<Match Review>
In the previous round, Tokyo won 6-3 against Kashiwa Reysol, who are competing for the top spot, in an official match after a break of about 3 weeks. In this round, they faced Yokohama F.Marinos, who are also competing for the top spot, at Ajinomoto Stadium for their first home game in about a month.
Tokyo made two changes to their starting lineup from the previous match. Kuryu Matsuki, who scored his second goal of the season as a starter in the previous match, will start from the bench, while Shuto Abe will start alongside Koki Tsukagawa. Hotaka Nakamura also made his first start since returning from injury at left back.
1st HALF - Conceded 2 goals by taking advantage of a momentary gap
The game continues with both teams holding onto the ball and moving it at a fast pace, creating opportunities to bring the ball to the goal.
Tokyo used Kazuya KONNO, who ran quickly from the left side to the space on the right side, to attack the opponent's goal in the 9th minute of the first half. KONNO cut in and took a sharp shot, but the ball unfortunately hit the crossbar after passing the goalkeeper's outstretched hand.
In the 12th minute of the first half, Yuto NAGATOMO was judged to have fouled Nakagawa in response to the opponent's counter, resulting in a free kick near the penalty area. The opponent's well-aimed shot narrowly missed the goal.
In the 31st minute of the first half, as Yokohama's possession time increased, they approached the goal with a quick transition from defense to offense after stealing the ball. Shuto ABE brought the ball into the opponent's penalty area and then passed it to Konno, who was waiting to receive it. Konno shook off the defender in a one-on-one situation and took a shot, but it was saved by the opponent's goalkeeper.
After that, as Yokohama continued to hold onto the ball, in the 40th minute of the first half, a corner kick from the left side was sent to the back near the goal, and Iwata was pressed by the player and conceded the first goal.
Tokyo, who immediately launched a counterattack, had player Konno send a cross ball from the right side to the opposite side in the 44th minute of the first half. Ryoma WATANABE, who had jumped behind the opponent, made a one-touch shot but missed the goal and went over it.
In the first half of the reverse, when the right side is broken through and a cross ball is put between the goalkeeper and defender in front of the goal, it cannot be cleared and is pushed in by Nakagawa player, widening the deficit.
As the team pushes forward, space opens up behind them, leading to a counterattack from Yokohama. Just before the end of the first half, a looping shot is taken from outside the penalty area. The ball flies towards the goal, but Jakub SLOWIK makes a backstep and dives towards it, using his fingertips to redirect the ball and keep it out of the goal.
2nd HALF - Tokyo grabs a valuable 1 point with 2 goals from set plays
Tokyo, who wants to make a comeback, gets a chance in the 8th minute of the second half. They get a free kick in the left corner of the penalty area, and Kashif BANGNAGANDE, who came on for Nakamura in the second half, puts in a sharp cross ball in front of the goal. Tsukagawa picks up the ball in the right area of the penalty area where the opponent's clearance fell, and swings his left foot, scoring a ground shot in the bottom right corner of the goal, bringing the score to 1-2.
Tokyo, who wants to strengthen their counterattack mood, quickly made a substitution by replacing Abe with Matsuki, Kono with Adailton, and Diego Oliveira with Luiz Phellype.
This substitution brought the flow closer.
In the 18th minute of the second half, Matsuki received a corner kick from the right side and Tsukagawa headed the ball into the far side. The ball, which had escaped the crowded area, flowed into the right corner of the goal, and Tokyo equalized.
In the 30th minute of the second half, Tokyo, who was increasing their offensive, invaded the vital area from the left side while putting the ball diagonally forward. In the end, Luiz PHELLYPE received a pass just outside the penalty area and took a precise shot, but it narrowly missed to the right of the goal. In the 37th minute of the second half, Adailton attempted a powerful volley shot from just outside the penalty area, but the sharp shot went just above the goal.
In the 39th minute of the second half, Adailton reacted to Watanabe's through pass. He broke through into the penalty area and faced a 1-on-1 with the goalkeeper, but his shot was stopped by the goalkeeper. Tokyo took control of the game by exploiting the opponent's gap with build-up play from the back, but they couldn't finish their attacks and lost the ball, leading to a counterattack from Yokohama. In the final stages of the game, both teams had open opportunities to bring the ball into the goal area.
In the 45+5 minute of the second half, a cross ball was put in front of the goal and Anderson LOPES was able to hit it, but it hit the crossbar and was saved.
The match ended in a draw as both teams had a chance to score the final goal and maintained an attacking stance throughout the game.
MATCH DETAILS
＜FC Tokyo＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Yakubu Swobick
DF Yuto Nagatomo/Yasuki Kimoto/Masato Morishige/Hotaka Nakamura (46th minute: Kashif BANGNAGANDE)
MF Shuto ABE (58th minute: Kuryu MATSUKI)/Keigo Higashi/Koki TSUKAGAWA (73rd minute: Seiji KIMURA)
FW Ryoma WATANABE/Diego Oliveira (58th minute: Luis Felipe)/Kazuya KONNO (58th minute: Adailton)
SUBS
GK Go HATANO
FW Keita YAMASHITA
GOAL
8 minutes into the second half: Tsukagawa/18 minutes into the second half: Tsukagawa
<Yokohama F. Marinos>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Yohei Takaoka
DF Ryuta Koike/Tomoki Iwata/Eduardo/Katsuya Nagato
MF Takuya Kida/Joel Chima Fujita (40th minute of the second half: Kota Watanabe)/Takuma Nishimura
FW Teruhito Nakagawa (16th minute of the second half: Marcos Junior)/Leo Ceara (24th minute of the second half: Anderson Lopez)/Elber (24th minute of the second half: Kota Mizunuma)
SUBS
GK Powell Obinna OBI
DF Ken MATSUBARA/Shinnosuke HATANAKA
GOAL
First Half 40 Minutes: Iwata/Second Half 45 Minutes: Nakagawa
[Interview with Coach Albert]
Q, please review the game.
A, of course, it was expected to be a difficult match as we were facing a team that is currently ranked higher than us. In the first few minutes, we played nervously, but after that, I think we were able to dominate the game. However, due to the long time it took to make a decision on whether it was a penalty kick or not, the flow of the game was interrupted. After that, we were struggling against Marinos' high-quality high press and had a hard time stopping them.
We still have challenges in moving forward with the ball in a coordinated manner. Of course, in the first few games of the season, we did not want to take big risks, so we allowed simple long balls without maintaining the appropriate distance. However, now we expect the whole team to move forward with the ball with a good sense of distance. In the first half, we were unable to do that.
The first goal was a big blow for us. Conceding a second goal made it a very difficult situation, especially since they were the team that knocked us out last season with a high number of goals. Furthermore, many players who experienced that match last season were still on the pitch today. Despite having that experience, the players showed their growth.
I think the growth of the soccer field is progressing day by day. And not only on the soccer field, but also in the mental aspect, I think we were able to show a strong figure as winners today. The first 30 minutes of the second half was a time when we were firmly in control. There was a decisive chance to turn the game around after it became 2-2. After that, the last 10-15 minutes of the game were a difficult time for us. It was a match against Marinos, who are competing for the top spot. In that sense, it is natural that there will be difficult times at the end of the game. Although it ended in a draw, many of the players who were on the pitch at the end of the game were young players. It was a plus for the team to be able to play such a game with young players like Yoshifu, (Seiji) Kimura, and (Kuryu) Matsuki. I told the players as well, but I am not satisfied with not being able to win. I am truly happy when we can win with good play. And today, we were able to play well at certain times. However, it ended in a draw. In that sense, it was not a completely satisfying game.
Q, in the last 15 minutes, we substituted Takagawa for Kimura and it seemed like we switched to a 3-back formation. It looked like we were being pushed back from there, how do you feel about that?
A, that substitution was a situation where (Koki) TSUKAGAWA had no choice but to be substituted. Another point is that it was a match against a great team, MARINOS. I want you to remember the away game. Even if we fought with the same members, we couldn't respond well. We were prepared for the fact that we would struggle against MARINOS' side attacks in the end of the game. It was a modification to deal with their weapon, crosses, and by leaving Adailton and Luiz (PHELLYPE) up front, we were also aiming for chances from there. In fact, there were decisive chances created. It is ideal to always want to possess the ball. However, the team is not yet able to do that. I always think that I should be a realist. We must face reality.
Q, The first 30 minutes of the second half were in Tokyo time, but the play was revitalized with player substitutions. What effect did it have?
A, in the second half, the expected development occurred, especially with the simultaneous substitution of three players. However, as Marinos also made substitutions, they were able to make adjustments and play even better. The first 30 minutes of the second half were a good time, but there were also moments of exhaustion due to the high intensity play. We wanted to use players like Xavi and Iniesta to maintain possession of the ball, but they are not on my team. Our substitutions also worked, but Marinos also made effective changes, so we had to adapt to that. In the situation where (Koki) Tsukagawa had to be substituted, we had to adapt to the changes made by Marinos in the late stages of the game. It is ideal to maintain possession of the ball with a back four and defend well, defending with the ball. However, there are times when we cannot ideally maintain possession of the ball. Today, the late stages of the game were like that. In order to defend the goal firmly in a difficult situation, it was my responsibility to make adjustments. This summer, our strengthening department has made fantastic reinforcements. One of them scored two goals today. The team has grown with their addition.
[Player Interview]
<Koki TSUKAGAWA>
Q, how do you reflect on the result of a draw?
A, I couldn't accept the first goal in a frustrating way, but it was a goal that I couldn't afford to lose in the mindset of not allowing the second goal. Honestly, it was very painful. However, in the second half, we all had the mindset of fighting back, and I realized that courage was important. There was a gradual increase in everyone's courage to receive the ball and attack. As everyone started to receive the ball and move towards the goal more, we had more opportunities for set pieces, and in the end, I think it was a team effort to score two goals, not just me.
Q, please review the first goal.
A, I thought there would be a lot of people in front of the goal, so I swung with all my might and the ball went to a good place because I thought something would happen if I hit it.
Q, how was the situation for the second point?
A, Kuse gave me a good ball, which was a big deal. The team had shared that the far side was a little low, so I thought I could jump in there and a good ball came. I want to thank Kuse "san" (laughs). I just told him, "Nice ball."
Q, your batting average was really high.
Because I had been squatting for a year and a half, I was able to jump higher (laughs). When I was substituted, I was so tired that I couldn't even run a little, so I thought it would be a burden to the team if I stayed on the pitch, so I decided to switch out.
Q, I think the first goal was my first goal in the J1 League. It seemed like I was more happy about the second goal.
A, since we were losing, I didn't have the luxury of being so happy, so I showed off a little with the next goal (laughs). The second goal was an equalizer, so my teammates were also happy, and I was honestly happy.
Q, Go HATANO was performing a goal performance, right?
A, (Go HATANO) always joked around and it was a performance made on a whim, but it was really lame so I didn't want to do it (laughs). However, since Go came up with it, I did it a little bit (laughs).
Q, it was a story about squatting for a year and a half.
A, I have been asked by various people, but it was a year and a half that changed my soccer life. There are a lot of thoughts packed into that year and a half. If I didn't have that period, I wouldn't be here now. Honestly, even today's game, although the team is different, I think I was able to repay a little.
Q, are you able to demonstrate your strengths?
A, it is also a place where you can score goals, and it is also a place where you can be bold, so I want to continue to build here so that I can do more.
Q: How do you feel about the challenges as a team?
A, in the first half, I think we couldn't see the front against the opponent's pressure. Everyone is showing their faces, but we lost to the opponent's pressure and there were many back passes, which became a switch and made the press faster for Marinos. I think that was the cause of not being able to go forward. However, I don't think the distance was bad. There were some places where the distance from the center back was a little far, but there were scenes where we could enter by hitting it with one touch when we entered the side back, so I think that is the task. In the second half, the opponent's press seemed to have dropped relatively and spaces were created, so we were able to use them well.
Q, how do you feel about scoring a goal?
A, as a soccer player, scoring a goal is the most exciting and satisfying moment, and it also brings joy to the fans and supporters. So I was eager to score a goal and I'm glad I did.
<Keigo HIGASHI>
Q, please review the game even though it ended in a draw.
A, I wanted to win because it was a home game, but I think there were also very positive aspects, so I want to continue.
Q: Was there a big difference between the first half and the second half?
A, In the first half, the opponent was also fresh, so there were times when we could build up, but there were also many times when we lost the ball. I think we were able to focus on what we needed to do and play the game today.
In the second half, the game became a bit more open and Tokyo took control. I think we need to build on this and become a team that can win these types of games without being satisfied with a draw.
Q, I feel the tenacity from Higashi player, who has been holding on since the Kashiwa game.
A, Both attack and defense are important positions, so regarding defense, I want to reduce the number of goals conceded even more, and while our scoring is increasing, there are also aspects that are two sides of the same coin, so I want to focus on the details and continue to do our best to keep it to one goal conceded today.
Q, Can you tell me specifically what you feel positive about?
A, I think we were able to connect the ball and move forward more in the first half at Nissan Stadium, so I am taking that as a positive. I want to continue this and challenge ourselves to turn it into a win.
Q, which is bigger, the positive aspect or the frustration of not being able to win?
A, Personally, I approached this match with strong feelings due to the fact that we lost 0-8 away last season. It's disappointing that it didn't lead to a win, but I think it was a draw that will lead to the next match.
Q, how is your fatigue with continuous appearances?
A, I had few opportunities to play in the first half, and today, many fans and supporters are cheering for us, and the club is also supporting us. I think we need to give our all and play with the joy of being able to play in the game as professionals, and I want to play with responsibility in every match.
There are tough times, but I realize that preparation and care are important every year, and I also learn from senior players like Morishige and Nagatomo who have been able to play at the top level until that age by working on such things.
<Yasuki KIMOTO>
Q: What adjustments did you make in the second half after conceding two goals in the first half?
A, First of all, it was a home game, so we needed to score and equalize, and then turn the game around. In the past, we may have continued to concede goals and lose, but we wanted to put an end to that and everyone talked about having a strong mindset to score and equalize, and then turn the game around.
Q, we scored 2 goals and caught up.
Both goals were from set pieces, but I think it would be great if we could also use that as a weapon. We were able to create chances even in the flow of the game, so we had opportunities to turn the game around, and I also think the team is gradually growing.
Q: What were the things that your team was able to do and not able to do?
A, In the first half of the attack, we couldn't make effective ball rotation because we couldn't do well from the back while wanting to cherish the ball, and we conceded 2 goals this time as well after conceding 3 goals in the previous match, so we can't afford to lose. As a defensive player, I think we need to make adjustments and prevent conceding goals.
Being able to catch up to a tie in the parts that were completed is a great confidence booster, and I think it was good that we were able to stay positive against the top teams.
Q, What preparations do you want to make for the next game?
A, I think it is important to continue what we have been doing so far. I don't think we need to change what we should do, so while continuing that, we need to produce results and improve our ranking. We also want to unify our path and continue to do so in the remaining games.
<Kuryu MATSUKI>
Q, what were you conscious of when taking the assist corner kick?
A, while watching the first half, I noticed that the far side was quite open. I thought that if I could kick it to a position where the keeper couldn't reach on the far side, it might go in. So on the first shot, I passed it to Morishige and on the second shot, I aimed for the far side again. I think it was good that it led to a goal.
Q, Player Tsukagawa said, "Thanks to Mr. Kuse."
A, no doubt (lol)
Q, What were you conscious of while watching the first half of the game?
I think substitute players are there to change the flow. I was watching while thinking about what kind of play we should do to change the flow from the first half.
Q, what do you think is necessary to win a game like today's?
A, I think the individual aspect becomes important in the end. The players who started the game also fought tough for 90 minutes, so while continuing that, I want to raise our awareness from practice and focus on finishing strong in the end.
Q, Did you feel anything different compared to when you played in the first half of the season?
A, (Today's game) In the first half, we were able to hold the ball, but we couldn't make much progress and we lost the ball in our own half many times. However, I think we were able to possess the ball more securely than when we played in the first half, and I wanted to score a goal in that part where we were able to do it.
<Seiji KIMURA>
Q, What instructions did you receive from the coach when you came on as a substitute?
A, There were no clear instructions, but I am a defensive player, so I understood that the intention was to not concede any more goals by switching to a 5-back formation. I made sure to not let in any goals and entered the game with that mindset. The opponents had many skilled players, so I thought that if I jumped for the ball, I would easily be taken out. Therefore, I patiently waited and made sure to put my foot out at the end for the shot.
I have been preparing myself to enter the game with full focus and determination, no matter what the situation is, since I was on the bench today. I think that's what helped me when I finally got to play.
Q, I noticed your confident play. Has your previous experience influenced it?
Although I didn't have a lot of playing time in J2, I think I was able to learn about my mindset when I played in the game.
Q, I was able to see the confidence that I will never lose my play at my feet.
A, I don't think that's the case. We lost about two games, but there were also scenes where we broke through the side and escaped danger, as well as scenes where we were intercepted. It would have been better if those didn't happen, but we are always conscious of that in our practice, so I feel like we need to eliminate easy mistakes.
Q: Were you able to demonstrate your defensive abilities against today's Marinos as an individual?
A, I knew that Marinos had fast and strong players because I sell my physical abilities, but I was aware that I couldn't lose in terms of running, so I was prepared for that. I think I was able to demonstrate that part well.
Q, Have you ever played on the Ajinomoto pitch before?
A, no, I wasn't aware of that at all. There were a lot of fans in the stands today, and the pre-game production was amazing. I've never played in such a big stadium before, so I was overwhelmed, but playing at Ajinomoto Stadium is like this, I felt.
Q, I have been on the bench for every game since my return. I feel like I have gained the trust of the coach.
A, I think I am recognized by the coach for playing the role of a closer so far. I believe that it is because of the results that I am able to play in games, so I think I have gained trust in that aspect. However, I feel that there are many challenges in terms of technical skills, positioning, and prediction compared to the two starters, so I hope to improve in those areas.
