<Match Review>
In the opening match of this season, Tokyo secured a victory with cheers returning to their home Ajinomoto Stadium. However, there have been no wins in official matches over the course of three games, with a draw in between, until the home game after about a month. To change the momentum, the loud support at home is essential.
In this important match, Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA made changes to the team formation. He started rookies Tsubasa TERAYAMA and Kota TAWARATSUMIDA for the first time. The center backs were Yasuki KIMOTO and Henrique TREVISAN, who had paired up in the opening match.
1st HALF - Nakagawa extends the lead with his first goal since joining
The match suddenly comes to life. In the 5th minute of the first half, Teruhito NAKAGAWA receives the ball in an open position on the right side and sends a pass behind the opponent. Hotaka NAKAMURA, who has dashed into the so-called pocket area on the right side of the penalty area, turns and delivers a one-touch pass backward to Diego OLIVEIRA, who has entered the position directly in front of the goal. Diego turns and strikes with his left foot, sending the ball into the goal, giving Tokyo a great start with the opening goal.
Immediately after scoring, there were moments when they were pushed back by the opponent's counterattack, but they repeatedly approached the Yokohama FC goal through the dribbling plays of left winger Takuya Tawaratsukita. In the 16th minute, he made a move deep on the left side, drawing in two opposing players, and set up a shooting opportunity for the free Kei KOIZUMI. In the 18th minute of the first half, Tawaratsukita broke through near the goal line with an aggressive play. Although his shot just in front of the goal was blocked by the opposing goalkeeper, the winger's proactive attitude generated momentum for Tokyo.
In the 24th minute of the first half, a direct free kick was awarded in front of the goal, and Mita took a shot that hit the crowd and spilled in front of the goal. Ndoka approached freely, but Jakub SLOWIK, who closed the distance at just the right moment, managed to deflect it with his body and escaped the danger.
After a pinch, there is an opportunity. In the 27th minute of the first half, pressing from the front line to create a chance on the ball side. When Diego TABA closed in on a back pass to the opposing goalkeeper, Koizumi seized the opportunity from the desperate pass, inducing a passing error. Nakagawa picked up the ball in the penalty area and took advantage of the goalkeeper's advance, smoothly sending a looping shot into the right corner of the goal to extend the lead.
Tokyo takes control of the match by recovering the ball high up the pitch with coordinated pressing from the front line. In the 33rd minute of the first half, Kashif BANGNAGANDE sent in a cross from the left side, and Keigo HIGASHI jumped in to meet the ball that Diego TABA had headed back from the far side, but his header went over the crossbar.
In the 36th minute of the first half, they were broken down from the right side, and a cross was met right in front of them, but Jakub SLOWIK managed to clear it with his right hand from the goal.
It seemed they would head into halftime with the lead intact, but in the 45th minute of the first half, a cross from the left side was delivered into the goal area, and it hit the foot of player Kimoto while trying to clear it, resulting in a goal. They conceded one point due to an own goal and ended the first half.
2nd HALF - Diego's second goal extends the lead for the second victory of the season
At the start of the second half, Tokyo made two substitutions. Masato MORISHIGE came on for Henrique, and Koki TSUKAGAWA was brought on for Terayama.
In the 10th minute of the second half, Yuto NAGATOMO, who was brought on in the latter part of the first half, intercepted the ball in a high position and initiated a quick counterattack. With both teams having equal numbers, Tawaratsukita received the ball inside the penalty area, evaded the opposing defender, and had a shooting opportunity, but the ball struck by his right foot was blocked by the opposing goalkeeper.
Tokyo, who took control of the pace from the start of the second half, created chances with pressing from the front and quick counterattacks. In the 62nd minute, Nagatomo, who initiated the play on the right side, evaded his marker and delivered a cross in front of the goal. Tsukagawa acted as a decoy at the near post, allowing Diego TABA, who was positioned in front of the goal, to head the ball into the bottom right corner.
In the first half, Jakub SLOWIK made several fine saves to save the team, and he showed a big save in the second half as well. In the 24th minute of the second half, when he was pressed by the opponent in the vital area and a shot was taken, he lunged at the ball, which changed direction after hitting a blocking player, and deflected it away from the goal with his right hand.
As the match entered its final stages, offensive cards such as Adailton and Yuta ARAI were played one after another. Then, in the 32nd minute of the second half, ARAI got involved in a chance. Diego TABA, who had gotten behind the opponent, struck with his left foot just in front of the left side of the goal, and the ball hit the post and spilled to the right side of the penalty area. ARAI dove in just as the opposing goalkeeper was unable to reach it and made a one-touch attempt, but the shot went over the goal.
After it became 3-1, Tokyo maintained possession of the ball and continued to control the match. There were moments when they faced counterattacks due to ball losses, but with the strong support from the stands, Tokyo maintained their lead until the final whistle. This marked their second victory of the season since the opening match.
MATCH DETAILS
<FC Tokyo>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Jakub Słowik
DF Hotaka NAKAMURA (38th minute: Yuto NAGATOMO)/Yasuki KIMOTO/Henrique Trevisan (0th minute: Masato MORISHIGE)/Kashif BANGNAGANDE (29th minute: Yuta ARAI)
MF Keisuke KOIZUMI/Kengo HIGASHI/Tsubasa TERAYAMA (0th minute: Koki TSUKAGAWA)
FW Teruhito NAKAGAWA/Diego Oliveira/Kota TAWARAZUMIDA (21st minute: Adailton)
SUBS
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
FW PEROTTI
GOAL
5th minute of the first half: Diego OLIVEIRA/27th minute of the first half: Teruhito NAKAGAWA/17th minute of the second half: Diego OLIVEIRA
＜Yokohama FC＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Kengo NAGAI
DF Takumi NAKAMURA/Boniface NDOKA/Katsuya IWATAKE/Kento HASHIMOTO (substituted in 67th minute: Kotaro HAYASHI)
MF Yuri LARA (substituted in 46th minute: Shion INOUE)/Keiki MITA/Towa YAMANE (substituted in 46th minute: Ryo YAMASHITA)/Tatsuya HASEGAWA (substituted in 75th minute: Sho ITO)/Koki SAKAMOTO (substituted in 67th minute: CAPRINI)
FW Koki OGAWA
SUBS
GK Akinori ICHIKAWA
DF Kyohei YOSHINO
GOAL
First Half 45 Minutes: Own Goal
[Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Coach Press Conference Comments]
Q, please review the game.
A, regarding today's first half, we have never played so poorly before. We were leading with a goal and had chances to score additional goals in the first half, but if you ask whether we played as expected, the answer is no. There were many plays where players seemed afraid to hold the ball, and overall positioning was not appropriate. We are missing about three high-quality midfielders, but that is no excuse. The play in the first half today is an area that must be improved. Playing only to hold the ball is not our aim. An important element of my style is quick transitions between offense and defense starting from a high press. I think we played well in that aspect today. However, we are not aiming for quick transitions in every situation. Sometimes we also require calm build-up from a low position to advance effectively. But we could not do that today. Especially in the first half, we could not play calmly. At halftime, we brought in players Morishige and Tsukagawa, and we saw improvement in calmness. Continuing from the first half, in the second half we regained the ball through high pressing and made quick transitions between offense and defense. We created several decisive chances in that way. I believe we could have scored more goals. Today, we earned 3 points. However, I am not satisfied at all with the first half performance. I am satisfied with the second half and the performance of the young players. I think many people noticed the talent of 18-year-old Tawaratsumida today. He is a promising winger. I hope he continues to work hard with humility and grows into a wonderful player.
Q: It seemed that Nakamura was substituted due to injury in the first half, and Kashif BANGNAGANDE was substituted due to injury in the second half. As a coach, it must have been difficult to manage the players.
Team A, which has been training during the preseason, had a great lineup of players. However, unfortunately, many of them are either representing the under-category national teams or sidelined due to injuries. Some players were also suspended due to warnings. Abe's injury was muscular, but the others were due to accidents, which is very unfortunate. With many players out of action, the situation is very challenging. If everyone were available, we could expect play closer to our ideal with this lineup. But now, we must adapt to the reality of having many players sidelined. Because of this situation, there is also an expectation for the young players to step up. The J1 League is a very competitive league. We want to overcome this difficult situation by combining everyone's efforts and steadily accumulate points during this period. And once the players currently out of action return, we aim to further increase our points with the quality of the entire team.
Q: Please tell us the points you evaluate about player Tawaramizuki and the points you think are challenges.
A, he is in a similar position to Matsuki last season. To succeed in the professional world, you need to have two abilities. First is a strong mentality focused on winning. Without that, you cannot thrive in the professional world. The second is having a clear weapon. In Matsuki's case, it is demonstrating technical and defensive skills in midfield. For player Tawara Tsukida, it is attacking in one-on-one situations. If a player has these two elements, how can they grow? They need opportunities to play. That is why I believe young Japanese players need chances to play. Playing promotes player growth. I think the J.League is a league well-suited for young players to grow while playing. Therefore, I believe it is appropriate for the Japan Football Association, the J.League, and teams to cooperate so that young players remain in the J.League, grow while playing, and then challenge overseas once they have matured. I do not think it is wise for young players still in their growth phase to go abroad. I want to give young players chances and encourage their growth.
[Player Interview]]
<Teruhito NAKAGAWA>
Q: You were able to score early in the season, how do you feel about that?
A, I think it is important for the team to have scored in that way. For myself, I’m glad to have scored for now. However, there were still many chances to score, so I want to improve my accuracy.
Q: A goal was scored at home at Ajinomoto Stadium.
A, I think this is the most important thing. From now on, I want to work not only on scoring goals but also on contributing to the team's victory through assists. I want to carry this momentum into the next match.
Q: Did Diego OLIVEIRA play with any specific awareness while he was holding the ball quite well?
When Diego had the ball, I made sure to stay as close as possible without getting in the way, maintaining balance and coordinating our movements. I feel that the practice we've accumulated is gradually being reflected in our performance during matches.
Q: How was the awareness of connecting the ball and the urgency, which were pointed out as issues in the match against Kyoto SANGA F.C.?
A, I think we made good decisions according to the situation in this match, but after Hotaka NAKAMURA was substituted in the first half, there were times when we couldn't push back the opponent, so I believe that is an issue we need to work on improving.
Q: How was the second half?
A, at the start of the second half, we were able to create chances immediately and bring the game to our pace, which I think was very important. As a shared understanding within the team, we were especially conscious of the start of the second half and encouraged each other to have more momentum than the opponent, so it was good that we were able to express that.
Q: How do you feel about the coordinated press during the scoring scene?
It was also the spot I was aiming for. When I took the ball, I was only focused on it, but the press worked well, and I think it led to a good goal-scoring opportunity.
Q: What is your relationship like with Nakamura on the right side?
A. When either side has the ball on the flank, the team is also conscious of targeting the pocket. Since we have actually been able to score, we hope to continue aiming for it as a team.
Q: This season, it's your first full appearance. Are you satisfied with it?
A is in good condition and is enjoying playing soccer. Staying focused, I want to keep up the momentum and do my best in the next away match against Nagoya Grampus.
<Diego OLIVEIRA>
Q: How do you feel when you look back at your first goal?
A good ball came from Hotaka NAKAMURA on the right side, and with a good trap and turn, I was able to score. I think it was a good goal that energized the team at the beginning of the first half.
Q: I think scoring from a turn is one of your strong plays, but did you aim for it from the beginning?
A, I was imagining shooting directly and directly at the cross, but since the ball went a little behind, I chose to trap and turn.
Q: The second goal was from a cross by Yuto NAGATOMO.
For goal A, the second goal also came from a ball on the right side, and it was a very good cross from Yuto NAGATOMO, so I just had to finish it. Today, I happened to score, but I believe the most important thing is that whoever scores, the team wins. I am very happy that we were able to secure the victory.
Q: Last season, you struggled with injuries, but how does it feel to score after overcoming that?
A, last season, I played while enduring pain, so I couldn't perform to my satisfaction. Now, I am very happy to be able to play without any pain. I am truly grateful to all the fans and supporters.
Q: I think the first goal of the season is important for a striker, what do you think?
As a forward, I think the first goal is very important, and I'm glad I was able to score it today. I was also able to score the second goal, and I believe this has created a good momentum for the future, so I want to score goals in the next match as well.
Q: After the goals and after the match, a loud "Diego Call" echoed in the stadium. How was it?
A, today's support was very helpful. Of course, even last season when things were tough, your cheering was encouraging. But today, I was happy to score a goal myself. I think it was a very good match because I could celebrate together with all the fans and supporters.
<Yuto NAGATOMO>
Q, please review the game.
A, we scored from the first half and were able to attack well, but there were also dangerous moments, making it a difficult match. When the chance to play in the game came to me, I was able to fully engage in the match. I was happy to contribute to the victory by providing an assist for the first time in a while.
Q: You came on as a substitute due to an accident, but how did you feel entering the match?
A, I played the match with the strong desire to definitely win. I wanted to be involved in scoring, so while firmly defending, I also participated in the attack.
Q: There was another incident, and there was a change in position to left back.
A, I have had a lot of experience so far, and since I have that experience data, I think I was able to play steadily without rushing.
Q: You achieved an assist, was it as you intended?
A, I valued the fighting spirit. We practiced shooting from crosses many times during training. Since many players, including Diego TABA, were in front of the goal, I thought the ball would go in even without aiming precisely.
Q: I think you had more sharpness than usual, what do you think?
A, I will be 37 years old this year, but personally, I think my speed has actually increased. I believe this is the result of my training. Currently, I am also sharing my training experience with players like Tawara Tsukida and other younger players. Since my speed and driving force have improved, I have once again become confident that my training was not wrong.
Q: Although the condition is good, there has been no appearance in the starting lineup.
My goal is the team's victory and to lift the championship trophy, so I believe it is good as long as I can contribute to the team in any way. I can contribute by playing in the starting lineup, and even if I enter the match midway, I can help tighten up the team. I want to fulfill the role given to me.
Q: Please share your impressions of playing together with 18-year-old Tawaramizuki player.
During training at the Okinawa camp, when we did one-on-one drills, he got past me. At that moment, I realized this player was something special and that we must not let him slip away. I felt from that single play that he is a player who can make an impact. After that, we started training together, and I have given him a lot of advice. He is gaining confidence and showing great energy, but I believe he still has room to grow. Although his condition is not yet perfect due to consecutive matches, I was once again impressed by his overwhelming speed.
<Tsubasa TERAYAMA>
Q, how was it playing at Ajinomoto Stadium?
A, Ajinomoto Stadium is a stage I have admired since I was in middle school. I am very happy to have been able to play at Ajinomoto. Since the team was on a two-game losing streak, it was a match we absolutely had to win, so I was really focused.
Q: There are many contact plays, and I am worried about injuries.
A, I believe that in order to compete against strong opponents, it is necessary to defend fiercely at the ball. I think we were able to do that.
Q: How was it playing on the left side with Kashif BANGNAGANDE and Kota TAWARATSUMIDA, who are from the academy?
A, being from the academy, we talked about dominating the left side with the three of us the day before the match. It was great to be able to play together.
Q: Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA mentioned that he values Tsubasa TERAYAMA's mentality. How do you feel about that?
A, Kuryu MATSUKI is in a lower grade than me. I have been watching him perform in Tokyo since last season. In that sense, having such an inspiring player nearby is really motivating. I need to do more, and Matsuki's presence has a positive influence on me.
Q: I believe that Terayama and Matsuki possess a strength as individuals that goes beyond just their skills.
A, thinking about how I can contribute to the team is one of my strengths. I always strive to show my strength during the matches.
Q: It was your first time playing at Ajinomoto Stadium as a professional. How was the victory in that match?
A, when the final whistle blew, I felt the joy and excitement of the fans and supporters. As the end of the match approached, I could hear the city that never sleeps. It reminded me of the times I watched games at the stadium when I was in middle school. I was really happy to hear that on the pitch this time, and it made me feel like a professional.
Q: What is it like to see Ajinomoto Stadium from the pitch as a professional?
A, if I were to say it in one word, it was a really great view. I felt more than ever today, with the victory, the support of many fans and supporters who are fighting with their feelings behind us. I want to continue to accumulate victories and share joy with fans and supporters in many matches.
Q: I think there were various emotions that fluctuated during the three matches without a victory.
A, looking back at my play, it was a frustrating 45 minutes. However, I believe that the most important thing is that Tokyo wins. It was a difficult situation with no victories in the last two matches, so I think it was really great that we were able to win. The veteran players were leading the team and boosting morale even before the warm-up. I think I was able to get into a good atmosphere as well.
<Kota TAWARATSUMIDA>
Q: You created several chances from the left side. How do you feel about getting used to being a professional?
A, I often felt that my dribbling was effective, and I was able to play with confidence.
Q, please review the finishing part.
A, it is an issue. We must be able to finish decisively. I have the image in mind, but I think the final technique is lacking. To be able to finish decisively in matches, we need to practice regularly, so I want to practice thoroughly.
Q: Were you able to visualize the goal even in one-on-one situations with the opposing GK?
A, I got flustered because I dribbled past one opponent and saw the GK, so I thought it is important to have mental composure.
Q: The person I was facing was former FC Tokyo player Takumi NAKAMURA. What kind of tactics were involved?
A, regardless of the opponent, you can't survive unless you play your own game, so that was the only thing I was thinking about. I rely more on my own instincts than on the opponent, so if I think I can go for it, I do.
Q: Are you playing more by feel rather than distinguishing between dribbling and passing?
A, the part where I try to break through by dribbling is based on instinct, but I carefully think about decisions like passing, and I also learn from my seniors.
Q: High school graduates are participating in matches as if it's the norm. How do you feel about that?
A, Matsuki showed last season that even high school graduates can play in J.League matches if they are good enough, so I thought I would use that as a reference and firmly demonstrate my efforts. When the time came to decide on promotion from U-18 to the top team, Matsuki was active in the top team, so I aimed for that as well and decided to surpass it.
Q: Did you have the feeling today that you wanted to achieve your own results, especially since Kumada has been performing well in the U-20 Asian Cup?
Player A, Kumada, has scored goals for the national team, but first, it is important to direct the focus on oneself, so I want to improve my own finishing ability in the final moments.
