<Match Review>
Tokyo welcomed their first home game in about a month in the J1 League. The previous match, which marked the start of the second half of the league, ended in a tough result against Sagan Tosu played away. In order to make a good restart at home, the team stuck to their own way and took to the pitch at Ajinomoto Stadium.
1st HALF - An early accident strikes
At the start, an accident strikes. In the 10th minute of the first half, player Hotaka NAKAMURA, who was running up the right side, injures his leg and is unable to stand. NAKAMURA is unable to get up, so Kashif BANGNAGANDE is hastily substituted in and Yuto NAGATOMO is moved to right back. After that, in the 16th minute, the ball is taken on the left side and pushed in, and a cross ball sent to the far side is returned and scored by player Lukian in front of the left goal, giving up the lead.
Tokyo, who wants to counterattack, increases the tempo of their offense and defense transitions to attack in a counter-like manner. Although they approach the goal, they are unable to reach a decisive scene, but in the 34th minute of the first half, a chance comes. Masato MORISHIGE passes a wedge pass from the defense line to the front line, and Kuryu MATSUKI picks up the ball and swings his left foot in front of the penalty area. It was a well-measured shot, but the ball narrowly missed to the right of the goal. In the 37th minute of the first half, Diego OLIVEIRA, who received a pass in the vital area, took the shot with one touch, but was stopped by the opponent's goalkeeper's offense and defense.
As the first half comes to an end, Fukuoka struggles to find attacking opportunities against a compact defense with a high defensive line. They attempt to break through with passes from the midfield, but are unable to find space and connect with the ball. The game goes into halftime with Fukuoka trailing by one point.
2nd HALF - Tokyo turns the tide with a powerful goal by Kazuya KONNO, but equalizes with a PK
Tokyo, looking to change the momentum, substitutes Kensuke NAGAI for Leandro at the start of the second half. Then, in the 4th minute of the second half, Matsuki passes a looping ball behind him, and Kazuya KONNO breaks through the space behind the opponent. He controls the ball and takes a shot in the penalty area, but it is saved by the opponent's goalkeeper. However, Leandro reacts to the loose ball in front of the goal and scores, equalizing the game.
In the midst of a development where both teams were speeding up vertically, in the 13th minute of the second half, a counter was received and the ball was connected in front of the goal, but the slide did not make it in time and Takeshi KANAMORI took a sharp shot, but Jakub SLOWIK clung onto the ball and made a save. In the 15th minute of the second half, there was a counterattack. Diego passed the ball in the vital area and the opponent's goalkeeper and Kindergarten player jumped in, and although Kindergarten player's shot was blocked, Leandro player picked up the loose ball and pulled the defender towards him, passing it in the minus direction. Ryoma WATANABE made a one-touch shot, but it went over the frame.
Tokyo, where the rhythm of the attack has been born, attacks at once. In the 18th minute of the second half, there is a chance for a corner kick from the left. Although the ball that entered the goal was cleared, Konno, who was in the place where the ball fell, touched it with a one-touch volley from outside the penalty area, and the sharp trajectory shot was sucked into the upper left corner of the goal, successfully reversing with a spectacular goal.
The tide seemed to have turned in Tokyo, but in the 30th minute of the second half, player Kimoto was fouled near the penalty area and a penalty kick was awarded. The penalty kick was scored by player Fanma, equalizing the score.
Additional time was displayed as 10 minutes, and even after 90 minutes had passed, both teams continued to attack. In the 45+8th minute of the second half, Erik managed to get past his opponent's marker in the penalty area and take a shot, but it was saved by the opposing goalkeeper. Fukuoka continued to patiently build up their attack until the very end, but they were unable to score and the match ended in a 2-2 draw.
MATCH DETAILS
＜F.C.Tokyo＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Jakub SLOWIK
DF Hogao NAKAMURA (10th minute: Kashif BANGNAGANDE)/Yasuki KIMOTO/Masato MORISHIGE/Yuto NAGATOMO
MF Kuryu MATSUKI/Keigo HIGASHI (41st minute: Takuya AOKI)/Ryo WATANABE
FW Kazuya KONNO (41st minute: Keiki MITA)/Diego OLIVEIRA (26th minute: Adailton)/Kensuke NAGAI (0th minute: Leandro)
SUBS
GK Go HATANO
DF Makoto OKAZAKI
GOAL
Second half 4 minutes: Leandro/Second half 18 minutes: Konno
<Avispa Fukuoka>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Takumi NAGAISHI
DF Tatsuki NARA/Daiki MIYA/Takaaki SHICHI
MF Yota MAEJIMA/Sotan TANABE (43rd minute: Shun NAKAMURA)/Hiroshi MAE (21st minute: Juan MADRIGAL)/Tatsuya TANAKA (37th minute: Taiki WATANABE)
FW Jordi CRUIX (0th minute: Takeshi KANAMORI)/Yuya YAMAGISHI/Lukian (37th minute: Daiki WATANABE)
SUBS
GK Masaaki MURAKAMI
DF Yuta KUMAMOTO/Masato YUZAWA
GOAL
First Half 16 Minutes: Lukian/Second Half 33 Minutes: Fanma
[Interview with Coach Albert]
Q, please review the game.
A, In the first half, the opponent's goal was created from our tactical mistakes. We usually box out and defend well outside the penalty area, but we were unable to do so in the situation where we conceded. The injury of Hotaka NAKAMURA also had an impact, and the first half became a bit chaotic. After being scored on, we were unable to break through the opponent's defense, who were narrowing the space. It is not easy to break through when the space is narrowed to that extent.
And in the second half, we were able to start with increased intensity. This increases the possibility of receiving a counter from the opponent, but we were able to take risks and attack to turn the game around. We were able to create multiple chances to score and secure the game with a 3-1 lead from a 2-1 state. Unfortunately, there was a goal conceded from a penalty kick, but from my perspective it was not clear whether it was a clear penalty or not. After the game, we discussed whether it would be clearer to do an on-field review in such cases. Even now, I am not sure if it was a penalty or not.
Q, it was said that there were many tactical mistakes in the first half, but after the previous match, I think today's game was very important for FC Tokyo. In that game, there were some frustrating moments, how do you feel about them?
A, The dangerous aspect of Fukuoka is the game development after they have conceded the first goal. It becomes very difficult there. This is because Fukuoka is good at narrowing the space and defending, and the counterattack after stealing the ball is a big weapon. Therefore, if we allow them to score the first goal, it will become their preferred game development. Facing Fukuoka, who has such a weapon, our players were a little afraid of losing the ball after conceding the first goal. That is why we analyze that we were not able to play as expected in the first half.
And at halftime, we talked about playing more boldly. We also asked Leandro to come in and play between the central lines, which worked well. By having Leandro come in, we were able to give more space to Kaua on the left side. Of course, by taking such a risky position and attacking, there was a higher chance of receiving a counterattack from their weapon. However, after making it 2-1, we had multiple chances to score additional points through their weapon, the counterattack. As expected, it is easier to attack when there is a large space behind the opponent's defensive line. We had the potential to secure the game by scoring another goal and making it 3-1 from the 2-1 situation, but unfortunately, we were unable to do so and ended up being tied by a penalty kick. While one point is important, to be honest, we wanted to get all three points.
Q, first half, it seemed like there were a lot of players complaining to each other on the same team.
It is very difficult to attack against an opponent who has narrowed the space so much. My players have never had experience attacking against an opponent who has narrowed the space so drastically. Because it is difficult, I think we were communicating on the pitch, but I didn't feel any bad atmosphere. We have fought against Fukuoka many times, but they are good at taking the lead and then defending and narrowing the space. It is very difficult to break through that, and I think it can be frustrating at times.
[Player Interview]
＜Kazuya KONNO＞
Q, please review the game.
A, I was starting in the league match for the first time in a while, so I really wanted to get a result and I was able to score a goal. However, it's frustrating that we couldn't win the game.
Q, I think the team's rhythm changed from the second half, but what was fixed?
A, The opponent's press dropped in the second half, but I still think we are far from the football we are aiming for. There were times when we played along with the opponent's long balls. We need to take better care of the ball and connect more. In the end of the game, we were tired and had trouble finding passing opportunities, but I think we can fix that.
Q, Can you look back on the goal scene?
A, I was able to hit the ball in the right spot with a strong focus because it was free and the ball flew to a good place, so it was good.
Q, at what stage did you decide to hit directly?
A, when the ball bounced once, the opponent was not there and I was in a free state. I was on the right side of the goal and thought I could aim for the far side by going outside, so I kicked it and it flew to a good place, which was great.
Q, This is the first goal at Ajinomoto Stadium, right?
A, yes. It took quite a while, so from now on, I want to practice so that we can score a lot of points.
Q, I think you were exploding with joy.
Since it was a comeback goal, I went to the back of the stadium hoping to improve the atmosphere by celebrating.
Q, I think he also made a big contribution to the defense.
A, I had analyzed that the opponent's side back player would come up to a high position and cross, so it was quite tough, but I thought I had to firmly return to my own half and defend. I think I was able to do that well.
Q, I think it's difficult to make a shot on the outside even in practice.
A, that shot was in a form of a kick that I haven't practiced before. I really focused on watching the ball and only concentrated on the impact, which made it successful.
Q, did you think it would go in as soon as you hit it?
I thought it would go in. As soon as I hit it, I could see the trajectory of the ball and felt like it went to a good place.
<Leandro>
Q, What instructions did you receive from the coach?
A, I was asked to play in the center and create chances.
Q, what were your personal thoughts going into the game?
When I entered the game, we were losing 0-1, so I entered with the intention of running hard and contributing to scoring.
Q, it will ultimately result in an end to the losing streak.
A, it was good that we were able to stop the losing streak, but we want to continue winning from here, so we will prepare for the next game.
Kashif BANGNAGANDE
Q, What did you focus on when you suddenly had to step onto the pitch and play the game?
A, This was my first time entering a game in this way, but the coach told me to play my game, so I entered the game with a clear head. However, once I stepped onto the pitch, my body didn't move much and I gradually got used to it. It was a good experience.
Q, were you unable to play as you wanted?
A, there were many scenes where the connection with the center did not go well, and although we talked a lot during halftime and the second half, I couldn't play my own game as well as in the first half.
Q, I felt like we couldn't see how to break through as a team in the first half.
A, we talked and made adjustments on the pitch, but there were many irregularities such as substitutions, and I think there were many situations where things didn't go well for the team, especially in the first half.
Q: I think we improved in the second half, but what was the reason for that?
A, each player's positioning, as well as discussing with each other during halftime, receiving instructions from the coach, and making adjustments to avoid falling into the opponent's play, has allowed each player to take positions that shift the opponent. I think that is the reason why we have improved from the first half.
Q, How do you feel about not being able to win at home?
A, I think it was a game where we had a lot of chances and could have won, so I think we lacked the mentality of a winner to win there. It was our first time at Ajinomoto and we hadn't won the last two league games, so we talked as a team to change the flow and entered the game. It's really frustrating.
Q, I think there are situations where you can initiate it yourself, but what do you focus on when you have the ball?
A, my strength is my driving force, and my play is to go forward with dribbling and take off the opponent, but I couldn't do that, so it was a game with only points of reflection as an individual.
Q, How do you feel about the competition for the side back position with Ryoya OGAWA's transfer?
Since A, Ryo-kun has been in the competition for the side back position, the level has been high, and I think the competition will become even more intense in the future. So, when I play in the game, my playing time will change depending on how much I can produce results. In that sense, today's game ended with a disappointing result for me. If I get another chance, I want to focus more on producing results, whether it's by showing a difference in attack or fixing things in defense where there were a lot of things that needed to be corrected.
Masato MORISHIGE
Q, how do you feel about the game looking back, as the expression was completely different in the first and second half?
A, I feel that I was able to play better than last week. I want to move the ball with courage.
Q, in the first half, I felt like we were looking for places to pass the ball.
A, I think it's about where to switch while moving the ball sideways. The players in the back want to move forward, but there are difficult parts when everyone goes forward, so I think it's okay to redo and rebuild there. However, I feel that we need to move the ball forward without fear and head towards the goal.
Q, Was it also because Leandro came in that things went smoothly around that time in the second half?
A, If there is no one relay point in the midfield, the attack becomes weak, and of course there is also the option of passing from the defender to the front line, but if that is all, the midfield will become stretched, so I once again felt the need for attacks using the midfield.
<Keigo HIGASHI>
Q, First home game at Ajinomoto in a while. Please share your thoughts.
We wanted to get 3 points, but we were caught up. We lost 1-5 in the away game and also lost to Tosu in the previous match, so we wanted to win and regain a good atmosphere. However, the league continues and we want to stay positive and move on to the next game.
Q, at 0-1, it seems like the flow has improved in the second half.
We talked about trying to go towards the goal more. However, when we entered the second half with a score of 0-1 and conceded the second and third goals, the game would have ended. So I think we were able to hold our ground there. In the midst of that, we were able to turn the game around once, so I hope we can take this and win the next one.
Q, the next match will also be against Sapporo at home with a 3-day break.
A, The temperature has been getting higher recently, but I think we will gradually get used to it and the players who haven't played today will also get a chance. Therefore, we need to increase the team's unity while competing. Personally, I have been able to play in recent games and I am realizing the joy of playing. I was very frustrated in the first half of the season, so I want to play even better.
