The Kashima Junior team finished the preliminary league in 3rd place yesterday and will compete in the final tournament starting today.
Their opponent is RC Deportivo La Coruna (Spain), a strong team that topped their preliminary league.
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After 5 minutes, the opponent's number 6 dribbled through the center and scored.
However, Kashima Junior regained their composure, and the match continued with back-and-forth attacks. They tried to move the ball and exploit gaps in the opponent's defense, but the opponent's defense was solid, making it difficult to advance the ball.
In the 14th minute, they lost the ball in midfield, and the number 10 scored another goal.
Kashima Junior tried to strengthen their defense, but the opposing team frequently changed positions, skillfully evading the press.
Although all registered players participated, increasing their activity to try and score, they couldn't find the net and lost the match.
Some players shed tears, but they shook hands with the opposing team at the end, looking refreshed, having given their all.
Final Tournament Round 1
Kashima Antlers Junior 0-5 RC Deportivo La Coruna (Spain)
Starting Players: Shota Shibagaki, Tsubasa Ito, Keita Nuka, Hiroto Sekine, Yuta Mukaihara, Kiyo Takahashi, Ruhi Ota
Substitutes: Shurai Takatsuka, Keito Oshima, Taisei Nemoto, Sorato Masago
Coach Kotani's Comment
"More than expected, we couldn't cope with the individual technique and physicality of our opponents, and we conceded many goals.
In attack, the ball didn't reach the forwards, and we often couldn't get a shot off. It was a match where there was a significant difference in skill and tactics between us and the opponent. Although the tournament is over, we must work hard to close this gap."
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Here, Matsuura-sensei returned to the team, so we bid him farewell with gratitude.
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The players have become more self-reliant and are growing stronger.
We plan to have a training match tomorrow.