Review of the Japan-Brazil Friendship Cup Tournament

Summary of the Japan-Brazil Friendship Cup

Zico Club Advisor

Summary of the Japan-Brazil Friendship Cup, Held for the First Time in Four Years Due to the Pandemic

We were able to successfully hold the tournament for the first time in four years. Just before the tournament, Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), where the venue Zico Soccer Center is located, had been experiencing continuous heavy rain, and we were extremely concerned about the pitch conditions. We even considered the possibility of postponement, but there were scheduling issues on the Japanese side, and the forecast predicted that the weather would improve from the second day of the tournament, so we decided to go ahead with it.

We apologize for having to hold the tournament on poor pitches, but despite that, each participating club trusted us in our efforts to make it a better tournament. Every team played well, and we were able to finish the tournament safely without any major injuries to the players.

SAFE RJ (Rio de Janeiro State Football Players' Association) helped us and allowed us to use their training center as one of the tournament venues. Thanks to that, we were able to operate the tournament at two venues this time, not just at the Zico Soccer Center. We wanted to provide better conditions, so we were extremely grateful. The teams that came from Japan and other states, Cruzeiro, São Paulo, Corinthians, and of course, the big clubs from Rio that give this tournament great prestige and value every year. It was only because each club cooperated and trusted us that we were able to successfully hold the tournament. Since it had been suspended for three years due to the pandemic, the first thing we needed to do to continue this tournament was to make it happen.

In preparing for this tournament, Kashima Antlers understood how important this tournament has been over the years for the players, the club, and youth development. Thanks to that, everything went well, and we were blessed with clear weather for the semifinals and final, making it a wonderful tournament.

This tournament is held with great love. We have continued to hold it for 23 years, but this tournament is not meant to make money. It is held by doing what we can, with the sole purpose of helping the clubs and young players. It was precisely because this tournament started in 1998 that the CBF (Brazilian Football Confederation) created the U-15 category, which had not existed before. This year, we were honored to have the CBF President attend the final, and the U-15 Brazil national team coach came every day, saying, "This is a great tournament for scouting the squad."

I hope that we can continue to hold this tournament in the future, and that we can continue to earn the trust, confidence, and respect of the CBF, the clubs, the sponsors, the football lovers, and everyone who covers the tournament.

The Battle of the Three Teams from Kashima Antlers

It was excellent. They played very well and tried to play good football. I think the players showed a high level of ability. Antlers will surely make good use of the players who participated this time in their future development.

In the 23 years we have held the tournament, only one team has reached the third-place match in the past. This time was the second time in history. As a team, they played a very good match, but unfortunately lost in a penalty shootout. However, how important that is for the players and the club. I feel very happy about it, and I want to talk with the club staff about what we should do next for those boys.

Message to the Academy Staff

There was a year when Antlers won the AFC Champions League. At that time, nine players on the team had become professionals and played after coming through the Antlers youth system. That fact alone shows how important youth development is to the club.

I went to Japan again this May, and I had the opportunity to talk with everyone on the academy staff and speak to the boys. I always pay attention not only to the top team but also to the youth system. I always try to show how important youth development is for the future of Antlers. I want to tell everyone involved in the academy to continue working hard from now on.