[U-18] 2026 Gothia Cup Day 8 and Day 9
[Playoff B Final]
July 18 (Sat) 12:15 p.m. Kickoff
vs Racing Abidjan (Côte d'Ivoire)
(valhalla1)
●0-0 (0-0, 0-0 PK: 3-5)
The final match of this tournament and the first confrontation against an African team.
The entire team shared what to expect in the game and approached the match accordingly.
【First Half】
From the very start of the match, we struggled against the unique physical abilities of the African team and were pressed back for a long time. There were several counterattack scenes approaching the opponent’s goal, but none reached a clear scoring chance, and the first half ended scoreless.
【Second Half】
From the second half, we got used to the opponent's characteristics and gradually increased the time we held the ball.
However, in the final moments, the opponent's quick pressing and dynamic play prevented us from playing as we wanted.
Although we lost possession during build-up and they created several scoring chances, Kensuke FRANK's saves kept us from conceding any goals.
The match ended without any goals, and unfortunately, we lost in the penalty shootout, finishing 6th in the tournament.
The day after the match, everyone participated in cleaning the accommodation where we stayed during the tournament.
Eighteen people lived together in one room.
While we usually interact mostly in terms of soccer, through this tournament, by seeing aspects of our teammates off the pitch, I believe we were able to understand each other better. Also, thanks to this mutual understanding, I feel that a sense of unity as a team was born.
We departed from Sweden, passed through Helsinki, and were able to return safely to Japan.
It is important how each individual will make use of the experiences and insights gained this time moving forward.
There were players who said, "We have to change our daily lives."
Please look forward to the players' future!
This concludes the diary of the 2026 Gothia Cup.
Thank you for your support!
◇2026 Gothia Cup Day 1 Report ishere
◇2026 Gothia Cup Day 2 Report ishere
◇2026 Gothia Cup Day 3 Report ishere
◇2026 Gothia Cup Days 4 and 5 Report ishere
◇2026 Gothia Cup Day 6 Report ishere
◇2026 Gothia Cup Day 7 Report ishere
