Match Review
Tokyo is blue and red. The big match to prove it has arrived.
After the break, aiming for the first victory and the first league win in about a month, the blue-red army faced off against "green" at home Ajinomoto Stadium.
This is a game where victory is absolutely required. In the previous match, we lost 0-3 in the Tamagawa Classico against Kawasaki Frontale. Moreover, we have not achieved good results at Ajinomoto Stadium with 2 wins, 4 draws, and 5 losses, and both the coach and players have expressed their desire to respond to the fans and supporters with a victory.
A game against Verdy in such a situation. In the last match, we managed to equalize with a goal in stoppage time of the second half after coming back from a numerical disadvantage and a two-goal deficit, but we were unable to secure the victory.
The only thing we seek in this game, which is crucial for the team's resurgence, is victory. First, we want to gain a significant mental advantage and control the key moments of the match to progress in our favor.
First, the defense consists of experienced veterans and players from the academy. At the back, Taishi Brandon NOZAWA is positioned, with the final line consisting of Kosuke SHIRAI, Kanta DOI, Masato MORISHIGE, and Yuto NAGATOMO from right to left. The holding midfielders are Takahiro KO and Kei KOIZUMI, with Ryotaro ARAKI playing just behind the forwards. The three forwards include Diego Oliveira in the center, with Teruhito NAKAGAWA on the right wing and Keita ENDO on the left wing.
The team has struggled with only 1 win in their last 7 official matches, so they want to use this game as a turning point. The match, held as 'FIREWORKS NIGHT supported by Paidy', saw the stadium heat up before the start. After player introductions with moving lights, the players entered the field against a backdrop of spectacular fireworks, with the stands dyed in blue and red. They kicked off in the best atmosphere.
1st HALF - Held the ball and created chances but did not convert to goals
With the home crowd behind them, Tokyo connects passes and attacks from the beginning. The attacking midfielder Araki and the defensive midfielder Takashi, who made their first start after the Paris Olympics, calm the ball in the center and create the rhythm of the attack while utilizing Diego TABA's hold-up play. The strong vertical dribbling breakthrough shown by the right-back Shirai also added an accent to the attack.
In the first half, while the composition of possession was blue and red and the counter was green, it was Tokyo that created the first big chance. In the 25th minute of the first half, player Endo advanced from the center and took a grounded mid-range shot with his right foot. Unfortunately, it missed just to the left of the goal, but Tokyo continued to press and approach the opponent's goal.
In the 33rd minute of the first half, a decisive chance was created from a clever build-up involving player Nozawa. As Nozawa received the ball while circulating it at the final line, right back player Shirai took a position inward to receive the pass, turned around, and sent it to player Nakagawa on the right side. At this point, Diego TABA broke into the space behind and drew the opposing players, allowing Nakagawa to cut in and unleash a shot with his left foot. The ball, deflected by an opposing defender, changed direction and went off target, but it showcased a Tokyo-style attacking play that aggressively pressed into enemy territory with sharp passing.
In the 42nd minute of the first half, Tokyo V created a chance from a big shift left and right. Matsumura's left cross was met by Saito at the far post, but the shot went wide of the goal. It was a close call, but Nozawa successfully covered the near post, avoiding danger.
Tokyo, while taking control, was unable to finish. They wanted an early opening goal while they had the pace of the game, but on the other hand, they showed the determination and risk management unique to an important game by effectively dealing with the opponent's counterattacks with solid defense.
In the end, the first half concluded with a scoreless tie after 2 minutes of added time, and the outcome of the match was carried over to the second half. The players returned to the locker room, sent off by chants from the fans and supporters behind the goal, saying, "We can't lose to Verdy! Let's show our strength!"
2nd HALF - A series of big saves by Taishi results in a scoreless draw
In the second half, a sudden big crisis arises. Tokyo V's Matsumura sends a right cross from a counterattack. Onaga, who ran to the far side, made a direct shot, but the shot did not connect.
After a pinch, there is an opportunity. Connecting at the final line and looking for a chance, multiple players break through from the midfield to the left side with one touch, passing from Endo to the center. Receiving this, Araki makes a move and finishes with his right foot. It hit the opponent who came to block and went off target, but it showcased a brilliant attack full of technique and speed.
Tokyo, dominating the second half while attacking the goal area dyed in blue and red. They showcase their match intelligence by holding the ball firmly and choosing to 'restart' without forcing plays even when spreading to the sides. The aspects that have been challenges until now are consciously addressed by the whole team, demonstrating their growth as a unit.
The intensity of the ball contests, the skill in managing the game, and a solid expression of risk management, with the only thing left to do being to score a goal. A period continues where we want to score a goal quickly.
The defense also showcased focused play. In the 68th minute of the second half, they allowed an opponent to have a diving header from a free position in the penalty area, but here, player Nozawa made a big save with a sideways leap. In the 75th minute of the second half, they faced a decisive header from an opponent's corner kick, but again, player Nozawa made a super save by reaching out with his right hand to a difficult ball that bounced once at close range. All the players on the pitch continued to play with concentration, pushing forward towards victory.
An incident occurred here in Tokyo. The ball hit the side of Taira SHIGE's head as he blocked an opponent's shot, causing him to fall down. It appeared that he might have lost consciousness, which raised concerns, but he raised his hand and responded when being carried off on a stretcher. A concussion substitution was applied, and Teppei OKA came on for Taira SHIGE. Furthermore, in the 41st minute of the second half, Hotaka NAKAMURA was sent in as a right back in place of Nagatomo, changing the formation with Shirai moving to the left side.
In the 42nd minute of the second half, we faced a crisis from the opponent's counterattack, but Nozawa made another big save from Yamami's shot that was on target. He slightly altered the course and successfully defended the goal.
In the 6 minutes of added time, amidst the loud chant of "We cannot lose to Verdy" from the blue-red supporters, a fierce battle unfolded on the pitch over the decisive goal, but neither team was able to shake the net, and the match ended scoreless.
It was a match where the determination for victory clashed, but despite gaining a sense of achievement in terms of content, they could not secure a win. The match, which gathered a large crowd of 39,921 at Ajinomoto Stadium, ended in a 0-0 draw.
MATCH DETAILS
<FC Tokyo>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
DF Kosuke SHIRAI, Kanta DOI, Masato MORISHIGE (substituted at 38 minutes: Teppei OKA), Yuto NAGATOMO (substituted at 41 minutes: Hotaka NAKAMURA)
MF Yu HIRAOKA (substituted at 32 minutes: Chikara HARAKAWA), Keisuke KOIZUMI, Ryotaro ARAKI (substituted at 32 minutes: Go KOBAYASHI)
FW Diego OLIVEIRA, Keita ENDO (substituted at 25 minutes: Kota TAWARATSUMIDA), Teruhito NAKAGAWA (substituted at 25 minutes: Soma ANZAI)
SUBS
GK Go HATANO
GOAL
―
<Verdy>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Mateus
DF Kazuya MIYAHARA, Naoki HAYASHI, Hiroto TANIGUCHI
MF Yuta MATSUMURA (41st minute: Yuuan MATSUHASHI), Akihiro MORITA (21st minute: Tomoya MIKI), Kosuke SAITO, Seiji OKUNAGA
FW Fuki YAMADA (21st minute: Hiroto YAMAMI), Yudai KIMURA (44th minute: Gouki YAMADA), Itsuki SOMENO
SUBS
GK Yuya NAGASAWA
DF Daiki FUKAZAWA
MF Yuto TSUNASHIMA
GOAL
―
[Peter CKLAMOVSKI Coach Interview]
Q: Please summarize the match.
As expected, it was a match where both teams gave their all, especially since it was against Verdy. From the start of the game, with the passionate support from the fans and supporters, I think both teams fought hard until the very end. Regarding our performance, I believe we were able to control the game to some extent until the 70th minute, but our attacks needed to be sharper, and we had to be more of a threat to the opponent. In the last 20 minutes, we lost control and the match opened up. The players gave their all to secure the 3 points, but I am disappointed that we couldn't bring those 3 points home for the fans and supporters.
Q: Please tell us about Masato MORISHIGE's condition.
A, first of all, I think he really delivered an outstanding performance. I believe he calmly moved the ball so that we could control the game. During the time Morishige was on the field, our defense fought very strongly. In that situation, the shot hit his head. Right now, we need to get more information from the medical team. We are praying for his safety. Everyone is thinking about him and his family.
Q: I think there were proactive player substitutions. Also, the players who participated were moving dynamically. However, what was the reason for not being able to control the game in the final stages?
A, I believe the substitutes also made a strong impact by fighting hard until the very end. Today, with Morishige's substitution due to a concussion, all the players registered as field players participated. I think every player who appeared tried to make an impact and fought hard, but when the opponent's long ball came in, we became stretched out and lost control. However, I believe the players gave everything they had. We want to continue the good parts of today's performance and work on training to improve the points that need improvement.
[Player Interview]
＜Taishi Brandon NOZAWA＞
Q, you made a great save and significantly contributed to the team's clean sheet. Please review the game.
A, I think the team performed very well in the first half. However, in the second half, the game opened up, and we need to improve on losing possession of loose balls at key moments, which allowed the opposition to press forward. Even so, the entire team stood firm in front of the goal, and in the end, as the goalkeeper, I was able to hold the line and keep a clean sheet, which I see as a positive point. Still, we must win, and we need to push more aggressively towards the opponent's goal. I believe we have to do more in that area.
Q: There were many moments in the second half, around the 30-minute mark, when the game became a bit more open and we were pushed back. What was the main thing you were focused on?
A, in the second half's development, I believed in my teammates that if we could keep a clean sheet until the final stages, a chance would definitely come.
Q: The members of the back four have changed from the previous match and the match before that. Do you feel any difficulties because of this?
A, no matter who plays, I want to do my best with what I can do at that moment. It's not only about my own preparation, but I always strive to have a positive influence on my teammates as well.
Q: Everyone feels the growth of Taishi Brandon NOZAWA. Has anything changed before and after going to the Paris Olympics?
A, I am truly grateful that I can once again enjoy the soccer I have admired, and that I am currently able to play in matches as a goalkeeper for Tokyo. I believe the desire to take responsibility, grow more, and become an even bigger presence is what is driving my growth. I think I can do even more.
<Kanta DOI>
Q, please review the game.
There were both chances and threats, and as a defender, I think it was good that we were able to finish without conceding any goals. However, since this was a match we had to win, it is frustrating that we couldn't score. In the second half, there were long periods where we were under attack, but we had decided that we just couldn't let the ball get into our goal in this match, so I think that part was good.
Q: In the first half, there were times when we held possession of the ball, but it did not lead to any goals.
A, I made some mistakes myself, but I want to continue challenging myself, so I will keep trying repeatedly and aim to deliver more decisive passes. There are times when the whole team's movement stops, especially when we are tired, and even if only for a moment, I sometimes fail to show up in passing lanes. I want to speak up more and make clearer demands. In these aspects as well, I want to lead the team.
Q: What do you think is necessary to win a match like today's?
A, in terms of offense, I think we need more presence in front of the goal. This applies not only to balls played vertically but also to the lack of presence when entering the goal area during set pieces. Defensively, we kept a clean sheet, but thanks to Taishi Brandon NOZAWA stopping two or three clear chances from the opponent, we must work on eliminating those clear chances altogether.
Q: You have been facing tough matches. What preparations will you make for the next game?
A, I haven't been able to score in three consecutive matches, so personally, I want to become a player who can deliver decisive passes. As a team, to create more chances, I believe everyone needs to run and move more. I want to do what I can properly and prepare for the next match.
<Kei KOIZUMI>
Q, I think it was a hard 90 minutes, please review the game.
A, as expected, playing in the heat, we tried to hold the ball a bit more, extending the time we had possession to calm things down and play with composure in the first half. However, of course, we still needed to be aggressive where necessary, and in the meeting, the team discussed targeting spaces. I think it would have been better if individuals had made more forward runs in those situations, and in the second half, when the ball was on the sides, we also needed an additional run behind the defense.
Q: It has been tough without a victory in the last four matches, but how do you perceive the important points that need to be addressed, including the upcoming match against Kyoto SANGA F.C.?
A, I think the intensity, the battles for the ball, and the passion for matches like this need to become the standard every time. Within that, as a team, we want to be able to flexibly adapt how we defend and how we break down the opponent's defense depending on the opponent. This applies both to the team and to individuals. With 11 matches left, it's about whether we join the fight for a higher position or get dragged into the battle at the bottom. We will stay aware of our current position and proceed with a strong sense of urgency.
