<Match Review>
The first match of the Emperor's Cup has arrived. J1 League teams will appear from the 2nd Round. Tokyo faced Fukushima United FC, the representative from Fukushima Prefecture, in their first official match against them.
Due to the consecutive matches, the member composition has changed significantly from the league matches.
Among the members who participated in the last league match against Yokohama F. Marinos, the starting lineup included six players: Keigo HIGASHI, Shuhei TOKUMOTO, Koki TSUKAGAWA, Kuryu MATSUKI, Adailton, and PEROTTI. The goalkeeper was Tsuyoshi KODAMA, making his first appearance of the season, and Renta HIGASHI, playing as a center-back, made his official match debut as a professional player.
1st HALF - Despite conceding the first goal, a calm game strategy led to a comeback.
Fukushima was the first to come forward after the match started. They maintained their formation high up the pitch and applied pressure on the ball side when Tokyo circulated the ball in their defensive line. Tokyo calmly dealt with it and advanced the ball, but they were unable to carry it to the opponent's goal due to the strength in the duels.
Then, in the 12th minute of the first half, after being outnumbered on the left side and being penetrated deep into our territory, a cross ball was sent into the center of the goal and we allowed the opening goal with a direct shot.
Amid the potential for upsets unique to the Emperor's Cup, Tokyo calmly regained control of the match and gradually intensified their counterattack.
In the 19th minute of the first half, Tsukakawa stole the ball with high pressure near the opponent's penalty area, carried it into the penalty area, evaded one defender, and calmly slotted it into the goal to equalize. In the 29th minute of the first half, Adailton was fouled and earned a penalty kick, which he converted to take the lead. They went into halftime with the lead.
2nd HALF—Matsuki's first goal at Ajinomoto expands the lead and advances to the 3rd Round
Even after entering the second half, they calmly advance the game while maintaining possession of the ball, but there are moments when they are pushed back by Fukushima's momentum and the ball is carried deep into their own territory.
While leading, Tokyo seized the opportunity without letting their guard down.
In the 13th minute of the second half, launching a counterattack, Kota TAWARATSUMIDA carried the ball with speed and passed it to Matsuki, who had made a run into space from the left. Matsuki calmly slotted the ball into the goal after entering the penalty area, extending the lead with his first goal at Ajinomoto Stadium.
As the match progressed in a stalemate, a foul was called in the 35th minute of the second half when an opposing player entered the penalty area while dribbling and made a cut. However, this penalty kick crisis was averted as the opponent's kick went over the goal.
After that, there were scenes where the ball crossed in front of the goal after being broken down on the side, but with a solid defense, no goals were allowed, and the final whistle of the match was blown.
MATCH DETAILS
＜F.C.Tokyo＞
STARTING XI
GK Koda Go
DF Suzuki Junya/Higashitani Renta/Henrique Trevisan/Tokumoto Yuhei
MF Tsukagawa Takaki (30th minute of the second half: Terayama Tsubasa)/Higashi Keigo/Kuryu Matsuki
FW Tawaratsumida Kota (22nd minute of the second half: Nishido Hisatoshi)/Perotti (30th minute of the second half: Kumada Naoki)/Adailton (44th minute of the second half: Doi Kanta)
SUBS
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
FW Leon NOZAWA/Yuta ARAI
GOAL
19th minute of the first half: Koki TSUKAGAWA/30th minute of the first half: Adailton/13th minute of the second half: Kuryu MATSUKI
Fukushima United FC
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Kaito YAMAMOTO
DF Kosuke TANAKA/Satoru NOZUE (36th minute: Kazuki DOHANA)/Naoki SUZUKI/Shun OHTAKE
MF Hiroshi OOMORI/Tomohiko MIYAZAKI (15th minute: Hiroshi YOSHINAGA)/Uheiji UEHATA
FW Shoki NAGANO (15th minute: Kanta JOJO)/Ryo SHIOHAMA (36th minute: Kota MORI)/Hiroki HIGUCHI (28th minute: Yuta NOBE)
SUBS
GK Satoshi OSUGI
MF Naoya SEITA
GOAL
12th minute of the first half: Ryo SHIOHAMA
[Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Coach Press Conference Comments]
Q, please review today's game.
A, the team entered the match with focus. Although we conceded an early goal, we quickly reacted and were able to turn the game around, controlling the match and creating many chances. However, in the last 15 minutes before the end of the match, we were not able to play well. It was a period where we lost control of the ball and the game. Fukushima United FC has played with care for the ball and demonstrated high quality. I would like to take this opportunity to commend them for approaching the match with an attacking game plan rather than a defensive one, despite facing a team from a different category.
One area for improvement is that we were unable to score additional goals during the periods when we created many chances. As a result, we lost control of the match towards the end. I am not satisfied with that. Lastly, I would like to commend Renta HIGASHI for his good performance as a starter, and Kanta DOI for making his official match debut as a professional and as a player from Tokyo. I am also pleased that Kuryu MATSUKI led the team effectively as a central player. He has demonstrated his growth, and I look forward to his continued development and performance in the league.
Q: What was the reason for losing control of the match in the final stages?
A, in my opinion, better defense means defending while maintaining possession of the ball. Rather than simply solidifying the defense to finish the match, holding onto the ball to end the game is a better form of defense, but the team has not yet understood this point. In a situation where we are winning 3-1, some might think to solidify the defense, regain the ball, and then score an additional goal on a counterattack, but I do not prefer to end matches that way. This time, because we ended up solidifying the defense, the opponent was able to create chances. I want the team to learn again how to finish the match while keeping possession and how to defend while maintaining possession. Except for the last 15 minutes, we were able to move the ball at a good tempo and execute attacks that utilized the wings. I am satisfied with that aspect.
[Player Interview]]
<Kuryu MATSUKI>
Q, please review the game.
A, even if the content was not good, I think it was good that we were able to win first in the Emperor's Cup, which is a tournament-style match. We were able to apply high pressure well in the first half, but in the second half, due to physical exhaustion, there were tough moments. Including players who are not participating in the league matches, we must create a style of play that can maintain high pressure for 90 minutes. Aggressive defense is important as a method to lead to victory. Based on that, I want to build up step by step again starting from tomorrow's practice.
Q: Are you considering high pressing as the foundation of your defense as a team?
A, that's right. When facing a team that excels at ball possession like in today's match, one of our strategies is to successfully steal the ball up front and aim for a quick counterattack. Koki TSUKAGAWA's goal today was a play where that strategy took shape. I believe if we can continue such plays for the full 90 minutes, we will become an even better team.
Q, Kuryu MATSUKI scored his first goal at Ajinomoto.
<div>A, it took a long time to score my first goal. Kota TAWARATSUMIDA provided a great pass, so I’m glad I was able to finish it well. After the match, Kota TAWARATSUMIDA personally thanked me, saying, "Thank you for scoring." I was also aware of the need to score in a knockout tournament where we must win. I’m happy that the goal came in a good way. I am grateful to the fans and supporters who encouraged me to score.
Q, the 3rd Round of the Emperor's Cup will be a match against Verdy.
A, "Tokyo" must win as the representative of Tokyo. There is also the league competition, but we will do our best to achieve solid results in the Emperor's Cup as well.
<Renta HIGASHI>
Q, please review the game.
A, Although they were a difficult opponent as a team, I challenged myself with the feeling of seeing how far I could go individually. I couldn't get into the game well in the first half, but with the support of those around me, I think I was able to show good defense in the second half.
Q: Wasn't it significant to achieve the most important result today, which is victory?
A, that is true, but as a defender, I wanted to finish without conceding any goals. Since there was also a penalty kick, it wouldn't have been surprising to concede 2 goals, so I think that is an issue to work on.
Q: Wasn't it significant to gain something again by participating today?
A, professionals must participate in matches and win. Therefore, I believe it is important to continue consistently. Today, my mother was here, so I think it was good to be able to show my family and the local supporters my performance on the field.
Q: What will you do from now on to prepare for the next match?
A, I want to make use of the issues that came up today in future practices and practice matches. If I can show growth there, I think I might get another chance.
<Kanta DOI>
Q, this is your first appearance.
A, I was able to participate, but since I couldn't play well, I want to work hard from here on.
Q: What kind of preparations have you made for today's match?
A, I thought it was important to show what I can do during practice. I have been working hard every day in practice, so I want to build on that even more from here.
Q: Please tell us how you felt when you stepped onto the pitch.
Since we were leading 3-1 in Group A, we entered the match with a focus on not conceding any goals. There were many first-time experiences, such as the atmosphere of the stadium, but I think I was able to play calmly.
Q, the match in the 3rd Round will be against Verdy. As a true Tokyo native, what are your feelings about this?
A, since this is an opponent we absolutely cannot lose to, I want to do my best to prepare well and be able to participate in the match.
Q: I think it has always been a dream to stand on the pitch at Ajinomoto. How was it when you actually stood there?
A, Since I have admired this pitch since I was little, I am happy that my dream has come true.
Q: I believe you have been watching your father, Yoichi DOI, who has been active as a goalkeeper in Tokyo for a long time. Please share your thoughts on standing on the same pitch.
A, I don't want to lose to my father, so I want to build up from here to surpass my father's record.
Q: Is it something you are aware of?
A, I don't really pay attention to it as much as people around me say, but if my father tells me, I become conscious of it.
Q, do you hear this from your father?
A, I get quite provoked (laughs).
Q: What did Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA say to you when you entered the pitch?
A was told to avoid conceding goals.
Q: Considering the injuries, it has been a long journey up to this point. How do you reflect on it?
In November 2022, I got injured and was in rehabilitation until April, but I want to express my gratitude because Takashi OKUHARA, the head coach, and the FC Tokyo U-18 staff were always concerned and supportive.
