[Day 1 of Korea Expedition]
From Friday the 12th, the first-year U-15 Fukagawa team is conducting a Korea expedition.
This time, the goal is to strengthen the team and experience different cultures mainly through training matches (TRM) with Korean teams, in order to understand our current level.
We arrived at Gimpo Airport at 11:30 a.m. Our breath was visible in the cold, piercing wind that greeted us.
First, the food culture.
We enjoyed Korean cuisine and were able to encounter delicious kimchi. We will continue to take on food challenges during this expedition!
After a ride on the microbus, we head to the first match held at 6:00 p.m. It’s three 30-minute periods against Seongnam FC. This time, we are playing against U14 players.
In the 7th minute of the first half, Asano, who challenged near the penalty area, was fouled and earned a free kick, which he scored directly to take the lead. The team continued pressing from the front and pushing forward, and although there was a chance from a corner kick in the 25th minute of the first half, they conceded a powerful counterattack from the opponent after losing the ball, allowing the score to be equalized at 1-1 by halftime.
At the 6th minute of the second half, aiming to eliminate the opponent's numerical advantage in defense, defensive midfielder Ishihama intercepted the opponent's build-up and scored directly. They pulled ahead 2-1, but at the 30th minute near the end of the second half, they were caught off guard for a moment and the score was equalized to 2-2.
Furthermore, at 13 minutes into the third period, the opponent connected a cross in the center, resulting in a conceded goal and a reversal to 2-3.
Just when it seemed the match would end like this at 30 minutes, from the fierce defense by Kidera, who had come in as right side back, the opponent cleared the ball, which center back Asakawa skillfully controlled and took a long shot. This goal was scored, and the first match ended in a 3-3 draw.
To warm up our chilled bodies, we had Seolleongtang and kimchi after the match!
After a fulfilling day, we prepare for the second day, which is forecasted to have rain or snow!
・Kaito Asano
After the first day of the Korea expedition, I realized that my voice was leaking into the hallway while in the room, so I want to be more mindful of these three things: life in the room, communication with Korean people, and preparation for matches including meals and sleep, especially since the environment is different.
The match ended in a draw, and as a team, we want to be more particular about winning and losing. As for myself, I want to focus on being able to score goals in such draw situations and important moments, and continue to grow over the next five days.
