Shizunan FC crowned as national champions for the first time - JFA 25th U-15 Japan Futsal Championship

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14 January 2020

Shizunan FC crowned as national champions for the first time - JFA 25th U-15 Japan Futsal Championship

The final round of the JFA 25th U-15 Japan Futsal Championship took place on Monday 13 January, where the semi-finals and final were played at Mie Prefectural Sun Arena.

The two semi-final matches were played simultaneously, as the fixture between ReiZ Nagaoka FC (Hokushinetsu/Niigata) and SSS Junior Youth (Hokkaido) was played on Pitch A. It was ReiZ Nagaoka who struck first, as BANBA Sho scored the opening goal in the second minute. SSS Junior Youth equalised the match soon after, but the Niigata side retook the lead in the eighth minute with the goal scored by MINAMI Sera. However, SSS Junior Youth rallied back from this point to score three unanswered goals to claim a 4-2 lead at halftime. In the second half, ReiZ Nagaoka’s KASAI Kansei scored back-to-back goals to level the match, but the Hokkaido side showcased another string of three consecutive goals to secure their spot into the final.

On Pitch C, Shizunan FC (Tokai/Shizuoka) squared off against Seizan FC U-15 (Chugoku/Yamaguchi). In this semi-final match, Shizunan FC took the initiative with the goal scored by TERAURA Tsurugi but led by the goals scored by UCHIDA Kazuki and SAKATA Maoto, Seizan FC entered halftime with a 4-2 lead. After both sides exchanged a goal apiece, Shizunan FC rallied in the final minutes of the match, as SUZUKI Arata and Teraura showcased superb individual efforts to tie the score 5-5. With two minutes left on the clock, Teraura scored his third goal of the match to give Shizunan FC the lead. This goal turned out to be the decisive goal, as Shizunan FC advanced to the final.

The tournament final between SSS Junior Youth and Shizunan FC saw plenty of action from the early minutes, as SSS Junior Youth scored the opening goal in the third minute. Shizunan’s Teraura responded in the 10th minute by converting a freekick. A minute later, Suzuki showcased a brilliant individual effort to score a goal to give the Shizuoka side a 2-1 lead at halftime.

In efforts to level the match, SSS Junior Youth created numerous chances, but couldn’t find a way to break through the Shizunan defence. However, the long awaited goal came in the 26th minute, when SAKURABA Taira struck the equaliser to send the match into overtime. The eventual game winner was scored in the closing seconds of the first half, when Teraura struck a right footed shot. Despite the final efforts made by SSS Junior Youth, Shizunan FC managed to hold onto their lead to claim their first national title.

Coach and Players' Comments

MAKINO Susumu, Coach (Shizunan FC)
Our players managed to showcase great creativity and wonderful decisions on the pitch to earn this title. We are normally a football team, and this was our first futsal title. We started implementing futsal to our training sessions to become a better football team. This year we had two great dribblers, Teraura and Suzuki, and we invited a futsal instructor for this tournament. We were able to gain many insights and strategies to play futsal, and it ultimately helped us win this title.

FP #11 TERAURA Tsurugi (Shizunan FC)
We have gone through many tough trainings, so I am very happy to win this title. Our team has won through many rounds of qualifiers to reach the pinnacle, and we wanted to play in behalf of those who we defeated. Personally, this was a dream come true to win the national title, so I am very overwhelmed by our achievement. Our coach has told us to enjoy the moment, and I feel like this achievement came as a result of our daily efforts. We have been playing futsal to become a better football team, so I will continue to pursue my football career once I enter high school.

FP #12 SUZUKI Arata (Shizunan FC)
I am very glad that we were able to win the title. It was our first time winning the national title, so I am proud that we were able to make history for our club. When we first started, our team heavily depended on the dribbling skills of Teraura and I, but our team made great improvements as we played more matches. However, it was very difficult to unite these very unique individuals. I personally focused on my defensive plays, and I feel like I was able to make many interceptions at this tournament. I hope to make more deep runs at the national tournaments when I enter high school.