Monday 5 November saw the last day of the JFA 6th O-40 Japan Football Tournament play out, as the semi-finals and the final were held. At the end of the day, KYOTO MAYUMARO FC (Kansai 1/Kyoto) were crowned as the National Champions.

The semi-final match between FC Funabashi (Host city/Chiba) and Kyoto was full of action until the final whistle. Both sides exchanged powerful shots in the 11th and 12th minute, but each of their goalkeepers showcased a superb save to keep the score sheet clean. As the two teams showcased an equally matched battle, it was the Funabashi side who started to take control of the match as they came closer and closer to crack open the Kyoto goal. However, while FC Funabashi kept on coming short to capture the goal, it was the Kyoto side who scored the first goal, as INOUE Yusuke’s delivery towards the goal induced an own goal in the 39th minute.

With their back against the wall, FC Funabashi applied more pressure upfront to level the match. Their efforts were finally paid off with just three minutes remaining in the match, as IMAI Kenji converted the cross delivered by NAGASE Kazuma from the left flank. They came close to taking the lead in the final seconds of the match as TAMURA Michiaki’s shot just missed the target, and the match entered into penalty shootouts. With both sides successfully making their first four attempts, the fifth kicker of FC Funabashi missed the target, while Kyoto converted all five spot kicks to advance through to the final.

In the other semi-final match, Ossandole Sapporo 40 (Hokkaido1) faced Rashinban Club NAGOYA (Tokai/Aichi). Facing the Sapporo side who was making its first semi-final appearance, the champions from two years ago captured a goal apiece in each half to secure their spot into the final with a score of 2-0.

The final saw both sides showcasing their strong eagerness to win the title. While Nagoya utilised their mobility by delivering many long balls, Kyoto showcase their collective defensive efforts and quick transitions to anticipate for their opportunity. Nagoya made an attempt at goal in the 11th minute when KAWAMURA Hiroshi penetrated the centre to strike a shot. Kyoto responded a minute later with MORITA Shinji’s cross from the right flank. Similar to what they did at the semi-finals, Kyoto utilised four of their substitutes during the first half to change the dynamics of the game, while Nagoya also switched up their players upfront in efforts to break the deadlock.

With the first half ending scoreless, both teams made changes during halftime to revitalize their offence. The change brought an opportunity for Nagoya six minute into the second half, as their substituted players were involved in a build up that led to IWAKI Hiroyuki’s shot in the area, but his attempt was saved by the goalkeeper. Seven minutes later, Nagoya created another opportunity inside the box, but once again came short from finding the back of the net. Despite the match seeing more dominance shown by Nagoya, the match ended scoreless and entered into penalty shootouts.

It was the goalkeepers who shined at the penalties. With Nagoya’s OGATA Akito saving the first attempt, Kyoto’s SATO Koki responded by saving the second attempt from Nagoya. The score line remained levelled after five kickers, but Sato came up big for Kyoto to save Nagoya’s sixth spot taker. SASAKI Ken converted the final spot kick to give Kyoto the national title.

Coach and Players' Comments

IWABA Toshitomo, Coach (KYOTO MAYUMARO FC)
We entered the final day with the intention to fight through as one team. We have been working on ways to fusion the veterans and the youngsters, but we feel like we finally managed to make that happen during this tournament. There were many heroes stepping up throughout the tournament and our players did a great job. By making multiple substitutions at once, we were able to showcase our strong will to fight as a team. Our players did well to understand their role and to execute the game plan. We like to thank everyone who has supported us during this tournament, including the trainers who travelled with us to take care of our body. We feel very fortunate to be supported by so many people, and we wouldn’t have been able to make this possible without your help. So, thank you very much.

SATO Koki (KYOTO MAYUMARO FC)
The Kansai qualifiers presented us with great challenges, but it gave us the opportunity to unite as a team. The unity displayed among the young players and the veterans has led us to this championship. We ended up playing in two consecutive penalty shootouts, but as a goalkeeper, I knew it was my time to shine. I kept believing that with a strong will to win, I can make anything happen. I am so glad that we are the national champions now. I would like to keep playing football forever.

KIM Yeong Gi (Rashinban Club NAGOYA)
After winning the title two years ago, we failed to advance through the qualifiers last year and we still had the bitterness we felt from it, so we were committed to fight through until the very end. Although we suffered a loss in our first match, we managed to keep our strong intention to play our game and made it to the final. Despite the disappointing result at the final, I feel like we gave our very best, so I am satisfied with our performance. We worked hard for the entire year to take home the tournament trophy. We will continue to do the same next year so that we can return to this field once again. This is a new start for us. We are very thankful for all the support give by the local people of Chiba.

TAMURA Michiaki (FC Funabashi)
With the tournament being hosted in our hometown, we really wanted to win the title, but we fell short from the title. Our team kept on running as a team to make it all the way to the semi-finals, but we didn’t have what it takes to make it all the way. Despite the result, I still feel like we managed to showcase our mobility until the very end. After it was determined that we were going to participate in this tournament as the host representative, we prepared ourselves by playing against many teams. With so many players showing up to play on a Monday, shows us how much we love to play this beautiful sport. We will give our best to win through the qualifiers so that we can pick up where we left off.

JFA 6th O-40 Japan Football Tournament

Tournament Dates: Sat. 3 - Mon. 5 November 2018
Tournament Venue: ZA Oripri Stadium/ Ichihara Suporeku Park, Chiba
Tournament Information