It was clear and sunny from the morning. We left the hotel at 9:40 after breakfast and headed to the main venue.
We arrived at the ground, but the changing rooms weren't available for a while, so we waited by watching a match.
MUNDIALITO 2018 Qualification League Match 4
vs Sporting de Portugal
First half 2-2, Second half 0-1, Total 2-3
GK: Matsumoto, FP: Miyazawa, Tokuda, Tanaka, Shiba (C), Hatanaka, Kiuchi
SUB: Miyoshi, Tsuchiya, Kawamura, Ogasawara, SatoThe whistle for the start of the first half blew amidst a tense atmosphere and the roar of the opposing team's supporters. The loud cheers from the parents of the opposing team and the Sporting supporters echoed from behind our bench, making it difficult for us to convey instructions.
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Amidst all this, Antlers scored first. The goal in the 9th minute of the first half came from GK Matsumoto's high punt kick, which utilized the wind and slipped past the opposing goalkeeper directly into the net. In the first half, this attack created numerous chances.
We continued to play well, but an unfortunate foul gave the opponent a direct free kick. Their ace scored a powerful shot from it, equalizing the score.
The momentum was with the opponent, and they scored another goal. Their ace found a momentary gap in front of the goal and unleashed a fierce shot with a swing of his left foot. We found ourselves trailing after consecutive goals in the 14th and 15th minutes of the first half, but the players' fighting spirit remained undiminished as they battled fiercely for every ball.
As the evenly matched game continued, an equalizer was scored. In the 21st minute of the first half, Tokuda, who received a pass from GK Matsumoto, took a powerful shot from near the halfway line, utilizing the wind, and it spectacularly found the back of the net. It was a magnificent long-range shot that surprised everyone.
The first half ended with the score tied.
At halftime, we discussed the defensive balance needed to counter the opponent's ace and central midfielders.
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GK: Matsumoto, FP: Miyazawa, Tokuda, Tanaka, Shiba, Kawamura, KiuchiIn the second half, we were able to calmly connect passes. Although dangerous situations were created, we responded tenaciously with good saves from the goalkeeper and strong defensive play that prevented shots.
However, in the 21st minute of the second half, in the opponent's goal area, a dribble was stolen, leading to a counter-attack. A player who came on in the second half dribbled and scored, and the opponent held on to win.
In added time, we played power play with Tokuda moved up front, aiming for a long ball, but an equalizer was not scored.
As a result, we finished the qualification league with a record of 3 wins, 1 loss, and 9 points. Unfortunately, we did not advance to the first-place tournament.
Players with limited playing time returned to the hotel and did ball work and running on the beach in front of it.
After that, we had lunch, held a meeting from 7:30 PM, had dinner at 8:30 PM, and concluded the day's activities.
