<Match Review>
In the previous match, Tokyo achieved a dramatic comeback victory with a last-minute goal against Sanfrecce Hiroshima in an away game. After a break due to the international activity week, they continued their winning streak and returned to their home Ajinomoto Stadium to face Shimizu S-Pulse in a "test match for vocal support operations."
For Tokyo, it has been about a month since the "voice support operation verification match" against Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo on July 6. In the previous match, the voices of fans and supporters were transformed into great strength, leading to victory. This match was approached with the aim of turning those voices into power as well.
1st HALF - Many ball losses and unable to find rhythm
At the start, both teams were strongly focused on vertical play, and there were scenes of moving the ball towards the goal. Tokyo advanced the ball to a high position starting from the sides, aiming for gaps in the opponent's defense line, but could not get a shot off. On the other hand, Shimizu approached Tokyo's goal in a counter-attack around the 20th minute of the first half, but Yago Pikachu's shot went wide to the left of the goal.
Tokyo, which is struggling to maintain possession of the ball, is gradually being pushed back into their own half, increasing the time spent setting up their defense. In the 28th minute of the first half, after their formation was pushed back and the ball was played back, Matsuo took a powerful long-range shot. The shot narrowly missed to the right of the goal, but the pressure on the ball side was delayed, allowing for a well-aimed shot.
Tokyo, wanting to take control of the ball possession, earned a corner kick opportunity in the 39th minute of the first half. Masato MORISHIGE took a corner kick from the left side and headed the ball towards the far side, which was initially blocked by a defender, but Adailton followed up on the loose ball and sent it into the goal. It seemed that a significant opening goal had been scored amidst a somewhat pressured situation, but Keigo HIGASHI was ruled offside for his involvement in the play, resulting in a no-goal decision.
After that, there were many instances of easily losing possession of the ball, and we couldn't quite find our rhythm as we headed into halftime.
2nd HALF - After conceding a goal, aiming for an equalizer but allowing an additional goal in the final stages
As the second half began, Tokyo increased the tempo of their build-up, moving the ball with fewer touches and frequently penetrating deep into Shimizu's territory. They were creating chances, just a step away from finishing, but their momentum was disrupted in the 13th minute of the second half. After being broken through on the left side and having the ball carried deep, a large cross to the far side was met by CARLINHOS JUNIOR, who headed it into Tokyo's net.
Tokyo, wanting to change the flow of the match, made substitutions in the 15th minute of the second half. Koki TSUKAGAWA came on for Higashi, and Leandro came on for Hirotaka MITA.
Tokyo wants to build up play without rushing and enter the opponent's half, but in the 20th minute of the second half, they lost the ball while trying to connect short passes from the defensive line to break the opponent's press. A shot was taken inside the penalty area, but it went wide to the left of the goal, avoiding a crisis.
Shimizu chose to set up their defensive formation in their own territory, allowing Tokyo to maintain possession of the ball and advance the game into the opponent's half. Struggling to break through the opponent's defensive block, in the 32nd minute of the second half, Luiz PHELLYPE unleashed a powerful mid-range shot that threatened the Shimizu goal. In the 36th minute of the second half, Kazuya KONNO received the ball at the right corner of the penalty area and passed it to the far side in front of the goal, where Kashif BANGNAGANDE made a diving attempt to connect with a one-touch but failed to hit the target.
It was a moment when Tokyo had found their attacking rhythm, but in the 40th minute of the second half, they were broken through on the right side and a cross ball was sent into the goal area, where it was headed in by Thiago SANTANA, allowing an additional goal.
As the match entered the final stages, they actively sent early crosses targeting forward FELIPE into the goal area, but they were unable to get a shot off. They couldn't extend their winning streak at Ajinomoto Stadium, but fortunately, they will be able to play at home again in the next match. They will regroup for the match against Cerezo Osaka on Saturday, August 13.
MATCH DETAILS
＜F.C.Tokyo＞
STARTING XI
GK Jakub Slowik
DF Yuto Nagatomo/Yasuki Kimoto/Masato Morishige/Kashif BANGNAGANDE (substituted in the 41st minute: Junya Suzuki)
MF Kuryu Matsuki/Keigo Higashi (substituted in the 15th minute: Koki Tsukagawa)/Shuto Abe (substituted in the 32nd minute: Kazuya Konno)
FW Keiki Mita (substituted in the 15th minute: Leandro)/Diego OLIVEIRA/Adailton (substituted in the 32nd minute: Luiz PHELLYPE)
SUBS
GK Go HATANO
DF Seiji KIMURA
GOAL
―
<Shimizu S-Pulse>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Shuichi GONDA
DF Hikari HARA (39th minute: Eiichi KATAYAMA)/Yugo TATSUTA/Yoshinori SUZUKI/Reon YAMAHARA
MF Ryohei SHIRASAKI (18th minute: Ronaldo)/Daiki MATSUOKA/Yago Pikachu (29th minute: Benjamin KORORI)/Takashi INUI (29th minute: Yusuke GOTO)
FW Carlinhos JUNIOR (18th minute: Koya KITAGAWA)/Thiago SANTANA
SUBS
GK Takuo OKUBO
MF Kota MIYAMOTO
GOAL
13 minutes into the second half: CARLINHOS JUNIOR/40 minutes into the second half: Thiago SANTANA
[Interview with Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA]
Q, please review the game.
A, Shimizu is a team that plays dangerously if given even a little room, which made the first half difficult. They are a team that can launch dangerous attacks if we give up the ball, and at the same time, their side attacks are one of the dangerous plays we were also wary of.
In the first half, I think our play improved as time went on. We were able to create several chances, and unfortunately, there were also goals that were not recognized.
In the second half, I think we had a good start. We were playing better and I believe we were dominating the match. However, during that period, we conceded a goal from a cross ball due to Shimizu's counterattack, and I think that goal had a significant impact on the flow of the match.
In the first half, Tama (Mita) played well, and in the second half, Leandro, who was brought on as a substitute, entered between the opponent's lines and made good plays. I think this J1 League is a very competitive league. In that sense, regardless of the rankings, every match against any opponent becomes very difficult. The flow of the match can be greatly influenced by which team scores first.
I highly appreciate the players' dedicated play and efforts. They played while taking good care of the ball. As for areas of improvement, I think we could have attacked more from the sides. I would like to commend today's opponent and their coach. Although we couldn't win the match today, I want to shift our mindset and prepare for the difficult match against Cerezo Osaka in the next round.
Q: There were some plays that lacked technical precision. How were you coaching through that?
A, I think that regarding that part, there were more mistakes in the past, and recently the number of mistakes has been decreasing. When comparing the start of the season to now, I believe it is clear that the technical aspects have also improved.
However, most of the players have not experienced this playing style until now. Higashi is one of them, and Abe is also one of them. Kuu was a high school student until last year. I am satisfied that such players have continued to grow steadily over the past six months.
Kashif BANGNAGANDE is also growing steadily, but there is still room for improvement. Our level of completion has not reached 100 percent. Therefore, there is an unstable element that can crumble from a single mistake. In a tightly contested match like today, it was a typical situation where the first goal had a significant impact on the match result. For example, if the disallowed goal had been recognized, I believe the development would have been different. If we had scored first, Shimizu would have had to play aiming for a goal in the second half, which would have opened up space behind our defense line, allowing us to utilize that space for better attacks through quick transitions between offense and defense. Starting the second half at 0-0, unfortunately, we conceded a goal during a time when we were able to control the match better and get closer to the goal. That goal had a significant impact on this match.
Of course, there are still mistakes. However, they have decreased compared to before, and the players are growing. Throughout this year, I want to build the foundation of this team, and I hope that each player continues to grow every day.
[Player Interview]
<Keigo HIGASHI>
Q: I think there were many times in the first half when we had possession of the ball.
We were able to maintain possession of the ball, but I think it's important to play calmly when entering the opponent's territory. If we come up with more ideas and take the initiative against the opponent, I believe we can become a better team.
Q: What were the factors that led to the defeat in the match?
There are various things, but the opponent was also fighting to avoid relegation, and they played with a lot of passion. I think we needed to show more spirit ourselves, and after the match, I still can't analyze it calmly. I hope to reflect properly, acknowledge where we need to improve, and also recognize the good aspects so that we can carry that into the next match against FC Osaka.
Q: What aspects went well?
There were scenes where we entered the opponent's attacking area, so I think it will come down to our creativity in front of the goal, especially as the opponent becomes more solid in defending the goal. I hope we can play in a way that breaks down such teams.
Q: How do you want to connect to the next match?
A, it is important not to have consecutive losses. I believe that if we could have corrected the details, the results would have changed, so I hope to discuss this thoroughly with the players and make improvements.
<Hirotaka MITA>
Q, please review the game.
In the first half, we were able to manage the game with a good rhythm, and I believe that if we had scored one goal, the flow of the match would have changed. I think if we can't score while maintaining a good rhythm, it will end up like today's match.
Q: I think there was a strong awareness of breaking through the opponent's defense while receiving the ball.
A, I was told by the coach that I should take on that role, so I worked hard to play well.
Q: What kind of image did you have going into the match?
Instead of staying on the side, I focused on playing in the center and collaborating with others to break through in the midfield.
Q: What were the things the team was able to do and unable to do?
In the first half, we were able to control the ball, but the part where it did not lead to scoring is a challenge. Even after entering the second half, I believe the team needs to improve its ability to break through even when the opponent is defending tightly.
Q: What preparations are you making for the next match?
A, reflecting on today's performance, I want to prepare well so that we can secure a victory in the next home game.
<Kuryu MATSUKI>
Q: How do you feel about your performance when you look back on it today?
I think it had a significant impact on the team because I missed a crucial mid-range shot that I should have scored.
Q: Around the 44th minute, there seemed to be a chance from Matsuki's good ball recovery. Do you remember that moment?
A, pressing is also one of my characteristics, so I wanted to connect it to a goal, but I hope to create more situations like that.
Q: Compared to the opening match, there were scenes where the side defense was bypassed. It can be seen that the goals conceded in today's match were also due to losing in the duels; what do you think about that?
A, I think it is my responsibility.
Q: I think chances were created from Matsuki's ball recovery in the duel, but today's challenge seemed to be finishing.
A, it's not so much a problem, but I think it's a matter of luck, and today I want to approach it with a positive mindset, believing that the luck has turned in favor of the opponent.
Q: What are the areas for improvement following today's match result?
A, even after the match ended, the players were talking to each other, so I want to improve for the next time.
Q: In the 19th minute of the second half, there was a scene where a through pass was made to Adailton on the left side. I believe that if we continue to show such build-up play, the chances of scoring will increase. What do you think?
If there are players with the ability to drive the team forward, it is best to utilize them, so I want to position myself and make passes that can bring out those players' strengths.
Q: I think there was a player substitution and it changed to 4-4-2, but how did you plan to break through from there?
I understand it as taking on a certain level of risk to add depth to the attack.
<Koki TSUKAGAWA>
Q, please review today's game.
A, I think we were unable to capitalize on our chances while the opponent took theirs effectively.
Q: It seems that there were differences in the movement of the ball between the Hiroshima match and this round.
In the match against Hiroshima, the opponent kept pushing forward, allowing us to create space effectively with one-touch passes, and we were able to advance to the goal using flicks. Today, the opponent started off with a solid formation, which I think was a different aspect compared to before.
Q: Once you are set up, is the challenge going to be to peel that off and carry it forward?
A, I feel that it is important to entice the opponent and draw them out, while also taking more control, moving the ball, and changing their positions to make them move. This is something we need to keep working on. I think it will be difficult if we cannot unify our overall intentions, but I believe we are gradually improving, so I want to continue this effort.
Q: What instructions or roles were you given when you entered the pitch this time?
After conceding a goal, we were always told to go for a goal, to create a solid rhythm, and to value the ball, so I was conscious of that as I entered the game.
Q: How do you evaluate yourself?
A, not at all yet. As the results show, we are still conceding goals after I joined, and we are not scoring either, so I will focus more and work to achieve better results.
Q: There was a match away in the last round, but today was the home debut match.
As a new addition, I am currently being given a chance, but I believe it depends on whether I can seize this opportunity. I will work hard to produce solid results and earn the trust of the coach and my teammates. Playing at home at Ajinomoto, I felt that each team has its own atmosphere. I am truly glad to be a part of a Tokyo team. I will do my best to repay the fans and supporters with results from now on.
I want to be someone who makes the team win when I play, so I want to focus on achieving visible results.
<Yasuki KIMOTO>
Q: It seemed like there were many times when the ball didn't move as expected. How did it look from the back?
In the previous match against Hiroshima, the opponent came at us, which created space, but today, we faced a defense that was more organized, and it is true that we couldn't circulate the ball effectively.
Q, was the biggest factor that we couldn't shift the four defenders in the line?
There was no shaking, and we couldn't play in a way that would make the opponent uncomfortable. We became a bit too focused on our feet, which made it very easy for the opponent to respond.
Q: Is it still difficult to break through if you don't come out after all?
In the early part of the season, there were some difficult matches even when we were pressured from the front, but in the last match against Hiroshima, we were able to create a very good flow. As we move to the next stage, we need to break through even when we are a bit more guarded, and I believe there will be times when we fall behind. It will be important to be resourceful during those moments.
Q: Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA emphasizes growth and building a foundation. This season has had its ups and downs in terms of performance. How do you perceive this situation with one-third of the season remaining?
We have been saying this all along, but as professionals, we need to deliver results. It is very difficult to achieve results while building a foundation, and we all need to challenge ourselves in that regard. With two-thirds of the season already over, I believe our fans and supporters will not wait any longer. There will be tough times and matches, but it is also important for us to have the ability to solve problems ourselves. Regarding our defense in the first half, we discussed after the match that there were areas we could have changed through our own discussions, and I think if we had made those changes during the match, the outcome might have been different.
