Day 9
Today is the final day of the tournament!

[Semifinal Round]
vs Toulouse FC

First Half 1-0
[Scorer] Harushiro MATSUSHITA
Second half 1-1
[Scorer] Harushiro MATSUSHITA

Total 2-1

This team is considered to be a top contender for the championship in this tournament, with top-class speed, technique, and physicality in all aspects!
Many passionate supporters, including tournament organizers and those at the match venue, came to cheer on the team in a completely away environment.

【First Half】
We started the game with the intention of actively taking the opponent's ball and playing on their court as much as possible.
In the 8th minute, Harushiro MATSUSHITA broke through behind the opponent and scored a brilliant looping shot over the opponent's GK! We were able to score the opening goal during a good period of play after the start of the game.
After that, we were troubled by the opponent's speed and technique, and faced many pinches, but we all defended by putting our bodies on the line. There were some tough times, but we finished the first half as it was.

【Second Half】
In the second half, there was a continued battle for possession in the midfield, and it was a close match where either team could have scored.
He was able to fight strongly even in the ball game, and he was able to fight without showing any big gaps, but he lost a point in a moment in the 15th minute. It seemed that it would be a PK battle, but in the 20th minute. In the last one play, Harushiro MATSUSHITA took advantage of the opponent's gap and broke out from the midfield, and then scored with a dribble!
Match ended as it is!

We won 2-1 and advanced to the final round!

[Final Round]
vs Olympique Marseille
First Half 0-0
Second Half 0-0
PK 4-3

The opponent we drew with in the qualifying league was also a team that made us keenly aware of the difference in speed and technique, so our players were determined to approach the game with determination.

【First Half】
We were able to form a solid defensive block against the opponents who were coming from behind, and we were able to firmly take back the ball that came to our feet.
However, we often get stripped of the ball with technique and speed, and frequently face danger in front of the goal. But, the team also defends well in these situations and manages to hold on until the end of the first half.

【Second Half】
Both teams are feeling the fatigue from playing multiple games and mistakes are starting to increase. However, they continue to connect passes and push forward towards the opponent's goal, creating chances.
I took shots whenever I had a chance, but unfortunately missed the goal or was stopped by the opponent's nice save, and couldn't convert the chances. The opponent also gathered the ball and tried to score, but we also stayed focused and defended until the end, and the second half ended.
Entering the PK battle.

【PK Battle】
We approached the match with a good image, having won the PK battle the day before.
When the opponent's first player scores, our first player misses. After that, both teams' second players score, and the opponent's third player's shot hits the post and misses. This play brings the momentum to our side. Tokyo's third player scores solidly, and Marseille's fourth player's shot hits the crossbar and misses. The Tokyo players gain momentum from two consecutive failures.
Tokyo's fourth player and Marseille's fifth player both calmly made their shots. And the fifth kicker to decide the game was Kazuto YAMASHITA, who was entrusted with the fifth shot following yesterday's match.
In a pressure-filled moment where victory is decided, we flowed into the wonderful course in the upper left corner and won in a penalty shootout!

TSF International Tournament, FC Tokyo has achieved its first victory as a Japanese team! This is also the first victory for the club in its 11 years of participation!
This tournament is similar to the French national tournament (Club Youth Championship), and in addition to strong teams from France, teams from Europe such as Borussia Dortmund, Liverpool FC, and Juventus FC are also participating.
At such a tournament, we received words of congratulations from various stakeholders for the Japanese team's victory.
Throughout this tournament, we have seen significant growth in each and every player on and off the pitch.
They have shown us how they become stronger and able to fight as the days go by, and as a result, they were able to finish the tournament with the best form of victory, the championship.
After changing clothes, we headed to the dinner venue and were greeted with a grand celebration by the event staff to celebrate our victory.

While other teams have returned home within the day as they are based in Japan or within Europe, they kindly prepared meals for us who will be returning the next day.
After the meal, express your gratitude to the staff who took care of you during the tournament and say goodbye.
Departing from the dormitory early in the morning, we head to the airport in Paris.

I will now spend a whole day traveling and return to Japan on April 3 (Tue) around 13:00 at Narita Airport by plane.
I hope to return home safely, being careful not to get into any accidents or troubles until the end.
This French expedition will end with the above.

After returning home, we will continue to fight in the league using this overseas training as our nourishment.
Thank you for your continued support!


[TSF International Tournament 2024]
[Group Stage]
①vs FC Girondins de Bordeaux ⚫️1-2
②vsOlympique Marseille △2-2
③vs Paris Saint-Germain FC 〇1-0

[Second League]
①vs Stade Rennais △1-1
②vsRC Strasbourg〇2-0

[Quarterfinal Round]
vs FC Girondins de Bordeaux 〇0-0 (PK4-2)

[Semifinal Round]
vs Toulouse FC 〇2-1

[Final Round]
vs Olympic Marseille 0-0 (PK4-3)


[Result]
Champion
Fair Play Award

[Top Scorer]
Harushiro MATSUSHITA 4 goals