Academy Report

Tsukuba Junior, currently on an expedition in Malaysia, played the 3rd place playoff against Aspire (Qatar).

December 17th (Sunday) 8:40 AM Kick-off MSN-Field E (Artificial Turf)
Tsukuba Junior vs Aspire (Qatar) Academy
First Half 0-0 Second Half 1-0 Total 1-0
Scorer: Higuchi (Penalty Kick)

Due to the early kick-off time, we started bright and early today. It was still dark outside.
After breakfast, we departed approximately two hours before kick-off.

The team sharing our bus this time was Sepahan U-14 from Iran, who were staying in the same accommodation.

We arrived at the venue about 30 minutes after leaving the hotel. The staff were already preparing the venue, as the sun had only just begun to rise.

The team immediately held a meeting and began preparations for today's match.
Coach Tsuchida gave instructions for the final match of the Malaysia expedition.


Under the guidance of Trainer and Coach Ito, the players warmed up, preparing their minds and bodies for the match.Today's starting lineup had a few changes from yesterday's match.

GK: Maya Alex FP: Tanaka, Oyama, Shimbo, Ogura, Kameyama, Oe, Higuchi, Kaidin
Substitutions: Yoshida (for Ogura), Masuda (for Kameyama), Takahata (for Tanaka), Kaidin (for Ouchi), Jinno (for Oe)At the start of the match, an careless play created a dangerous situation, but gradually the team began to press and win the ball with compact defense, which was part of their game plan. As expected, the opponent built up from the backline, connecting passes and initiating attacks, so our defense functioned effectively, creating a good rhythm for us. The opponent had made some changes to their lineup, seemingly preparing to go for the win in the second half. In the first half, we created several scoring opportunities but couldn't find the back of the net, ending 0-0.



Coach Tsuchida was dissatisfied with the first half performance and gave strict instructions.For the second half, the players united, formed a huddle, and charged onto the pitch.

From the start of the second half, the opponent made substitutions, bringing in players with both physicality and speed to their frontline, making a strong push for the win. There were times when we were on the defensive, but we held our ground with determined defense in front of the goal. We also won the ball in midfield and launched attacks, creating many scoring chances. Our substitutions also brought about changes, and as the opponent's intensity dropped, we had periods where we could launch attacks.
Then, in added time, Higuchi dribbled down the left flank, entered the penalty area. As he continued to dribble along the goal line, he was fouled by an opponent, earning a penalty kick.
He converted the penalty himself, and then we ran down the clock by keeping possession in the corner, securing a splendid victory.After the match, both teams congratulated each other on their efforts and shook hands. Many players from the opposing team were crying tears of frustration. Tsukuba Junior players comforted them.



Although we secured third place, I told the players that yesterday's match was a huge regret. After returning to the hotel and having lunch, we had free time at the pool.After that, we left the hotel and headed to the stadium to watch the U-12 final.

This stadium, with a capacity of over 80,000, hosted the finals for each category at different times. The U-12 final was held at 6:00 PM, and the winners were Sporting Lisbon, who we had drawn against in the preliminary league.

After the match, all teams gathered in the stadium for the awards ceremony. The awards ceremony was held in the order of U-14, U-13, and U-12, and the venue erupted when Kashima Antlers Tsukuba Junior was announced as the third-place finisher. Bronze medals were awarded.The Antlers players joined in celebrating with the jubilant U-12 champion team, Sporting Lisbon.