The first group stage match of the 49th Maurice Revello Tournament took place on Wednesday 7 June, with the U-19 Japan National Team taking on the U-20 Morocco National Team.

In the early stages of the match, Morrocco applied aggressive pressure against Japan who tried to retain possession of the ball. This pressure led to a series of attacks down the line, but the Japanese players showed great composure to keep the Moroccan attackers at bay.

The first big opportunity was created by Japan in the 12th minute, when UCHINO Kotaro (University of Tsukuba) responded to a through ball delivered by SHIOGAI Kento (Keio University) to strike a shot, but his attempt was saved by the opposing goalkeeper.

Gaining momentum from this play, Japan used their quickness to seize additional opportunities. ANZAI Yuto (Shoshi High School) raced through the left side in the 21st minute and attempted to cross the ball to Uchino, but the opponent blocked his attempt. In the 34th minute, KANDA Hiroto (Shoshi High School) forced a turnover to set up a shot for Shiogai, but the striker was unable to hit the target.

Morocco came close to scoring the opening goal with a powerful shot struck from distance in the 42nd minute, but the Japanese goalkeeper DIOUF Emmanuel Rintaro (Ryutsu Keizai University) made a spectacular save to keep the game scoreless at halftime.

Although it was Japan who dictated the pace of the game, it was Morocco who generated more chances at the start of the second half. Despite the heroics of Diouf, who made another big save to deny a close opportunity in the 58th minute, Morocco took the ball away from OZAKI Kairu (Osaka Toin High School) deep in the Japanese territory before scoring the opening goal in the 64th minute.

Shortly after this goal, Japan introduced HAYAKAWA Jumpei (Urawa Red Diamonds Youth) and SUZUKI Haruto (Nagoya Grampus U-18) in an effort to add more layers to their offence. This substitution earned them immediate dividends, as Suzuki and IKEDA Shunta (Yokohama F.Marinos Youth) worked in tandem to win the ball in the opposing end before sending a pass to Shiogai, who delivered a cross that setup the goal of Uchino in the 73rd minute.

Regaining the momentum, Japan went onto score the go-ahead goal in the 83rd minute, when the ball was connected from Hayakawa to Kanda, before ISHII Hisatsugu (Shonan Bellmare U-18) slotted a left footed shot into the back of the net.

Despite Morocco's late comeback, Japan was able to maintain their lead and win the game 2-1 owing to a crucial late save by Diouf.

The U-19 Japan National Team is now scheduled to face the U-23 Panama National Team on Saturday 10 June.

The 49th Maurice Revello Tournament

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