We departed the lodging at 7:50 AM for the match.
Today, due to the typhoon, the natural grass field was unusable, so the match was held on an artificial turf field.
After arriving at the venue, we held a meeting, warmed up, and then faced the match.
It was cloudy and windy, so although the humidity was high, it was a comfortable environment for playing.
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vs Hubei FC (China)
0-3 (0-1)
Starting Lineup: GK Ohashi, DF Imai, Morishima, Nakamura, Koseki, MF Hanawa, Ito (Shu), Maeda, Shiraishi, Umezu, FW Ito (An)
Substitutes: Okano, Oyama, Kiuchi (HT), Kumazawa, Odanagi (50 min), Iita (61 min)
At the start of the match, learning from our past reflections, we consciously focused on connecting passes carefully.
While we managed to create some promising situations early on, we couldn't create decisive chances, and gradually, the opponent took control with their long balls and speed-driven wide attacks.
In the 11th minute of the first half, we conceded a free kick due to a careless foul on the right flank, and they scored directly from it, giving them the lead.
Being in a disadvantageous position, the team's balance and atmosphere deteriorated, making the match difficult for ourselves.
The first half ended without us being able to convert the few chances we had, such as set pieces.
During halftime, Coach Nakano gave instructions for the second half, mainly focusing on offense and how to play when at a disadvantage, which was a recurring issue.
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In the early stages of the second half, our compact defense functioned well, allowing us to win the ball and launch wide attacks, giving us a good start.
However, against the opponent's physical strength and long-ball-centric attacks, we struggled to win the ball effectively, and our offense gradually stagnated.
Even after bringing on more attacking players, we couldn't create many decisive chances. Then, a single punt kick from the opponent's goalkeeper allowed a player to get in behind our defense. A mistake by our goalkeeper in handling the ball led to a turnover, and we conceded another goal.
Even after going down by two goals, we pushed forward, but couldn't create decisive chances, and the match entered its final stages. In added time, a cross from a counter-attack led to our goalkeeper parrying the ball, which was then tapped in, resulting in our third conceded goal.
The match ended as it was, and we will now play in the 7th/8th place decider on the final day.
Today, each player was left to decide their own post-match recovery, with some going to the pool.
After lunch, from 3:30 PM, those who wished joined the staff for a roughly 40-minute run through nearby shopping streets. Afterwards, everyone exercised using the training equipment installed in the park.
Coach Morishima also participated in the training with the players.
After training, we rested, had dinner from 6:30 PM, and went to bed at 9:30 PM.
Regarding meals, most players have increased their food intake, but many are showing pickiness, such as not eating vegetables or local foods.
Many issues also emerged, such as weakness in physical contact and poor self-management of condition.
I feel that eating a balanced diet, even disliked foods, and being as conscious of meal portions in daily life as during this tournament, will be a significant challenge for each player's individual growth.
Tomorrow, we will play against Shanghai Port in the 7th/8th place decider starting at 9 AM.