Our quarterfinal match was against "PIVO" from Shizuoka. We dominated possession from the start, but struggled with vertical passes. After conceding a goal from a counter-attack originating from our own corner kick, and then another from losing the ball after a kick-in, we found ourselves chasing a two-goal deficit, similar to the previous day's match. However, immediately after, we scored a goal from a kick-in, with Takagi and Sasanuma connecting, ending the first half down by one goal.
In the second half, Maeda scored an equalizer with a shot he carried down the wing, utilizing his characteristic move. Then, Takagi calmly converted a one-on-one chance with the goalkeeper after an interception in midfield, giving us the lead. We maintained our tenacious defense thereafter and secured a 3-2 victory.
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The final match was against "Konan Minami Soccer Shonendan" from Saitama. Coincidentally, they were the same opponent we lost to in the final of this very tournament last year, denying Kashima Junior the championship.
We started with great focus, and thanks to some fine saves by goalkeeper Nemoto, we were able to control the pace of the game. Sasanuma, who became free after turning away from two defenders on the left flank, scored a goal. This was followed by a goal from Maeda from a corner kick, another goal from Maeda after an interception by Kokufuda, and then Maeda's goal after receiving a pass from goalkeeper Nemoto, giving us a commanding 4-0 lead. However, our opponents showed resilience, scoring two goals to end the first half.
In the second half, our opponents adapted to our style of play, and we struggled to find our rhythm, experiencing a difficult period. They intercepted the goalkeeper's ball and scored directly, narrowing the gap to one goal.
However, with the "never-give-up attitude" that Coach Kimura identified as their "most significant growth" in this tournament, the team continued their tenacious defense. Maeda, who had grown significantly, carried the ball down the wing and scored. Immediately after, Takagi scored a game-clinching goal from the center, securing a 6-3 victory and the championship.
Today, the tremendous support from the Tsukuba Juniors' 4th and 5th graders and their parents also encouraged the players.
In the awards ceremony, Maeda Satora and Sasanuma Koki were selected as excellent players.
Comment from Coach Kimura
In the quarterfinals, our defense wasn't working perfectly, but I told them, "There will definitely be chances, so let's get back to what we need to do." In that sense, I think it was a game where the players really showed their never-give-up attitude.
For the semifinals, we had a good understanding of the opponent's characteristics, and everyone understood and executed what the team needed to do. Also, the players who came in as substitutes similarly performed well in terms of "what the team needed to do," and I felt each player's individual growth.
In the final, I knew the opponent's characteristics and expected a tough match, but it was good that we started the game well and got a four-goal lead.
However, Konan Minami is a team with a strong tradition, and I knew their inherent strength, so I told them, "If we don't score where we should, it will get tough," and indeed, we conceded three consecutive goals.
However, in this tournament, I felt the growth in everyone's tenacity from that point on. We defended well, and in a difficult situation, Maeda and Takagi scored crucial goals. The efforts of defenders Kokufuda and Funahashi, and goalkeeper Nemoto, along with the bench players and the players in the stands fighting with us, all contributed to this victory.
They experienced悔しさ (frustration/regret) at the national tournament in the summer, and their growth since then has been remarkable. Finally, I told the players, "I want you to be grateful to all the staff who were involved, the staff who couldn't be here, and of course, the parents who supported us." I myself am grateful to the club staff who organized the futsal tournament before this event, and to all the teams who participated and gave us a good challenge. Most of all, I am grateful to the players who fought through this tournament.
Click here (JFA-TV) for the highlights of the Vermont Cup 24th All Japan Youth Futsal Tournament.