Match Review
The sixth match out of eight official matches scheduled in May was a clash against Sagan Tosu in the Levain Cup. It was a knockout game where the winner would advance to the playoff stage.
In the previous league match against Yokohama F. Marinos, just two days ago, and with another match against Gamba Osaka coming up in three days, about half of the starting members were changed. The center backs were Masato MORISHIGE and Teppei OKA, who started together on the pitch for the first time in an official match, while the double pivot featured Kei KOIZUMI and Riki HARAKAWA, who faced their former teams. Up front, Teruhito NAKAGAWA and Kuryu MATSUKI lined up, and Jaja SILVA, who scored his first goal after joining in the second round match against Y.S.C.C. Yokohama, played on the right wing.
1st HALF - Although we continue to be pressed, we counterattack with a short counter.
It was a game against Tosu, which has become a tough opponent with five consecutive losses in the league, but for a while after the kickoff, we struggled as the opponent held the ball and made us run for a long time.
Especially on the left side of Sagan Tosu, there were many instances where we were caught off guard in our right side defense, easily allowing incursions into our territory and leading to continued crossing opportunities. However, in front of the goal, we managed to clear the ball, centered around player Morishige, and even when we faced a crisis from a corner kick, we were helped by the opponent's shooting mistakes, somehow managing to hold on without conceding a goal.
Tokyo struggled to find rhythm in their attack due to shaky defense, but occasionally managed to create opportunities with quick counterattacks. In the 19th minute of the first half, Kota TAWARATSUMIDA broke through, and Nakagawa attempted a left-footed shot in front of the goal, but it went wide. In the 22nd minute, Matsuki aimed with his left foot, but the goalkeeper made a save. Furthermore, in the 37th minute of the first half, Kosuke SHIRAI got behind the opponent's last line and crossed the ball, but Kota TAWARATSUMIDA's attempt at the far side only shook the outside of the side netting.
Despite being pressured by the opponent in front of the goal, we endured and turned the match around with a tense development, looking for chances on the counterattack.
2nd HALF - Morishige scores first, but equalized just before the end
First, to change the flow in the second half, Tokyo substituted Nakagawa with Ryotaro ARAKI, which improved their defense. Then, in the 11th minute of the second half, they succeeded in taking the lead from a corner kick. Morishige, who jumped in at the near side, headed in the right corner kick from Harakawa into the goal.
With this opening goal, Tokyo completely took control of the game, aiming for a second goal. In the 17th minute of the second half, Morishige had another chance from a corner kick, but unfortunately, it went wide.
In the 30th minute of the second half, there was another big chance. Shirai's middle shot, which was aimed inward, was saved by the goalkeeper, but Matsuki was free to follow up on the rebound. However, he could not push it into the open goal, and it did not become the second goal.
In this situation, Tosu gradually made a comeback and surprisingly allowed an equalizing goal during the second half's additional time. Marcelo RYAN skillfully switched positions with the defense line, and Taishi Brandon NOZAWA, who had rushed out, was also evaded and the ball was smoothly sent into the goal.
EXTRA TIME—The fierce battle with both teams having players sent off ends with no score change
Once again, the extra time started with a change in mindset, and in the 7th minute of the first half, Tae Hyeon KIM from Tosu was sent off with a second yellow card. This created a numerical advantage situation. However, as they struggled to attack the 10-man opponent, in the first half's additional time, Harakawa was also sent off with a second yellow card. It became a battle of 10 against 10.
Both teams exerted all their energy in the second half of extra time, being pushed back by Tosu, but they endured on the brink and held on to a score of 1-1. The match was decided by a penalty shootout.
PENALTY SHOOTOUT—Tokyo scored successfully with all players, and Taishi saved the fifth shot from Tosu!
Penalty shootout for advancement to the playoff round.
Tokyo, taking the first turn, saw Mori Shige succeed on the first attempt, followed by Araki on the second, Endo on the third, Shuhei TOKUMOTO on the fourth, and Koizumi on the fifth, all scoring reliably. When it came to the fifth kicker for Tosu, Nagano's kick was stopped by Taishi NOZAWA. After a fierce battle, they advanced to the playoff stage to face Sanfrecce Hiroshima.
MATCH DETAILS
<FC Tokyo>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
DF Kosuke SHIRAI (12 minutes into extra time: Leon NOZAWA) / Masato MORISHIGE / Tetsuhira OKA / Shuhei TOKUMOTO
MF Kuki MATSUKI (42 minutes into the second half: Keigo HIGASHI) / Kei KOIZUMI / Chikara HARAKAWA
FW Kota TAWARATSUMIDA (15 minutes into the second half: Keita ENDO) / Teruhito NAKAGAWA (0 minutes into the second half: Ryota ARAKI) / Jaja SILVA (15 minutes into the second half: Soma ANZAI) (17 minutes into extra time: Hiroshi TAKAHASHI)
SUBS
GK Go HATANO
DF Henrique TREVISAN
MF Ryunosuke SATO
GOAL
11 minutes into the second half: Masato MORISHIGE
<Sagan Tosu>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Ilgyu PARK
DF Kosuke YAMAZAKI/Katsunori UEEBISU/Harada Wataru/Kitajima Ikuya (substituted in 0 min: Kim Tehyeon)
MF Kawahara So/Watnabe Ryohei (substituted in 0 min: Kohei TEZUKA)/Hino Shota (substituted in 22 min: Ayumu YOKOYAMA)
FW Cayman TOGASHI (substituted in 38 min: Atsushi KAWATA) (extra time 4 min: Taichi KIKUCHI)/Yoichi NAGANUMA/Vinicius Araujo (substituted in 12 min: Marcelo Hian)
SUBS
GK Arnau
DF Yusuke MARUBASHI
MF Kentaro MORIYA
GOAL
45+1 minute of the second half: Marcelo RYAN
PENALTY SHOOTOUT
[Peter CKLAMOVSKI Coach Interview]
Q, please review the game.
<div>A, it was a good football match. Both teams played in a highly entertaining manner. There may not have been many significant events in such a tight game. Even so, our players gave their all and fought through to secure a tough away victory. Despite having one less day of rest than the opponent, the players delivered the performance they wanted to show. They demonstrated our strengths and fought to the very end with their belief in our style of football. I believe that was the key factor leading to the victory. Also, I am grateful to the fans and supporters who came to the away ground on a weekday to cheer us on. Their support gave strength to the players.
Q: It may have been a match where things didn't go well, but please tell us about the defense that endured the opponent's attacks in the final stages and the last penalty shootout.
A, looking back on the match, I think there were still areas that needed improvement. The first half was an even battle, and in the second half, we were able to use the areas we wanted to. I believe that allowed us to take a 1-0 lead, and even in this series of consecutive matches, we delivered a performance worthy of that lead. However, it is disappointing that we couldn't close out the game over the full 90 minutes. How we finish the game in the final moments is something we need to improve. And we must learn from this moving forward.
The extra time was filled with various elements. There were situations where we had an advantage due to one of the opposing players being sent off. However, in the end, both teams had the same number of players. We found ourselves in a situation where we had to finish the game with ten players, but that was a part we have been able to handle. The players fought with their own characteristics, individuality, and beliefs, all the way to the penalty shootout.
I am proud of the players. It is difficult for those who have had few opportunities to play to step into matches like this, but they fought hard. All the players, both individually and as a team, connected and played together. We cannot play perfect football at all times. However, within that, there were elements that allowed us to grow. We are able to show a special mentality in our daily training, and I believe that is the mentality of a winner. The players gave their all.
Q: What kind of encouragement did you give to the players before entering extra time?
A, we discussed the summary of places that seem usable in the next time slot. It is about what will be important in the next 15 minutes. Including the details, we were thinking of empowering them. The players showed what kind of men they are, and I am proud of them. We want to recover well, return to Tokyo, and prepare for the next match.
[Player Interview]
＜Masato MORISHIGE＞
Q, please review the game.
It was a tough match, but I believe the result came from everyone’s stronger desire to win compared to the opponent. It was good that we could fight tough in a difficult away game. In various decision-making moments, if everyone on the pitch does not share the same understanding, it can lead to situations like the conceded goal. This is a point we need to reflect on.
Q, please review the scoring scene.
A, when a good ball comes, I had a good feeling and confidence that we could score from set plays. I believed that gaps in the opponent's defense would definitely appear. I was relieved that the ball went into the goal successfully. I think that scoring in decisive moments and firmly finishing the match is something the team will be required to do going forward.
Q: There was a consistent awareness of building up play behind the opponent throughout the match.
A, since the opponent's line was set high, I distributed the ball with the image of dropping it behind that line. It was a part that the opponent disliked and also the team's target. I myself was also conscious of actively aiming if there was a chance after receiving the ball.
<Shuhei TOKUMOTO>
Q, please review the game.
In the A league matches, I hadn't had the opportunity to start in the lineup, but I always kept in mind the chance to play in games like today and prepared through daily training. It would have been best if I could have decided the match with my own assists or goals, but I’m glad I was able to successfully convert as a penalty kick taker.
Q: Throughout the 120 minutes, Shuhei TOKUMOTO's strengths were evident.
A demanded that both Taishi Brandon NOZAWA and Teppei OKA keep sending the ball to him actively, and he is confident in his play after receiving the ball. I believe that being able to play with the mindset that showcasing his strengths leads to victory was a key factor in the positive outcome.
Q: However, conceding a goal in the closing stages of the match made the game difficult.
A, it was a goal that could have been prevented. I think it is something we can correct and build on for the next match. We will face Gamba Osaka in the league match after three days of rest, and next Friday, we will play against Sagan Tosu in the league. I want the whole team to share the challenges. Besides that, I believe it is important for the attacking players to be trusted and for the defenders to defend tenaciously.
Q: It seems that you have developed the ability to score even in unfavorable match situations.
A, there were many opportunities leading to additional goals in today's match as well. It is important to pay attention to details during practice, and I want to take the positives from winning a difficult match like today and making corrections, and connect that to the next game.
<Teppei OKA>
Q, please review the game.
A, of course there was tension, but my responsibility was to contribute to the team's victory. In defense, I worked on challenge and cover with Masato MORISHIGE, coached the players around me, and since the opponents were targeting our back, I played with that awareness. In terms of offense, I played with the mindset that it was okay to make mistakes as long as I was actively challenging. I intentionally made cuts to show that I was aware and played confidently. Ultimately, being able to achieve victory was truly significant, and with the experience of winning, I can make adjustments and want to carry that forward.
Q: Wasn't the support from your seniors also significant?
A, Kei KOIZUMI and Riki HARAKAWA, who were playing as defensive midfielders, really appeared at the perfect timing, making the build-up very smooth. I believe this victory was possible thanks to the support from everyone around.
Q, I believe this is a new start. Please share your enthusiasm for the future.
A, I want to seize the opportunity from here and contribute to the victory by keeping a clean sheet in the matches I play. I felt it again today, but everything we do in practice at Kodaira Ground is important, so I want to grow without wasting a single day.
<Keigo HIGASHI>
Q: It was a long time since I returned from injury to play in an official match.
A, winning was the absolute priority over the content. It would have been better to properly finish the match within 90 minutes, but the opponent had momentum and we conceded a goal. The match went all the way to a penalty shootout, but I'm glad we were able to win.
Q: Please tell us what you were conscious of during the period of the match when it was unsettled towards the end of the second half.
In the second half, both teams had players sent off, causing irregular situations on the pitch. So, first, we focused on not conceding any more goals to the opponent and on seizing opportunities to score ourselves. I believe everyone's hard work led to the victory.
Q: I played in the defensive midfielder position during extra time.
A, receiving and moving the ball, creating rhythm, since the opponent had a high line, I aimed to send the ball behind it to build an attack, but overall we were fatigued, so I prioritized maintaining balance. Considering Kei KOIZUMI's consecutive match appearances, I was also conscious of how I, coming on as a substitute, could support and work hard.
Q: Continuing to reduce goals conceded is a challenge for the team. What kind of approach is necessary?
A, it was necessary to firmly close in the final part. We want to organize as a team how to defend throughout the 90 minutes and how to finish the match.
