Match Review

Following the opening match against Kashima Antlers, the Meiji Yasuda J1 Century Vision League Sec. 2 will feature consecutive home games. Unlike the previous round with snow flurries, this match against Urawa Reds will be held in warm conditions and is a crucial game that will determine the success of the season's start. That said, it is important not to look too far ahead but to focus on the match at hand and steadily build up victories one by one.

Tokyo's starting eleven and bench members are exactly the same lineup as the Kashima match. Goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu was selected, and the back line from the right consisted of Sei MUROYA, Alexander SCHOLZ, Hayato INAMURA, and Yuto NAGATOMO. In midfield, Takahiro KO and Kota TOKIWA formed a double pivot, with attackers Keisuke SATO on the right and Keita ENDO on the left. Up front, Marcelo RYAN and Motoki NAGAKURA formed the two-top forward line.

As Rikizo MATSUHASHI, the coach, has said, "We want to take the initiative in both offense and defense," the team aims to aggressively press, carefully handle the ball, and flexibly incorporate sharp attacks to assault the opponent's goal. Following the previous match where they won the penalty shootout and earned 2 points, they aim for consecutive wins in this game, which kicked off at 15:03.

1stHALF—Took control but went into halftime with no goals

Tokyo, aiming to play proactive football, quickly earned consecutive corner kicks right from the start. The players coordinated their pressing on the loose balls, pushing into the opponent's territory and displaying ambitious football from the outset. In the 5th minute of the first half, they launched a swift counterattack from the opponent's corner kick. Multiple players aggressively attacked vertically, but Lucas RIAN's trap after receiving a final pass from Takahashi was too long, preventing them from creating a decisive scoring opportunity.

After that, players Muroya and Sato Kei worked together on the right side, effectively attacking along the edge of the penalty area. Their smooth combination repeatedly created good scoring opportunities. In the 8th minute of the first half, Sato Kei made a vertical run from inside Muroya's position and delivered a soft cross to the opposite side. Endo, who ran in, headed the ball, but it flew straight to the opposing goalkeeper and could not shake the net.

Tokyo took the lead in the match from the early stages, but in the 10th minute of the first half, Shibato was able to push the ball into the goal from the opponent's right free kick. However, with VAR support, after a lengthy review lasting about 8 minutes, the goal was disallowed due to offside. Regaining their composure, the match resumed with a free kick for Tokyo.

Tokyo takes the initiative with the two forwards and both attackers pressing in coordination with the defensive midfielders, while the entire team maintains a compact formation. They display passing work to avoid the opponent's press and aim to speed up their attacks at the right moments. In the 29th minute of the first half, RIAN powerfully broke through the right side and made a cross pass. Running alongside, Keisuke Sato took a right-footed shot after one touch, but the ball narrowly missed to the left of the goal.

In the first half, the team expressed their style in both offense and defense, showcasing aggressive soccer based on a fighting spirit. However, the match remained unchanged even during the 7 minutes of added time, ending the first half. Although many scenes seemed likely to lead to big chances, the team ended the half with challenges remaining in the combination and accuracy in the attacking third.

2ndHALF—Yamada's dramatic equalizer takes the game to a penalty shootout, continuing the winning streak

In the second half, Tokyo tried to break through Urawa's solid defense by pressing high and winning the ball, but Urawa responded quickly with rapid negative transitions, leading to an intense exchange of offense and defense early on. As Urawa increased attacks from the sides and supplied crosses to the opposite side, Tokyo aimed for goals by pushing forward from set-piece situations.

At the 22nd minute of the second half, Nagakura advanced with a dribble and took a grounded mid-range shot. Endo went for the rebound that was blocked by the opposing goalkeeper, but Nishikawa saved it again.

After a situation where both sides tried to exploit each other's weaknesses continued, it was "Rikizo Tokyo" who made the first move at the 22nd minute of the second half. Replacing Hiroshi ENDO, Ryunosuke SATO, who also came on as a substitute and was involved in chances in the previous match, was brought in as the left attacker, and the switch was made from Takahiro KO in the defensive midfield to Kento HASHIMOTO. The team entrusted these two players, who can bring changes to the pitch, to break the deadlock.

Tokyo does not give an inch in the battle for the ball. Around the 30th minute of the second half, they almost suffered a counterattack after pressing forward, but player Ryu Sato fiercely pressed back and cut the ball with a sliding tackle. Without committing a foul, they regained possession and Tokyo went on the offensive again.

Tokyo was trying to connect good defense to good offense, but at the 33rd minute of the second half, they were caught off guard for a moment. After allowing a cross from the right side, the ball that was cleared in the center reached player Watanabe, who took a mid-range shot with his right foot, resulting in a goal. Unfortunately, the ball deflected off Kento HASHIMOTO, who was blocking, changing its course, and Tokyo conceded the opening goal in a frustrating manner.

The Tokyo bench immediately reacts. Kento HASHIMOTO and Fuki YAMADA come in, replacing Nagatomo and Sato Kei. Sending in both players with special left feet, then at the 39th minute of the second half, Hian is substituted for Teruhito NAKAGAWA. With tactical changes to the attack, they aimed to mount a counterattack.

Tokyo attacks into Urawa's territory by carefully connecting passes, but they cannot break through Urawa's defense, which firmly holds the center after taking the lead, and thus struggle to create decisive chances.

And in the 6 minutes of second-half additional time, finally the blue-red team broke through the opponent's defense. The key players were two left-footed substitutes. At 90+3 minutes, Kento HASHIMOTO powerfully advanced vertically down the left side and sent a cross with his left foot. Yamada, waiting on the opposite side, skillfully positioned his body behind the opponent to trap the ball, then struck a fierce volley with his favored left foot as the ball dropped! He drove the shot into the goal where the blue-red family awaited, leveling the match. The game ended at this point. With no decision after 90 minutes, the match proceeded to a penalty shootout for the second consecutive game.

The penalty shootout was held using the home side's goal. While Urawa's second player Nakajima hit the bar and missed, Tokyo scored with all their players. In the end, Ryū Sato powerfully kicked with his right foot, following the Kashima match, securing 2 points after the penalty shootout this round as well, brilliantly finishing the two consecutive home games with back-to-back wins.

Interview with Manager Rikizo MATSUHASHI

Q. Please summarize the match.
A. It was the opposite flow compared to the previous match, or rather, I think the fact that we caught up at the end and earned 2 points is a very commendable part.In the first half, the tempo was good in the beginning, but it was unfortunate that we were too fixated on the shape in the final third area, which made it difficult to connect to the first shot.In the second half, as the momentum gradually shifted towards Urawa Reds, I think there was a hesitation in the approach to where the ball could be taken. From there, the second ball was picked up, and although we properly formed a block at the end, it is very disappointing that the goal was conceded. There were parts where we were able to express what we prepared for this match, but I believe we still need to improve the quality and relationships much more. 

Q. The starting members were the same as the previous match, but watching the game, I think the players coming on as substitutes are the ones who can change the flow. Do you have any ideas about changing the starting lineup from now on?
A. Of course, how the lineup will be organized from here on will take various forms, but I really want them not to be seen as just "substitute players" but always as "game changers." When they enter the match, I want each of them to fully show their strengths, and combining that with the qualities they focus on during rehearsals is the shortcut to victory. They have both performed very well in the last two matches. Moving forward, we will carefully consider the opponents and plan accordingly. 

Q. You have won two consecutive PK shootouts, but with only a slight change in the order, you succeeded in all 10 shots with little variation. Please share your thoughts on this and also on the current season's regulation where two consecutive wins earn 4 points.
A. First of all, regarding the PK shootouts, I believe we have been able to pull in good results. The order hasn't changed much in these two matches, and the way substitutions are made is also similar; the coach in charge of attacking set pieces designates the order. Even if the opponent studies and anticipates the same order, it is very important to decisively convert the shots, and I think that is something we can be proud of. This is a crucial aspect that deserves recognition.Regarding how to accumulate points under this regulation, the PK shootout situation is part of it, but no matter how the match unfolds, it is important to accumulate points and move closer to our goals. Rather than focusing on the regulation itself, the key is how to judge accumulating points within the flow of the match, which means we also need to consider how to approach the final stages of the game. For example, if the opponent is in good form and pressing us, putting us at a disadvantage, we might need to consciously adopt a defensive strategy to secure 2 points. While I believe we should not compromise our principles, we must be flexible in our methods and think about how to accumulate points. There is a possibility that we will need to make such judgments. 

Q. You skillfully split the opponent, and especially in the first half, hardly allowed them to attack. How would you evaluate the defensive aspect like that?
A. Based on the opponent's characteristics, I think the parts that Coach Yu TOKISAKI has centered on and the team has implemented are very clearly shown. However, the part about conceding goals became a bit unclear. Of course, not everything can be perfect during the game, but even if the opponent gained an advantage, we couldn't break the momentum, and they picked up the second ball and took a shot. I think we need to thoroughly examine why that happened. That said, I believe both matches were very commendable in terms of defense. 

Q,The scene where we caught up was from the two left-footed players who were substituted in during the match, and they were also new signings. Especially regarding Fuki YAMADA, please tell us your evaluation again.
A, He is a player with a unique rhythm, and his kicking accuracy is also very high. By bringing him on at that time, our advantage in set plays could increase, and if there is a free kick in front of the goal, the chance of scoring also rises.Among them, the cross ball from the side back Kento HASHIMOTO, who came on midway, may or may not have been exactly as intended, but he anticipated it before the opponent and positioned himself well at the arrival point, and by making that first touch, it was already decided. The fact that he can show that quality in front of the goal is proof that he has calm and precise play, and I think that goal clearly demonstrated that. I highly evaluate his performance in both matches. 

Player Interview

Fuki YAMADA

Q, nice goal. Please review the goal.
A, when the cross comes in,I am always aiming not to rush in, but to be just in front of the defensive line where the ball might drop. The ball came there, and although I slightly mishandled the trap, I think I was able to turn that mistake into a positive, and I’m glad I was able to make solid contact.  

Q. I was behind the defender, slightly hidden, and came forward to trap the ball. Is this as you imagined?
A. It's all instinct now. I'm not thinking about anything. 

Q, How did you feel when you scored?
A, I think if I had scored a little earlier, we might have been able to turn the game around, and being able to equalize at that timing was a big plus. Turning 0 points into 2 points was a great positive, but honestly, I wanted to get 3 points.However, being able to change from 0 to 2 points with my goal is necessary for the upcoming championship battle, so I think that was good. 

Q. At the moment you scored, it seemed like your emotionswere running quite high.
A. It's always like that. 

Q. You were quite provocative, weren't you?
A. Because we were trying tomake a comeback and wanted to hype things up more. 

Q,Kento HASHIMOTO, who assisted, mentioned that he usually aims slightly negative and tries to match with his left foot. How was that feeling and eye coordination?
A,I knew that Kento HASHIMOTO would kick it there, so compared to when Yuto NAGATOMO is on the field, I positioned my center of gravity a bit further back. I think understanding that characteristic and moving in accordingly led to the goal. 

Q. First goal after the transfer.Do you finally feel like you have become a part of the team? How do you view today's goal?
A. This season, I have been saying all along that I want to score double digits in this half-season, so this is just the first goal. By the time the final match is over, I think the number of goals will have increased and it will be "Fuki YAMADA, Fuki YAMADA," so this is only the first one. I want to keep scoring and assisting. 

Q. Regarding the penalty shootout, in the opening matchyou aimed for the right corner, but what did you focus on when taking the shot today?
A. I kicked it with the intention to score. There's nothing special to say about penalties, but I was very confident. 

Q. Is mental strength really an important point when taking a penalty kick?
A. If you have confidence in yourself, I think you can kick firmly.It's more about confidence than mental strength. I believe that with confidence, you can have an advantage in penalty kicks. 

Q. After scoring a goal, with loud cheers,do you think you have been well accepted by the fans and supporters?
A. In the first and second matches,I only played a little well, so I want to show that this is not all there is yet. I believe the team can come together more and play better soccer, so not just myself but the whole team wants to become stronger.  

Q. After the match,there was a "Sha" chant directed at the fans and supporters.
A. I wanted to do it after securing the victoryand earning 3 points in the 90 minutes, and since there were also voices saying we should do it after getting the 3 points, I thought "That's true," so I refrained from doing it today.

Kento HASHIMOTO

Q,You came on as a substitute again following the previous match. What were you focusing on when entering the game?
A, Since we were behind, there was a chance to earn 2 points if we could catch up under the special tournament regulations, so I focused on scoring goals in the match. First,I played with the sole intention of scoring one goal. 

Q, please review the assist for the goal.
A, when I advanced, I was able to deliver a cross. From previous reflections, the opponent was stronger in aerial duels, and actually about five minutes before that scene, my cross was cleared. So, instead of aiming between the defender and goalkeeper as usual, I thought some creativity and ideas were necessary, and I targeted a different spot. Since Fuki YAMADA is left-footed and practiced entering that kind of position, I aimed for that space to deliver the cross. I was able to send in a fairly fast ball, which led to the goal, so it was good. 

Q. You recorded stats in your second match. Does that bring you some relief?
A, not at all. Sometimes results come because they should, and sometimes they come by chance. Just having one set of stats doesn’t mean I can get carried away; if I do, my performance won’t build up. No matter what, I will keep doing what I need to do. Today, I was able to do the minimum work to earn 2 points, but as a starting side back, my goal is to earn 3 points. Considering that the team’s goal is to win the title, and so far we have only won in penalty shootouts since the season started, it is important to secure wins within 90 minutes. So, I have no feelings of relief whatsoever. 

Q. You are competing for a position with Yuto NAGATOMO. How do you, Kento HASHIMOTO, perceive this situation?
A. It was something I understood even before joining. However, after joining, I realized that Yuto NAGATOMO is seriously aiming for his fifth World Cup appearance, and he is the number one player in Japan at this timing.There are only a limited number of players who can genuinely compete with him, so being on the same team and able to compete at this moment is truly a blessing. It only contributes to my growth, and every day I stay alert to learn whatever I can from NAGATOMO.