We've had a series of matches up to this point, and the signs of fatigue are undeniable. It's an all-out battle, fighting with the combined strength of everyone.
After our routine walk, which has become a custom on this tour, we had breakfast and then moved to the match venue after a hotel meeting.
It was a different venue from before. All the quarterfinal matches were held here.
Since matches were already underway at the venue, there was no warm-up area, so we warmed up in a concrete space.
Up to this point, we've played in various environments. Regardless of the situation, our approach to preparing for the match remains the same.
【MUNDIALITO Quarterfinals vs Levante UD (Spain)】
The match kicked off at 11:15. Antlers did not change their tactics up to this point, starting with defense. They maintained a compact formation, aiming to deny space to the opponent and win the ball through coordinated efforts.
Observing our tactics, the opponent changed their system. They increased the number of players in midfield to strengthen their attack and attacked using speedy players on the flanks. Due to the wind, both teams struggled to settle the ball, and no attacking rhythm could be established, leading to the end of the first half. We went into halftime with a scoreless draw.
The stalemate continued in the second half, and we went on the offensive by making substitutions. In the closing stages, we created decisive chances from counterattacks, but lacked the finishing touch, and the match ended scoreless, leading to a penalty shootout.
The opponent's three penalty takers all scored, while our third kicker was denied by the opposing goalkeeper. Unfortunately, we were eliminated in the quarterfinals.
〈Match Result〉
2-3 (0-0/0-0/PK 2-3)
〔Starting Lineup〕
GK Fujii, FP Ehata, Oshima, Kosaka, Sato, Kato, Tsukuda, Ouchi, Tsuchiya, Niibori, Itami
〔Substitutes〕
FP Serizawa, Yajima, Kiuchi, Ogasawara, Tobita
Comment from Coach Hashino:
"As the knockout rounds progressed, the number of spectators and the tension increased. Even with changes in the environment, what we need to do remains the same. We focused on our own tasks and entered the game. We responded well to the opponent, who changed their attacking formation midway through the first half, controlled the game, and went into halftime at 0-0. In the second half, we also changed our system and made substitutions at crucial moments, getting very close to scoring, but we couldn't find the net, and it went to a penalty shootout. Although the result was not what we hoped for, we gave our best. I told the players that the achievements and challenges gained through this game are the true achievements and challenges. We want to apply this to our future activities and continue to grow."
After the match, we returned to the hotel for lunch, took a walk near the hotel, and bought souvenirs at the Barca shop and a supermarket. We refreshed ourselves and changed our mindset.
Tomorrow, after a practice match, we will watch the final and then participate in the closing ceremony in the evening.