On Friday 28 December, the quarterfinals and the semi-finals of the JFA 42nd U-12 Japan Football Championship were held at Kamoike Auxiliary Track & Field and Shiranami Stadium in Kagoshima.

In the quarterfinal match between Sorriso Kumamoto U-12 (Kumamoto) and Kounan Minami SS (Saitama), it was the Kumamoto side who took the initiative through their speedy attacks, as YAMASHITA Keiji captured the opening goal in the fifth minute. Although Kounan Minami managed to equalise the match towards the end of the match, Sorriso’s ARAMAKI Genki scored the deciding goal to send his side into the semi-finals.

Asahigaoka FC (Ishikawa) and Avispa Fukuoka U-12 (Fukuoka) faced each other in an intense battle where each side scored two goals apiece, sending the match into penalty shoot-outs. It was the Fukuoka side who prevailed after their third kicker, YOSHIMATSU Yuito, successfully converted the spot kick.

In the other quarterfinal matches, Osaka City Jeunesse FC (Osaka) came from behind to win over Tokyo Verdy Junior (Tokyo), while Kawasaki Frontale U-12 (Kanagawa) also captured a come from behind victory over Ohyamada SSS (Mie), after ARAI Sota scored consecutive goals to send his side into the next round.

The first semi-final match featured Sorriso and Frontale. Sorriso conceded a penalty kick in the third minute of the match, but their goalkeeper MIYAMOTO Tetsuhiro came to the rescue with a superb save. Just after this play, Sorriso captured the opening goal when KONOMI Kaito converted a cross delivered towards the centre. The second half saw the Frontale side taking control of the match with their quick ball movements. The equaliser came in the 25th minute when TADOKORO Rio captured the goal. KATORI Takeshi followed with the go-ahead goal off a corner kick. Frontale would go onto score a total of three goals in the second half to advance to the final.

The second semi-final match saw Jeunesse and Avispa face each other. Jeunesse created numbers of opportunities by utilising the width of the field and through their dribbles. However, Avispa did well to defend with great persistency as their goalkeeper IMAGIRE Kiyoto performed excellently between the goal. With the match proceeding scoreless after the 40-minute regulation time, the two sides entered extra time with five-minute halves. The Osaka side worked tirelessly to create chances and captured back-to-back goals from MASUI Natsuki and KAGAGUCHI Ruki to win the match.

The final and the closing ceremony will be held on Saturday 29 December at Shiranami Stadium.

Players' Comments

MATSUMOTO Haruto (Kounan Minami SS)
Although we managed to score two goals, it was a disappointing quarterfinal match. However, throughout the tournament, I felt like my dribble, combination plays, and shots were effective even at this level. In our matches, I was able to showcase combination plays that didn’t go well during our training sessions and I was able to expand my shooting range as well. I will always give my best to score goals until the very end and continued to work hard in junior high school.

YAMAMOTO Joi (Tokyo Verdy Junior)
Throughout the tournament we were able to stay vocal and showcase our style of football, but in our final match, we couldn’t perform our best football, so that was disappointing. We conceded from our own mistake and lost the match, so we must train in more details. We did well at the round of 16 where we showed great persistence and concentration level for the entire match.

TERASHITA Towa (Asahigaoka FC)
I really wanted to score at the end. Our team has really worked well together to attack and defend as a team, and I think that is one of the major reasons for this deep run. I personally have managed to display my ability to dribble, shoot, and carry the ball. We have also showcased that we are able to create opportunities from our combination plays as well. I feel like what we have been working as a team was on full display, so we will continue to work hard.

MIYAMOTO Tetsuhiro (Sorriso Kumamoto U-12)
Last time when I conceded a goal from a penalty kick, my coach told me to keep an eye on where the spot taker is looking, so that’s what I did to make my decision. That play has given us the momentum to score a goal, so I am very happy for that. Kawasaki Frontale showed great intensity and very high quality in their plays. We gave our very best as a team and lost the match. We will continue to work hard and hope to return to this stage once we advance to the junior high school level.

Highlights from the Final Round

JFA 42nd U-12 Japan Football Championship

Tournament Dates: Tue. 25 - Sat. 29 December 2018

Opening Ceremony
Date: Tue. 25 December 2018
Location: Kagoshima Cultural Hall

1st Round/Round of 16
Date: Wed. 26 & Thu. 27 December 2018
Venue: Kagoshima Fureai Sportsland

Quaterfinals
Date: Fri. 28 December 2018
Venue: Kamoike Auxiliary Track & Field

Semi-finals/Final
Date: Fri. 28 & Sat. 29 December 2018
Venue: Shiranami Stadium

*All matches held in Kagoshima City

Tournament Information