We prepared with the theme of not letting our pre-training in Japan and trip to the Netherlands just be "a good experience," but rather focusing on winning and challenging ourselves with clear individual and team goals.
At the opening ceremony, we were the first team to enter, just like last year.
Match 1
1-2● vs FC Den Bosch (FC Den Bosch)
Their top team is currently in the Eerste Divisie (Dutch 2nd Division). Van Nistelrooy played for this team from 1993 to 1997.
In the 2nd minute of the first half, Tanimoto's play earned a penalty, and captain Imai calmly converted it to score first. We continued to dominate the game but couldn't extend our lead, ending the first half 1-0.
In the 7th minute of the second half, the goalkeeper came out to clear a ball between the goalkeeper and defender but was evaded, leading to a cross and a goal, making it 1-1. Two minutes later, a foul was called in our penalty area, resulting in a penalty and a 1-2 reversal. Some players were a bit confused by the referee's foul criteria, which differed from Japan.
After that, we couldn't capitalize on several decisive chances, and the match ended. It was a very frustrating loss as we played a good game.
Match 2
1-1△ FC Utrecht (FC Utrecht)
We played against FC Utrecht, one of the popular local teams whose top team is currently in the Eredivisie (Dutch 1st Division). Toshiya Fujita played for them in 2003, and Yoshinori Takagi from 2011 to 2014.
In the 4th minute of the first half, a physically talented forward scored a mid-range shot, giving them the lead.
In the 11th minute, Imai dribbled past a defender near the opponent's penalty area and scored a mid-range shot, making it 1-1 at halftime.
In the second half, neither team could convert their decisive chances, and the match ended 1-1.
Match 3
0-1● KRC Genk (Genk)
Their top team is currently in the Belgian 1st Division. Takayuki Suzuki, who also played for Kashima Antlers, was with this team from 2003 to 2004.
This was a must-win game to advance to the upper league. The players played more tenaciously than ever, showing their strong determination. The first half ended scoreless at 0-0. In the second half, we conceded a goal due to a momentary lapse, and the match ended 0-1.
As a result of today's matches, it has been decided that we will not advance to the upper league.
Winning is difficult, but we are playing much better than last year.
Tomorrow's schedule
9:30 AM ~ FC Lugano (Switzerland)
Subsequent matches will be determined by results.