Review of the previous match against Urawa Reds
An ultimate football theater. The second act was also full of highlights, resulting in an exciting and great game.
A match against Kashima Antlers at Japan National Stadium. After a scoreless first half, the blue-red army dominated in the second half. They displayed a brilliant style of soccer with coordinated offense and defense at 'our National Stadium.'
The game changed in the 10th minute of the second half. Kuryu MATSUKI, who will join the U-23 Japan national team after this match, delivered a sharp cross from the left side that sliced through the air. The accurate ball was sent forward, overcoming the tall defense of Kashima.
What jumped out there was Teruhito NAKAGAWA, who was used as a lone striker in this match. He timed his jump perfectly to meet the trajectory of the ball. From a position far from the goal, he made solid contact with his head and guided it in, leading the stadium into a frenzy. This was a goal in the league for NAKAGAWA for the first time in 337 days.
"I felt a sense of responsibility and frustration for not being able to deliver results," said number 39, as he leaped over the sign and rushed towards the goal area. He pointed to the ground with both hands, grabbed the emblem, and then cupped his hands to his ears to listen to the cheers. From there, he knelt down and pointed to the sky, fully savoring the joy of the moment after a long time.
"I wanted to convey the meaning of 'I am here' and hoped to hear my name being called. (Since I couldn't score goals) I was receiving criticism, so I believed that responding with results is how a football player should be. I guess I can finally stand at the starting line now."
In the closing moments of the match, substitute Riki HARAKAWA scored with a powerful left-footed long-range shot, marking an additional goal, and the match ended with Tokyo winning 2-0. Defensively, it was the first clean sheet of the season, and the team celebrated their first consecutive wins of the season in the two-match series at the new Japan National Stadium.
Match Preview
A crucial moment that could determine the fate of this season has arrived with the "decisive battle."
It has been 16 seasons since Verdy faced off against the J1 League on August 23, 2008. The overall league record stands at 6 wins, 4 draws, and 6 losses, making it completely even. However, in the 3rd Round of the Emperor's Cup held on July 12 last year, Tokyo emerged victorious after a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw.
In the two consecutive matches at the Japan National Stadium, Tokyo defeated Urawa Reds and Kashima Antlers, marking their first consecutive wins of the season. This is a crucial match for Tokyo as they aim for a third consecutive victory. They want to secure all three points to build momentum for the future.
From this match, Kuryu MATSUKI, Ryotaro ARAKI, and Taishi Brandon NOZAWA will leave the team for the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024. However, it is reassuring to see the depth of the squad, as Riki HARAKAWA, who came on as a substitute in the previous match, scored a decisive goal.
The number 40, who made an impact coming off the bench, sees the current team situation like this.
"I think a strong team needs the strength of about two teams, and now it has become a situation where anyone can play, including players who are not on the bench. Everyone just has to do their best so that they can show their skills when their time comes."
The team has a bitter experience of failing all four challenges to achieve three consecutive league victories last season. However, player Harakawa stated, "Unlike last season, we are having meaningful consecutive wins, and keeping a clean sheet against Kashima is significant. If our defense stabilizes, we will see improvements. I want us to focus on continuing to win as a team and build steadily."
The condition is definitely improving. However, this is a match against Verdy. Regardless of the situation, it is certain that it will be an intense battle where both sides' pride clashes.
Peter CKLAMOVSKI, the coach, says, "This match is special. Anything can happen. Emotions run high, the intensity of play increases, and the atmosphere in the stadium rises."
Each player will stand on the pitch with a strong awareness, but there is one player who approaches this match with extraordinary determination.
"I have been fighting with Verdy since my junior youth and youth days, and I have a strong attachment to it since I was a child. After the match against Kashima, I could hear the fans and supporters singing, 'We cannot lose to Verdy,' and I felt once again the strength of everyone's spirit and feelings. I couldn't participate in last season's Emperor's Cup due to injury, so if I get to play, it will be my first match as a professional. I'm really looking forward to it, especially since it's an important match with a chance for a third consecutive win, and I think it's a great situation. Although three players are missing from the U-23 Japan national team, we have members who can still fight. I want those three to go without worry, and I will just focus on delivering results in my position. I will go all out to win."
Quietly and powerfully speaking was Kashif BANGNAGANDE. Although the place of battle differs from the three of the same generation, the position of looking toward a shining future remains unchanged. Before the decisive battle, he is a product of the academy, with blue and red blood boiling.
This is truly a battle where victory is essential. Of course, the opponent will come at us with all their might. We cannot achieve victory unless we unite as one.
What is necessary to open the door to the future is to win one by one against the play, the opponent, and the match in front of us. The players must be able to express their desire to win more than the opponent on the pitch, and the fans and supporters must be able to create an atmosphere of 'winning' in the stadium. True growth as a team should be found beyond overcoming such crucial matches.
The coach aiming for three consecutive wins speaks.
"It will be a special situation for everyone. I want to enjoy it and show our performance. It will be a very important game for the club and for all the fans and supporters. We will do our best to earn three points, fight together, and celebrate together after the match."
If you believe in yourself, victory will follow.
Let's show our strength.
Tokyo is blue and redーー.
[Interview with Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q, it is a match against Verdy.
A, this is a special match for us. As we approach this game, we have various emotions. And I believe those emotions will have a positive impact on us. There is no doubt that this will be a special match for everyone involved with the club, including our fans and supporters. What is important is to channel that energy fully into the game. By thoroughly executing our own rules in both offense and defense, I believe the results will follow.
Q: Kuryu MATSUKI, Taishi Brandon NOZAWA, and Ryotaro ARAKI are currently away from the club due to their activities with the U-23 Japan national team.
A, the 11 players on the pitch will surely fight tough to express our football. No matter who plays, I believe each will fulfill their tasks and roles on the pitch.
Q, the team that has won consecutive matches at the Japan National Stadium seems to be truly filled with "energy".
A, it is important to connect good performance to good results. As I mentioned earlier, I believe this will be a special game for everyone involved with Tokyo. We just need to show that feeling with the result of three consecutive wins.
Q, we faced each other in the 3rd Round of the Emperor's Cup last season.
A, last season's match was also a special game. Nothing is surprising in this matchup. We want to prepare thoroughly so that we can respond properly. I believe it will be a special day where emotions run high, playing intensity increases, and the atmosphere and excitement inside the venue rise. We want to enjoy the tension that can only be experienced on that day, where anything can happen. I hope we can link our performance and the football we want to show with the heightened emotions. The players are only thinking about delivering 3 points to the fans and supporters.
[Player Interview]
＜Kanta DOI＞
Q: How do you feel reflecting on the two matches at the Japan National Stadium where you achieved consecutive victories?
In the match against Urawa Reds, there were several moments in the first half where I personally made mistakes that gave the opponent chances. Defensively, we made adjustments at halftime and I was able to contribute to the victory, but there are still issues with building attacks from the defensive line. In the match against Kashima Antlers, I was able to play with a good feeling from the start and we managed to keep a clean sheet. In both games, I was not able to fully utilize my strengths in involvement in the attack, such as side changes and long passes, so I want to make corrections for the next match.
Q: Selected for the important matches in the National back-to-back games and contributed to the victory. Do you feel any sense of achievement or growth from your long-awaited return to the field?
A, I feel a sense of growth in defensive intensity in front of the goal as we go through matches and practice. Even in dangerous situations, I have a real sense that we are able to block the opponent's shots at the last moment.
Q: How is the collaboration with Henrique TREVISAN, who you partnered with in the recent match?
A, the player I communicate with the most during matches is Henrique. We coordinate well with each other, including detailed aspects such as marking handovers and covering instructions. I believe this will improve even further, and I want to enhance the quality as we play more matches.
Q: This match is against Verdy, aiming for a third consecutive victory.
A, since the academy days, we've been taught that this is an opponent we must not lose to, so I absolutely want to win. As a defensive player, I want to ensure we finish the match without conceding any goals, and while looking for set-piece opportunities, I also want to aim to score. Verdy is known for their strong side attacks, and I think they will actively target the open spaces. I want to stay focused and play calmly when dealing with crosses and ball handling.
<Kashif BANGNAGANDE>
Q, what were the factors that allowed you to achieve consecutive victories against Urawa Reds and Kashima Antlers?
I believe that not losing in second ball recoveries and one-on-one situations was a key factor in gaining the upper hand in the match. As a team, we also had many attacking plays, and I feel that both fullbacks are becoming more organized in their involvement in the attack as the matches progress. We want to continue this going forward.
Q: This match is against Verdy.
We have faced each other several times since the academy days. We have always been told, "We must not lose to Verdy." I believe that not only myself but also the players who came from Tokyo's academy feel an even stronger desire to win this match.
Q: Unlike last season, we will be competing on the stage of the J1 League.
A, I am simply happy to be able to compete. Personally, I was unable to participate in last season's Emperor's Cup 3rd Round due to injury, so I am looking forward to competing on the J1 stage. The fans and supporters also displayed banners during yesterday's open practice, encouraging us. Including the high level of passion for this match and the atmosphere at the stadium on the day, I am very excited. I want to contribute with goals and assists.
<Go HATANO>
Q: This match is against Verdy.
A, I have been aware of Verdy since they defeated Shimizu S-Pulse in last season's J1 promotion playoffs. The 2024 season is going to be exciting. I myself have decided to return to Tokyo, and I have been looking forward to this matchup. I absolutely cannot afford to lose.
Q: Does this match feel like it raises your motivation to another level?
A, there is no difference in focusing on the match in front of us compared to other matches. However, as a player who has been nurtured by this club for a long time, I am conscious of it and feel a surge of emotion. Once the match starts, I just concentrate on playing as usual.
Q: What kind of match development do you expect?
A, I think it will be a tough match, and I have the impression that many past matches ended in draws. I want tomorrow's match to be decisively settled within 90 minutes. Both sides have pride, and we will carry the feelings of our fans and supporters as we aim for victory.
