FC Tokyo wins their first group stage match
The Japanese team defeated Helsingborg 5-0 in the B17 Trophy, group 6.
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It didn't take long before FC Tokyo scored against the Swedish opposition Helsingborg, and there would be more goals to come. After a well-controlled match, FC Tokyo leaves SKF Arena at Heden with a victory.
Despite the rainy weather, fast grass, and slippery balls, FC Tokyo showcased their excellent ball control. Reception, pass. Pass, reception. In the first half, the ball moved as if on a string, and Helsingborg had to fight hard to get a touch of it. Whenever Helsingborg managed to get the ball, the Japanese team applied high pressure and never really allowed Helsingborg to create any play on the offensive half.
- We went into the match with the plan to press hard all the time, said Rikuto Soma, the team's captain.
The early opening goal was neatly placed in the far corner by number 24, Kaito Eguchi. Just before halftime, the lead was extended by number 20, Aren Nakaya, who, after receiving a backward pass, easily controlled and then placed the ball in the near corner.
Not long after the second half kicked off, it became evident that the players were starting to get tired. The play became more direct and went back and forth more often. Despite a skilled Helsingborg team with a lot of potential and determination, they couldn't quite keep up, and the match ended 5-0 to FC Tokyo. The second-half goal scorers were number 22, Toya Fujimori, number 43, Yuki Tomomatsu, and number 24, Kaito Eguchi, who scored his second goal of the match.
In B17 Trophy group 6, the teams also include Östers IF and the Romanian team FC Dinamo Bucuresti 1948. It will definitely be an interesting group to follow where much can happen.