Giuseppe Cristaldi, the technical director of Punjab FC, expressed gratitude towards the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL) for facilitating the youth team's exposure tour in Japan. The Punjab FC youth squads achieved significant victories against Avispa Fukuoka and Giravanz Kitakyushu, although they faced a setback against FC Baleine Shimonoseki, losing in a penalty shootout during their final match on Sunday.

A Challenging and Valuable Experience

After the match against Baleine Shimonoseki, Giuseppe described it as the 'most challenging and intriguing game of the tour,' highlighting the experience of competing against a senior-level team. He noted the varying levels of intensity and challenge presented in each match.

"The game was intense. Our players performed admirably, especially in the initial two matches against youth teams competing at the highest levels in Japan. Avispa Fukuoka's senior team plays in the J1 league, representing the pinnacle of Japanese football," he remarked.

"The last match, which ended in a draw and resulted in a penalty loss, was against a senior team at the state level. This presented a unique challenge, showcasing our growth in terms of intensity across the three matches," he added.

"We concluded with the most difficult match, which was also the most interesting. It allowed us to gauge our standing as a youth team, playing in a stadium filled with fans supporting the local team. This was undoubtedly a remarkable experience for the boys," he continued.

Positive Takeaways from the Tour

Despite the penalty loss, Giuseppe emphasized the positive aspects of the experience, stating that the lessons learned in Japan would stay with the players for a lifetime.

"The ten days spent in Japan provided invaluable experiences that the players and staff will cherish forever. It was not just about football; it was also about the life lessons we gained here," he noted.

RFDL: A Significant Asset for Indian Football

Giuseppe praised the RFDL as a 'great asset' for the development of Indian football.

"Reliance's RFDL initiative has been instrumental for Indian football, offering under-21 players a crucial opportunity to bridge the gap between youth and senior teams. Competing in this league is vital for all Indian teams involved," he stated.

"Last season, we played 23 matches in the RFDL, an impressive number for a youth team. Combined with our matches in the Punjab Super League, we exceeded 40 games, which is essential for player development," he added.

He further emphasized that without match experience, player development is hindered, expressing gratitude to RFDL for the exposure tour and celebrating their qualification by finishing in the top three of the RFDL 2025-26 season.

"This tour provided an incredible opportunity for growth, both technically and mentally, in one of Asia's top footballing nations, rich in culture. We are thankful to Reliance for their ongoing support of Indian clubs and football," he concluded.

Final Matchday Summary of the RFDL Japan Tour

The RFDL Japan Exposure Tour wrapped up successfully on Sunday, with Bengaluru FC and FC Goa achieving notable victories on the final matchday, while Punjab FC narrowly missed a win after conceding a last-minute equalizer.

Bengaluru FC finished the tour unbeaten, drawing 0-0 with Avispa Fukuoka and winning 4-3 in penalties. Their defensive strength and composure under pressure led to a perfect record across three matches.

FC Goa concluded their tour with a commendable 3-1 victory over Giravanz Kitakyushu, bouncing back from two earlier losses. Malsawmtluanga scored first, followed by an equalizer from Sojiro. Goa responded with goals from Sitroy Carvalho and Shawn Fernandes in the second half.

Punjab FC initially led against Baleine Shimonoseki with a goal from Singamayum Shami in the 38th minute. However, Koyama Hanu's stoppage-time equalizer forced penalties, where Punjab lost 7-6 despite a spirited effort.

The Japan Exposure Tour, organized by Reliance Foundation as part of the RFDL pathway, offered India's top U-21 clubs invaluable international experience against Japanese teams, presenting various playing styles and high-intensity competition, which provided essential learning opportunities for players and staff alike.