The U-16 International Dream Cup 2025 JAPAN kicked off on Wednesday 4 June, at J-Village Stadium in Fukushima Prefecture, where hosts Japan began their campaign with a narrow 1-0 win over Colombia in the opening round of fixtures.

U-16 Japan National Team 1-0 (0-0, 1-0) U-16 Colombia National Team

Aiming for a fifth consecutive tournament title, Japan were made to work hard against a physically imposing Colombian side, as defender OKAMOTO Uta (Gamba Osaka Youth) later reflected, "Our opponents were physically and athletically superior, and even when we won the ball, they quickly regained possession. Consequently, we often struggled to maintain possession." The South Americans dominated possession in the first half, applying sustained pressure through organised build-up play and dynamic runs from their attackers. Japan struggled to establish rhythm, often conceding possession even after winning the loose balls.

Colombia came close to scoring in the 19th minute when forward Adrian Felipe MOSQUERA broke through on goal, but goalkeeper OSHITA Kosei (Kashima Antlers Youth) produced a crucial one-on-one save to keep the score level. Head coach ONO Shingi praised his side’s resilience after the match, saying, “We found ourselves on the back foot, but I think the fact that we managed to keep our opponents scoreless in the first half gave us momentum in the second half.”

Japan gradually found their rhythm in the second half. NAKASHIMA Riku (FC Tokyo U-18), who came on as a substitute at the start of the second half, forced a save with a shot in the 52nd minute. Just four minutes later, he delivered an early cross from the flank, which was flicked by TAKAKI Eito (Kashima Antlers Youth) inside the box. The ball fell to SATOMI Tafuku (Vissel Kobe U-18), who turned and fired with his right foot. Although the strike lacked power, it wrong-footed the goalkeeper and trickled over the line to give Japan the lead.

Colombia responded with urgency, continuing to test the Japanese defence. Oshita was again called into action, denying Mosquera with a save from close range. Japan were dealt a blow in the 84th minute when Nakashima was forced off with a back injury after all substitutions had been made, leaving the team to finish the match with 10 men. Despite the setback, Japan managed the closing stages well, dropping into a compact 4-4-1 formation and laying a solid block, while attacking players including midfielder OGASAWARA Hiro (Kashima Antlers Youth) helped wind down the clock by holding the ball near the corner flag, allowing Japan to secure all three points.

Japan will now face Cote d'Ivoire, who lost 0-2 to France in their opening match, in their second match on Friday 6 June at the J-Village Stadium.

Coach and Players' Comments

ONO Shingi, Head Coach of U-16 Japan National Team
From the outset, we wanted to take control of the game. Recognising that performance in front of the goal determines the outcome of the match, I emphasised to the players the importance of　being meticulous in those areas, both in offence and defence. However, the match didn’t unfold exactly as we had hoped over the full 90 minutes. In the beginning, we found ourselves on the back foot, but I think the fact that we managed to keep our opponents scoreless in the first half gave us momentum in the second half. The players also played intelligently when we were being outnumbered towards the end of the match.

DF #4 OKAMOTO Uta (Gamba Osaka Youth)
Our opponents were physically and athletically superior, and even when we won the ball, they quickly regained possession. Consequently, we often struggled to maintain possession. There were also quite a few moments in the first half when things didn’t go our way. However, as the match progressed, we regrouped and managed to gain more possession. It is crucial to be well prepared against physically strong opponents, so I made a conscious effort to communicate closely with my centre-back partner, SOMA Rikuto (FC Tokyo U-18), throughout the match.

MF #6 WADA Takeshi (Urawa Red Diamonds Youth)
I found it difficult to perform well under pressure, particularly when turning forward or taking on challenges. I really felt the pace of my opponents today, especially when tracking back or during transitions. I want to be able to link up with my teammates, even when playing against opponents who are this fast and intense. To do this, I need to communicate more with my teammates, including those upfront. 'Enjoying the game' is this team's motto, so I will continue to enjoy myself no matter who we're up against.

MF #10 SATOMI Tafuku (Vissel Kobe U-18)
I struggled to get into the game in the first half and lost possession several times, but I am glad that we managed to keep our opponents from scoring. We were a bit lucky with the goal in the second half, but it was really important that we managed to come away with all three points, even though it was a tough match. Regarding the goal, I’d been told to always look for the space behind Takaki when he made his runs, and that’s exactly how it played out. Initially, I intended to turn and shoot with my left foot, but I couldn't get the shot off, so I turned again and struck it with my right foot instead. I’m glad it went in.

FW #9 TAKAKI Eito (Kashima Antlers Youth)
We spent a lot of time defending in the first half. I think we did well to hold out, but we definitely needed to be more focused from the outset. Personally, I would have liked to contribute more to our offence, rather than just in defence. It was my first time playing against a South American team, and I experienced the kind of physicality and speed that you don't often see in Japan. They weren’t afraid to make hard sliding tackles, and to be honest, there were moments when it felt a bit scary. However, if you let that get to you, you won't win, so I want to keep challenging myself in those battles without fear.

U-16 International Dream Cup 2025 JAPAN

Tournament dates: Wed. 4 June - Sun. 8 June 2025
Participating teams: Japan, Cote d'Ivoire, Colombia, France
Venue: J-Village Stadium (Fukushima) [Free admission to all matches]
Tournament information

JFA OFFICIAL
TOP PARTNER

JFA OFFICIAL
SUPPLIER

JFA MAJOR PARTNER

JFA NATIONAL TEAM PARTNER