Match Review
The battle to seize the cup has entered a new stage. The J.League YBC Levain Cup has progressed through the 1st Round, which was held as a single-elimination 3rd Round, and now the playoff round in a home-and-away format featuring the advancing clubs has begun.
Tokyo produced players for the Japan national team, including Yuto NAGATOMO, for the U-23 Japan national team, Kuryu MATSUKI, Taishi Brandon NOZAWA, Kashif BANGNAGANDE, and Ryotaro ARAKI, and for the U-19 Japan national team, Ryunosuke SATO. Last week, four starting players were changed from the match against Sagan Tosu in Sec. 17 of the league held during the "Kin J".
In goal, we have Go HATANO, at left back Shuhei TOKUMOTO, in the attacking midfield Teruhito NAKAGAWA, and on the right wing SILVA. Additionally, Yui NAKANO and Divine OTANI, both registered with FC Tokyo U-18 and also part of the top team, were included in the bench for the first match of the playoff round against Sanfrecce Hiroshima.
1st HALF - Allowed 2 goals but countered with Diego's goal
Tokyo aims for the top, pushing into enemy territory from the start. They launch a fast-paced attack while connecting passes.
However, in the 10th minute of the first half, Hiroshima allowed the opening goal as Pieros SOTIRIOU scored with a precise header from a right cross by player Arai.
Furthermore, after restarting the ball in an attempt to counterattack, we connected the passes and began our offense, but we were pressured by the opponent and suffered a counterattack, conceding consecutive goals through the center. Unexpectedly, we found ourselves with a two-goal deficit.
Tokyo, wanting to take the offensive, saw Nakagawa receive a vertical pass from Henrique TREVISAN in the 25th minute of the first half. Facing forward in the center of the pitch, he accelerated. As he carried the ball forward, he made a sharp through pass, and Diego OLIVEIRA, breaking free with strength, was brought down while trying to evade the goalkeeper, earning a penalty kick. The player wearing number 9, as usual, took small steps to deceive the opposing goalkeeper and successfully slotted the ball into the bottom right corner of the goal to score a point.
Tokyo, utilizing passing work and short counters, is advancing the match favorably against Hiroshima, who alternates between pressing from the front and blocking upon retreat. In the first half's additional time, they create consecutive big chances from the left side, but both Jaja's header and Tawaramizuki's shot fail to hit the target. They head into halftime trailing by one goal.
2nd HALF - Unable to convert good chances, heading into the "second half" with a one-point deficit
In the second half, which kicked off without any substitutions, it was Tokyo that created chances right from the start. They gathered the ball to player Tawaratsukita on the left side and actively made advances into the opponent's territory.
In the 8th minute of the second half, a ball played vertically down the left side was initially intercepted by the opponent, but Diego TABA quickly closed in, regained possession, and broke through with a counter-dribble. He advanced all the way to the penalty area and aimed with his right foot, but this was blocked by the opponent, failing to shake the net.
In the 22nd minute of the second half, a chance was created from the right side. Player Tawaratsukita showed a dribble that crossed the pitch and made a horizontal pass forward. Soma ANZAI received the ball, connected with Diego TABA, and then Tawaratsukita received the ball again on the right side and supplied a cross. Player Tokumoto, who ran in from behind, took a direct middle shot. This was blocked by the opponent, but Tokyo continued to create chances and pressed forward.
In the 26th minute of the second half, Riki HARAKAWA and Hotaka NAKAMURA were brought in to replace Nakagawa and Tawara. NAKAMURA was placed as the right side back, and Anzai was moved up to the left wing to invigorate both offense and defense.
Tokyo, who cannot afford to concede another goal, saw their guardian make a fine save in the 34th minute of the second half. Douglas VIEIRA, who came on as a substitute, headed a gentle cross from the right into the center. However, the shot that was well-aimed was saved by Go HATANO, who dove to the side and narrowly avoided disaster.
In the final stages of the match, the blue and red team increased their pace even further. With aggressive pressing from the front line that deprived the opponent of their freedom, Leon NOZAWA was brought on in the 42nd minute of the second half to replace Jaja. They intensified their pressure from the front to create opportunities for an equalizer.
Even after 7 minutes of added time in the second half, Tokyo continues to press. They launch a brilliant counterattack from the left side, connecting with Diego TABA and Harakawa for a final pass in front of the goal. However, Nozawa's finish unfortunately goes just to the left, and they do not equalize.
The team launching an offensive is being supported by loud cheers from the goal stand. Player Tokumoto desperately delivers the ball to the goal area with a long throw from the left side, but they are unable to push it in. The first match ends with a score of 1-2, concluding the "first half" of the playoff round with a one-point deficit.
The chant that resonated throughout Ajinomoto right after the match was, "Take the cup! Raise it, Tokyo!" Supported by the cheers of many fans and supporters, we will face the away second match on the 9th (Sunday) with the aim of advancing to the prime round.
MATCH DETAILS
<FC Tokyo>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Go HATANO
DF Soma ANZAI/Yasuki KIMOTO/Henrique Trevisan/Shuhei TOKUMOTO
MF Takuto UHIRO/Kei KOIZUMI/Teruhito NAKAGAWA (26th minute: Riki HARAKAWA)
FW Diego Oliveira/Kota TAWARATSUMIDA (26th minute: Hotaka NAKAMURA)/Jaja Silva (42nd minute: Leon NOZAWA)
SUBS
GK Tsuyoshi KODAMA
DF Masato MORISHIGE/Teppei OKA
MF Keigo HIGASHI/Yui NAKANO
FW Divine OTANI
GOAL
25th minute of the first half: Diego OLIVEIRA
<Sanfrecce Hiroshima>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Goro KAWANAMI
DF Shuto NAKANO/ Hayato ARAKI (31 minutes into the second half: Sota KOSHIMICHI)/ Sho SASAKI
MF Naoto ARAI/ Taishi MATSUMOTO/ Toshiki HIGASHI/ Takaaki SHICHI
FW Mutsuki KATO/ Yuki OHASHI (44 minutes into the second half: Makoto MITSUDA)/ Pieros SOTIRIOU (31 minutes into the second half: DOUGLAS VIEIRA)
SUBS
GK Yudai TANAKA
MF Hiroya MATSUMOTO/Toshihiro AOYAMA/Gakuto NOTSUDA/Ezequiel/Yoshifumi KASHIWA
GOAL
10th minute of the first half: Mutsuki KATO/11th minute of the first half: Taishi MATSUMOTO
[Peter CKLAMOVSKI Coach Interview]
Q, please provide an overview of today's match.
A, it was a frustrating and disappointing result for us. We are disappointed that we couldn't secure the victory. We were able to create plays to win during the game, but by a small margin, in the few chances we barely gave away, the opponent managed to score. The positive point was that we were also able to create chances within that. There are still areas where we can raise our level, and as I told the players, only the first half is over, it's still halftime. I think the next match will be a tough away game, but we want to firmly take control of the second half. I believe that in today's game, we showed that we can compete even when we go away, so next, we just need to go there and complete our job.
Q: What impact does the departure of many players from the team in each age group representative have?
First of all, we support the Japan national team. We cheer for them and want our players to represent Japan with pride and fight with honor. As a club, we are proud that Tokyo players represent the country. I always tell the players that during the season, everyone is needed. Many players are absent, and we are being tested, but for many players, this is a great opportunity. Even in the current situation, I hope we can create the story ahead and connect it to something special.
I am proud of the players who gave everything to achieve the results we desire. There were very good elements displayed, but there were also areas that need to be sharpened and refined. I want to showcase those aspects next Sunday. After watching today's match, I believe we can secure a victory in the next away game, and I am confident they can do it.
Q: Today, there were many very young players, including those on the bench. How would you like them to take advantage of their opportunities?
A, we have experienced similar situations during this season so far. It was a little while ago, but there was also a match where we played with the youngest team in the club's history. I believe today's lineup reflects the team we are building ourselves. There are players who joined from the U-18 team. They are still teenagers, but I hope they will grow more with this experience. Also, I think the academy players will feel that they are close to the top team. This is a sign that we are creating something important, and when building something special like this, we must establish the foundation ourselves. We will continue to work on this, but while continuing, I believe we must improve and develop ourselves even more.
[Player Interview]
＜Diego OLIVEIRA＞
Q: We earned a penalty kick through our collaboration with Teruhito NAKAGAWA. I feel that the quality of our collaboration has improved as well.
It was a breakthrough from the center, but Nakagawa made a very good pass, allowing us to earn a penalty kick. As we play more matches with Nakagawa, we are becoming better at understanding each other's play, so we want to continue building on that. Unfortunately, we couldn't win today, so we will prepare for the next match.
Q: You had a strong presence in both offense and defense until the end of the match. How do you feel about your condition and performance?
A, I am currently in good condition and always doing my best to maximize what I can do. If given the chance, I am prepared to perform at my best at any time, so I want to continue to prepare diligently and contribute to the team's victory through my play.
Q: What preparations will you make before the next match to advance to the prime stage?
A, Sanfrecce Hiroshima is a very high-quality team. It will be a tough battle away, but there is plenty of potential to make a comeback and advance, so we want to give our all to win and move on to the next stage.
<Kota TAWARATSUMIDA>
Q: Please reflect on the match.
A, I think the way the team conceded goals was poor, and we gave up goals due to simple mistakes. We want to thoroughly review as a team and align on how to proceed with the game after conceding. Regarding today's match, I believe it is necessary to align our understanding of what we should have done from the kickoff after conceding. As for my own play, I was able to carry the ball from dribbling into areas close to the goal, so I want to properly improve the quality of my shots and crosses, as well as coordination with my teammates, and approach the next match with that in mind. I have many personal challenges. I want to overcome these challenges and work hard to reach a higher stage and level both as a team and as an individual. I will face these challenges and keep going.
Q: How does Kota TAWARATSUMIDA perceive the issues related to conceding goals?
At the moment we conceded the goal, everyone's arrows were all over the place. I think we need to have the same vector. I believe this is necessary for the team to become stronger from here. Although I myself am only twenty years old and have less experience compared to other players, I think unifying everyone's thoughts is the key to eliminating simple mistakes.
Q: There was also talk about challenges, but I feel throughout the match that Tawaratsukita is leading Tokyo's side attacks.
A, honestly, I haven't been able to show goals or assists in recent matches, so I can't say anything with confidence, but I want to lead Tokyo's left side and side attacks. I firmly have the feeling that I "have to do it."
Q: In this tournament, there are no away goals, and multiple goals are required in the second leg.
A, I want to eliminate conceding goals, maintain the momentum of attacking to score multiple goals, and play in a way that energizes the team. To advance to the play stage, I want to be proactive and aggressive, rather than being on the defensive, and always take action.
<Riki HARAKAWA>
Q, please review the game after coming on in the second half.
A. Since the opponent was applying man-to-man pressure, I think it would have been better to firmly connect with my teammates after receiving the ball, and also to create time in the open style of play, making more key plays.
Q: It became a play in a position like an attacking midfielder.
A, I am not the type to break away forward, so I want to keep touching the ball more and more. As a team, we often make quick attacks forward, so when I am on the field, I focus on becoming a ball connector and playing in a way that can push the whole team forward.
Q: What were you aware of regarding the opponent's system?
Since A was defending man-to-man, I thought if I could get past one person, it would create a chance. If I could coordinate with Diego OLIVEIRA and play while touching the ball more myself. I think it would have been better if I could play by taking good positions to increase the number of times I receive the ball a little more.
Q: How will you prepare for the second match?
I think we need to take more seriously the fact that we have not been able to win against higher-ranked opponents in the league matches. Recently, we have not been able to beat teams ranked higher in the league such as Nagoya Grampus, Gamba Osaka, and Sanfrecce Hiroshima, so I believe the entire team needs to recognize this reality more and work on improving it. By being conscious that it connects to the league matches, and by facing Hiroshima with the aim of winning, I believe it will lead not only to success in the Levain Cup but also in the league matches.
