Match Review
Three days after the defeat in the 'Tamagawa Classico' against Kawasaki Frontale, the stage moved to Japan National Stadium, and Tokyo welcomed a home game against Urawa Reds.
Considering the consecutive matches, the starting members were changed with six new players from the previous match. Go HATANO was suspended from the goal, and Taishi Brandon NOZAWA took his place. Hotaka NAKAMURA returned to the starting lineup as the right side back for the first time in about 11 months. The center backs were Enrique Trevisan and Kanta DOI, who formed a partnership for the first time since the opening match. Additionally, fresh players were used for both wings, with Kota TAWARATSUMIDA on the left and Soma ANZAI on the right. The average age of the starting members on this day was 22.73 years, showcasing a 'young 11' on the pitch.
At the Japan National Stadium, where we have not lost in 5 matches, a losing streak is not allowed. With our first home victory of the season at stake, we kicked off amidst the pouring rain.
1st HALF - Pushed forward but just one step short
The blue and red players entered the match with high tension from the beginning. Just over 30 seconds after kickoff, the first shot was taken. Ryotaro ARAKI, who intercepted the ball in the opponent's territory, made a shot. Futoshi NAKAMURA reacted to the loose ball, but the shot went wide. Then, in the 5th minute of the first half, they faced a crisis, but Daishi NOZAWA timely rushed out to block the shot from Thiago SANTANA and avoided danger.
The moment of joy arrived in Tokyo in the 12th minute of the first half, as they connected passes on the left side and pushed forward to penetrate the pocket (the area beside the penalty box). Nakamura took a deep position, and after passing to Tawaramizuki, Takahiro KO took a shot from the middle. This struck the side netting. However, due to VAR support, a foul was determined to have occurred in the play just before, and this goal was disallowed.
Nevertheless, Tokyo did not ease their offensive pressure, but in the 24th minute of the first half, they were struck down by an unreasonable blow. The ball was picked up in their own territory by Thiago SANTANA, who unleashed a shot with his left foot from near the halfway line. The ball sailed over the head of Daishi Nozawa, who was positioned forward, and was sucked into the goal.
Furthermore, the accidents continued, and Nakamura, who had been showing great plays, was substituted due to injury. Kosuke SHIRAI was brought in to stabilize the situation, but as a team, they could not capitalize on their chances and went into halftime trailing by one goal.
2nd HALF - Taro's goal & Kuryu's first home goal for the comeback
Tokyo, which cannot end like this at "Our National", rewinds the clock and challenges the second half of the battle. The opportunity arrives early. About 45 seconds into the match, player Tawaramizuki cuts in and unleashes a shot with his right foot, signaling the switch to attack.
Then, in the 5th minute of the second half, the equalizing goal was scored. Matsuki received a cross from the left side by Kashif BANGNAGANDE and shot with his right foot from just outside the penalty area. He hit the left corner of the goal, shaking the net.
In the 13th minute of the second half, a comeback goal was scored. Kota TAWARATSUMIDA, who had the ball on the left side, delivered a cross with his right foot, and it was Matsuki, wearing the captain's armband, who connected in front of the goal. His direct volley, skillfully struck with his dominant left foot, deflected off the hands of goalkeeper Nishikawa and was drawn into the goal.
In the 29th minute of the second half, when the game began to open up, both attackers Teruhito NAKAGAWA and Keita ENDO were brought on simultaneously. They intensified the press from the front and maintained their work rate. Although there were increasing periods of being pushed back, they held on to their one-goal lead with resilient defense centered around both center-backs. They patiently advanced the clock.
In the 45th minute of the second half, the opponent turned the situation around from their build-up and quickly advanced to the goal area. However, Takashi threw his body to block Watanabe's shot. This was the biggest crisis of the match that was averted. In the additional time displayed as 5 minutes, Riki HARAKAWA and Jája Silva were brought in. The final card was played, and the team prepared to hold on to their lead.
The climax came in the 45+4 minutes of the second half. A powerful shot by Ito flew to the right corner of the goal, but Daishi Nozawa made a big save to stop it. Tokyo, maintaining their concentration until the end, achieved their second victory of the season at 'our National Stadium', and after the match, the stadium echoed with 'The City That Never Sleeps'.
MATCH DETAILS
＜FC Tokyo＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
DF Hotaka NAKAMURA (substituted at 32 minutes: Kosuke SHIRAI)/Kanta DOI/Enrique Trevisan/Kashif BANGNAGANDE
MF Kuki MATSUKI (substituted at 45+2 minutes: Jaja Silva)/Kazuhiro TAKAHI (substituted at 45+2 minutes: Riki HARAKAWA)/Kei KOIZUMI
FW Kota TAWARA (substituted at 29 minutes: Keita ENDO)/Soma ANZAI/Ryotaro ARAKI (substituted at 29 minutes: Teruhito NAKAGAWA)
SUBS
GK Tsuyoshi KODAMA
DF Masato MORISHIGE
GOAL
5 minutes into the second half: Ryotaro ARAKI/13 minutes into the second half: Kuryu MATSUKI
<Urawa Reds>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Shusaku NISHIKAWA
DF Hiroki SAKAI (10 minutes into the second half: Yusuke MATSUNO)/Yota SATO/Marius HOIBRAATEN/Ayumu OHATA (35 minutes into the second half: Hirokazu ISHIHARA)
MF Atsuki ITO/Samuel GUSTAFSSON/Ken IWAO (25 minutes into the second half: Shoya NAKAJIMA)
FW Naoki MAEDA (10 minutes into the second half: Tomoaki OKUBO)/Thiago SANTANA (35 minutes into the second half: Shinzo KOROKI)/Ryoma WATANABE
SUBS
GK Ayumi NIEKAWA
MF Yoshio KOIZUMI
GOAL
24th minute of the first half: Thiago SANTANA
[Peter CKLAMOVSKI Coach Interview]
Q, please review the game.
A, I think it was an exciting football match. I believe it was a game where two good teams gave their all. Our team was able to deliver a good performance. At halftime, the game situation did not reflect the result. We played good football in the first half, and although a goal was disallowed, there were scenes where we broke through well and aimed for the goal. As a result of the players fighting with belief in their football, I think we were able to turn the game around. The key to today's victory was believing in our football, trusting our teammates, and playing our football with conviction. Also, I am happy that we stuck to our principles, scored goals, and were able to send our fans and supporters home with smiles.
Q: Have there been any corrections or changes since the match against Kawasaki Frontale?
In the match against Kawasaki, we lacked sharpness in front of the goal. During that game, a player was sent off, leaving us with 10 men, and we had to chase the game, which made it difficult. We analyzed our performance from the previous match and practiced more to move towards the goal and pose a greater threat to the opponent. We were able to show that in today's game. Without making any major changes, the players gave their best performance, which led to the result. I am proud that all the players are working hard every day to advance our football. There are still areas where we need to build up our hard work. I believe we are moving in the right direction, so we will continue to work hard humbly.
[Player Interview]
＜Kuryu MATSUKI＞
Q: Please reflect on the match.
A, the opponent's player's super shot scored, making it quite a difficult situation, but I think being able to turn the game around is a positive for the team. Regarding today's match, I believe our pressing from the front and the short counterattacks after regaining possession were also a threat to the opponent.
Q: Overall, there were few major crises, and we were able to defend firmly, but how do you feel about the defensive performance?
A, the defensive aspect is gradually improving, and today we were able to press in coordination from the front line. Moreover, Henrique TREVISAN and Kanta DOI won the ball up front, which allowed our attacks to flow smoothly. In the next match, we expect the opposing team to use long balls, so we want to prepare well for that as well.
Q: What factors contributed to the activation of the attack in the second half?
A, I think the opponent also dropped back a little, but today we were able to create a strong attack after the ball reached me and Araki. Especially today, since we were able to receive the ball a lot, I believe that helped us connect well to the attack.
Q: It seems that the combination between Matsuki and Araki is improving.
Also, Araki understands his own strengths and always positions himself so that he can be seen when raising his head. Conversely, I think it would be even better if I can get involved effectively when Araki has the ball.
<Ryotaro ARAKI>
Q, please review the game.
A, we conceded an unlucky goal in the first half, and I think the team was faced with the challenge of how to recover from this situation. The key factor that led to our victory was that we properly organized ourselves and were able to fully express our style of football in the second half.
Q: Including the equalizing goal, it seems that the attack has been organized and revitalized in the second half.
At halftime, Kuryu MATSUKI and I confirmed that we would slightly reduce the distance between us and our playing areas to be more involved with the ball and create the game compared to the first half. I believe what we shared between the two of us was expressed on the pitch, and I feel we were able to play in a good relationship. I also have a sense that the team's build-up was revitalized.
Q: Today's goal marked the fifth goal in the league. It seems like your play towards the goal and shooting sense are becoming sharper.
A, I always play with the awareness to stay calm right in front of the goal. I believe that mindset led to the goal today as well.
Q: You mentioned that you have not had good memories at the Japan National Stadium.
A, today's goal and the team's victory have dispelled those feelings.
Q: I will not be able to participate in the next match against Kashima Antlers due to contractual reasons, but how will you improve from here?
A, I believe it is important to continue playing without deviating from our style. When I was selected for the U-23 Japan national team, I want to play with the awareness of contributing to the team.
<Soma ANZAI>
Q: It was your first match back in the starting lineup in a while, and I think it was a 90 minutes where you were able to showcase your strengths and good plays. How do you reflect on the match?
A, I was really frustrated that I couldn't get involved in the last 5 matches, and seeing the players who hadn't been playing perform well made me feel that I had to do something too. In a situation where the team wasn't winning, I'm glad I was able to relieve my frustration on the pitch.
Q: You were involved in many chances by responding to opponents who quickly set up defensive blocks. Please tell us what you were conscious of in terms of offense.
A, I was conscious in this match as well of positioning myself at the far post when crosses were delivered, something we have been working on since camp. There were several chances, but I regret not being able to score. I want to keep working so that I can score in such opportunities and perform well in important moments of the game.
Q: During the period you couldn't play, what did you work on to prepare for your return to the game?
A. To ensure there is no difference in intensity between the members playing in the match and those not, we have been maintaining high intensity during practice so that stamina does not drop whenever they play. I believe this contributed to today's match performance, so I want to continue this approach.
Q: This weekend's match against Kashima Antlers and next week's match against Verdy are coming up, and there are several matches in April. Please share your enthusiasm for the upcoming games.
A, we were able to win today, but it is meaningless unless we continue to win, including the next match against Kashima. It is important to celebrate today's victory, but I want to switch my mindset, prepare thoroughly for the next game, and do my best to support the team during this tough series of matches.
<Kota TAWARATSUMIDA>
Q: Please reflect on the match.
A, we had time controlling the ball in the first half, and even after conceding a goal in the first half, the team quickly gathered and discussed it. There were many conversations among the players in the locker room at halftime as well. Although I have no concrete evidence to put into words, even after conceding, I felt that we could still win.
Q: There were many attacks from the left side in today's match.
A, I communicated with Kashif BANGNAGANDE and Takahiro KO both the day before and before the match. I was able to receive passes at the timing I wanted, so I think I was able to create many opportunities to make moves. I enjoyed playing today, and although there was a period when I couldn't participate in matches, I was able to release what had built up during that time.
Q, please review the scene of today's assist.
A, we also practiced a lot on the mechanism for making cut-ins like that. I think I was able to deliver the ball at a good speed, but I believe it would have been better if I could have delivered balls of even higher quality. As a result, I think this scene showed the fruits of our practice.
Q: There is a match against Kashima Antlers at the Japan National Stadium coming up soon. Please share your enthusiasm.
A, no matter who the opponent is, I believe what we need to do does not change. We will focus on proper recovery and prepare to play our game, and in the next match, we want to score and lead the team to victory.
