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The match was held at MPPG PASIR GUDANG. Johor Bahru's second team uses it as their home stadium, and we were able to use their excellent locker rooms. The match was broadcast live on TV, and the manager was interviewed.
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Early in the match, the opponent scored with a header from a long ball, which we had been wary of, making it 0-1. However, we held our defensive formation and fought back, not conceding consecutive goals. After winning the ball, we aimed for scoring chances through counter-attacks, free kicks, and corner kicks. The opponent also had several decisive chances but failed to convert them. Towards the end of the first half, Ishizu shot from a through pass but couldn't hit the target, and the first half ended 0-1. In the second half, we conceded a goal again in the 53rd minute due to a mistake. However, in the 57th minute, Shinozaki scored a magnificent header from Sudo's cross, making it 1-2. In the 63rd minute, we conceded another goal, making it 1-3. After that, Estudiantes had several more decisive chances but couldn't score, and Kashima Youth also failed to convert their limited chances, ending the match. We lost 1-3. Nevertheless, the Kashima Youth Eleven, who bravely faced a physically larger opponent and fought well, received great cheers and applause.
Manager Kumagai's comment
"We played with new players in the starting lineup. We conceded a goal early on due to that, but after that, we played well throughout the match. All three goals conceded were from easy mistakes. We have to correct this, but overall, I think it was a game where we understood the opponent well and fought accordingly. The goal we scored was also from a planned play. There's a 3rd place play-off the day after tomorrow. I want to prepare well for the match without letting the previous games go to waste, and return to Japan with good results."
Even today, Japanese residents in Johor Bahru supported Kashima Youth.
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