Match Review: International Lions FC vs FC Nippon

• Takaki NAKAMURA GK
• Yuki Ichikawa DF
• Tatsumi Kitamoto DF
• Yusuke Kameya DF
• Jun Okawa DF
• Tomonari Abe DF
• Seiji TACHIBANA MD
• Shohei Dobashi MD
• Tsubasa Nakanishi MD
• Akira Yokoyama MD
• Daiki Ishino ST

• Kohei Itadani MD

Brutal loss

FC NIPPON took the field in their familiar 4-5-1 formation against a well-drilled International Lions side, known for their dynamic attacking style built around a mix of fast, technical youth players and experienced former professionals. With no substitutes available on the day, NIPPON knew they'd be in for a tough battle under the punishing heat. First Half Much like the previous encounter, the game started evenly, with both teams attempting to control possession. The Lions pressed aggressively from the outset, while FC NIPPON sought to bypass the pressure with occasional long balls into space. The first goal came against the run of play, as a short backpass from NIPPON defender was intercepted and calmly rolled into an empty net — 0-1. NIPPON responded quickly. Akira whipped in a cross from the right side, which curled directly into the far side netting — 1-1. However, another error in buildup proved costly. A turnover in central midfield gave the Lions room for a long-range strike, which sailed over the keeper and into the goal — 1-2. Just before halftime, it was NIPPON’s turn to capitalize on a mistake. Kame pressed high and intercepted a pass from a Lions goal keeper, slotting it into the empty net to bring the score level again — 2-2. Second Half As the heat intensified, so did the pace of the Lions. With no substitutions available, FC NIPPON began to tire. Early in the half, a through ball found a Lions attacker in the box. Ichi got a touch on it, but the deflection sent the ball spinning slowly toward the far post, kissing it on the way in — 2-3. Not long after, Abe went down with cramps and had to exit, reducing NIPPON to 10 men. The Lions took full advantage. A wickedly curled corner from the right struck the far crossbar and went in directly — 2-4. Despite fatigue and being a man down, NIPPON pushed forward. But another defensive lapse allowed the Lions to capitalize on a poorly cleared cross, resulting in a strong shot in from point-blank range — 2-5. The sixth came soon after, with the Lions’ forwards combining for a triple-passing move that ended with their striker rounding the keeper and scoring — 2-6. Still determined to make a mark, FC NIPPON pressed on. Kame sent in a deep cross from the left that caught the keeper off guard. Tsubasa reacted quickly and headed it home which met Daiki to smash into the net — 3-6. Just before the final whistle, however, the Lions struck again — a chipped through ball set up a delicate lob over the onrushing keeper, sealing the game at 3-7. MVPs • International Lions MVP: No. 23 (Central Midfielder) — Came on in the second half and controlled the tempo of the match, creating several chances and scoring directly from a corner kick. • FC NIPPON MVP: Kame — A key figure in both attack and defense, involved in two goals and netting one himself with a composed finish.