Match Review
The second match of the playoff round was held, aiming for advancement to the prime round of the J.League YBC Levain Cup. Although the first match, held four days ago on the 5th (Wednesday) at Ajinomoto Stadium, ended with a one-point deficit, we were able to gain confidence in terms of performance. The sequence leading up to the penalty kick awarded to Diego OLIVEIRA was brilliant, showcasing the attacking style we have developed this season.
This is the first match for the club at EDION PEACE WING HIROSHIMA. Tokyo's starting lineup is based on the members from the first match, with Masato MORISHIGE and Hotaka NAKAMURA included in the starting members. The double pivot consists of Keisuke KOIZUMI and Takahiro KO. On the wings, Soma ANZAI and Kota TAWARATSUMIDA are positioned, while Diego Oliveira and Teruhito NAKAGAWA lead the front line. The team is aiming for a comeback victory on enemy territory to advance to the prime round, as the "second half 90 minutes" begins.
1st HALF - Despite repeatedly approaching the goal in the latter part of the first half, we couldn't score.
Learning from the mistakes of conceding goals in quick succession at the start of the first match, Tokyo shows a focused start to the game. In the 6th minute of the first half, there is the first chance. From fluid passing, left back Shuhei TOKUMOTO brought the ball to the cross.
However, Sanfrecce Hiroshima does not back down easily. In the 11th minute of the first half, a cross from player Arai led to a decisive shot from Pieros SOTIRIOU, and in the 16th minute of the first half, they were threatened by a corner kick. However, player Nakamura, who was covering the goal, cleared the ball just in time on the goal line to escape danger.
Similar to the first match, the game was characterized by the high intensity and quick transitions between offense and defense from both teams, leading to increased action in front of both goals. In the 19th minute of the first half, Tokyo broke through on the right side, and Anzai had a chance to shoot from a cross by Tawara, but they were countered after a block. Ohashi's cross, which flowed to the right side, was met by Shunki HIGASHI, but it went over the goal.
In the 39th minute of the first half, Anzai advanced the ball from the final line and delivered a cross after breaking into the penalty area, catching the goalkeeper off guard. Then, in the 45+3rd minute of the first half, Nakamura made a strong shot with his right foot from a coordinated play as he surged forward. Although they couldn't score, they created a chance that brought them close to the Hiroshima goal towards the end of the first half, and the match was turned around.
2nd HALF - 17-year-old Diva's goal is overshadowed by consecutive goals conceded
Tokyo needed a goal at all costs to advance to the knockout stage with a comeback, but they allowed the opening goal at the start of the second half. In the 8th minute of the second half, a cross was delivered by player Koshido, who made a move on the right side. Although they cleared it once, the ball spilled in front of player Kato and was kicked in.
Two minutes later, an additional goal was allowed. Masaru KATO's cross from the left side was met with a powerful shot from Daiki OHASHI with his right foot. The ball deflected off Go HATANO's hands and was sucked into the goal.
Like in the first match, Tokyo conceded consecutive goals. In an effort to counterattack, they brought in Riki HARAKAWA and Leon NOZAWA, replacing Nakamura and Anzai in the 17th minute of the second half. They sent fresh players onto the pitch to try to score a goal back.
However, in the 68th minute of the second half, we conceded the third goal. A last pass from Shiotani was sent behind our defense, allowing Kato to score.
Tokyo, wanting to show some determination, made three substitutions in the 29th minute of the second half. Teppei OKA replaced Henrique TREVISAN, Keigo HIGASHI came on for Taira SHIGE, and Divine OTANI, who was making his top team debut as a registered player, replaced Nakagawa.
Then, in the 32nd minute of the second half, the young player who carried expectations broke through to score a goal.
Keigo HIGASHI fought in midfield and spread the ball to the left side, which was received by Nozawa. He sent a cross with his left foot between the opponent's goalkeeper and defender. Otani, who jumped in from the far side, connected with his head and finally broke through for a goal.
After that, Tokyo showed a proactive attitude towards scoring with young players, and Harakawa had a clear chance to score, but they couldn't convert. The total score over the two matches was 2-5, and they did not advance to the prime round.
The consecutive matches in Tokyo continue, with the Emperor's Cup 2nd Round taking place on June 12 (Wed), two days later, and the league matches resuming four days after that. To pursue the title in the remaining tournaments until the end, the team will approach the matches with full strength from here on.
MATCH DETAILS
<FC Tokyo>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Go HATANO
DF Hotaka NAKAMURA (17th minute of the second half: Riki HARAKAWA) / Masato MORISHIGE / Henrique TREVIZAN (29th minute of the second half: Tetsuhei OKA) / Shuhei TOKUMOTO
MF Hiroshi TAKAU / Kei KOIZUMI / Teruhito NAKAGAWA (29th minute of the second half: Divine OTANI)
FW Diego OLIVEIRA / Kota TAWARATSUMIDA (29th minute of the second half: Keigo HIGASHI) / Soma ANZAI (17th minute of the second half: Leon NOZAWA)
SUBS
GK Tsuyoshi KODAMA
DF Shuto NAGANO
MF Yui NAKANO
FW Rui ASADA
GOAL
32 minutes into the second half: Divine OTANI
<Sanfrecce Hiroshima>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Goro KAWANAMI
DF Shuto NAKANO/Hayato ARAKI (34th minute: Sota KOSHIMICHI)/Sho SASAKI
MF Naoto ARAI/Taishi MATSUMOTO/Tsukasa SHIOTANI (42nd minute: Takaaki SHICHI)/Toshiki HIGASHI
FW Mutsuki KATO (42nd minute: Makoto MITSUDA)/Yuki OHASHI (26th minute: Ezequiel)/Piero SOTIRIOU (26th minute: Douglas VIEIRA)
SUBS
GK Yudai TANAKA
MF Yoshifumi KASHIWA/Hiroya MATSUMOTO/Gakuto NOTSUDA
GOAL
8th minute of the second half: Mutsuki KATO/10th minute of the second half: Yuki OHASHI/23rd minute of the second half: Mutsuki KATO
[Peter CKLAMOVSKI Coach Interview]
Q, please review the game.
First of all, I would like to congratulate Sanfrecce Hiroshima for advancing through the playoff round. It was a good football match, just like the first leg. Until we conceded, not much happened. This was true in both matches, but we gave the opponent a gift, and they took control of the momentum there. To become a special club, we must eliminate such mistakes. Despite the tough situation, I am proud that the players fought together with dedication until the very end. The team gave their all, and I am disappointed that we could not advance toward the cup. We still have much to learn. Many fans and supporters came all the way to Hiroshima. I am grateful to them. I apologize for not being able to bring smiles to their faces.
Q: Regarding the situation where many players from various age groups of the Japan national team have been called up and there are many injuries, I believe the coach does not want to make excuses, but has this had an impact?
A, it is true that many Tokyo players have been selected while international matches are scheduled. However, I do not want to make excuses about that. There are situations where national team players and injured players are absent, but I believe this is where the full strength of our team is being tested. I admire the players who show the mentality to face such difficulties and to overcome them on their own, fighting even in challenging circumstances.
This week has been a tough battle, but four academy players were on the bench, and one of them was able to score a goal as a result of hard work. I am proud of that play. The top team players fought well while connecting with the academy players, passing on their experiences to them. Even during this difficult week, we have been able to grow, and I feel that exciting players are emerging.
Q: In two days, we will be competing in the Emperor's Cup. How are you preparing for this and making adjustments?
A, we are currently feeling very frustrated and disappointed, but we want to channel that into the next match. Even so, I believe football never sleeps, and we will make sure to recover properly and prepare ourselves so that by next Wednesday we can still perform our duties well.
Q: Please evaluate Divine OTANI, who scored a goal and is registered as a second type player.
A is a promising and exciting player. The club is committed to having him practice alongside top team players during training sessions led by the top team's coaching staff while maintaining connections with the academy. He has great potential and is showing very good growth. From the perspective of such growth, there are many other very exciting players as well. He has made a good impact, and the work we have done together over the past few months has yielded these results. I believe he has also been able to bring energy and power to the academy.
[Player Interview]
＜Kei KOIZUMI＞
Q: It was a disappointing result, but please share your thoughts.
A, we have to accept the reality that we lost one title. The difference with Sanfrecce Hiroshima may be small in each aspect, but I believe that small difference becomes a big gap between winning the title or not.
Q: What is your impression when you reflect on the match?
A, there was no need to rush with the game plan, and since we were able to go into halftime with a 0-0 score, I thought it would be fine to somehow score one goal in the second half and then score another in extra time. However, if we concede goals consecutively like last time, it puts us in a difficult situation. We need to improve on conceding goals, and we want to play in a way that does not give the opponent any openings.
Q: How do you feel about this defeat?
A, to repeat, we must firmly accept the reality that we have easily lost one of the three titles. Also, with the Emperor's Cup coming up in just two days, we need to accept this reality and fight desperately to win, or we risk being caught off guard again. The same applies to the league matches, so we want to stay grounded and proceed steadily.
Q, There is the Emperor's Cup in two days.
I think everyone is quite disappointed to have lost one title, so I hope we can properly focus and give our best once again for the Emperor's Cup.
<Leon NOZAWA>
Q: You came on as a substitute. It was a difficult situation to enter, but how did it go?
A, both as a team and as an individual, what needed to be done was clear. For me, I focused on being involved in scoring and running to switch the momentum in both offense and defense. I was able to provide one assist after coming on midway through the game, but I still feel it’s not enough. When I was given the chance to play in that situation, I believed what I could do would have a significant impact going forward. Since I entered the game when we needed goals, I had to be involved in scoring, and I had to help turn the match into a comeback. In that regard, I deeply realized that my ability was still lacking.
Q, please review the assist scene.
When I received the ball, I was free and had some distance from the opponent, so I thought about breaking through. However, since there was still some distance to the goal, I noticed Divine OTANI further inside and made eye contact, so I simply decided to deliver a cross ball, thinking that if it reached Otani, it would lead to a goal. As a team rule, I also believed that delivering a quick cross ball was part of my role, so I played with confidence. I'm glad it led to a positive result.
Q: From today's play, we could see a boldness in your performance.
A, I was able to play with more confidence than in the previous match. After the last game, I reflected and organized my thoughts, communicated with various players, staff, and the coach, and also received words from the fans and supporters. Through that process, I believe the current version of myself is the result of breaking things down and organizing them in my own way. I still feel there is much to improve. I am full of regret towards the fans and supporters who came all the way to Hiroshima today. We must connect this result to the next, and since the next match is coming soon, I want to prepare well and deliver a victory in the upcoming game.
Q: I believe that Leon NOZAWA is able to create many opportunities. What mindset will you have going into the next match?
A, I believe I have been able to attract opportunities even within myself. Today, I was actually able to record an assist. However, as a striker, I want to contribute much more to this team, so for the sake of those who support me, I want to first leave visible numbers. I will continue to work positively and proactively to demonstrate my value and significance within the team.
<Divine OTANI>
Q: How did you prepare for today's match? Also, please tell us about your actual experience during the match.
A, personally, from this season, I have had more opportunities to play in FC Tokyo U-18 matches, and among those, I have had more chances to participate in the top team's training. Last week, I was registered as a Type 2 player, and at first, I was most surprised. Since I was allowed to accompany the team as a Type 2 registered player for the match, I absolutely wanted to achieve results. Around the 20th minute of the second half, while warming up, I was called with "Diva, let's go," and although I felt excited to be able to play, since we were losing, I entered the pitch determined to perform my best. In the end, I’m glad I was able to deliver results in the form of a goal.
Q: The first goal in an official match for the top team was a header. Please reflect on the scoring scene.
When the ball flowed to a deep position on the left side, I focused on utilizing my strength, which is sprinting, getting in front of the opposing defense at speed, and having the awareness to dive in—something I was always told to practice. So, I charged into the front of the goal with momentum. I am happy that I was able to finish firmly because a good cross ball came from Leon NOZAWA.
Q: Please tell us about the challenges you felt on the official match pitch and any areas where you succeeded.
In the sprint section, there was a sense that it worked well. Although it resulted in a foul, I was able to close in on the ball holder with speed, and physically, it wasn't a complete failure either. However, in terms of communication and the mentality going into the match, I need to become a player who can offer more positive encouragement to the team.
Q: With the Emperor's Cup coming up in two days, do you think today's goal has increased your chances of playing?
A, I played for 20 minutes in today's match, but I want to increase my playing time from here and grow into a player who can start in the starting lineup. Speaking of last season, Ryunosuke SATO was promoted to the top team in August. Seeing that myself, I was greatly inspired, and I want to aim to be a player who can succeed in the top team.
