Plate Tournament vs FULHAM 1-1 PK3-4 Goal: Kotaro Arima Starting lineup: Kaede Takahashi, Sora Okita, Soshi Kofuda, Yu Funabashi, Kanta Kobayashi, Kaiyo Yanagimachi, Kotaro Arima Substitute: Towa Takema Today's opponent was Fulham, with whom we played a training match during our pre-season preparations.
Antlers created the first big chance. Yanagimachi received the ball in the center, quickly evaded an approaching opponent, then broke past a second defender who had rushed out, going one-on-one with the goalkeeper. However, a good save denied us the opening goal. The opponent counterattacked, taking possession near the center circle. They played a vertical pass between two of our players, and we couldn't keep up with the advancing opponent's one-two. They went one-on-one with our goalkeeper and shot, but Takahashi's excellent save prevented a goal. From around the third minute of the second half, both teams launched several counterattacks, leading to a physically demanding period. The goal conceded also came from a counterattack. We launched a counter and created a numerical advantage in front of the opponent's goal but couldn't convert. Instead, we were hit by a counterattack. The ball was carried to our goal area, and despite a numerical advantage, they got a shot off and scored. The difference in finishing ability was evident. However, immediately after this, Arima initiated an attack in the center, passing to Kobayashi, who surged down the left flank. Kobayashi returned it with a one-touch pass, and Arima calmly shot, scoring the equalizer. The match ended like this, and we went into a penalty shootout. We missed one, while all of their players scored, leading to our defeat. Coach Yanagisawa's comments: "Although we faced a difficult situation mentally after failing to advance from the group stage, the players managed to reset their minds and played with an unwavering will to fight until the end. We wanted to win and play more matches. We started the game well and created several decisive chances but couldn't score. Conversely, we conceded the opening goal in the second half, but we didn't give up and managed to equalize right before the end. We lost in the penalty shootout, but we played a good match with a lot of heart. After these two days of competition, I wish we could have advanced from the group stage and played in the upper bracket. The teams that remained at the top demonstrated their ability to make situation-appropriate decisions and accelerate their speed and apply pressure at crucial moments. I felt a difference in that regard. We are frustrated, so we definitely want revenge next year. The tournament organization was supported by many people, and the minute-by-minute schedule was smoothly executed. Various efforts were made to liven up the tournament, and I felt that many people look forward to this annual event. I want to express my gratitude again for inviting Kashima Antlers to the tournament. Thank you very much."
During lunch, a surprise cake was presented to player Kikuchi, who was celebrating his birthday that day. Players and staff from other teams at the lunch venue also congratulated him. In response, he simply said in English, "Thank you so much. Very happy!"
Also, on this day, Coach Kameya, former Kashima Antlers Norte Junior Youth coach and current Guangzhou R&F U13 team coach, came to encourage us. He told the players about the wonderfulness of being able to have such a valuable experience.
In the evening, the team watched the final match between NEWCASTLE UNITED and RANGERS. It was a thrilling, high-scoring battle and an exciting match to watch. NEWCASTLE UNITED won the championship. This tournament's guest was former French international Marcel Desailly.
After all the matches, a Gala Dinner was held with participating teams, sponsors, and operational staff.
The team will return home on the flight on the 20th.