High school soccer is reaching new heights with the anticipation of the 2024 National High School Soccer Championship, which commenced its preliminary rounds on December 28 and will see excitement continue through January 2025. This prestigious tournament, celebrating its 103rd year, features budding athletes from across Japan vying for the title of the nation's best high school soccer team.
The initial matches were held at prominent stadiums, including 国立競技場 (National Stadium) and 浦和駒場スタジアム (Urawa Komaba Stadium). Each game promises to showcase the passion and talent of the young players, with matches broadcast live on 43 private television stations, as well as streaming platforms like TVer and SPORTS BULL. This extensive coverage ensures fans can easily follow their favorite teams and players.
On December 28, the first round of matches saw several thrilling encounters. One of the standout moments included 帝京 (Teikyo) overcoming 京都橘 (Kyoto Tachibana) with a score of 2-1, securing their place for the next round. Meanwhile, notable performances came from 専大北上 (Sendai Kitakami) who fell to 高知 (Kochi) with a score of 0-2, and 前橋育英 (Maebashi Ikuei) who edged out 長崎総大附 (Nagasaki Sōdaibu) with 2-1.
The excitement continued with more matches on December 29 and 31, and the results from these games fanned the flames of competition. High school teams are not just playing for glory, but also for the opportunity to showcase their talents to scouts and coaches from professional leagues.
One particularly nail-biting quarterfinal took place on January 4, 2025, featuring 明秀日立 (Meisei Hitachi) versus 東海大相模 (Tokai University Sagami). This game was highly anticipated as both teams were making remarkable runs through the championship. 明秀日立 had already made headlines by knocking out 帝京, and they were eager to continue their success.
During the match, 明秀日立 struck first, scoring with a powerful header from 久保遼真 (Kubo Ryoma) following a well-placed corner kick from 竹花龍生 (Takehana Ryusei) just 34 minutes in. The momentum looked to be on their side, especially with hopes of securing their spot at the semifinals.
Yet, 東海大相模 demonstrated their resilience, leveling the game shortly before halftime with 沖本陸 (Okimoto Riku) scoring off a dynamic cross from 小林晄也 (Kobayashi Kōya). The teams entered the break at 1-1, with fan anticipation heightened for the second half.
The second half unfolded as a tactical showdown with both sides vying for dominance. It wasn’t until the 65th minute when 東海大相模 managed to gain the upper hand through 高畑旺崇 (Takahata Ōsaka), who capitalized on defensive pressure to find the net and bring the score to 2-1. From there, they skillfully managed to maintain control until the final whistle, sealing their place as the first team to reach the semifinals from this year’s championship.
Looking forward, the semifinals scheduled for January 11, 2025, promise to be just as thrilling. 流通経済大柏 (Ryutsu Keizai University Kashiwa) will face off against 東海大相模, continuing the trend of showcasing the brightest young talents across the nation. Both teams are hungry for the championship title, and the stakes could not be higher!
Fans can catch all the action live on TVer and other broadcast networks. With so much on the line, this championship is not just defining high school soccer but could also pave the way for future careers in the sport. The final match on January 13 will see who will emerge as the 2024 champions.