Match Review
This is an important game where we want to overcome difficulties as one united team. We have been in a tough situation with no wins in the last six league matches, but by capitalizing on the numerous chances we create, we hope to turn the tide and secure a victory that changes everything. This match is being held at the Japan National Stadium, where we have historically been unbeaten at home. Unfortunately, the weather is rainy, but we expect the support of over 40,000 fans to energize us on the pitch.
Tokyo aims for victory since the match against Nagoya Grampus in Round 3, making one change to the starting lineup from the previous match against Fagiano Okayama. Teppei Oka joins the final line, forming a three-back with Kanta DOI and Seiji KIMURA, both from the academy. Additionally, Yuto NAGATOMO, Keisuke KOIZUMI, and Keita ENDO, who were sidelined due to injuries, have returned to the bench. It will also be interesting to see what roles the experienced players will be assigned by coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI.
1st HALF - Teru's first goal of the season gives the long-awaited opening score
The Tokyo eleven welcomed by blue and red fireworks entered the pitch. Right after the kickoff, player Sato Keiun broke through and dribbled forward to take a shot. Although it went wide to the left of the goal, the play, which firmly directed the arrow towards the goal, conveyed a strong desire for victory.
Both teams advocate for a style of football that emphasizes maintaining possession of the ball. At the start, Tokyo takes control with careful build-up play and sharp vertical passes.
After the 5th minute of the first half, it was Kashiwa Reysol's turn. Tokyo created a solid block against the opponent who was pushing forward while maintaining possession, responding with a defense that tightened key areas and did not allow freedom.
While searching for attacking options, Tokyo progressed the match. In the 13th minute of the first half, player Oka received the ball near the halfway line and powerfully advanced, taking a strong mid-range shot with his left foot. This was blocked by the goalkeeper, but it created a chance through an attack calculated from the goal. In the 20th minute of the first half, the opposing goalkeeper rushed out and made a half-hearted clearance. Kota TAWARATSUMIDA seized the opportunity, aiming for the dropping ball and shooting into the unguarded goal. However, this was saved by player Kojima, who returned desperately.
Tokyo desperately wants to score the opening goal. That desire comes to fruition in the 35th minute of the first half. Player Tawaratsukita, making a cut-in from the left side with quick steps, delivers a low, sharp shot. This hits an opponent, and Teruhito NAKAGAWA at the far side pushes it into the goal. This is the long-awaited opening goal, the first since Sec. 3, giving them the lead.
In the 41st minute of the first half, Soma ANZAI's sharp right-footed kick from a direct free kick opportunity at a 45-degree angle on the left hit the crossbar. Sato attempted to push in the rebound, but it went straight to the goalkeeper, and no additional goal was scored. With the lead secured, the movements of the blue-red players became lighter, and Tokyo advanced the match with an advantage.
In attack, they showed an aggressive attitude and took the lead with Nakagawa's first goal of the season, while in defense, there were noticeable cases of space being exploited on the flanks of the three-back formation. They need to make solid adjustments at halftime and want to pull in a victory from here. The first half ended 1-0, and they turned to the second half.
2nd HALF - Equalized in injury time, frustrating draw
The game, which started with heavy rain in the first half, turned around as the rain stopped at halftime, and the second half kicked off with the loud cheers from the home supporters in sight.
Kashiwa, holding the ball, takes control of the match in the second half. Tokyo tries to connect the ball from the back line to create opportunities, but they struggle with ball retention during the buildup and lose possession. In the second half, they face many dangerous situations from crosses targeting the flanks of the three-man defense, and they need to respond well while enduring and looking for chances.
In the 15th minute of the second half, the first player substitution was made. Marcelo RYAN was brought in as the lone striker in place of Tawara Tsukita, and Sato was moved to the left inside half, changing the formation. With an increase in counterattacks from a structured block, there are high expectations for RYAN's speed, power, and finishing ability.
That player RIAN shows his skills. In the 20th minute of the second half, he received the ball in his own half, faced forward, and accelerated into the Kashiwa area. Although the last pass near the penalty area was cut off by the opponent, his powerful dribbling breakthrough was a play that conveyed great potential.
In the 25th minute of the second half, Kento HASHIMOTO switched with Kei KOIZUMI and Endo. For Endo, who had been continuing rehabilitation due to an injury before the season started, this was his first official match appearance of the season. Furthermore, in the 28th minute, Sato and Doi were substituted for Nagatomo and Yasuki KIMOTO. This transitioned to a formation with Nagatomo on the left wing and Anzai positioned as the right inside half.
In the final stages, Kashiwa launched a simple attack that created dangerous scenes. In the 41st minute of the second half, a long ball from the back line was headed forward, and Yoshio KOIZUMI broke free to take a looping shot. This narrowly missed to the left of the goal, escaping danger by a hair. Kashiwa not only maintained possession but also launched quick and powerful attacks. Tokyo responded to the opponent's dangerous passes with committed defensive plays. The five minutes of added time saw continued desperate defense. VAR support indicated the possibility of a penalty kick, but it was ultimately ruled no penalty kick.
Tokyo, which has endured together, was caught off guard by a ground cross ball that broke through the sides of the three-back defense, allowing Kinoshita to score in the dying moments of the match at 45+4 minutes into the second half. Despite this, Tokyo pushed forward with a strong desire for victory, exerting all their strength to launch attacks. However, their desperate efforts did not bear fruit, and the match ended with a time-up. Despite their strong desire for victory, they were unable to secure a win at the very end, leaving them winless in their last seven league matches.
MATCH DETAILS
<FC Tokyo>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
DF Tetsuhira OKA/Kanta DOI (substituted in 33rd minute: Yasuki KIMOTO)/Seiji KIMURA/Kosuke SHIRAI
MF Soma ANZAI/Takahiro TAKAHIRO/Kento HASHIMOTO (substituted in 25th minute: Kei KOIZUMI)/Kota TAWARATSUMIDA (substituted in 15th minute: Marcelo HIAN)
FW Megumi SATO (substituted in 33rd minute: Yuto NAGATOMO)/Teruto NAKAGAWA (substituted in 25th minute: Keita ENDO)
SUBS
GK Go HATANO
DF Henrique TREVISAN
MF Keigo HIGASHI/Maki KITAHARA
MANAGER
Rikizo MATSUHASHI
GOAL
35th minute of the first half: Teruhito NAKAGAWA
<Kashiwa Reysol>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Kousuke KOJIMA
DF Harada Wataru/Taiyo KOGA/Tanaka Hayato/Tomoya KOYAMATSU (23rd minute: Diego)
MF Kumasaka Mitsuki/Yuto YAMADA (31st minute: Mao HOSOYA)/Tojiro KUBO (31st minute: Nakajima Shun)/Yoshio KOIZUMI
FW Watarai Riki (23rd minute: Hayato NAKAMA)/Yuki KAKITA (13th minute: Kosuke KINOSHITA)
SUBS
GK Haruki SARUTA
DF Tomoya INUKAI
MF Sachiro TOSHIMA/Eiji SHIRAI
MANAGER
Ricardo RODRIGUEZ
GOAL
4 minutes into the second half: Kosuke KINOSHITA
[Interview with Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI]
Q, please review the game.
A, we ended in a draw just one step away, and I am filled with very frustrating feelings. The game did not go according to our pace, but while maintaining the lead, we ultimately conceded a goal while continuing to attack. I feel that this showed the weakness in ourselves, including myself. Once again, I want to align our perspectives firmly with the players and prepare for the next match.
Q: I believe substitutions were made to score the second goal, but what was lacking that prevented us from achieving the second goal?
A, we spent a very long time defending. In the early part of the first half, the front line struggled to apply effective pressure, and the defensive line was unable to move up and down smoothly. However, towards the end of the first half, those aspects began to fit together well. I believe we were able to make good ball recoveries, catch the opponent offside, and maintain a compact formation. However, in the early part of the second half, we fell a bit short in those areas, and our one-on-one defense was also lacking, which allowed the opponent to freely take the initiative in their attacks.
Q: In the scene of the conceded goal, it started from the opponent's throw-in, and we were caught off guard with our feet stopped.
A, we fully understood that Kashiwa Reysol would aim for such narrow spaces, but in the end, we couldn't respond properly there. They managed to cross the ball inside, and before that, they were able to get a touch, so even though there were players present, we were ultimately beaten at the final moment. Organizationally, we were able to act with a certain level of intent, but up until now, in one-on-one situations or in areas we must not concede, we inevitably gave ground. We couldn't fully demonstrate that tightness. This is not limited to individuals alone. We spent a very long time defending, and it is quite possible that physical fatigue impaired our decision-making. Both organizationally and individually, I believe we have defensive intensity, and I think we need to reconsider the reasons why it was not demonstrated.
Q: Yuto NAGATOMO has returned. In this team situation, what impact does his return have, and what does the coach expect from him?
A, with his entry, the aspect of not easily giving freedom in defense was demonstrated, and although not all attacks were necessarily good, I think the number of counterattacks increased. In terms of properly finishing the game, his ability to inspire everyone and lead through his performance has a truly significant influence. Kashiwa Reysol has strengths on the sides, so after some consideration, we placed him on the left side. However, it was that side where we were beaten, and I feel there was some overall softness. How we can close that down is something for the future, but I believe he is a presence who fully demonstrates his ability and has a positive impact.
[Player Interview]
＜Teruhito NAKAGAWA＞
Q: We missed the victory due to a late goal in the match. Please reflect on the game.
A, This is neither the result nor the content we wanted, and I think our true ability was reflected in the result. Regarding the goals conceded, it was due to the long periods of being pressed by the opponent, and our own weaknesses showed.
Q: There were long periods of being under pressure, but there was also focused defense.
A, if you give the opponent that much time to attack, the probability of conceding goals naturally increases. The forward players were unable to defend in a way that limits where to regain possession or to fully win the ball. Although the number of players at the back may have been sufficient, as a result, we allowed goals. Coordinated defense in those areas is an issue.
Q: The opening goal was Nakagawa's first goal of the season.
It was a goal born from a good play by Kota TAWARATSUMIDA. There was also a bit of luck as the cross ball came right in front of me, but I think it was good that I was able to firmly convert that chance into a goal, including some element of luck. However, after that, we couldn't maintain possession of the ball and as a result, we couldn't secure the victory. We have no choice but to learn from matches like this.
Q: What factors led to the opponent gaining the upper hand?
A, since it was a mirror game, the opponent closely marked us almost man-to-man. In the end, we were defeated by the opponent's skill and their ability to create gaps. As I mentioned earlier, although the number of players was sufficient, there were long periods in today's match where players were just "present" without impact. The difference in the ability to fully take the ball away became apparent.
<Kei KOIZUMI>
Q: It was a disappointing result.
A, many members and staff have been with the team since last season, and although there were times last season when we couldn't win, everyone struggled and struggled until we finally won. Looking at the whole year, I think there are good times and bad times. So far, after 10 matches, we have only managed 2 wins. I believe we can do more, we must do more, and we need to have a strong sense of urgency. I don't want to think of it as just 10 matches; I want each individual to focus on each match in front of us, making that extra effort to get closer or be one step faster than the opponent. I want to firmly commit to that one step.
Q: I think mental aspects are important during difficult times like this. As a captain, what do you focus on and communicate to the team?
During periods when we can't win, there are various external voices and a lot on social media, which is natural. However, I believe the most important voices are those within the team. It is normal in this world to accept external voices as evaluations and face reality, and since results are not coming, criticism is also to be expected. But still, I want to prioritize the voices within the team the most. The players who are part of the team, and the team itself, must work firmly to avoid collapsing.
Q: Do you feel a sense of achievement during the match?
<div>A, regarding today's match, there was the idea that as long as we had the ball, we wouldn't concede, but being attacked that much naturally increased the danger, and I wanted to correct that by winning. After all, we have to win even in such situations, and when deciding to kick behind the opponent's defensive line, the opposing goalkeeper missed, so we need to kick to more uncomfortable spots for the opponent and improve the quality of each play. Also, fundamentally, we absolutely cannot win without fighting harder than the opponent. We need to raise that quality as well and remain committed to it.
Q, I believe that Kei KOIZUMI will lead the team, including the aspect of “fighting.” How will you approach the next match?
A, above all, winning is the most important thing, and I believe I must become a player who can lead the team to victory. Whether in attack or defense, I have to deliver results, so I want to secure a solid win in the next Levain Cup match against RB Omiya Ardija, build momentum, and carry that into the league matches.
