After that, we moved to the ZICO Center to play our matches.
【Match Report】
■Preliminary Round Group A Match 2, 9:00 AM Kick-off
Kashima vs Fluminense
First Half 1-1
Second Half 0-2
Total 1-3
Goal Scorer: 12 min Shogo Ishimoto
〔Members〕
GK: Kaito Sasaki (Takeki Ogata)
FP: Keita Imai (Shui Maehama), Eisuke Shimoda, Hayato Chiba, Shogo Ishimoto, Ryunosuke Umetsu, Kosei Maeda (Asahi Shima), Yu Sato, Kenjo Takezawa (Ryuga Matsumoto), Kenji Santos (Yuto Kumazawa), Sota Onagi (Rito Okada)
Immediately after the first half started, we were forced into a disadvantage against the opponent's speedy attacks, leading to a difficult start. Then, in the 5th minute, after picking up a cleared ball in front of our goal, they scored with a middle shot, making it 0-1.
After conceding the goal, we gradually got used to the opponent's pressure and speed, and were able to move the ball calmly. Our defense from the front also started to function, allowing us to play a more composed game.
In the 12th minute, Ishimoto scored directly into the bottom right corner of the goal from a free kick in front of the opponent's goal, equalizing the score.
After the equalizer, we were able to compete equally in tight contests for the ball.
In the second half, we created chances in front of the opponent's goal, but lacked precision in our final passes and couldn't score.
However, in the 53rd minute, the opponent broke through on the right side and scored from a cross, giving them a 1-2 lead.
Even after conceding another goal, we fought without losing focus, aiming for victory, and pressured the opponent's goal numerous times, but couldn't score.
Conversely, in added time, the opponent scored their third goal from a counter-attack, and we lost 1-3.
■Preliminary Round Group C Match 2, 12:30 PM Kick-off
Norte vs Atlético Paranaense
First Half 0-0
Second Half 1-2
Total 1-2
Goal Scorer: 55 min Kanon Numata
〔Members〕
GK: Miyu Ohashi
FP: Rintaro Seto, Ryo Morishima, Haruta Kiuchi, Ayato Ono (Riho Seki), Rakuo Okano (Tsubasa Yokozuka), Shuto Ito, Ryusei Hatanaka, Ryunosuke Gunji (Kanon Numata), Rikuto Takeda, Yota Tsujimura (Kazune Oyama) (Kiwamu Ando)
For the second match, we changed our system from yesterday. Against an opponent with good technique and quick ball movement, we adopted a defensive retreat from the start of the first half, limiting the opponent's passing lanes. The tactic of winning the ball and launching counter-attacks worked well.
With the tactic functioning, a good rhythm was created in our defense, and we succeeded in stalling the opponent's attacks. We proceeded with the match without allowing the opponent to create decisive chances.
However, the precision of our counter-attacks after winning the ball was poor, and we also failed to score, conceding a goal early in the second half, making it 0-1.
After conceding, we patiently waited for counter-attack opportunities.
Then, in the 55th minute, Numata scored from a splendid counter-attack, equalizing the score.
After that, we responded with organized play, but conceded the winning goal just before the end, losing 1-2.
■Preliminary Round Group D Match 2, 12:30 PM Kick-off
Tsukuba vs Atlético Mineiro
First Half 1-0
Second Half 0-3
Total 1-3
Goal Scorer: 25 min Fumiya Saka
〔Members〕
GK: Yuto Asano (Kazuki Kimura)
FP: Takudai Nakajima, Daiki Nakamura, Hayato Honda, Haruta Ito, Ren Okawa, Hiroto Hiruoka, Seigo Otsuka (Hisatoshi Hotta), Nanato Sasaki (Jinsei Hanawa), Ryunosuke Naita (Chinatsu Suzuki), Fumiya Saka (Hayato Sato)
After yesterday's defeat, the entire team united with the goal of victory and played a remarkably different game from yesterday.
In attack, there was a consistently high awareness of going for goal, and in defense, they never gave up until the end, showing spirited and tenacious defending. This effort in both offense and defense paid off, as Saka scored in the 25th minute, giving us a 1-0 lead at halftime.
In the second half, we continued to show aggressive play in both offense and defense from the start, but in the 40th minute, we conceded a goal due to our own mistake, making it 1-1.
However, even after conceding the equalizer, everyone was able to adjust their positions and respond well to the opponent's large-scale attacks.
We had many close chances from counter-attacks, but failed to convert decisive opportunities. Then, in the 67th minute, from a cross from the right side, our defender lost the mark on the opponent's forward, and we conceded a goal, making it 1-2.
After that, while pushing forward to score, we were caught off guard and conceded a goal just before the end, losing 1-3.
During halftime of the Kashima vs Norte match, two players were interviewed by a local TV station.
Also, after the matches, we filmed ZICO Channel's footvolley.
After all the team matches were over, we returned to the hotel.
Before dinner, we had a meeting to review today's matches, prepare for tomorrow's preliminary league, and confirm tomorrow's schedule.
After that, we had dinner and went to bed.
【Tomorrow's Schedule】
9:00 AM Kashima vs Bangu
12:30 PM Norte vs Botafogo
2:15 PM Tsukuba vs Boavista