Match Review: International Lions FC vs FC Nippon

• DF Ilzan Faris
• DF Lucas Loprovost
• DF Noah Chapelle
• MD Louis Chevallier Villas Boas
• MD Karim Azzedine
• MD Thélonious Linden
• MD Lionel Kong
• MD Nicolas Beninger
• ST Robert Eziakor
• ST Salvador Franko
• ST Maxime Dacier

• DF Nordine Talhi
• ST Jakob Bondegaard
• ST Selyan Brousse
• ST Fayzulloh

Last game of the season

We end this season with a league match against the Nippons at the American school, a confrontation expected to be high-level. We started the match with good momentum before conceding a goal after about 20 minutes of play. We immediately responded by scoring a goal before halftime. Right after the half time, the team stepped up their game and the International Lions continued to keep a high intensity pace, scoring two additional goals that allowed us to take the lead and secure the win. A well-controlled second half, reflecting our collective effort and the fighting spirit of our players. Thanks to the Nippons for their great performance and excellent attitude on the field!

• Takaki NAKAMURA GK
• Yusuke Kameya DF
• Takahiro Yuki DF
• Akihiro HORI DF
• Yuki Ichikawa DF
• Shohei Dobashi MD
• Ryohei Kanzaki MD
• Akira Saito MD
• Shungo Sakamoto MD
• Shinpei Yamada MD
• Daiki Ishino ST

• Barna Nemeth DF
• Shunsuke Shiraki DF
• Tomonari Abe DF
• Santiago Rodrigues MD
• Ethan Noringhang MD
• Yutaro Noya ST

Very shocking loss

Overview FC NIPPON lined up in their usual 4-5-1 formation, facing a strong and dynamic International Lions side composed of energetic youth players and experienced former professionals. Known for their quick transitions and attacking fluidity, the Lions utilized a technically gifted midfield and a trio of forwards constantly probing the defensive line. First Half The match began with both sides trying to establish control through possession. FC NIPPON built up from midfield through Dobashi and Kame, with new signing Shinpei showing promise early on. Right midfielder Shungo repeatedly exploited space behind the defense, creating multiple chances in the opening minutes. The breakthrough came when Aki delivered a well-placed free kick into the box, which center-back Ichi headed across goal. Shinpei latched onto it and finished with confidence to give FC NIPPON a 1-0 lead. However, the advantage was short-lived — a defensive lapse on a long ball allowed an opposing forward to collect it inside the box and fire a sharp low shot through the defender’s legs to equalize. FC NIPPON maintained slight control for the remainder of the half, generating a few good opportunities but lacking the finishing touch. The first half ended 1-1. Second Half As the heat took its toll, FC NIPPON began to lose momentum. International Lions grew into the match with superior physical endurance and began to dominate possession. Midway through the half, they slipped a ball behind the defensive line, and their No. 11 forward beat the onrushing keeper to make it 1-2. Forced to push forward in search of an equalizer, FC NIPPON committed more men to attack. This left them exposed at the back, and the Lions capitalized with a swift counter down the left flank, finishing clinically to extend the lead to 1-3. Despite brave efforts from goalkeeper Taka and the backline to prevent further damage, FC NIPPON spent much of the second half on the defensive. Late in the match, substitutions brought renewed energy, particularly down the right side, but fatigue hindered the team’s ability to commit numbers forward. The final push fell short, and the match ended in a hard-fought 1-3 loss.