world cup kids!

Junior Reporters

Satoru Yoshida

Niigata 4

Thanks for the Thrills!
by Satoru Yoshida, Kobari Junior High School

On June 15 Niigata hosted a match in the World Cup round of 16! It was a game between two great soccer teams, England and Denmark. What amazed me the most was the extraordinary passion of the spectators. Here I will tell you about the passion of the English fans and the fighting spirit - just like England's - of the soccer club at my school.

Niigata Station

This photo shows England fans enjoying drinks in a cafe on the way to watch the match at Niigata Big Swan. Everybody at the cafe had bright red faces!

This picture is of the match itself. The stadium was full to capacity, and the players gave their all. The players must have felt the pressure of being cheered on by so many fans and of representing their countries, but they still played some wonderful soccer. This is what impressed me most.

gas tank
Niigata Stadium Big Swan

This photo shows excited England supporters - convinced that their team will win - singing and dancing during the game. Maybe this is quite normal in England, but the Japanese spectators were unable to hide their amazement.

This picture is of the Kobari Junior High School soccer club after we finished first in the Niigata City Soccer Tournament, which was held on June 22 and 23. Within Niigata Prefecture, Niigata City is one of the toughest areas to compete in. This tournament was used to decide which teams could go through to the national junior-high school soccer championships. We are determined to get through the local, prefectural, and regional tournaments to qualify for the national championships, helped by our coach Mr. Nagase, supported by our parents and families, and motivated by the slogan "We are number one!" Please cheer us on!
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