Match Review
Tokyo, aiming for its first victory of the season, traveled to Fukuoka with a different formation than in the previous three matches. In center-back, Yasuki KIMOTO was selected to make his first start of the season alongside Masato MORISHIGE due to the suspension of Henrique Trevisan. Takahiro KO was chosen for the holding midfielder position, marking his debut in the blue and red. Additionally, Kuryu MATSUKI played as an attacking midfielder, and Ryotaro ARAKI was positioned at the front, adopting a 'zero top' system.
Tokyo, with a record of 1 win, 1 draw, and 5 losses, has kicked off in Fukuoka, a place where they have struggled, to raise the banner of counterattack.
1st HALF - Perfect first half with goals from Nagatomo and Taro
They succeeded in controlling the ball from the start. The impact of Takahashi entering the defensive midfield position was significant, demonstrating an outstanding presence as a hub in the midfield. In response, the surrounding players also coordinated well, moving the ball with good spacing. The fluidity on the sides showed a level of collaboration at higher positions that had not been seen in previous matches, with wingers and full-backs utilizing space effectively, taking higher positions, and increasing the time spent pushing forward.
It took some time until the first shot, but in the 16th minute of the first half, Matsuki aimed directly at the goal with a free kick earned in front of the goal with his left foot, but the low and fast shot was blocked by the opposing defender. Immediately after that, a chance was created from the flow of the game. In the 18th minute of the first half, Teruhito NAKAGAWA broke through the right side and delivered a sharp cross. Matsuki, who was waiting at the far side, jumped in with his head but unfortunately could not connect.
In the 28th minute of the first half, Tokyo, who continued to hold the initiative, finally scored the long-awaited opening goal. On the left side, Matsuki and Kashif BANGNAGANDE combined, and Keita ENDO became the starting point, reacting to the dropped ball, and delivered a direct cross into the goal area. The grounded ball landed perfectly at the feet of Yuto NAGATOMO in front of the goal. Just recently returning to the Japan national team after about 1 year and 3 months, the number 5 calmly volleyed the ball in after a single touch. This marked his first goal since returning to Tokyo in the J1 League, the first since 2010.
After the initial goal, the goalkeeper Go HATANO made a great save to avert the crisis. Then, in the 32nd minute of the first half, they secured an additional goal. Matsuki received the ball in midfield and sent a long feed forward. Ryo ENDO skillfully controlled the ball just before the opponent's penalty area and delivered a last pass into the space behind, allowing Araki to calmly slot it in from a position 45 degrees to the right of the goal.
First goal, additional goal, no goals conceded. Despite the new formation, the performance was nearly perfect as the match reached halftime.
2nd HALF - Yoshifumi's additional goal secures a victory at the cursed ground for the first time in 24 years
In the second half, with a 2-goal lead, Avispa Fukuoka brought in Yuto IWASAKI and switched to a two-top system. They quickly approached the goal using long balls, but responded calmly. After enduring the first 5 minutes of the half, they increased their time in the opponent's territory while moving the ball as they did in the first half. In the 6th minute of the second half, while pushing on the right side, the ball was passed to Matsuki in the center, who aimed for a mid-range shot with his favored left foot.
In the midst of this, a crucial third goal that would determine the outcome of the match was scored in the 12th minute of the second half. By exploiting the pocket on the right side, player Nagatomo delivered a cross from a deep position. It flowed to the far side, but player Yoshifumi, who had made a run, struck with his left foot. The powerful shot pierced the goal net.
After expanding the lead to three points, they steadily advanced the clock, and in the 26th minute of the second half, Hotaka NAKAMURA and Kota TAWARATSUMIDA were brought in to replace Nagatomo and Endo. They swapped one player on each side. Furthermore, in the 35th minute of the second half, they replaced Araki and Nakagawa with Keigo HIGASHI and Jája Silva to maintain the intensity and movement in the front line.
In the 37th minute of the second half, we conceded a goal from an attack initiated by former teammate Kazuya KONNO, but we held on through the 7 minutes of added time to finish the match. We achieved our first victory in Fukuoka in 24 years, a place that has been referred to as a cursed ground, and secured our first 3 points of the season.
After a one-week interval, the next match will be an away game against Kawasaki Frontale in the Tamagawa Classico.
MATCH DETAILS
<FC Tokyo>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Go HATANO
DF Yuto NAGATOMO (26th minute: Hotaka NAKAMURA) / Masato MORISHIGE / Yasuki KIMOTO / Kashif BANGNAGANDE
MF Kyuuma MATSUKI / Hiroshi TAKAU / Kei KOIZUMI
FW Keita ENDO (26th minute: Kota TAWARATSUMIDA) / Teruhito NAKAGAWA (35th minute: Jaja Silva) / Ryotaro ARAKI (35th minute: Keisuke HIGASHI) (45th minute: Soma ANZAI)
SUBS
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
DF Kanta DOI
GOAL
28th minute of the first half: Yuto NAGATOMO / 32nd minute of the first half: Ryotaro ARAKI / 12th minute of the second half: Kashif BANGNAGANDE
<Avispa Fukuoka>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Takumi NAGAISHI
DF Itsuki ODA (27th minute of the second half: Ryoji KAMEGAWA)/Seiya INOUE (0th minute of the second half: Yuto IWASAKI)/Ryuki NARA/Masaya TASHIRO/Yota MAEJIMA
MF Hiroyuki MAE
FW Kazuya KONO/Wellington (14th minute of the second half: Shahab ZAHEDI)/Masato SHIGEMI (27th minute of the second half: Daiki MATSUOKA)/Takeshi KANAMORI (14th minute of the second half: Reiju TSURUNO)
SUBS
GK Masaaki MURAKAMI
DF Daiki MIYA
GOAL
37th minute of the second half: Daichi MATSUOKA
[Peter CKLAMOVSKI Coach Interview]
Q, please review the game.
A, I think we were strong and delivered a good performance. I am proud of the players who fought. In the first half, we were able to control the game and create dangerous plays for the opponent, which led to our goals. In the second half, we continued our fighting style and aimed for the third and fourth goals. However, I think there were times when we lost our control. This was due to Avispa Fukuoka kicking long balls and making direct plays. I hope we can learn from this and improve ourselves.
We were able to score a very good goal, create good chances, and display good football. The players fought very dedicatedly and battled with conviction in the football they are playing. I am very moved. I am also very happy that we could send the fans and supporters, who cheered wonderfully until the end of the match, home with smiles from the stadium. I believe we delivered a performance worthy of three points, and we will analyze from here to develop our football.
Q: It seemed like you struggled in the first 20 minutes. How do you evaluate the players who brought the flow to the game?
A, I think it's a difference in how we view the game. It depends on how we are watching it, but I believe we had a good start and were able to move the ball ourselves. During the first 30 minutes, we were able to play while dominating and using the areas we wanted. In the first 20 minutes, we had the ball and were moving it, but perhaps we didn't have what it took to break down the opponent's defense from there. However, we were able to show our intention to move forward from that point and played solidly. Because we were able to do that, we were rewarded with two goals.
Q: This is the first time Tokyo has won in 90 minutes at this stadium. Please share your thoughts.
A, the fact that we were able to achieve such results is a reward for our performance, for the players fighting while believing in each other, and for the players fighting with faith in our football. I am glad we were able to break such negative records. This was possible thanks to the passionate support of our fans and supporters. I am happy that we could send them back to Tokyo with smiles.
Q: Please evaluate player Nagatomo, who scored the opening goal at the timing of his return to the national team.
A, I think he is a true club legend with an amazing performance. He is the leader of this team and a special player. The goal was wonderful, and it was a moment when we scored while dominating the match in the first half. We were able to play aggressively towards our goal, and I need to check the video again, but probably the full-back came out aggressively into the area. I believe it is a reward for the good play of the two, but it was something everyone did as a team. I think everyone who loves Tokyo is proud that he was selected for the Japan national team. It is special for him and for Japan. I really think he is a player like red wine, maturing with age.
[Player Interview]
<Yuto NAGATOMO>
Q: This season, we achieved our first victory.
We have been frustrated without winning for three games, and I heard that we have never been able to win away at Fukuoka, so I am just happy that everyone worked hard today and we were able to win.
Q: You scored the opening goal. It's your first goal in the J-League in 14 years.
A, is it the first time in 14 years? It's embarrassing (laughs). My condition was good, and even in such a situation, I was able to keep moving into the goal area, and if there was a chance, I took it. I was able to trap and shoot with good timing.
Q: Yuto NAGATOMO has just been announced to return to the Japan national team. Won't this goal be a great boost for the Japan national team matches?
A, victory is truly special, and being able to both score and assist while winning is above all else. I believe I can approach future matches with confidence as well.
Q: Today, both player Nagatomo and Ryotaro ARAKI, who scored goals, are from Higashi Fukuoka High School here in Fukuoka. They scored goals in a place that holds significance for them.
A, When I was in high school, I played on this stadium's dream stage. I have a deep attachment to this pitch, and since I also love Fukuoka, my joy has doubled or even tripled.
Q: It has been 24 years since Tokyo's victory in Fukuoka, a place often referred to as a cursed ground. Please share a message for the fans and supporters as we look forward to future matches.
A, thank you always for your support. Is it the first time in 24 years? We were finally able to win here in Fukuoka after 24 years, and I’m glad we could finally give a victory to our fans and supporters. The season is still long, so I want to stay focused, not get carried away, and continue to work hard in practice.
<Ryotaro ARAKI>
Q, please review the game.
A, today I played in the forward position, so I focused on getting into the goal area as quickly as possible. It was a goal born from a good opportunity. I think our defense worked well in coordination, and we were able to play a compact style. I have been scoring at a pace of one goal per game, so I want to continue turning my goals into victories.
Q: Please reflect on the scoring scene.
A, I focused on quickly following up and supporting when the ball goes over my head. In that situation, Keita ENDO received the ball well and handled it skillfully. He created a one-on-one situation, and I calmly aimed to place the ball into the left corner area while watching the opponent goalkeeper's position.
Q: You have maintained good form since the league started, and you were also selected for the U-23 Japan national team.
A, my own playing style will not change, and I am focused on maintaining a good condition and concentrating on playing with a commitment to results. In national team activities, I do not know which position I will play, but I will do my best to survive as a final member for the Paris Olympics in the time and position given to me.
Ryotaro ARAKI Sportsnavi Linked Interview "Thought, Growth, and Change" is here
<Takahiro KO>
Q, please review today's game.
A, first of all, I felt relieved. I myself have been feeling frustrated up to this point, and I thought there would be no next time if we didn't win today, so it was good that we won.
Q: In terms of offense, it seemed that the team, centered around Takahiro KO, was able to calmly restart if the development from the center to the sides did not work.
<div>A, during the three matches I watched from the sidelines, I thought the midfield players could have done a bit more to bring the ball out, so I wanted to prove that by stepping in myself. No matter where the ball came, I was always showing up, receiving and passing repeatedly. I was conscious of the distance between Kei KOIZUMI, Kuryu MATSUKI, and Ryotaro ARAKI, so I think we created a very good rhythm and build-up in the first half.
Q: Until now, Diego OLIVEIRA has been the target, but today that target was absent. How did you perceive the players' awareness?
A, I was always conscious of repeatedly passing and moving. Of course, Ryotaro ARAKI and Kuryu MATSUKI, but I also wanted to let Teruhito NAKAGAWA and Keita ENDO on the sides play more comfortably. I believed that if that became restrictive, the team wouldn't be able to play good soccer, so I wanted to make the most of the four players up front. To achieve that, I focused on supplying passes to the front line with good tempo.
Q: It seemed that the pressing from the front line was well organized in terms of defense, and it looked like there was a targeted approach to the pressing.
Personally, I was concerned about the defense in the middle block, so I think the timing was good when we pushed out the side players we had been working on in practice and trapped the opponents from the front line. However, I thought it would be tough for the team if we did that in every situation, so I instructed them to set up in the middle block and drop the wing players to respond. The balance between defending from the front line and receiving in the middle block worked well today. The scene where we conceded a goal at the end was unnecessary, so we want to thoroughly address that.
<Kashif BANGNAGANDE>
Q: It was an attacking power that seemed to relieve all the frustrations up to now.
A, we had been able to attack well so far, but we hadn't been able to score goals or finish our chances as a team. This time, everyone was able to score, and I was also able to score, so it was really great.
Q: What is different today compared to before?
A, I think there was a stronger awareness of moving forward. As a team, I believe the connection between the defensive line, the midfield line, and the forward line was better coordinated compared to previous matches.
Q: Regarding the goal scene, did you have an image of the cross coming from Yuto NAGATOMO?
A, in the first half, Nagatomo scored from my cross, and in the previous match, there was also a scene where if I had moved inside to Nagatomo's cross ball, so I was conscious of crosses from that right side before the match. Actually, I thought, "Here it comes," and I’m glad I was able to connect with it.
Q: There was also a goal by Ryotaro ARAKI, who was selected for the U-23 Japan national team together. Isn't it possible to connect this to a good flow for the national team's activities?
A, as a team, we hadn't achieved a victory, so everyone was determined to win this match and go to the national team. I'm really glad about that. My strength lies in offense, so naturally, as a defender, it's important to keep a clean sheet defensively, and I hope to be able to aggressively push forward in attack like in today's match.
