Academy Report

The Weifang Cup 2016 U19 qualifying league reached its final day on the 27th.
On this day, player Maeda, who was celebrating his birthday, received a cake from the volunteer staff.In the morning, the final match of Group A was held from 9 o'clock and it was a heated battle. Kashima Youth players also watched.
In the match between China U19 and Benfica, China scored first and despite being attacked by Benfica, created several decisive scoring chances with quick counterattacks. In the second half, they withstood Benfica's fierce attack and even earned a penalty kick in the closing minutes, winning 2-0. In the match between Real Madrid and Desportivo Brasil, Brasil scored two goals in the first half, conceded one, but then scored more goals in the second half, adding more to win 4-1. As a result, in Group A, Desportivo Brasil came in first, and China U19 came in second.Kashima Youth played against Fort Lauderdale (USA) at 4 PM, aiming for the top spot in the group.

Weifang Cup U19 2016 Group B
vs Fort Lauderdale 1-0
Scorer: Sudo
Starting players: Ishikawa, Sadamitsu, Masuzaki, Matsuura, Arakawa, Arima, Imura, Makita, Izutsu, Otsuka, Sudo
Substitute players: Onuma, Shinozaki, Maeda, Nakamura, Yuki, NishimotoKashima Youth, who had already secured their spot in the knockout stage, changed their lineup for the match. However, the players did not let their guard down and fought hard. In the first half, unfortunately, there were many mistakes and few clear chances, but they responded well to the opponent's attacks and the half ended 0-0.
In the second half, they created chances from corner kicks and other plays. In the 9th minute, from a ball passed to the right side, Izutsu's superb cross was headed down by Otsuka, and Sudo shot it in for the opening goal.
After that, the opponent created several decisive chances, but the team defended resolutely. In the 38th minute, Yuki, Shinozaki, and Maeda combined, and Sudo took a shot that unfortunately hit the post. They then withstood the opponent's attacks and won 1-0. With three consecutive wins in the league, they secured the top spot and advanced to the semifinals.

Coach Kumagai's comments
"Even though we had already qualified for the knockout stage, we approached this match without changing our objective. The players performed well. It was a battle with a new formation, but even then, we managed to score and win without conceding. I'm not yet fully satisfied with the content of the game, but the entire team, players and staff, are working hard. Even if we lose, we have to move forward, and even if we win, we have to prepare for the next challenge. I feel that the players are growing little by little since coming to China."

The other Group B match result was Shandong 1-2 Wolfsburg. As a result, Kashima Antlers finished first in Group B, and Wolfsburg finished second.
Tomorrow's semifinals will be Desportivo Brasil vs. Wolfsburg, and Kashima Youth vs. China U19.