It started raining midway, so we moved to a covered area and did stretches.
We had breakfast at 6:30 AM, but since kickoff was at 9:00 AM, everyone was mindful of what and how much they ate.
We left the hotel at 7:50 AM for the match venue.
Upon arriving at the venue, we held a meeting and warmed up before facing Anderlecht (Belgium) in our second match.
Match 2: vs. Anderlecht (Belgium)
2-2 (1-1)
Goal scorers: Ito (An), Kumazawa
Starting Lineup
GK Ohashi, DF Imai, Kiuchi, Kobayashi, Koseki, MF Ita, Okawa, Maeda, Hanawa, Odanagi, FW Ito (An)
Substitutes: Oyama (55 min), Kumazawa (60 min), Okano (64 min)
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However, despite conceding, we applied aggressive defense from the front against their build-up, and there were several instances where we won the ball back, indicating that our coordinated defense was functioning better from the start than yesterday.
Still, due to the individual skill and technical ability of their midfielders, they created several clear-cut chances, but we managed to hold on, primarily thanks to our goalkeeper and defenders, and survived the difficult period.
Towards the middle of the first half, the opponent's movement became heavy due to the heat, and we had more possession, creating several chances.
In the 25th minute of the first half, Odanagi redirected a cross from deep on the right flank, and Ito (An) tapped it in to equalize.
The momentum had completely shifted in our favor, but we couldn't take the lead before halftime.
During halftime, Coach Nakano gave instructions on offensive and defensive matters.
The team cohesion has also strengthened, with players not on the field offering support, assisting with water replenishment, and shouting encouragement not only during the match but also during halftime and water breaks.
In the second half, the opponent made many substitutions, bringing in many fresh players.
As the opponent's activity level increased compared to the end of the first half, we were pushed back, and the opponent created clear-cut chances at the start of the second half.
Although our defense regained stability as time passed, we conceded a penalty goal in the 14th minute of the second half due to a questionable decision, allowing them to take the lead.
After conceding, we went on the offensive, bringing on attacking players like Oyama, Kumazawa, and Okano. However, we couldn't create any decisive chances until late in the match, but in the 38th minute of the second half, through coordinated defense from the front, we won the ball in front of the opponent's goal, and Kumazawa pushed it in, equalizing at the last moment.
The match ended in a draw, keeping our hopes alive for advancing to the upper bracket tournament in tomorrow's third match.
To advance to the upper bracket, we need to win by a large margin and for Atlético Paranaense to also win.
After the match, players who had less playing time did a training session, and then returned to the hotel to cool down in the pool.
Some players experienced cramps in the pool, indicating the harshness of playing back-to-back matches, but they seemed refreshed both physically and mentally.
In the afternoon, after lunch, we held a meeting where we discussed strategies for each position while watching footage of the opposing team's matches.
Everyone was conscious of eating well and preparing thoroughly for tomorrow's final group stage match.
During this tournament, under the guidance of trainer Kase, we have established a system to check each individual's physical condition daily, providing not only general but also personal guidance on eating habits and health management.
We also receive support from our interpreter, Wu, in various aspects, such as purchasing snacks and drinks.
Tomorrow, at 9:00 AM, we will have our third match against Shanghai Port. Players and staff will unite as one, aiming to secure advancement to the upper bracket tournament.