Miyagi.

The two winners from the previous matches, the U-16 Netherlands and U-16 Guinea, met in the first game. The Netherlands earned a penalty kick in the first half, when the midfielder Crysencio Summerville was taken down by a Guinean player. In the 38th minute, the forward Joshua Zirkzee scored decisively from the spot, striking the opener. Just after that, in the 39th minute, Guinea passed the ball around and the forward Alseny SOUMAH, who received the ball, dribbled up to score the equaliser. In the second half, although the Netherlands initiated an attack from a corner kick, their shot was defended. Alseny of Guinea, who intercepted the ball, dribbled up to go close to the Dutch goal. The forward Momo Fanye TOURE ran up the left to receive a pass and struck a goal in the 54th minute, turning the game around. None of the teams could add any more insurance. Guinea won the game 2-1 to take the lead.

See the official records of U-16 Netherlands National Team vs U-16 Guinea National Team.

In the second match, the U-16 Japan National Team won an upset victory over the U-16 USA national team 4-2. More than 3000 spectators, as on the first day, came to support the teams.

See the official records of U-16 Japan National Team vs U-16 USA National Team.

Sunday 18 June will see the last day of this championship, when the winners are decided. The USA will meet the Netherlands at 11:30 and Japan will play against Guinea at 14:30 at Yurtec Stadium Sendai. All the matches are free admission.

Players' Comments

Alya BANGOURA (Captain of U-16 Guinea national team)
Although it was an extremely tough game, I’m pleased that we performed well, since we had been practicing hard. We haven’t usually had an opportunity to play against European players, and I’ve never met the Dutch in a game. However, our concentration and motivation brought us this win. If we beat Japan in the next game, we will stretch our winning-streak to three wins. I’d like to bring home a trophy, which will be for the first time in more than 40 years for Guinea.

Crysencio Summerville (U-16 Netherlands national team)
I’m frustrated with and angry about today’s result. As I tend to be shorter than other players, I try to initiate actions with confidence against taller opponents. Swift movement is one of my strengths. I’d like to become a player like Neymar in the future.

2017-6-14(Wed.), 16(Fri.) and 18(Sun.)
Yurtec Stadium Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture［All Matches Free of Admission］

Tournament Information
Live Streaming of ALL Matches available on JFA-TV (More information on live streaming)