On Saturday, February 28, Tokyo aims for their fourth consecutive league win (including a victory in a penalty shootout) as they face Kashiwa Reysol at home.
On match day, under the theme 'World Festival,' the venue will be filled with vibrant samba rhythms, and a variety of international delicacies such as Brazil's coxinha, Korea's bibimbap, and Denmark's home-cooked dishes will be available.
However, once you turn your eyes to the pitch and the whistle blows, an intense battle awaits.
Passion of the Sun King
The opponent, Kashiwa Reysol, is undoubtedly a strong team that competed for the championship in last season's J1 League. They are entering the second season under the management of Ricardo RODRIGUEZ. Notably, their style features a meticulous and flexible system operated by a 'purely Japanese unit' with no foreign players, combined with high pressing and diverse attacking patterns to dominate the offense.
In the recent Sec. 3 match against Kashima Antlers, we had a golden opportunity to take the lead with a penalty kick in the 23rd minute of the first half, but the shot by kicker Hosoya went straight to the opposing goalkeeper. In the second half, we brought on Kubo and Omi to energize the side attacks, but we suffered from the recurring issue of conceding goals from set plays and lost 0-2. After the match, coach Ricardo RODRIGUEZ also expressed disappointment, saying "We were far from our usual performance," but the breakthroughs behind the defense initiated by Hosoya and the solid side attacks remained intact.
With the strength of finishing second last season, Kashiwa's 'team unity and organizational power,' fighting desperately to secure their first victory, will surge into Ajinomoto Stadium with the utmost intensity.
Progress Seen in the Tamagawa Clasico
Tokyo has steadily implemented tactical updates since the season opener and currently sits 4th with 7 points. A symbolic moment was the recent Round 3 'Tamagawa Clasico' against Kawasaki Frontale. From the start, they focused on the flanks, with Hayato Inamura actively carrying the ball forward and looking for opportunities with vertical passes to switch on the attack. Defensively, Kento HASHIMOTO, Kota Tokiwa, and Motoki NAGAKURA, positioned up front, worked in coordination. They thoroughly cut off passing lanes to Kawasaki's Wakisaka and the forward Elisson, systematically eliminating the opponent's options one by one.
Noteworthy is the reaction speed to second balls and the awareness to move 'forward' after winning the ball. The go-ahead goal by Sei MUROYA in the 38th minute of the first half. Tokiwa's vertical pass acted as a switch, and when Marcelo RYAN created space in the central position, the ball was played out to Keito Sato, who was positioned on the right side. At this time, six Tokyo players were advancing toward the goal. Ultimately, Sei MUROYA, who boldly overtook Keito Sato with an underlap run, powerfully struck the ball into the net. This entire sequence can be seen as an update to the attacking play and the team's 'progress.'
"Shield" and "Spear" that know the "World"
The current Tokyo is where the play of players who know the "world" is fused with this organizational evolution.
At the rear stands Kim Seung-gyu, the guardian of the South Korean national team aiming for his fourth World Cup. His first match after joining FC Tokyo was last season's game against Kashiwa Reysol. It is still fresh in memory how he demonstrated his class difference with stable build-up and saving skills. Regarding this 'World Festival,' Seung-gyu said, "I love 'Korean Oden'! Since it will be available at AO-AKA PARK this time, I want everyone to try it!!" He also promotes his off-pitch enjoyment.
In the position just before that, there is Alexander SCHOLZ. Having been selected for the Denmark national team in the past, he neutralizes Kashiwa's attacking force with calm and precise responses backed by experience, and despite being a center back, he joins the attack deep in the opponent's territory when the opportunity arises.
And above all, the player to watch is Hian at the front line. As proven by his goal against Kawasaki, he never misses a momentary gap. Not only his vertical breakthroughs, but especially this season, his play of 'holding' the ball at the front has improved, creating space and time in advanced positions, which allows midfield and other players to join the attack, adding more depth.
Player Hian also said, "Samba is a festival for the people of Brazil. I definitely want everyone to experience samba at Ajinomoto Stadium!!" He is eagerly looking forward to his homeland's culture coloring the stadium.
Knowing the world, there is no doubt that world-class play will be seen in every aspect on the pitch in this Kashiwa match.
Tokyo features representatives of Japan who compete on the world stage and have global experience, including Yuto NAGATOMO, Masato MORISHIGE, Muroya, Kento HASHIMOTO, Ryunosuke SATO, and Fuki YAMADA.
Diverse cultures intersect at Ajinomoto Stadium on this day. Enjoy events representing various countries and the food cultures of the countries where players Scholz, Sungyu, and Hian were born and raised. However, what we should savor last is the feast and celebratory toast called 'victory.'
Men who know the world will engulf Kashiwa. When the final whistle blows, we hope to hear the blue and red victory anthem echoing at Ajinomoto.
