Match Review
A match welcoming the prestigious German club Borussia Dortmund to the MUFG Stadium (National Stadium). For FC Tokyo, with the Meiji Yasuda J1 League opening the following week, it served as the final tune-up game combined with a showcase for fans and supporters.
As suggested by coach Nico Kovac at the press conference the day before, Dortmund started five players who participated in the FIFA World Cup 2026 this summer. The lineup included the German national team trio of Waldemar Anton, who played in two World Cup matches, Felix Nmecha, who recorded one goal and one assist in four matches, and Maximilian Bauer, who was a teammate of Narutoya during their time at Hannover 96. In addition, Karni Chukwuemeka, who appeared in three matches for Austria, and Daniel Svensson, who also played against the Japan national team as a member of the Swedish national team, were fielded, reflecting the importance of this preseason match.
Facing them, Tokyo lined up goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu, with a back four from right to left consisting of Muroya, Alexander Scholz, Hayato Inamura—who officially became a full member of the blue and red squad through a permanent transfer—and Kento Hashimoto. The double pivot in midfield was formed by Hirotaka Taku and Kento Hashimoto, while the attackers featured Keiun Sato, who inherited the number 10 on the right, and new signing Shion Honma on the left. The two forwards selected were Marcelo Huan and Mikiki Nagakura. On the bench were Shuto Nagano, who returned from a development-type loan, Hironori Ishihara, who joined on a permanent transfer from Urawa Reds, and fellow new signing, former Denmark international Nikolai Varis. This match became an exciting opportunity to see what kind of play each player would showcase ahead of the new season’s opening.
Since both teams use "You’ll Never Walk Alone" as their chant, the full chorus of the song was played inside the stadium before the match. Additionally, the 2026/27 season uniforms were unveiled on this day. The date and match details were printed on the chest, and on the back of the shorts appeared the logo of the popular meat pie "Four’N Twenty," a product of the newly announced uniform partner "Patties Food Group Pty Ltd.", marking its "blue-red debut."
The game, which was hit by a sudden heavy rain just before kickoff and played in rising humidity, kicked off at 7:03 p.m.
1st―Match Interrupted by Lightning, but Maintained Focus and Went into the Second Half Without Conceding
From the start, Dortmund took control of the game by steadily connecting passes and advancing the ball. Tokyo also pushed their fullbacks high and showed build-up play with the defensive midfielders dropping back to the last line, but in the early stages, they spent a long time being pressed back.
In the 12th minute of the first half, Tokyo connected from a short corner to the center, and Muroya took a mid-range shot. Then, in the 19th minute, Sato broke away on a counterattack down the right side and aimed a left-footed shot after a smooth step cut-in, but it was blocked by an opposing player.
In the 23rd minute of the first half, Dortmund substituted the injured Chukwumeka with Yamamoto Amato, who is on loan from Gamba Osaka.
Tokyo set up a mid-block aiming to break through, but Dortmund's quick press-back after losing the ball prevented them from forming effective attacks. Although the stadium is known for good drainage, the increasingly heavy rain began to affect the ball's rolling and players' footing.
Tokyo, wanting to find a way through on the counterattack, saw Sato break through to the right side from a long ball in the 31st minute of the first half. Although the ball initially became loose in a contest with an opponent, he quickly reacted to regain possession. From here, Hian cut inside and aimed with his left foot, but unfortunately, he could not hit the target.
At the 33rd minute of the first half, due to the continuous heavy rain and the confirmation of lightning, the match was temporarily suspended for about 25 minutes.
Tokyo showed aggressive soccer immediately after the restart. They increased their chances, with Honma aiming with his right foot after winning the ball high up the pitch. However, Dortmund was also highly focused on immediate recovery, applying intense press-back that gave Tokyo no freedom. In the counterattacks following Tokyo’s offensive plays, there was not only sharpness but also skill in peeling off a defender and advancing. Tokyo also demonstrated quick anticipation with interceptions, showcasing defense that would not allow goals until the very end, and the half ended with neither side able to change the score.
2nd―Significant Lineup Changes and Pressing Forward but No Goals
Taking advantage of the friendly match regulations, Rikizo Tokyo made a major substitution at halftime, replacing nine players except for the double pivot midfielders. In the second half, they brought in goalkeeper Hayate Tanaka, completely overhauled the back line with four players from right to left: Ishihara, Rio Omori, Masato Morishige, and Yoshifu Bangnagande. The attackers were changed to Kota Tawara on the left and Fuuki Yamada on the right. The two forwards were switched to a combination of Teruhito Nakagawa and Nikolai Vallys.
The much-anticipated Varis showed an eager start, immediately greeting with a left-footed shot, but Dortmund’s quick transitions gradually put Tokyo under pressure. In the 9th minute of the second half, after a cross was delivered, the loose ball was picked up inside the penalty area following a clearance, and Fabio Silva took advantage of the slight time and space created to score. Tokyo conceded the opening goal.
Tokyo, wanting to change their attack, saw Nakagawa break free in the center at the 19th minute of the second half and take a shot after a well-paced vertical pass with an angle. However, he was unable to convert the one-on-one against the goalkeeper, and could not bring the match back to even.
At the 20th minute of the second half, Nagano was brought on to replace Ken Hashimoto. For number 20, who was promoted from FC Tokyo U-18 to the top team and had continued development-type loan transfers to Gainare Tottori and Fujieda MYFC, this was his long-awaited debut for the top team.
Tokyo, who had created a highlight with Kashifu's powerful dribbling breakthrough, showed a sharp interception by Morishige at the 26th minute of the second half when a vertical pass was inserted, and immediately launched a counterattack. Nakagawa once again broke free on Tawara Tsukida's final pass and aimed with his right foot, but the opposing goalkeeper blocked it, and they could not capitalize on the good chance.
Tokyo, who began to create good chances from counterattacks, at the 32nd minute, after a feed from player Kashifu, Nakagawa dropped the ball, and Varis sent it one-touch in front of the goal, where Yamada closed in and shook the net. However, the goal was disallowed as Varis was judged to be in an offside position. Although the goal was not recognized, it was a play that showed potential with its brilliant direct play.
In the 35th minute of the second half, Yuta Sugawara was brought on to replace Takashi and was deployed as a defensive midfielder.
Tokyo, aiming to counterattack at “Our National Stadium,” saw Tawara Tsukida sharply attempt an interception inside the penalty area in the 40th minute of the second half, colliding with an opponent but the referee judged no foul. They were unable to earn a penalty kick. Then, in the 44th minute, Nakagawa was fouled and earned a direct free kick opportunity, which Yamada aimed with his favored left foot, but the ball went over the crossbar.
Even in the 2 minutes of additional time, they were unable to score an equalizing goal, and the match ended in a 0-1 defeat. Against the prestigious German club, they were able to show what they have built up despite making significant player changes. It was also a game with many valuable lessons, such as Dortmund's high intensity and quick transitions. Taking what was seen in this match as nourishment, after a final week of preparation before the league opener, the Blue-Red Army is finally heading toward the new season's opening match.
MATCH DETAILS
<FC Tokyo>
STARTING XI
GK Kim Seung-gyu (HT 0': Hayate Tanaka)
DF Naruki Muroya (HT 0': Hironori Ishihara) / Hayato Inamura (HT 0': Masato Morishige) / Alexander Scholz (HT 0': Rio Omori) / Kento Hashimoto (HT 0': Kashifu Bangunagande)
MF Woo-yeo Ko (HT 35': Yuta Sugawara) / Keito Sato (HT 0': Fuki Yamada) / Kento Hashimoto (HT 20': Shuto Nagano) / Shion Honma (HT 0': Kota Tawara)
FW Marcelo Hyan (HT 0': Nikolai Vallys) / Mikiki Nagakura (HT 0': Teruhito Nakagawa)
MANAGER
Rikizo Matsuhashi
GOAL
―
<Borussia Dortmund>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Patrick Drewes
DF Waldemar Anton (14th minute second half: João Gadu) / Daniel Svensson (14th minute second half: Miguel Aje) / Luca Leziani / Romeo Ritter (0 minute second half: Jan-Luca Riedle)
MF Jude Bellingham / Felix Nmecha (0 minute second half: Enzo Duarte) (41st minute second half: Justin Lerma) / Maximilian Bayer (14th minute second half: Jan Couto) / Carney Chukwuemeka (23rd minute first half: Yamamoto Amato) (24th minute second half: Ayman Ajil) / Samuele Inacio (14th minute second half: Mathis Albert)
FW Fabio Silva (14th minute second half: Ser Gilasi)
SUBS
GK Silas Ostrowski / Alexander Meyer
DF Almugera Kabar
MF Arne Wessels / Tom Faust / Marwan Mirza
MANAGER
Niko Kovač
GOAL
9th minute of the second half: Fabio Silva
Interview with Manager Rikizo MATSUHASHI
Q: Please reflect on the match.
A, I am very frustrated with the scene of conceding the goal. Because we hesitated and gave way to each other, even if the opponent was not Borussia Dortmund, we would definitely concede. As long as we have such careless goals against us, I believe we can never become champions.
Q: I think there were many scoring opportunities as well.
A, even if we have many scoring opportunities, we cannot win. We cannot win unless we score goals. We cannot become champions unless we score and secure the 3 points. This is something that must be demanded of the entire team, and I believe we must spend each day striving to improve this even more.
Q: Please evaluate the new players.
A, Considering that this was a friendly match and that the opponent was Dortmund, I believe many people probably took various factors into account when evaluating the players. In that sense, Nikolai Vallys fit in with the team immediately after joining. Although we are still exploring the best combinations, I believe there is a high possibility that he will definitely become a key player throughout the season. I think he played very well.
Q: The opening is finally just one week away. How is the condition, including physical readiness?
A, I truly believe we must value each and every day. Our focus is clear and our goals are firmly set, so while there may be some harshness in keeping that focus, it is necessary to live each day with good habits. The players have been doing that diligently. Given that, it’s all the more frustrating to concede a goal like the one today. I wonder why it happened here. It hadn’t happened before, so it’s not acceptable to say it’s because the opponent is a J.League team or because it’s Dortmund. We must thoroughly address this issue.
Q, Regarding the conceded goal, do you think it was a mistake in coordination or a lapse in concentration? What kind of issues do you believe were involved?
A, There were various issues, or rather, among the players there was talk about “yielding to each other,” but I don’t think that was a situation to yield. To put it bluntly, there was the possibility of them crashing into each other, sliding to stop the ball, or physically trying to take the ball away from the opponent. Even so, if the next player reacts and connects when another pass is made, the chance of preventing a goal increases. Also, if they push a little further and manage to send the ball to a spot far from the goal even in a disadvantageous situation, the likelihood of conceding decreases. In front of the goal, we must firmly do the obvious thing: prevent the ball from being kicked toward the goal.
Q. Including whether the team can maintain such an alert state, was the standard the coach expected a bit higher at this timing, one week before the season opener?
AI believe the players were fully focused. There is absolutely no lack of concentration. However, such gaps and spaces must not be created during the game, and we must be the ones to exploit those moments instead. If we hand that over to the opponent, the game will become difficult. Rather than being more alert, we must properly do the basics correctly and consistently.
Player Interview
Nikolai Vallys
Q. This was your debut match with FC Tokyo. Please share your reflections.
A, I really think it was great to be able to play the match together with my teammates in such a wonderful atmosphere. I want to make this even better. I wanted to score a goal, but unfortunately, I couldn’t.
Q. Before the match, there was also a “Niko Call” from the fans and supporters.
A, I received a truly wonderful welcome. I have heard from many people that FC Tokyo’s fans and supporters are amazing. I want to show good performances to the fans and supporters.
Q. How do you feel about Japanese soccer now that you have experienced it firsthand?
A, I knew there were players with speed, excellent first touches, and high technical skills because there were Japanese players on the team I belonged to in Denmark before. However, once again, I was truly impressed by the wonderful soccer being played here. I want to get used to it quickly and perform well.
Q, Have you gotten used to the heat in Japan?
A, I had heard about the heat in Japan even before coming here. I tried to get used to it as much as possible through training. I thought, "Maybe I've gotten used to it," but I still felt that matches are a different matter. However, I cannot use this as an excuse because the other players are playing under the same conditions.
Q, There was also good combination play with your teammates in today's match.
A, I want to improve coordination with my teammates even more. I felt that as a characteristic of the players, they often play within two touches. We need to enhance our teamwork further. Unfortunately, we couldn’t score today, but I believe we will get better from here, so I want to deepen the connection with my teammates even more.
Player Shion Honma
Q: Please reflect on the match.
A, I had the opportunity to play against an opponent we rarely face today, and I truly felt the high quality of their players. The battles for the ball, where it seemed like we could take it but couldn’t, were sensations we don’t often experience in Japan, and it was very stimulating. I hesitated at the moment when I could have taken a shot, which led to that outcome, but after the match resumed, I moved into the center, received the ball several times, connected well, and think I was able to create chances. In the third-man runs, there were also good combinations involving Mikiki Nagakura and Kento Hashimoto on the left side, and I hope we can gradually increase those kinds of situations. However, whether or not I can finish that kind of shot will be crucial in the league matches, so I really want to focus on practicing that.
Q, In the central situation, being able to properly open up the passing lane and receive the ball—was that also an expression of what you have been working on so far?
A, yes. When Kensho Hashimoto effectively shut down the opponent with coordinated defense, I believe you really have to finish chances like that to win. It has always been a personal challenge for me, but I hope to become a player who can consistently convert those opportunities.
Q. At the beginning, you mentioned that you felt the difference between your team and the opponent. Specifically, in what areas did you feel this difference? Also, how do you want to utilize that going forward within the team?
A, the players I thought were the most amazing were the central midfielders. Jude Bellingham and Felix Nmecha. They were truly incredible players. We just couldn’t take the ball from them. Even though Takahashi and Hashimoto pressed intensely, their positioning was so deep and solid that I felt, "This is the world level." It also made me wonder what dimension Bayern Munich, who overwhelm players like them, are operating on.
Q. The opponent applied very intense pressure, including pressing back, and played with high awareness. I imagine you wanted to establish your own style and attack a bit more. How did it feel to you while playing?
A, During the first 30 minutes before the interruption due to rain, we couldn't really show our own style. However, I don't think we were overwhelmed either; we were able to properly set up our defensive block, so I believe we can be confident about that. After the interruption, we were able to move the ball well several times, and in the last 15 minutes before halftime, I think we were pressing the opponent back. If we can become a team that can play like that from the start, we should be able to score many goals. I hope we can refine that aspect a bit more as a team.
Q. The week leading up to the opening will be the final adjustment including conditioning. What areas do you want to focus on refining?
A, teamwork is important, but it is also crucial for each individual to improve their condition and maintain a “fighting spirit” mentally. If we continue that in every match, I believe good results will accumulate, so first, everyone needs to focus on themselves. By doing so, the team will gradually perform better, and I want to steadily raise my condition.
Kota TAWARATSUMIDA
Q. First, please tell us your honest impressions.
AThe conceded goal was a situation the team should have defended completely, and I myself was shifted off balance by the opponent and they were able to deliver a cross, so I wanted to be stronger against the ball holder. There were also many clear chances, so I think if we had finished them off, it could definitely have been a match we won.
Q. I think you were able to show your strength several times by skillfully cutting inside.
A, I felt really good about it, and since I was able to create chances, I want to use this confidence to work hard toward the start of the season.
Q. How do you want to prepare and mentally approach the coming week?
A, We were able to compete against a wonderful team like Borussia Dortmund, so I think it is important for the team to keep this experience in mind starting from practice.
