<Match Review>
Tokyo, riding the momentum from their victory in the 'Tamagawa Classico' at the Japan National Stadium, headed to Kashima Soccer Stadium with approximately 56,000 fans in attendance. The starting lineup remained unchanged from the previous match, and Shuhei TOKUMOTO, who had a standout performance with 1 goal and 1 assist against Kawasaki, started as the left back.
Although there is a Levain Cup match against Cerezo Osaka in the midweek, the league matches will kick off a three-game series against top teams such as Kashima Antlers, Vissel Kobe, and Yokohama F.Marinos starting from this match. It goes without saying that this game holds significant meaning in determining the future of Tokyo's season. First, we welcomed the kickoff of that opening match.
1st HALF - Equalized by Diego TABA's penalty kick
Kashima's strength, with five consecutive wins, was indeed genuine. In the 6th minute of the first half, after a throw-in was awarded deep on the side, a cross was delivered to left-back Anzai. The ball found Kaita, who was free between Yasuki KIMOTO and Masato MORISHIGE, and he headed it in to score the opening goal.
However, by taking the lead, Kashima's defensive awareness increased, and there was hardly any pressure coming from the front line, allowing Tokyo to hold the ball and smoothly enter the opponent's territory. There were many situations where they could take the initiative in recovering second balls, extending the time they pushed the opponent back into their own half.
Then, in the 21st minute of the first half, Diego OLIVEIRA received a pass from Ryoma WATANABE, turned to face forward, and made a final pass to Teruhito NAKAGAWA, who got behind the opponent's defense. Unfortunately, it was cut off by the opposing defender, but it created a path to break through the opponent.
Tokyo continued to advance the game in the opponent's territory and earned a penalty kick in the 25th minute of the first half. Shuto ABE delivered a loop pass from near the corner of the penalty area, and Diego was brought down from behind by Sekikawa. Diego calmly converted this chance himself, allowing Tokyo to equalize before the end of the first half.
After returning the score to square one, the match returned to a back-and-forth battle once again. Despite Kashima's increasing intensity, Tokyo moved the ball carefully and progressed through the game. Although they couldn't shake the net, they finished the first half while maintaining a good rhythm.
2nd HALF—Tsukakawa's volley shot hits the left post
Tokyo made a move at the start of the second half. Koki TSUKAGAWA was brought in to replace Nakagawa, with TSUKAGAWA taking the left wing and Watanabe sliding to the right wing. Instead of staying wide, these two players frequently swapped positions to draw passes and invigorate the attack.
Kashima also brought in players Doi and Sano early in the second half, utilizing the power of fresh players from both sides, and engaged in an intense battle for midfield control aiming for the go-ahead goal.
As the match progresses, space begins to open up on the pitch, and both teams increase their scenes of approaching the goal, starting from quick transitions between offense and defense. Set pieces from deep positions have also increased, but both defenses are highly focused, and no decisive chances arise.
To break the deadlock in such a competitive match, Tokyo made a move. In the 29th minute of the second half, Kashif BANGNAGANDE and Kota TAWARATSUMIDA were brought on, placing Tsukakawa in the center, with TAWARATSUMIDA on the right wing and Watanabe on the left wing.
With less than 10 minutes remaining, both teams maintained their intensity and physicality, continuing a high-tension battle. In the 39th minute of the second half, a big chance came for Tokyo. Kashif BANGNAGANDE took a corner kick from the left to the near side, where Watanabe headed it backward, and Tsukagawa, who was waiting at the far side, executed a direct volley shot. The shot hit the ground and flew diagonally, but unfortunately struck the left post, and Kimoto's follow-up shot went over the goal.
In the 44th minute of the second half, Adailton was sent onto the pitch as a secret weapon, preparing for a counterattack opportunity by exploiting a moment of weakness. However, Kashima's defensive intensity did not wane until the end, and although they held the ball in the opponent's half, they were unable to create any chances to approach the goal, resulting in a 1-1 draw. The three consecutive matches against the top teams ended with a result of gaining 1 point away from home.
MATCH DETAILS
<FC Tokyo>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Jakub Słowik
DF Yuto NAGATOMO (substituted in 74th minute: Kashif BANGNAGANDE)/Yasuki KIMOTO/Masato MORISHIGE/Shuhei TOKUMOTO
MF Keisuke KOIZUMI/Kegon HIGASHI/Shuto ABE
FW Ryoma WATANABE (substituted in 89th minute: Adailton)/Diego Oliveira (substituted in 74th minute: Kota TAWARATSUKIDA)/Teruhito NAKAGAWA (substituted in 0th minute: Koki TSUKAGAWA)
SUBS
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
DF Henrique TREVISAN
MF Takuya AOKI
GOAL
28th minute of the first half: Diego OLIVEIRA
<Kashima Antlers>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Tomoki HAYAKAWA
DF Rikuto HIROSE (30 minutes into the second half: Keigo TSUNEMOTO)/Naomichi UEDA/Ikuma SEKIGAWA/Koki ANZAI
MF Yuta HIGUCHI (30 minutes into the second half: Arthur Kaiki)/Diego PITUKA
FW Shintaro NAGO (11 minutes into the second half: Kaishu SANO)/Hayato NAKAMA (11 minutes into the second half: Shoma DOI)/Yuki KAKITA (19 minutes into the second half: Keisuke CHINEN)/Yuma SUZUKI
SUBS
GK Yuya OKI
DF Gen SHOJI
GOAL
6th minute of the first half: Yuki KAKITA
[Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Coach Press Conference Comments]
Q, please review the game.
A, I was not satisfied with the first 10 minutes of play, but our game plan was to start more focused than the opponent and to score first as early as possible. On the other hand, I am not satisfied with being scored against. We expected them to increase their intensity at the start of the match and use a lot of direct play, so responding to that was our original game plan.
We conceded a goal early in the match, but I think we were able to switch our mindset and gradually get into the game. We created good chances, and from that flow, we scored the equalizing goal. The match continued to be closely contested, and we didn't allow the opponent to create many clear chances. I believe we also created opportunities to take the lead towards the end of the match. The players fought hard in this competitive game. Due to Teruhito NAKAGAWA and Yuto NAGATOMO feeling a bit of discomfort during the match, there were two substitutions that deviated from the game plan, but I think the players who came on adapted well to the situation.
Finally, I am grateful to have played in this wonderful stadium, in such a fantastic atmosphere. I would also like to thank the supporters of Kashima Antlers, as well as all the fans and supporters who came from Tokyo. As someone who came from Europe, playing in such an atmosphere gives me a higher motivation.
Q: What was the offensive plan when Koki TSUKAGAWA, who has a different playing style than Nakagawa, was included?
A, considering the characteristics of the players, the player who might have been the right choice to replace Nakagawa could have been Kota TAWARATSUMIDA. However, Kashima's strength lies in counterattacks and attacks from crosses when pressing the opponent. In that sense, the intention was to bring in Tsukagawa, who contributes significantly in defense, to counter the opponent's side attacks. At the start of the second half, based on the characteristics of the fullbacks and wingers, Shuhei TOKUMOTO, the left fullback, is good at close control, so Tsukagawa was placed in front of him, and Ryoma WATANABE, who is even better with close control, was placed on the right side, with the intention of having Nagatomo make runs into space. Tsukagawa's strength is making runs into space. I think he effectively utilized that today to create chances.
[Player Interview]]
<Diego OLIVEIRA>
Q: Did you feel anxious after conceding an early goal?
A, we knew that the opposing team would especially start the match with a high press, and that they would also come with high balls, but even knowing that, there are points to reflect on where we conceded goals. After conceding, we were able to control the game by connecting passes, so I think the match progressed well. In the second half, there were moments when the ball hit the post and was close to a goal, but that also involves some luck. Overall, considering the very energetic opposing team, I think earning 1 point away is not bad.
Q, please review the penalty kick scene. I think there was pressure as well.
A, since it was a goal on the opponent's supporters' side, and unfortunately I also missed a penalty kick chance in the match against Albirex Niigata, of course there was pressure, but I believe I need to stay calmer in such situations, so I was able to score calmly and contribute to the team.
Q: How do you want to build on this match going forward?
A, after this, there are also matches against the top teams Vissel Kobe and Yokohama F.Marinos, and before that, there is the Levain Cup. Since there are two matches next week, I want to rest well to recharge first and prepare for the next match.
<Yasuki KIMOTO>
I think the early goal we conceded made the game difficult, especially since we were focusing on our entry.
As a team, we entered the match with the intention of scoring the opening goal within the first 10 to 15 minutes of the first half. We were cautious about crosses, but it became difficult to handle. I feel responsible, and I regret that we allowed them to take control of the rhythm at that point.
Q, it was a beautifully coordinated goal conceded with Masato MORISHIGE.
I also talked with Morishige, and we had different opinions. Morishige seemed to want me to mark him, but I couldn't see Kakita. I think we can properly discuss today's conceded goal and resolve it moving forward, and I believe we were able to respond well defensively afterward, so it was good that we limited it to just one goal conceded at minimum.
Q, after falling behind, you were able to switch gears and equalize in the first half, right?
A, without losing focus, we managed to catch up with a penalty kick without conceding any additional goals, and there was a feeling that we could turn the game around. I think it was a match that we can build on for the next one.
Q: In the first half, there were times when we had possession of the ball, but in the second half, it seemed like there were more long balls.
A, the opponent sometimes allowed us to keep the ball, but on the other hand, they were aiming for counterattacks. There were also moments when we used long balls to avoid falling into their trap. I think it would have been better to connect the ball a bit more, but since the team has its own strategy, I believe it’s important for everyone to play with a shared understanding. More creativity is needed in the attack.
Q: What do you think about bringing home 1 point from the away game against the strong Kashima Antlers?
A, I think it was good that we at least did not lose. From here, we will continue to face top-ranked teams, so in that sense, earning 1 point will lead to future success. Next, we face Vissel Kobe, who are leading the league, and we do not want to lose. Also, the Levain Cup is coming up next Wednesday, so the whole team wants to prepare well.
<Kei KOIZUMI>
Q, how do you feel about reviewing the game?
A, I approached the match thinking that the way we start would determine the outcome. Conceding a goal first is a point of reflection, but there were also areas where we improved. It was an away game against a strong opponent, and there were moments when we seemed overwhelmed by the atmosphere, but I believe we achieved the minimum required result. However, as a team, we want the ability to win matches like this, and as an individual, I want to show plays that lead to victory in the future.
Q: What was your impression of Kashima Antlers after actually facing them?
A, I felt the expected strength and momentum. Above all, I was overwhelmed by the unity in this stadium. Once again, I thought Kashima is a good team. The Tokyo players did not get swallowed up by the unique atmosphere and played calmly in a good way. I think it was good that they were able to play without getting impatient.
Q: It was a match where the intensity of the ball contests was important.
A, we knew in advance that battles would occur in situations such as duels and second ball recoveries. There were also moments where we could have won more balls or turned them into possession for ourselves. Playing as an inside half, I want to continue building on this consistently.
Q: I think we achieved the minimum results. How do you reflect on this outcome?
If we don't keep winning, we can't compete for the championship, so this was a match we really wanted to win. Next week, we will have consecutive matches in the Levain Cup and the league. I believe these will be key matches for the team moving forward, so I am taking today's minimum result positively and want to build on this winning momentum.
Q: We have not won any matches after conceding the first goal this season. Please tell us what will be important moving forward.
A, we had a chance to win today as well. Of course, it is important not to concede the first goal, but even after conceding, I think we must calmly catch up to tie the game and steadily add goals one by one. Even if we allow the first goal, I believe we absolutely cannot win the championship unless we develop the ability to come from behind, so I want to build that up through daily practice.
Q, Koizumi's determination to run until the end was very impressive.
A, the inside half is a position where running is everything. In addition, when asked what I was able to do in today's match, I couldn't do anything. It was a frustrating game, but since the matches continue, I want to play properly.
<Koki TSUKAGAWA>
Q: What role were you given when you participated?
I believe there was an intention to score, so I think my role was to score goals.
Q: Although your playing style is different from Nakagawa, what did you consider when trying to break through on the left side?
A, I myself can't really do much by staying wide. In terms of my playing style, it was better to come inside and break through while coordinating well with those around me, but in terms of the game flow, it felt more like pushing forward aggressively rather than just connecting passes. Since I was a key starting point and if I dropped too deep (into midfield), I wouldn't be able to pick up second balls, so I was conscious of that and stayed up front.
Q: Rather than just connecting as a team, did you also consider the balance with the opponent and use some longer balls as well?
A, I think the match against Kawasaki Frontale was when that worked well, so I hope to be able to use both effectively.
Q, please review the scene of the volley shot.
A, that was a scene where I had to score. The opposing player caught my eye, so rather than swinging through with full force, I aimed more carefully. I think it would have been better if I had swung through more decisively. Since the opposing player was covering the goal on the right, I thought only the left side was open and aimed there, but the ball hit the post.
Q: It was a match where we brought home 1 point.
A, I think that is the minimum, so for the fans and supporters who have come all the way to the away game, we definitely want to earn 3 points and share the victory together. I am not satisfied at all. I want to make sure to use this in the next match.
