<Match Review>
In the previous match, Tokyo achieved a dramatic comeback victory with a last-minute goal against Sanfrecce Hiroshima in an away game. After a break due to the international activity week, they continued their winning streak and returned to their home Ajinomoto Stadium to face Shimizu S-Pulse in a "test match for vocal support operations."
For Tokyo, it has been about a month since the "voice support operation verification match" against Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo on July 6. In the previous match, the voices of fans and supporters were transformed into great strength, leading to victory. This match was approached with the aim of turning those voices into power as well.
1st HALF - Many ball losses and unable to find rhythm
At the start, both teams were strongly focused on vertical play, and there were scenes of moving the ball towards the goal. Tokyo advanced the ball to a high position starting from the sides, aiming for gaps in the opponent's defense line, but could not get a shot off. On the other hand, Shimizu approached Tokyo's goal in a counter-attack around the 20th minute of the first half, but Yago Pikachu's shot went wide to the left of the goal.
Tokyo, which is struggling to maintain possession of the ball, is gradually being pushed back into their own half, increasing the time spent setting up their defense. In the 28th minute of the first half, after their formation was pushed back and the ball was played back, Matsuo took a powerful long-range shot. The shot narrowly missed to the right of the goal, but the pressure on the ball side was delayed, allowing for a well-aimed shot.
Tokyo, wanting to take control of the ball possession, earned a corner kick opportunity in the 39th minute of the first half. Masato MORISHIGE took a corner kick from the left side and headed the ball towards the far side, which was initially blocked by a defender, but Adailton followed up on the loose ball and sent it into the goal. It seemed that a significant opening goal had been scored amidst a somewhat pressured situation, but Keigo HIGASHI was ruled offside for his involvement in the play, resulting in a no-goal decision.
After that, there were many instances of easily losing possession of the ball, and we couldn't quite find our rhythm as we headed into halftime.
2nd HALF - After conceding a goal, aiming for an equalizer but allowing an additional goal in the final stages
As the second half began, Tokyo increased the tempo of their build-up, moving the ball with fewer touches and frequently penetrating deep into Shimizu's territory. They were creating chances, just a step away from finishing, but their momentum was disrupted in the 13th minute of the second half. After being broken through on the left side and having the ball carried deep, a large cross to the far side was met by CARLINHOS JUNIOR, who headed it into Tokyo's net.
Tokyo, wanting to change the flow of the match, made substitutions in the 15th minute of the second half. Koki TSUKAGAWA came on for Higashi, and Leandro came on for Hirotaka MITA.
Tokyo wants to build up play without rushing and enter the opponent's half, but in the 20th minute of the second half, they lost the ball while trying to connect short passes from the defensive line to break the opponent's press. A shot was taken inside the penalty area, but it went wide to the left of the goal, avoiding a crisis.
Shimizu chose to set up their defensive formation in their own territory, allowing Tokyo to maintain possession of the ball and advance the game into the opponent's half. Struggling to break through the opponent's defensive block, in the 32nd minute of the second half, Luiz PHELLYPE unleashed a powerful mid-range shot that threatened the Shimizu goal. In the 36th minute of the second half, Kazuya KONNO received the ball at the right corner of the penalty area and passed it to the far side in front of the goal, where Kashif BANGNAGANDE made a diving attempt to connect with a one-touch but failed to hit the target.
It was a moment when Tokyo had found their attacking rhythm, but in the 40th minute of the second half, they were broken through on the right side and a cross ball was sent into the goal area, where it was headed in by Thiago SANTANA, allowing an additional goal.
As the match entered the final stages, they actively sent early crosses targeting forward FELIPE into the goal area, but they were unable to get a shot off. They couldn't extend their winning streak at Ajinomoto Stadium, but fortunately, they will be able to play at home again in the next match. They will regroup for the match against Cerezo Osaka on Saturday, August 13.
MATCH DETAILS
＜F.C.Tokyo＞
STARTING XI
GK Jakub Slowik
DF Yuto Nagatomo/Yasuki Kimoto/Masato Morishige/Kashif BANGNAGANDE (substituted in the 41st minute: Junya Suzuki)
MF Kuryu Matsuki/Keigo Higashi (substituted in the 15th minute: Koki Tsukagawa)/Shuto Abe (substituted in the 32nd minute: Kazuya Konno)
FW Keiki Mita (substituted in the 15th minute: Leandro)/Diego OLIVEIRA/Adailton (substituted in the 32nd minute: Luiz PHELLYPE)
SUBS
GK Go HATANO
DF Seiji KIMURA
GOAL
―
<Shimizu S-Pulse>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Shuichi GONDA
DF Hikari HARA (39th minute: Eiichi KATAYAMA)/Yugo TATSUTA/Yoshinori SUZUKI/Reon YAMAHARA
MF Ryohei SHIRASAKI (18th minute: Ronaldo)/Daiki MATSUOKA/Yago Pikachu (29th minute: Benjamin KORORI)/Takashi INUI (29th minute: Yusuke GOTO)
FW Carlinhos JUNIOR (18th minute: Koya KITAGAWA)/Thiago SANTANA
SUBS
GK Takuo OKUBO
MF Kota MIYAMOTO
GOAL
13 minutes into the second half: CARLINHOS JUNIOR/40 minutes into the second half: Thiago SANTANA
[Interview with Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA]
Q, please review the game.
A, Shimizu is a team that plays dangerously if given even a little room, which made the first half difficult to manage. They launch dangerous attacks when we lose possession, and at the same time, their wing attacks are one of the dangerous plays we were also cautious about.
In the first half, I think our play improved as time went on. We were able to create several chances, and unfortunately, there were also goals that were not recognized.
In the second half, I think we had a good start. We were playing better and I believe we were dominating the match. However, during that period, we conceded a goal from a cross ball due to Shimizu's counterattack, and I think that goal had a significant impact on the flow of the match.
In the first half, Tama (Mita) played well, and in the second half, Leandro, who was brought on as a substitute, entered between the opponent's lines and made good plays. I think this J1 League is a very competitive league. In that sense, regardless of the rankings, every match against any opponent becomes very difficult. The flow of the match can be greatly influenced by which team scores first.
I highly appreciate the players' dedicated play and effort. They also took good care of the ball while playing. As a point for improvement, I think we could have attacked a bit more from the sides. I would like to commend today's opponent and their coach. Although we couldn't win today's match, we will firmly reset our mindset and prepare for the tough upcoming match against Cerezo Osaka.
Q: There were some plays that lacked technical precision. How were you coaching through that?
Regarding that part, I believe there were more mistakes before, and recently the number of mistakes has been decreasing. Comparing the start of the season to now, I think it is clear that the technical aspects have also improved.
However, most of the players have not experienced this playing style until now. Higashi is one of them, and Abe is also one of them. Kuu was a high school student until last year. I am satisfied that such players have continued to grow steadily over the past six months.
Kashif BANGNAGANDE is also growing steadily, but there is still room for improvement. Our level of completion has not reached 100 percent. Therefore, there is an unstable element that can crumble from a single mistake. In a tightly contested match like today, it was a typical situation where the first goal had a significant impact on the match result. For example, if the disallowed goal had been recognized, I believe the development would have been different. If we had scored first, Shimizu would have had to play aiming for a goal in the second half, which would have opened up space behind our defense line, allowing us to utilize that space for better attacks through quick transitions between offense and defense. Starting the second half at 0-0, unfortunately, we conceded a goal during a time when we were able to control the match better and get closer to the goal. That goal had a significant impact on this match.
Of course, there are still mistakes. However, they have decreased compared to before, and the players are improving. Throughout this year, we want to build the foundation of this team, and we hope that each player will grow day by day.
[Player Interview]
<Keigo HIGASHI>
Q: I think there were many times in the first half when we had possession of the ball.
A, the ball was under control, but I think it is important to play calmly when entering the opponent's territory. If we come up with more ideas and take the initiative against the opponent, I believe we can become an even better team.
Q: What were the factors that led to the defeat in the match?
There are various things, but the opponent was also fighting to avoid relegation and played with a lot of passion. I think we needed to show more spirit ourselves, and now that the match is over, I haven't been able to analyze it calmly yet. I want to thoroughly review it, reflect on the points we need to improve, and build on the good aspects to connect to the next match against FC Osaka.
Q: What aspects went well?
A, there were also scenes where we entered the opponent's attacking area, so from now on, it's about creativity in front of the goal. I think the opponents will increasingly defend their goal tightly, so I hope to play in a way that can break down such teams.
Q: How do you want to connect to the next match?
A, it is important not to have consecutive losses. I believe the results would have been different if the small details had been corrected, so I hope to have thorough discussions with the players and work on improving those areas.
<Hirotaka MITA>
Q, please review the game.
A, we were able to play the first half with a good rhythm, and I think the flow of the game would have changed if we had scored one goal. When you have a good rhythm but can't score, I think the game ends up like today's match.
Q: I think there was a strong awareness of breaking through the opponent's defense while receiving the ball.
A, I was told by the coach to take on that role, so I did my best to play there.
Q: What kind of image did you have going into the match?
Instead of staying wide on the side, I focused on moving into the center to play and coordinating with teammates in midfield to break down the opposition.
Q: What were the things the team was able to do and unable to do?
A, we were able to control the ball in the first half, but the issue was that we could not convert that into goals. Even in the second half, I believe the team needs to improve our ability to break down the opponent's defense when they fall back to defend.
Q: What preparations are you making for the next match?
A, based on today's reflections, since the next game is also a home game, I want to prepare thoroughly to secure a win.
<Kuryu MATSUKI>
Q: How do you feel about your performance when you look back on it today?
A, I missed a crucial mid-range shot that I had to make, so I think that had a significant impact on the team.
Q: Around the 44th minute, there seemed to be a chance from Matsuki's good ball recovery. Do you remember that moment?
Also, pressing is one of my strengths, so I wanted to connect it to goals, but I hope to create more opportunities like that.
Q: Compared to the opening match, there were scenes where the side defense was bypassed. It can be seen that the goals conceded in today's match were also due to losing in the duels; what do you think about that?
A, I think it is my own responsibility.
Q: I think chances were created from Matsuki's ball recovery in the duel, but today's challenge seemed to be finishing.
A, I don't see it as a problem; I think it's also a matter of luck. Today, luck favored the other team, and I want to approach it with that positive mindset.
Q: What are the areas for improvement following today's match result?
A, even after the match ended, the players were talking with each other, so we want to improve for the next one.
Q: In the 19th minute of the second half, there was a scene where a through pass was made to Adailton on the left side. I believe that if we continue to show such build-up play, the chances of scoring will increase. What do you think?
A. If there are players on the team who have forward momentum, it is best to make use of them, so I want to position myself and make passes in a way that can utilize such players.
Q: I think there was a player substitution and it changed to 4-4-2, but how did you plan to break through from there?
A, we understand it as taking on some risk to add depth to the attack.
<Koki TSUKAGAWA>
Q, please review today's game.
A, I think the opponent was able to firmly capitalize on their chances, while on the other hand, we failed to convert our own opportunities.
Q: It seems that there were differences in the movement of the ball between the Hiroshima match and this round.
A, in the match against Hiroshima, the opponent kept pushing forward, allowing us to skillfully create space with one-touch passes and use flicks to advance to the goal area. Today, the opponent started with a more solid defensive stance, so I think that was a different aspect.
Q: Once you are set up, is the challenge going to be to peel that off and carry it forward?
A, it is about how to make the opponent bite and draw them out, and I feel that we want to take more control, move the ball, and make the opponent move or change their position. This is something we must continue to work on. I think it will be difficult unless we can unify the overall intention, but I believe it is gradually improving, so I want to keep going.
Q: What instructions or roles were you given when you entered the pitch this time?
A, since it was after conceding a goal, we were always told to go for scoring, maintain a solid rhythm, and take good care of the ball, so I was conscious of those points from the start.
Q: How do you evaluate yourself?
A, I still have a long way to go. As the results show, we conceded goals even after I came on, and we haven't scored either, so I will be more committed and work to deliver results.
Q: There was a match away in the last round, but today was the home debut match.
A, as a new member, I am currently being given a chance, but I believe it depends on whether I can seize this opportunity. I will work hard to deliver solid results and earn the trust of the coach and my teammates. Playing at home in Ajinomoto Stadium, I felt that each team has its own unique atmosphere. I once again felt glad to be part of the Tokyo team. From now on, I will do my best to repay the fans and supporters with results.
I want to become someone who makes others think, 'If I'm on the field, the team can win,' so I want to focus on visible results as well.
<Yasuki KIMOTO>
Q: It seemed like there were many times when the ball didn't move as expected. How did it look from the back?
A, in the previous match against Hiroshima, the opponent came forward, so there was space, but today, on the contrary, we faced a defensive setup, and it is true that we were unable to circulate the ball well in good positions.
Q, was the biggest factor that we couldn't shift the four defenders in the line?
A, there was no shaking, and we also couldn't rotate the ball in a way that bothered the opponent. It became a bit too close to our feet, making it very easy for the opponent to respond.
Q: Is it still difficult to break through if you don't come out after all?
A, in the early part of the season, there were difficult matches even when pressed from the front, but in the previous match against Hiroshima, we were able to develop the game very well. As the next step, we need to break through even when being defended tightly. I think there will be times when we fall behind, but it is important to be creative in those moments.
Q: Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA emphasizes growth and building a foundation. This season has had its ups and downs in terms of performance. How do you perceive this situation with one-third of the season remaining?
A, I have been saying this all along, but since we are professionals, we have to deliver results. It is extremely difficult to produce results while building a foundation, but we all have to take on that challenge together. With two-thirds of the season already over, I don't think the fans and supporters will wait any longer. There will be difficult periods and matches, but the ability to solve problems on our own is also important. Regarding the defense in the first half, after the match, we all talked about how there were areas we could have discussed more among ourselves and changed. If we had been able to make those changes during the game, the outcome might have been different.
