Match Review
The first official match after the break was the Emperor's Cup Round of 16 against Roasso Kumamoto, where we conceded an early goal and couldn't find our rhythm, resulting in a loss. The league match resumes in three days, again involving a long-distance away game. Our opponent is Cerezo Osaka, against whom we have played three matches this season, including the Levain Cup, without a win. We lost 1-3 in the league match before the break against Kashima Antlers, making this a crucial match to stop our losing streak in the league and in official matches.
Tokyo, aiming for victory, sees the reliable captain Masato MORISHIGE returning to the starting lineup. Kosuke SHIRAI, who joined the team during the summer registration period, is also in the starting lineup following the Emperor's Cup. The goalkeeper is Taishi Brandon NOZAWA, making his J1 League debut. Additionally, Jája Silva, who has just joined the team, has made the bench as part of the squad.
This season in the league, Tokyo has only managed to secure one win away, and they struggle significantly in away matches. To make a comeback in the second half of the season, they want to overcome their aversion to away games. Cerezo Osaka, who have not won in three matches this season, are the perfect opponent for that challenge.
1st HALF - Matsuki's first league goal of the season in a strong start with momentum
At the start, the players came out sharply and entered the match in a highly focused state. The defensive line maintained a high line, pushing close to the halfway line, while executing a coordinated high press from the front. They created several scenes where they won the ball deep in the opponent's territory and ended with shots on goal.
With the momentum gained, they took the lead in the 8th minute of the first half. After earning a free kick on the left side beyond the halfway line, Yuto NAGATOMO skillfully kicked the ball into the space behind the opponent's defensive line. Understanding the intention, Diego OLIVEIRA broke free and received the ball inside the penalty area, holding off the opposing defender. As he tried to control the ball, it was poked away by the defender, but Kuryu MATSUKI, who had jumped into the penalty area to provide support, picked it up. The player wearing number 7 calmly controlled the ball, shook off the defender, and struck with his left foot without hesitation, sending it into the bottom right corner of the goal.
After taking the initiative, the team maintained control for a while, and in the 17th minute of the first half, they ended their attack with consecutive shots. They regained the ball deep on the left side of the opponent's territory, and Ryoma WATANABE took a shot that caught the opponent's goalkeeper off guard, but it went wide to the right. When the opponent restarted with a short goal kick, Diego TABA immediately chased and blocked the clearance. Kota TAWARATSUMIDA picked up the loose ball and swung his right foot from a cut-in, but it was reacted to by the opponent's goalkeeper.
The incident occurred in the 21st minute of the first half. During the previously mentioned chance, Diego TABA injured his foot while blocking an opponent's clearance, making it impossible for him to continue playing, and he was substituted for PEROTTI.
From this substitution, the flow of the match gradually tilted towards Cerezo Osaka. Unable to stop the breakthroughs of Jordy CROUX on the right side and CAPIXABA on the left side, they were pushed back and frequently faced dangerous crosses into the goal area. Nevertheless, in the most dangerous areas, the defenders threw their bodies to block, and even in scenes where they couldn't stop the shots, Taishi Nozawa calmly responded. There were moments where they were helped by the opponent's missed shots, but they went into halftime without conceding a goal.
2nd HALF - Accepting the ongoing accidents and securing 3 points
After the rain started, Cerezo Osaka, who were trailing by one goal at home, continued to be pressured. Furthermore, in the 5th minute of the second half, midfielder Kei KOIZUMI sat down on the pitch and was substituted. An incident occurred where players had to be substituted due to injuries, continuing from the first half.
Before regaining composure after the player substitutions, they were subjected to a fierce attack from the opponent. They faced two critical moments in the 10th and 15th minutes of the second half; in the first instance, Daishi Nozawa prevented a header shot from player Maeguma with just his right foot, and in the second instance, player Watanabe broke free behind the high line. In a one-on-one situation with Daishi Nozawa, he attempted a carefully aimed lob shot, but it went wide of the goal, allowing them to escape unscathed.
The struggle continues, but on this day, Tokyo fights without impatience. Even when they are broken down deep on the sides, and even when there are prolonged moments without regaining the ball in the midfield, everyone is committed to putting their bodies on the line in front of the goal, ensuring that there are always players positioned at the near post, in front of the goal, and at the far side to maintain a formation that does not easily allow shots on goal.
In the 33rd minute of the second half, Yasuki KIMOTO and Shuhei TOKUMOTO were joined by J-League debutant PITA on the pitch, changing the system. To prevent the opposing side from gaining freedom, additional players were deployed, and to prepare for counterattacks, speedy PITA was placed as the lone forward.
In the closing stages, we want to close the match with a one-point lead, showing a decisive fight. While solidifying the area in front of the goal with five defenders, we did not lag in our reaction to second balls and thoroughly executed clear plays, such as clearing the ball significantly in dangerous areas.
In the final moments of the 5 minutes of added time, player Jaja broke free and approached the opponent's goal, creating a situation where he could have scored due to a clearance mistake, but he was blocked by a desperately returning defender, preventing an additional goal. Just after that, the whistle for time-up blew, and they accumulated valuable 3 points in the away game, stopping the consecutive losses in official matches.
MATCH DETAILS
<FC Tokyo>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
DF Kosuke SHIRAI/Masato MORISHIGE/Henrique Trevisan/Yuto NAGATOMO
MF Keisuke KOIZUMI (5 minutes into the second half: Koki TSUKAGAWA)/Keigo HIGASHI (33 minutes into the second half: Yasuki KIMOTO)/Kuryu MATSUKI
FW Ryoma WATANABE/Diego Oliveira (21 minutes into the first half: Perotti) (33 minutes into the second half: Jaja Silva)/Kota TAWARA (33 minutes into the second half: Shuhei TOKUMOTO)
SUBS
GK Tsuyoshi KODAMA
FW Adailton
GOAL
8th minute of the first half: Kuryu MATSUKI
<Cerezo Osaka>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Hanbin YAN
DF Ryosuke SHINDO/Seiya MAIKUMA/Koji TORIUMI/Shogo FUNAKI
MF Haruki KIDA/Shinji KAGAWA/Jordi CLUCAS (substituted in 67th minute: Masaya SHIBAYAMA)/CAPIXABA
FW Satoki UEJO/Ryo WATANABE (substituted in 67th minute: Sota KITANO)
SUBS
GK Keisuke SHIMIZU
DF Matej JONJIC
MF Tokuma SUZUKI/Haruaki ARAI/Reiya SAKATA
GOAL
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[Comments from Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI at the Press Conference]
Q, please review the game.
A, it was a tough 90 minutes. We prepared everything, but I think the players worked hard and brought the victory with their mentality and spirit of hard work. However, the important thing is that we were able to earn 3 points together with the fans and supporters who kept cheering throughout the 90 minutes and additional time. I am happy that we were able to send them home with smiles.
Q: Please tell us about the timing of the system change towards the end of the match.
Unfortunately, in the middle of the first half, Diego OLIVEIRA got injured, and immediately after the start of the second half, Kei KOIZUMI was substituted, leaving only one substitution remaining. At that point, we carefully considered the timing and location for the final substitution and executed it. Since it was the last substitution, we focused on using it at the right moment, aiming to inject fresh energy into the team by bringing in fresh players while considering the energy of those still playing. Cerezo Osaka's strength lies in switching sides and delivering crosses, and we responded to that well, managing to defend strongly until the end.
Q, please evaluate Taishi Brandon NOZAWA, who made his J1 League debut.
A, I am very proud. He delivered a performance worthy of a clean sheet, and I think it was a good night for him. He showed strong mentality and positive aspects to the fullest. I believe this is because the entire goalkeeper group works hard every day. Our team, the group, the players who played here, and those who stayed in Tokyo are all doing their best every day to improve the team. We are now working step by step, building a strong team through hard work. To become the team we envision, we still need to grow a lot. To create the team we aim for, dedication like today’s is essential.
Q: Please evaluate the growth of Kuryu MATSUKI.
A is doing very well. He has acquired the necessary information as an individual and is also performing very well as a member of the team. I am inspired by his mental strength and dedication. I believe there are still areas he can further refine to become the player he envisions.
[Player Interview]]
<Kuryu MATSUKI>
Q, please review the game.
A, we wanted to control the ball ourselves, but given how the match unfolded, I think it was good that we were able to win such a difficult game.
Q, please review the scoring scene.
A, the loose ball came to the spot where I had successfully anticipated and moved, so all I had to do was tap it in.
Q: The goal was scored from a quick start of a free kick, but what was the reason that Kuryu MATSUKI was able to take that position?
Since Keigo HIGASHI was positioned outside, I took the position of the attacking midfielder to support Diego OLIVEIRA. The ball rolled perfectly to that spot.
Q, the double pivot partners changed between the first and second halves. Please reflect on the differences in their roles in defense.
At the defensive midfielder position, it would have been better to defend in a way that prevented the opponent from facing forward more, and to recover second balls, while also effectively showing up during the build-up of attacks. However, Kei KOIZUMI, Koki TSUKAGAWA, and Higashi communicated well and ran a lot, so I feel that we were able to fight as a team.
Q: It seemed that after the 30-minute mark of the second half, you shifted to a formation that increased the number of defenders to hold the line. As a team, what were you focusing on?
A, first of all, we must not concede any goals. Against crosses from the sides, we had three tall players in front of the goal to clear the ball, and if possible, we aimed to add one more goal through a counterattack by Jája Silva.
<Taishi Brandon NOZAWA>
Q, please review the game.
A, today's match was my debut game in the J1 League. Although it was an away game, I am filled with gratitude for being able to play in such a wonderful atmosphere. There were few periods when the team performed well today, but my teammates gave their all, especially in defense. I believe my teammates' efforts led to the victory.
Q, Today's match was your J1 League debut. What were you conscious of before the match?
Ahead of my debut match in the J1 League, I was feeling very excited. I am happy to have been able to deliver a victory to those who always support and encourage me. Although we won the match, even if it had ended in a draw or loss, it would have been a day without regrets.
Q: Please reflect on your performance today.
A, although there were few periods when the match went well, I believe it is important for the team to win and take a step forward. I think difficult matches will continue from now on, but we want to grow as a team step by step.
Q: Please tell us what you were conscious of as the last player in a high defensive line.
I approached the game with the mindset of "Leave the space behind the defensive line to me," and communication was solid. I think it was good that I was able to play boldly. I was able to judge when to step forward and when to hold back, and I'm glad we finished the match without conceding any goals.
Q: Please tell us if there are any points you have consciously corrected since the match against Roasso Kumamoto.
A, I focused on increasing the tempo of play and creating a situation where the team can press from the back to initiate defense from the front. As a team, I believe my future challenge is to encourage taking control and dominance in both defense and attack starting from the back line. In the match against Kumamoto, we were reactive in all aspects, so I focused on taking the initiative.
<Jája Silva>
Q, congratulations on your J-League debut.
A, thank you very much. I was eager to play in the match soon, and I am very glad that I was actually able to participate in the game and also secure 3 points.
Q: Although it was a short time, what kind of play did you imagine when you were on the field?
A, unfortunately, my playing time was short, but I followed Coach Klamovski's instructions carefully and wanted to contribute to the team by helping my teammates. Although it was a short time, this is the beginning of my journey in the J.League, and I want to steadily increase my playing time. Above all, I am very happy that we were able to win today.
Q: Just before the end of the match, we were one step away from the goal.
A, it is disappointing and frustrating not to have scored a goal, but I carried the ball from the midfield position, was stopped by the goalkeeper, and blocked by the defenders, yet I was able to show my strong play. I want to make sure to score in the next opportunity.
Q: This is your first match and your first victory. Please tell us your honest feelings.
I am very happy that we were able to earn 3 points in our first match in the J.League. The team has undergone tough training this week, so I am glad to see the results of that effort.
Q: Next week will be the first home game for Jája Silva, and as a team, we will return to our "home" for the first time in about a month. Please share your enthusiasm for the upcoming match.
A, I have heard that the atmosphere at the stadium is really great, so today, even in this distant away location, this many fans and supporters came, so I think the home games must be even more amazing. I am really looking forward to playing at Tokyo's "home".
