Match Review
This was a crucial match filled with determination and pride. The stadium, with a record home attendance of 56,705, created an incredible atmosphere. Tokyo, on a two-game losing streak, had Yuto NAGATOMO, Yasuki KIMOTO, Shuhei TOKUMOTO, and Keigo HIGASHI in the starting lineup. Up front, Teruhito NAKAGAWA, Ryoma WATANABE, and Diego Oliveira lined up to take on Kawasaki Frontale at the National Stadium, aiming for their first victory against their rivals in ten matches.
1st HALF - Tokumoto's 1 goal and 1 assist lead
As the loud cheers of fans and supporters from both teams echoed before the match began, the first half started with a kickoff from Kawasaki. Unlike the last two matches where they suffered consecutive losses, Tokyo showed a calm start to the game, opting to observe rather than press forward against Kawasaki's buildup. There were a couple of early scares when left-back Nobori received diagonal passes unmarked, but after enduring those moments, they gradually began to find their rhythm. Then, in the 12th minute of the first half, a super goal erupted, causing a stir throughout the stadium.
Player Higashi, who had the ball in midfield, spread it to the right side. Player Nagatomo's cross did not connect with the player in the center and flowed to the far side, but Player Tokumoto picked it up, evaded the opponent with a deep cutback, and struck with his right foot, which is his weaker foot. A powerful shot pierced the side netting.
Furthermore, in the 25th minute of the first half, they scored a long-awaited additional goal from a beautiful play. Diego TABA intercepted the ball just outside the area and passed it to Shuto ABE, who had made a run up the left side. Shuto ABE dove in to push the low cross from Tokumoto into the net.
The game progressed at a complete Tokyo pace, and there was a period where they quickly and fiercely stole the ball in midfield, not allowing the opponent to take control. However, when Kawasaki drew the rhythm, they began to create scenes that ended with shots.
In the 37th minute of the first half, a crucial chance was thwarted by a super save from Jakub SLOWIK, but just two minutes later, in the 39th minute, Miyashiro finally broke through and scored. Nevertheless, Tokyo managed to regroup in the remaining time and ended the first half with a one-goal lead. They spent a satisfying 45 minutes and headed to the locker room.
2nd HALF - Maintained the lead to win the Tamagawa Classico
In the second half, a play that would influence the flow of the game occurred early on. After a set play, Nakagawa picked up the ball, and Wakisaka tackled him late. Thanks to VAR support, a foul was called, resulting in a red card, giving Tokyo a numerical advantage. Then, in the 9th minute of the second half, they created a big chance. They connected on the right side and broke through, with Kei KOIZUMI's cross being shot by Watanabe, but unfortunately, it hit the crossbar.
However, even with one less player, Kawasaki continued to push forward without losing their attacking power. They brought in players like Kobayashi and Oshima to increase their numbers up front. With space beginning to open up in midfield, they utilized each player's high skill to threaten the goal. In the 33rd minute of the second half, a feed allowed Tono to break free, and after a perfect chest trap, he took a shot, but once again, Jakub SLOWIK made a fine save. They managed to escape the danger.
As the remaining time decreased, Tokyo showed a pragmatic approach. They brought in Koki TSUKAGAWA and Kashif BANGNAGANDE, who were facing their former club, one after another, maintaining the balance and intensity of their side defense. They skillfully managed the time and entered 6 minutes of additional time.
Captain Masato MORISHIGE's committed clearances and unwavering focus on defense until the end. Amidst the cheers and clapping from fans and supporters, the clock hit the 53rd minute of the second half, signaling the end of the match. When the whistle blew, announcing the victory over Kawasaki for the first time in five seasons, the stadium was filled with joy, especially around the home goal area.
Tokyo, having stopped its losing streak in the best possible way, shared the joy of victory with the fans and supporters who rushed to the stadium believing in the win, resonating the phrase 'The City That Never Sleeps' for the first time at the renovated Japan National Stadium. The official match winning streak at Japan National Stadium also extended to '4', with smiles in blue and red bursting everywhere.
MATCH DETAILS
<FC Tokyo>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Jakub Słowik
DF Yuto NAGATOMO/Yasuki KIMOTO/Masato MORISHIGE/Shuhei TOKUMOTO
MF Keisuke KOIZUMI/Kaguto HIGASHI/Shuto ABE
FW Ryoma WATANABE (substituted in 28th minute: Koki TSUKAGAWA)/Diego Oliveira (substituted in 15th minute: Adailton)/Teruhito NAKAGAWA (substituted in 43rd minute: Kashif BANGNAGANDE)
SUBS
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
DF Henrique TREVISAN
FW PEROTTI/Kota TAWARATSUMIDA
GOAL
12th minute of the first half: Shuhei TOKUMOTO/25th minute of the first half: Shuto ABE
<Kawasaki Frontale>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Naoto KAMIFUKUMOTO
DF Miki YAMANE/Takuma OMINAMI (substituted in the 45+7 minute: Kazuya YAMAMURA)/Shintaro KURUMAYA/Kyohei NOBORIZATO
MF Joao SIMIC (substituted in the 37 minute: Arata YAMADA)/Itsuki SEKO (substituted in the 14 minute: Ryota OSHIMA)/Yasuto WAKIZAKA
FW Akihiro IENAGA (substituted in the 30 minute: Kento KACHIDA)/MARCINHO (substituted in the 14 minute: Daiya TONO)/Taisei MIYASHIRO (substituted in the 30 minute: Yu KOBAYASHI)
SUBS
GK Sung Ryong JUNG
GOAL
39th minute of the first half: Taisei MIYASHIRO
[Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Coach Press Conference Comments]
Q, please review the game.
A, for us, the Japan National Stadium is a place that feels almost magical. We faced a great rival. I believe this wonderful atmosphere supported us in battling against that opponent. I think we dominated the first 30 minutes of the first half. It was a matchup of the same system, 4-3-3 against 4-3-3. I believe we defended well against Kawasaki's dangerous attacks, which involved focusing numbers on the sides or utilizing the quick MARCINHO for counterattacks after regaining possession. Our pressing worked well, and when we had the ball, we maintained a strong awareness of attacking towards the opponent's goal, allowing us to play aggressively. We didn't make many mistakes in the first half. However, a few mistakes led to Kawasaki's goal. I think it was proven that Kawasaki has a wonderful goal scorer.
I thought we had a good start in the second half. We also had a chance that hit the post. Although having a player sent off was a plus for us, it wasn't easy to play against a team with one less player. After Kawasaki went down to ten men, they seemed to split into two groups, one in defense and one in the front line, initially breaking our front line press and distributing the ball to the front. I think they created some decisive chances. To counter their effective play, we lowered our defensive block a bit and adopted a waiting approach in defense. After that, we were able to adjust well, and I believe their chances did not lead to any decisive opportunities like long shots.
For the past four years, we had seven consecutive losses to Kawasaki. In that context, achieving a victory against them was very difficult and I believe it is very valuable. I would like to dedicate this victory to Hotaka NAKAMURA. I won't mention names, but I would also like to dedicate it to the other two players.
Q: What role has been assigned to Ryoma WATANABE?
A, against opponents like Kawasaki who clearly play in a 4-3-3 formation, it is important to have an advantage in the center when facing opponents with two wingers and a center forward. Therefore, the initial position was on the left wing, but during attacks, I was expected to flow into the center from there, creating a numerical advantage of 4 against 3 in the middle. Against opponents who set up their midfield in an inverted triangle with a 4-3-3 formation, the space next to the single defensive midfielder becomes an effective area for attacks. I assigned the task of exploiting that space to Watanabe and Shuto ABE.
Q: What is the reason for returning to the familiar form from last season, including system and pass direction?
A, I think soccer is a sport influenced by the results of recent matches and the memories of those games. For example, remember last season's opening match against Kawasaki away. I believe the quality of the team's play in that match was completely different from today's match. In this season's opening match against Urawa Reds, we were able to achieve a good victory. However, many injuries followed. When multiple injured players returned, we were able to win against Gamba Osaka, Sanfrecce Hiroshima, and Albirex Niigata. However, I think the second half of the match against Avispa Fukuoka and the first half against Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo were very poor performances.
What I want to say is that Tokyo has continued to grow over the past year and a few months. There is clear growth when comparing the beginning of last season to now. I want people to understand that. We are still in the growth phase. A complete generational change has not yet been achieved. It is also true that we have not reached the level of consistently playing well with stability. We are in the process of growth. This style change is very significant. Many players were part of this club two years ago as well. We must not forget that we are working on the style change while utilizing those players. That is the fact and the reality. Sooner or later, the reality of losing matches will come. Then we will rise again and sometimes secure victories. Today things went well, but there will be days when they do not. Kawasaki can be said to be a mature team in the sense that they have continued to play with their current style for a long time. Whether they win or lose, they continue to stick to their style. On the other hand, we have only been working on our current style for a little over a year. That is the reality, and when we lose matches we are criticized, and when we win we rejoice. I believe that this range of emotions is what football is all about.
[Player Interview]]
<Masato MORISHIGE>
Q, please review the game.
A, I am more than happy to have won, and there is an indescribable joy.
Q: After the match, there were moments that seemed to overflow with emotions from the past.
A, we have experienced frustrating moments up to this point. We absolutely wanted to win today's match as a team, and this victory allowed us to spend the week reflecting together and regain the spirit to fight once again.
Q: It has been since the 2018 season that we have won against Kawasaki Frontale in the league. How does the team perceive this victory in this round?
A, this victory gave us great courage. There were times when we struggled with how the team should fight, but today the players on the pitch steeled themselves in a good way, focused on the match, and were able to secure 3 points. I also believe that winning at the Japan National Stadium, where many people came to watch, holds great significance.
Q: Please tell us again the importance of being able to win in the long-standing 'Tamagawa Classico'.
A, I myself have fought in the Tamagawa Clasico as a member of Tokyo, and I have often felt frustrated. Because of that, I am truly happy to have been able to win on a big stage like today.
Q: Please tell us about the difference in the team's atmosphere that you felt before and after the match, player Morishige.
A, before the match, the team had thoroughly prepared and discussed everything, and all we had to do was organize it and fight together. The players on the pitch fought with courage. We were able to reaffirm that the more everyone struggled, the more we can all share this joy together.
<Jakub SLOWIK>
Q, congratulations on your victory.
A, I think it was a great victory. It was very important for the team to win today. I believe that being able to win for Hotaka NAKAMURA, who suffered a serious injury, was a very important victory for this Tokyo family.
Q: You have been on a losing streak in the league, and I think it has been a difficult situation. What do you think is important?
A, although we haven't been able to win recently, I believe that being able to fight together as a united team led to today's victory. I hope that this victory will serve as a trigger for us to become more united and to improve step by step in every match.
Q: It was a match with many fans and supporters in attendance.
A, not only myself but all the players really enjoyed the atmosphere of this stadium. We are very proud of the atmosphere created by the fans and supporters who built this stadium.
<Shuhei TOKUMOTO>
Q: How do you feel when reflecting on the goal scene?
Since it was the opposite foot to my dominant foot, I think focusing on the impact without putting too much strength into it led to the goal.
Q: Were you aiming to cut back and shoot with your right foot?
At the moment I cut back, I thought there would be no cross, and since it was at Japan National Stadium, I swung through with the feeling of boldly taking a shot.
Q, I think it was the team's first shot.
A, I thought it was necessary to keep taking shots, so I'm glad we were able to create a good flow.
Q: How did it feel at the moment you scored a goal?
At first, I didn't know how to express my joy, but seeing all the fans and supporters stand up and celebrate made me really happy.
Q: What are your thoughts on scoring your first goal in J1 on such a big stage?
A, it is very emotional. Last season, I was on the side watching the matches at the National Stadium, but since yesterday, I have felt a bit light-headed, or rather, I had a feeling that I could do something. I think I was able to give courage and hope to the players in J3 and J2.
Q: How many times have you played at the Japan National Stadium?
A, this is my first experience. It has been since the opening ceremony of the National High School Soccer Championship. I always wanted to stand on this stage and play someday. I think playing here is a dream for high school soccer players, so becoming a professional and being able to play a match at home was a happy and great day for me.
Q: You waved to your grandmother during the hero interview. Is there a reason for that?
A, since I was raised by my grandparents, I always wanted to express my gratitude if I ever had the chance to do a hero interview. During the January camp, my grandfather, who guided me on my path to soccer, passed away. My grandmother and I, the two of us, raised me like a parent, so with a feeling of gratitude, I looked up to the sky and said, "I scored a goal," and to my grandmother cheering from the TV, I said, "I did it!"
Q, have you not yet communicated with your grandmother?
A, not yet. I just arrived here, so I plan to contact you shortly.
<Shuto ABE>
Q: How do you feel about the victory in the Tamagawa Classico?
A, I am truly happy to have won at this wonderful Japan National Stadium.
Q: What were you conscious of since the last match against Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo?
A, at this week's player meeting, we first talked about expressing the fundamental aspect of soccer, which is "fighting," so keeping that in mind, I think we were able to play good defense from the start of the match.
Q: I thought the defense was working well together, what is your impression?
A, whether pressing high or defending in position, was able to win the ball. I think he was able to play with the mindset that it was okay even if the opponent had possession.
Q, please review the goal scene.
A, the short counterattack is also one of Tokyo's strengths. I think Shuhei TOKUMOTO was watching closely. I was able to run into a good position, so in the end, I just had to touch the ball. I think it was a good goal.
Q, it was a performance as if playing in the attacking midfield position.
A, I played as an inside half, but since you can't score without showing up in front of the goal, I made runs into the box, and I'm glad a good ball came my way.
Q: After the match, I was wearing the number 2 shirt of Hotaka NAKAMURA.
A, we definitely talked about winning and everyone wearing Hodaka's shirt. Hodaka must be frustrated too, so carrying those feelings, I'm glad we were able to earn 3 points with a good performance.
Q: How did it feel to have your name called at the Japan National Stadium?
A, it is a great honor to have scored a goal and have my name called out by over 50,000 fans and supporters. I want to continue to perform well so that even more people will come to know my name.
<Teruhito NAKAGAWA>
Q: You have played against Kawasaki many times with your previous team, but please tell us your thoughts on the Tama River Classico for the first time.
When I belonged to Yokohama F.Marinos, I felt different atmospheres and intensity between the Kanagawa Derby and the Tamagawa Clasico in Tokyo. We had lost twice in a row in those matches, so we tried to return to our roots, regain the grit and fierceness that we have valued, and I believe that strong determination to see it through led to our victory.
Q: Was the desire to win in the Tamagawa Classico after two consecutive losses shared among the team?
A, that's right. While we were on a losing streak, this was a good opponent and a good environment to stop the losing streak, which I thought would be an opportunity to regain confidence. Everyone was motivated, and I think we were able to surpass them in the finer details such as the basics.
Q: I felt that you were more aggressive in your dribbling than usual.
A, there were not many opportunities to hold the ball and create chances, but I was conscious of pushing forward vertically when we had the ball and extending the time we kept possession. Knowing that Kawasaki is a team that dominates the ball, I thought it was important to find ways to increase the time we could have the ball.
Q: In the beginning, there were many scenes where Ryoma WATANABE switched positions. Did you discuss this in advance?
A, we are playing freely. Both Watanabe and I were playing fluidly and freely.
Q: Please tell us the points where you think you did well in defense.
A, in the past few matches, we have been using long balls in the first 15 minutes to avoid the opponent's high press. From there, when we regained possession, we worked on connecting passes. Of course, ideally, we want to build up and break down the defense from the start, but there was a part where we accepted a more pragmatic approach. Kawasaki's players have high technical skills and the ability to create chances through the quality of their passes, so I believe this is an area we need to work on and improve.
