Match Review
This match, Tokyo faces Shonan Bellmare, who remain unbeaten since the opening. It is a crucial game where victory is absolutely necessary to accumulate 3 points by defeating the top teams at home and to stay in contention for the upper ranks with an early lead in wins.
Shonan, which recorded its first-ever opening three consecutive wins in club history, has relinquished the top spot due to a draw in the previous match, but its strong performance with 10 points places it in second. Under the leadership of Coach Yamaguchi, the team has succeeded in making a strong start with excellent organization and intense pressure from the front line.
Tokyo made three changes to the starting lineup from the previous match. Taishi Brandon NOZAWA stands as the goalkeeper, with a three-man backline consisting of Kanta DOHI, Masato MORISHIGE, and Teppei OKA from right to left. On the wings, Kosuke SHIRAI is positioned on the right and Soma ANZAI on the left, while the central midfield features Kento HASHIMOTO and Takahiro KO, who are starting together for the second consecutive match after returning, marking their first start at Ajinomoto Stadium. In the forward line, Teruhito NAKAGAWA and Kota TAWARATSUMIDA play as inside midfielders, with Keita YAMASHITA as the lone striker. For Shirai, this match is against a club he has a deep connection with, having been his first professional club, while for Yamashita, it is a memorable club where he experienced a frustrating injury during a loan spell that he chose with determination.
In this match, the bench featured some fresh members. Seiji KIMURA and Hisatoshi NISHIDO made their first appearances on the bench after their transfers, while Kouta TOKIWA, who has experience playing in the Meiji Yasuda J3 League with FC Tokyo U-23 during the 2019 season, was included in the squad for the first time in the J1 League. Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI mentioned the day before the Shonan match regarding the use of young players, "My role is not to teach or convey, but to observe closely and bring out their strengths." It will be interesting to see how the potential of these young talents is incorporated into the match.
In a chilly climate where powdery snow flurries fell before the match, the game aiming for a home winning streak kicked off at 16:03.
1stHALF—Maintained possession and created chances but failed to score
The early stages saw a back-and-forth battle, with both sides cautiously probing each other. Tokyo aimed to build their attack using a flexible system where player Hashimoto took a slightly deeper position to join the build-up, while players Doi and Oka spread out wide on the flanks.
In the 7th minute of the first half, player Hashimoto made a breakthrough on the left side with a through pass that broke through the opponent's defense. Player Anzai managed to get away, but got tangled with the opponent and couldn't create a chance. In the following 11th minute of the first half, player Anzai intercepted the ball starting from player Yamashita's aggressive press. However, Yamashita's shot after receiving the ball again was blocked by the opponent's defender.
The first big chance came in the 17th minute of the first half. From the left side, Yamashita passed the ball to Takai, and Tawara made the shot. The ball just missed to the left, but they are trying to break through the opponent's defense with precise passing.
Tokyo connects the ball rhythmically at a good distance and pushes forward. In the 26th minute of the first half, just as they were about to be countered from an attacking corner kick, player Oka skillfully intercepted the ball. On the right side, players Tawaramizuki and Nakagawa delivered consecutive crosses. In the end, player Yamashita made a high header at the far side, but the opposing goalkeeper made a save just before the ball crossed the line. Although they couldn't score, Tokyo tactically suppressed the opponent's strengths and maintained an advantage in the battles for the ball, progressing through the match.
In the first half, the blue and red eleven thrived in the cold rain that started falling during the match. Although they couldn't score a goal, they showcased a style of football that sought to maintain possession while reproducing their attacking plays. Now, they need to improve their precision and threat in the finishing part, aiming to shake the net first. The match went into halftime scoreless.
2nd HALF—Created many chances but ended in a scoreless draw
There were no player changes for either side during halftime. Entering the second half, Tokyo showed determination in the battles for the ball, continuing to apply pressure from the front line and fighting hard both offensively and defensively. In the 7th minute of the second half, Nakagawa charged near the goal from Shirai's cross, demonstrating a bold attitude in pursuit of scoring.
Not only creating a starting point on both sides, but also increasing scenes where chances are created through vertical passes from the final line to the inside half, and intricate passing exchanges while pushing into the opponent's territory, all while maintaining reproducibility without fitting into a specific pattern.
In the 15th minute of the second half, a play was initiated on the left side, and player Oka, who overlapped, made a one-two with player Nakagawa to break into the center and took a shot with his right foot. This went well wide of the target, but it was a wonderful attack with the center-back involved in the finishing flow of the coordinated offense. After that, they continued to launch attacks centered on the left side, but there were several instances where the ground cross did not connect in the center.
The first substitution occurred in the 18th minute of the second half, bringing in player Sato Kei-in for player Yamashita. Player Nakagawa was moved to the front line, and player Sato was placed as the right inside half to increase pressure on the front line.
That player Sato creates a big chance. In the 67th minute, he breaks free from a floating pass from player Takashi on the right side, charging forward powerfully despite being marked by the opposing defender. He carries the ball to the goal line and cuts it back, where player Tawara Tsukita runs in and takes a direct shot with his right foot. It was a decisive moment, but unfortunately, the ball goes just over the crossbar and does not result in the opening goal.
Tokyo's fierce attack continues. Each player actively engages with the ball, picking up second balls and pushing into the opponent's territory to advance the match. In the 28th minute of the second half, Kei KOIZUMI was brought in as the right winger, replacing Shirai and Hashimoto, while Tokiwa was introduced as a defensive midfielder. This marked Tokiwa's debut in the J1 League.
In the 32nd minute of the second half, while connecting deep in their own territory and speeding up, Nakagawa received the ball in the center and dribbled forward. At this point, the defensive midfielder Tokiwa broke through on the right side and delivered a soft cross, which was met by Tawaramizuki, who headed the ball. However, this went straight to the goalkeeper, and once again, they could not convert a big chance.
Shonan is starting to create scenes where they can bring the ball to shoot on the counter, but the defense shows concentrated defense and does not allow any goals. From the lessons learned in the previous match against Kashima Antlers, the situation continues where they want to shake the goal net first. In the 38th minute of the second half, Leon NOZAWA was sent in as a left inside half in place of Taku Matsuzaki, and Coach Matsuhashi further activates the front line.
In the pouring cold rain, the blue-red captain wants to respond to the fans and supporters who continue to cheer with a victory. In the 42nd minute of the second half, he ignites the stands with a powerful mid-range shot from the right side. In the 45th minute of the second half, player Doi overlaps to the enemy's corner flag area during the buildup. The fierce battle continues to shake the goal net.
The fierce attack continued during the 4 minutes of added time in the second half. After pushing forward, a scramble occurred in front of the goal, and Takahashi shot at the loose ball. Nakagawa aimed for the blocked loose ball, but the decisive shot went over the crossbar. Furthermore, Koizumi let a ground cross from the right side pass through in the center, and Leon NOZAWA took a well-aimed right-footed shot. However, this also narrowly missed to the right of the goal, failing to shake the net.
Although we created many chances by outdoing our opponents both tactically and in individual battles, we could not finish, resulting in a scoreless draw. While we felt a solid sense of adaptability, diverse attacking, and focused defense, this game left us with the ongoing challenge of finishing.
MATCH DETAILS
<FC Tokyo>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
DF Masato MORISHIGE/Teppei OKA/Kanta DOI/Kosuke SHIRAI (28th minute: Keisuke KOIZUMI)
MF Soma ANZAI/Hiroshi TAKAU/Kento HASHIMOTO (28th minute: Kouta TOKIWAKI)/Kota TAWARATSUMIDA (38th minute: Leon NOZAWA)
FW Keita YAMASHITA (18th minute: Eiyun SATO)/Teruhito NAKAGAWA
SUBS
GK Go HATANO
DF Henrique TREVISAN/Seiji KIMURA
MF Hisatoshi NISHIDO
FW Ewerton GAUDINO
MANAGER
Rikizo MATSUHASHI
GOAL
-
<Shonan Bellmare>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Naoto KAMIFUKUMOTO
DF Kim Min-tae/Junnosuke SUZUKI/Taiga HATA
MF Yuto SUZUKI/Tomoya FUJII/Kosuke ONOSE/Kohei OKUNO/Taiyo HIRAOKA (substituted in 70th minute: Hisatsugu ISHII)
FW Akito SUZUKI (substituted in 70th minute: Lukian)/Sho FUKUDA (substituted in 90+2 minutes: Ryo NEMOTO)
SUBS
GK Kota SANADA
DF Kazuki OIWA/Sere MATSUMURA/Naoya TAKAHASHI/Kazunari OHNO
MF Akimi BARADA
MANAGER
Satoshi YAMAGUCHI
GOAL
-
[Interview with Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI]
Q, please provide an overview for today.
<div>A, thank you very much to all the fans and supporters who came to the stadium despite the really cold weather. Under such circumstances, it is very disappointing that we ended up with just 1 point. Throughout the match, especially in the first half, both teams had a tight game. In the second half, to create more challenging opportunities, we gave advice and approached individual players, and they were able to demonstrate those aspects, allowing us to gain an advantage at certain times. Towards the end, similar to the previous match, we had several clear chances but failed to convert them. Because of that, the match ultimately ended in a draw. It is very frustrating, and I wonder why, but we will not give up and will prepare for the next match.
Q. Unlike the previous match, you managed to keep a clean sheet and earned 1 point. How would you evaluate the defense?
A, exactly as planned, we were very well prepared and built up to this point. Even when errors occurred, I think the response to those errors was excellent. Towards the end, considering that the game would likely unfold this way, we made the decision to keep one substitution in reserve, and within that context, the team fought tenaciously until the very end. Not only were we able to keep a clean sheet, but we also effectively disrupted the opponent's momentum and launched counterattacks. Overall, I believe the defense was outstanding.
Q, Among them, please tell us your evaluation of Kento HASHIMOTO, who started in two consecutive matches, and Kouta Tokiwa, who made his J1 League debut today.
I think that Hashimoto delivered a very wonderful performance. There may have been moments where he couldn't last the full 90 minutes, but in terms of showing 100 percent of his ability in what he can do right now, I believe he performed very well. As for Tokiwa, he has maintained a really good attitude and condition since camp, and he has been playing in a way that is very promising, including his performance. However, as the season started and the matches began, there were some fluctuations, so he hadn't quite made it to the field yet. But he performed very well to be included in today's lineup, and he was able to showcase that performance in this game as well. Just like Maki KITAHARA from the previous match, I hope that by gaining experience from today's game, he can take another step forward..
Q. Were there any instructions from the coach as a countermeasure against Shonan Bellmare's attack?
Regarding defense, I have been discussing and planning with Coach Yu TOKISAKI, who is leading the efforts, and I align my opinions with what I hear from him. The players are also very focused during the sessions. First of all, the roles of the three players up front are extremely important. I can't say much here, but within the defense that starts from the front line, it's about where to force the ball and how to proceed. However, things don't always go according to our plan, and there are moments when the opponent gets through, but we have also built solid countermeasures for those situations and when the opponent's strengths come out. We were able to express that well in this match. Not just this match, but I believe the players themselves are feeling a sense of progress. I hear such comments, and for this match, being able to connect to the attack was very significant. Since we have done that much in planning, being able to show what we trained today as is will be a strength going forward. Making that even higher quality will be important in the next stage.
Q, when it comes to Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI, there is an image of possession soccer, but today FC Tokyo executed counterattacks well. Are you currently rebuilding the team, or are you thinking of utilizing the strengths of the existing team?
A, if anything, we are still focusing on bringing out our strengths while slightly teasing the sides. We include such sessions in training and are gradually building up. We are proceeding while observing the players' awareness and sensitivity, so it doesn't feel like it's fully in the forefront yet. However, there are parts that players feel during the game, and of course, I provide clear feedback at such times, telling them what to try in the next stage, and they always do it. Although little by little, I think various things are accumulating. During the camp, there were several games where this was strongly evident, but when it comes to actual games, the opponents also prepare countermeasures, so when players play with a solid sense of game flow and game reading, I try not to push my own ideas too much.
[Player Interview]
＜Teruhito NAKAGAWA＞
Q: Please reflect on the match.
A, I think it was a match where it was unclear which side the victory would go to. Both teams had chances and periods of control, and I believe that our failure to capitalize during those times led to today's result.
Q: Coach Matsuhashi also praised the defense of the three forwards in the press conference. I believe that Nakagawa's individual defensive contribution was also very high.
A, I understood that when facing the opponent's system, gaps would occur and spaces would be created, so I was especially conscious of making well-timed dropping movements and movements to be used by teammates. I wanted to create a good cycle by being involved with the ball and aimed to establish the rhythm of the attack. Defensively, the opponent's unconventional system made it difficult to mark, such as center backs positioning themselves as defensive midfielders, but since this was shared by the staff in pre-match meetings, I think we were able to prepare properly. Also, recovering second balls. Whether we can pick them up or not changes the rhythm and attacking opportunities. I was aware of this as a key point, and I believe there were chances and threats arising from this in today's match as well.
Q: I think the key point is how many goals we can score now that the team's level of completeness is improving.
A, first of all, I think we are well organized defensively, and we can clearly decide where to win the ball depending on the opponent. I feel that this aspect has been improving with each match. In matches where we couldn't score goals like this one, last season we often ended up conceding goals at the very end. I think it was good that in a situation like today's, we endured the critical moments and finished without conceding. That is one area where we have made progress. On the offensive side, I think it is about how to deliver wedge passes and, after pressing in the opponent's territory, how to enter the box and connect to scoring. I feel the progress in offense while playing, and to make the most of each player's skills in front of goal, I want to play calmly. I myself missed a chance that could have led to a goal in today's match, and since everyone is just one step away, I want to prepare for the next game so that we can calmly finish our chances.
<Player Kenta Tokiwa>
Q: It was your debut in the J1 League and at home at Ajinomoto Stadium. How did it feel to stand on the pitch?
A, when I finally stood in the place I had always admired, it was a strange feeling, but I kept my composure. Even the moment I was called to substitute felt like just another regular match. I didn't get overly tense and was able to enter the game as usual.
Q: It was a very difficult situation for your debut match, coming on as a substitute against a strong team, with heavy rain making the pitch slippery. How did you approach it?
A, first of all, since it was 0-0, I focused on defense to avoid conceding goals. Especially for the defensive midfielders, it looked very tough from the bench to deal with the opponent's two shadow forwards, so I made sure to prevent that. However, since I was substituted in to help win, I also wanted to go for scoring goals.
Q: I believe that Tokiwa's vertical movement in both offense and defense has been a great help to the team.
A, since the defense was becoming heavy at the back, we actively aimed to press from the front to force the opponent to pass the ball backward. While pressing forward, I was also cautious not to create too much space behind me, but I think I was able to play while maintaining balance.
Q: During the time when we were being pushed back by Shonan, it seemed that player Tokiwa was able to draw out plays that would help us return to our own pace.
A, although I was not able to make plays that move the board, I think I was able to make some plays that tightened the team.
Q: It was your debut match, but the team couldn't secure a win.
A, I don't feel that it's special just because it's my debut match. I came on as a substitute in a league match that we had to win, and I feel responsible for not being able to help the team win. I just really wanted to win.
