The second day of the JFA 24th U-15 Japan Futsal Championship took place on Sunday 13 January, where the final eight fixtures of the first round were played to determine the four teams advancing to the final round.

In Group A, Assist Junior Youth (Hokushinetsu2/Fukui), who finished day one with a win and a draw, faced FC Trioni (Tohoku/Aomori). It was Assist Junior Youth who scored the opening goal, when KONDO Rio captured the goal in the 11th minute. With FC Trioni needing a win to advance to the next round, the Aomori side managed to level the match with MITSUHASHI Shunsuke’s equaliser in the last minute of the match. However, Assist Junior Youth attacked tenaciously in the final seconds of the match to retake the lead with just one second left on the clock, as they added three more points to their tally to advance through to the final round in their first ever national tournament appearance.

The defending champions Brincar FC (Tokai1/Aichi) showed their dominance in Group B, as they squared off against F-Three U-15 (Hokushinetsu3/Niigata) in their third match. Despite conceding the only goal of the first half to F-Three U-15, the Aichi side rallied back in the second half. Starting off with the equaliser scored by TSUBOTANI Shu in the 12th minute, the MVP from last year’s tournament, OKUNO Shintaro showcased his ability to score goals as he scored a hat-trick in the second half. F-Three U-15 made their final efforts through their power play, but it was Brincar who secured their spot into the final round for the second straight year. National tournament debutant, Kofu Legends U-15 (Kanto2/Yamanashi) registered two wins to finish as the runners-up in this group.

Group C saw a close competition in day one, as the group leaders, F-Three Junior Youth (Hokushinetsu1/Niigata) faced Tomakomai Elsole FC (Hokaido2) in their final group stage match. After conceding two goals in the first five minutes of the match, the Niigata side managed to cut down their deficit in half with an own goal scored in the eighth minute. However, with the superb saves made by the Tomakomai Elsole goalkeeper TAKITA Ryuki, F-Three Junior Youth struggled to level the match. In the 19th minute, F-Three Junior Youth took a time-out and their long-awaited equaliser came just after this interval, as KOBAYASHI Fu captured the goal from a restart. The flood gate opened after this goal, as F-Three Junior Youth scored two more goals before the final whistle to register a 4-2 victory that secured their spot into the final round.

Following their two-win performance in day one, Kochi Junior High School (Shikoku/Kochi) squared off against Fonte Shizuoka Jr. Youth (Tokai2/Shizuoka) in Group D. It was the Shizuoka side who scored the opening goal, but Kochi Junior High managed to equalise the match in the closing seconds, as they increased their tally to seven points to safely advance to the final round. It was the first time to see a team from Shikoku advance to the final round since Ono Junior High School advanced in 2004. Also, at this group, Tomari SC (Hokkaido1), who has the only female player, INOMATA Runa on their roster, defeated Dream FC (Kansai1/Osaka) 3-1 to finish in second place.

The final round will kick-off on Monday 14, where Assist Junior Youth will face Brincar FC, while F-Three Junior Youth and Kochi Junior High School will square off against each other.

Coach and Players' Comments

NAKATSU Yuya (Assist Junior Youth)
We really wanted to advance to the final round, so I don’t have any words to describe what I am feeling right now. Although we managed to respond against our opponents’ power-play, when we conceded the equaliser, I honestly gave up for a second. However, we kept on pressing forward and when the ball came in front of me, I was able to score that goal. In that moment, I knew I had to score the goal, so my heart was pounding from all the pressure. At the final round, we hope to take control of the ball possession and win the match by showcasing our style of futsal.

FURUI Shunpei, Coach (Brincar FC)
Throughout the tournament, the players are getting more eager to win matches, and that has been apparent in their plays. I feel that our team is getting stronger with each match we play. Today, we were able to play with great patience and managed to grab the win by coming from behind. Our players have the experience of becoming the national champions at the junior level when they won the Vermont Cup, but it means a lot to have these kids continue to earn results after they have grown up. Today we saw (Okuno) Shintaro score a hat-trick to lead the team, but everyone is competing hard to keep up with him, and that competitiveness has allowed us to become a stronger team. I feel like our team is really developing into a great team.

KOBAYASHI Fu (F-Three Junior Youth)
When I was in second grade, the older team finished in fifth place at a national tournament. I remember the bitterness we felt at the time, so I am really excited to advance to the final round this year. During the time-out, we told each other to keep on pressing hard because if we lose the match, we wouldn’t be able to advance through to the next round. This will be my first appearance at the final round, but I will give my very best to win the title.

INOMATA Runa (Tomari SC)
During the past three years, there were some really tough and difficult moments, but my teammates helped me get through those moments, which allowed me to be here. I am grateful for my teammates and this wonderful three years. Although there are girl’s tournaments, since I have always played with the boys, I decided to play along with them. However, since the second year of junior high, I have started to feel the difference in physical strengths, so I will proceed to play women’s football once I advance to the high school level.

JFA 24th U-15 Japan Futsal Championship

Tournament Dates: Sat. 12 - Mon. 14 January 2019
Tournament Venue: Mie Prefectural Sun Arena

Tournament Information