On February 8, 2025, the U-18 J League Selection triumphed over the Japanese High School Soccer Selection with a score of 4-1 during the NEXT GENERATION MATCH held at the National Stadium. This match served as the opening fixture for the FUJIFILM SUPER CUP 2025.
This year's event marked the first meeting between these two teams since 2019. Previously, high school selections faced off against teams from J1 champion clubs, making this matchup particularly exciting for fans of youth soccer.
The U-18 J League Selection boasted younger talent drawn from various clubs’ academies, demonstrating remarkable skill and energy right from the start. With the game set for 80 minutes, both teams looked to establish their presence early on.
Right from the 13th minute, the J League squad started to create chances, aiming to make their mark early. By the 19th minute, the breakthrough came when Morikawa Soichiro from Nagoya Grampus U-18 dribbled down the right side and delivered a low cross. Yoshida Minami, playing for Kashima Antlers Youth, was there to finish clinically, putting the J League Selection up 1-0.
Just five minutes later, the cushion was doubled. Kobayashi Shimon from Sanfrecce Hiroshima F.C. Youth made a perfect diagonal pass, allowing Ohishi Ritsu from Nagoya Grampus U-18 to slot home with ease. The J League Selection showcased their dominance over the match with clever plays and strong positioning.
Despite their initial struggles, the High School Soccer Selection began to find their footing as the half progressed, launching several attacks spearheaded by Yuzuki So from Ryutsu Keizai University Kashiwanoha. A significant chance came just before half-time when Kurokawa Yusei from Maebashi Ikuei made his way through the defense but was denied by J League goalkeeper Ogawa Kiwami from Sanfrecce Hiroshima F.C. Youth, who executed a stellar save.
With the first half ending 2-0, both teams made adjustments going forward. The High School Soccer Selection managed to maintain more possession as the second half began, but the J League Selection continued to look threatening on the counter-attack.
By the 65th minute, the High School team finally got on the board as Kasutani Yu from Ryutsu Keizai University Kashiwanoha made the most of a scramble following a cross. His timely strike gave the High School Selection newfound momentum and hope of making a comeback.
Nevertheless, the J League players held their composure; they restored their two-goal lead shortly after. A corner kick taken by Hayashi Shunsuke from Kawasaki Frontale U-18 found its way to the near post, where he nodded it to finish, bringing the scoreline to 3-1.
The match's final moments were highlighted by the youngest player on the field, Nagasou Kai from Kashiwa Reysol U-18, who showcased his capabilities. Scoring during injury time, he broke through the defense and unleashed a powerful shot from the left side, sealing the final score at 4-1.
These results not only signal triumph for the U-18 J League Selection, who demonstrated both skill and strategic play, but also showcased the depth of talent present among Japan's youth soccer teams. It emphasizes the continuing importance of competitive fixtures like the NEXT GENERATION MATCH, which draws attention to rising stars through engaging matchups and spirited competition.
FINAL SCORE: U-18 J League Selection 4, Japanese High School Soccer Selection 1
SCORERS:
- 1-0: Yoshida Minami (U-18 J League Selection) at 19'
- 2-0: Ohishi Ritsu (U-18 J League Selection) at 24'
- 2-1: Kasutani Yu (Japanese High School Soccer Selection) at 65'
- 3-1: Hayashi Shunsuke (U-18 J League Selection) at 75'
- 4-1: Nagasou Kai (U-18 J League Selection) at 80+1'