Blaublitz Akita 3-1 (2-1, 1-0) Fukuyama City FC

On Wednesday 23 December, this season’s J3 champion Blaublitz Akita squared off against Fukuyama City FC (Hiroshima) at the quarterfinals of the Emperor's Cup JFA 100th Japan Football Championship. The Akita side defeated Fukuyama City 3-1, advancing to the semi-finals where the J1 champion Kawasaki Frontale awaits. After the match, Akita’s coach YOSHIDA Ken praised his players, “They played with great persistency, and worked hard in both offence and defence. They were spectacular.”

Akita took the initiative by applying aggressive pressure from the early minutes. SHIGE Taira scored the opening goal for Akita in the 14th minute, when he followed up on this own shot that deflected off the post. However, Fukuyama City showcased great ball movements to keep possession of the ball and scored the equaliser in the 41st minute.

Moments after conceding the goal, Akita responded with a goal scored by HISATOMI Ken during additional time of the first half, as the midfielder converted a loose ball following a CK, later reflecting, “I was anticipating for the loose ball.”

The Hiroshima side started to dominate the ball possession in the second half, but led by CHIDA Kaito, Akita, who conceded the least goals at J3 this season, showcased a solid defensive performance to keep their lead intact. Conversely, EGUCHI Nao scored a direct FK in the 89th minute to seal their win.

Despite losing the match, Fukuyama City showcased a superb performance in their first ever Emperor's Cup appearance. After losing the match one day before his 23rd birthday, coach KOYANO Hiromu mentioned, “Our opponent had a huge advantage in terms of physical strengths and experience.” While also praising his players, “We stuck with our own football style and made it this far.”

Coaches and Players' Comments

YOSHIDA Ken, Coach (Blaublitz Akita)
Our persistency prevailed at the end. We faced some tough times, but our counterattacks were more critical in this match. We played well, but I feel like we can do more to win the ball. At the semi-finals against Kawasaki Frontale, we will try to execute everything we have worked on in the past year and showcase a match only we can create.

HISATOMI Ken (Blaublitz Akita)
Although it seemed like our opponent had control over the ball possession, in a way, we were allowing them to hold onto the ball. We were anticipating to intercept the ball and initiate our counterattacks, but that was an aspect we still need to improve on. During the first half, we were not on the same page in terms of our defensive shape, so we must make adjustments ahead of our next match. We really wanted to face the J1 champion at the semi-finals, so this was a match we could not afford to lose. I am glad that our team won the match today.

KOYANO Hiromu, Coach (Fukuyama City FC)
The match turned out just the way we expected. We conceded from a set-piece and from our flaws at the build-ups. This certainly is a disappointing loss. We manged to find our rhythm after the first 15 minutes of the first half, and it allowed us to equalise the match. That is why that goal we conceded from a set-piece was critical. Our opponent had a huge advantage in terms of physical strengths and experience. In order for us to reach the next level, we need to experience these kinds of high intensity matches during the season.

TANAKA Sho (Fukuyama City FC)
Although we were overwhelmed by our opponent’s intensity at the beginning of the match, we gradually found our rhythm and managed to equalise the match. However, we conceded a goal at the end of the first half. With our opponent changing their strategy in the second half, we did not have what it takes to take the lead in this match. This was a very disappointing loss. In order to win matches like this, we need to step up our overall level. We will make the most of this experience and try to make a deeper run next year.

【1st Round】Wed. 16 September
【2nd Round】Wed. 23, Wed. 30 September
【3rd Round】Wed. 28 October, Wed. 11 November
【4th Round】Sat. 12, Sun. 13 December
【Round of 16】Sun. 20 December
【Quarterfinals】Wed. 23 December
【Semi-final】Sun. 27 December
【Final】Fri. 1 January 2021

Tournament Information