On Tuesday 4 April, the U-16 Japan National Team played their second match of the 50th Montaigu Tournament against the U-16 Czech Republic National Team.

The match started with the Czechs, who are physically superior to Japan, playing number of long balls to penetrate the Japanese territory. The deep grass, a pitch condition that is uncommon in Japan, made it difficult for the Japanese players to keep the ball moving even after winning the ball, allowing the Czechs to recover the ball and launch an attack. However, the Japanese defence put forth a valiant effort to keep the first half score at 0-0.

In efforts to change the dynamics of the match, Japan introduced YAMAGUCHI Gota (Shohei High School) and TSUKUDA Souta (Yokohama FC Youth) in place of Leo William CHRISTOPHERS (Southampton FC U16) and SUGAWARA Yuta (FC Tokyo U-18) to start the second half, which allowed them to create more chances in the attacking third.

Japan took the lead in the 48th minute, when SEKIGUCHI Kota (Shimizu S-Pulse Youth) held the ball up front and passed it to NAKAYAMA Shion (Tokyo Verdy Youth), who raced up the left flank, entered the box, and slotted the ball into the goal.

With momentum on their side, Japan added a second goal in the 70th minute. Yamaguchi provided a through ball from the right flank, which allowed KUMASHIRO Keito (Roasso Kumamoto Youth), who had been brought on as a substitute to replace Sekiguchi, to break into the box and fire a powerful shot into the upper right corner of the Czech goal.

Despite conceding a goal to the Czech Republic in the 72nd minute, the Japanese side, led by KAMEDA Taiga (Vissel Kobe U-18) kept their focus and communicated with each other to end the match 2-1, adding three points to their tally to move into the top spot of their group.

Players' Comments

DF #3 SUGAWARA Yuta (FC Tokyo U-18)
I had a great time performing in front of a large crowd in a setting unlike anything I've ever encountered in Japan. I wasn't very happy with my performance, and I had to leave the math halfway through because of an injury. It was frustrating, but it was a great experience, nonetheless.

DF #4 SASAKI Shoei (FC Tokyo U-18)
There were lots of people in the stadium, which created a very positive atmosphere. Despite all the struggles we faced as a team, we continued to encourage each other and persevere though those tough stints. We were able to win, but I am not satisfied with my performance both in offence and defence, so I will continue to improve myself to help the team reach a higher stage.

FW #13 KUMASHIRO Keito (Roasso Kumamoto Youth)
This was a very important match after we drew our first match, so I am really glad that I was able to score the decisive goal. It was a huge win for the team. I finished scoreless in our last tour to Spain, so I was fully determined to deliver results this time around. I will continue to give my best to help the team win in the knockout stage.

The 50th Montaigu Tournament

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