Academy Report

We've been blessed with beautiful weather and pleasant days.
The Kashima Junior team finished yesterday's qualifying league with one win and one loss, placing them fourth in their group.
Since only the top three teams in each group advance to the knockout stage, the battle continues.
The match was held at the Cambrils venue, which was used for the practice session the day before.The third qualifying match kicked off at 9:00 AM. The opposing team was Gimnastic de Manrese CF from Spain, who were at the top of the qualifiers. The pitch size was smaller than yesterday (approximately 54m x 32m), leading to a fast-paced and intense game with quick transitions between offense and defense. We faced many dangerous situations from the opponent's set plays, but everyone held their ground firmly and we managed to get through the difficult periods. It was a good game where all 12 players played with great spirit.Kashima Antlers Junior 1-1 Gimnastic de Manrese CF (Spain)
Starting players: Shota Shibagaki, Tsubasa Ito, Keita Nukaga, Hiroto Sekine, Yuta Mukaihara, Akikiyo Takahashi, Ryuhi Ota
Substitute player: Shurai Takatsuka
Goal scorer: Ryuhi Ota

Coach Kotani's comment:
"We were in a situation where we had to earn points to advance to the knockout stage, so I emphasized defensive awareness from the previous day, not losing one-on-one battles, not backing down in contested balls, and fighting. We were on the defensive for a long time, but everyone's tenacious defense till the end led to earning one point. We didn't give up even after conceding first, and
managed to equalize. I want to continue to always show a determination to go for goal."

The final group stage match kicked off at 3:00 PM. The opposing team was Botafogo FR (Brazil). As this was our first time playing on natural grass during this tour, we prepared thoroughly with a meticulous warm-up to get a feel for the pitch before the final match. In the 12th minute of the first half, Mukaihara scored from a corner kick, giving us the lead. The opposing team, led by their number 9, created several chances and threatened the Kashima goal. In the 20th minute of the first half and the 5th minute of the second half, we conceded goals from set plays in both instances, putting us in a difficult situation. Towards the end of the match, Kashima, desperate to equalize, tried to create opportunities with long balls, but they didn't lead to a goal, and we ended up losing.

Kashima Antlers Junior 1-2 Botafogo FR (Brazil)
Starting players: Shota Shibagaki, Tsubasa Ito, Keita Nukaga, Hiroto Sekine, Yuta Mukaihara, Akikiyo Takahashi, Ryuhi Ota
Substitute players: Shurai Takatsuka, Kaito Oshima
Goal scorer: Yuta Mukaihara

Coach Kotani's comment:
"We started the match well and played aggressively, which led to the opening goal. However, against a strong opponent, mistakes changed the momentum and we conceded a goal. Then, we conceded another goal from a long throw-in, so we need to fix the recurring issue of conceding from similar situations. We also had the problem of getting flustered and not being able to play calmly, so I want to address that in tomorrow's knockout stage."We finished the group stage with 1 win, 1 draw, and 2 losses, securing third place in the group and advancing to the knockout stage.
Tomorrow's opponent will be RC Deportivo La Coruna (Spain), and the match will be held at 10:00 AM at the same venue as today.

After the match, Matsuura, a youth academy graduate, came to cheer us on. He is currently playing for a Spanish third-division team, also studying a language abroad. Since he had the day off tomorrow, he went out of his way to come to the venue from afar.The food is delicious, and the players are eating more and more each day.
The players' motivation also seemed to be growing for the knockout stage starting tomorrow.