<Match Review>
September, about two weeks since the blue and red warriors were active in the Kyoto Sanga match at that national pitch. The league was interrupted due to the Japan national team's European expedition, and during this period, the team "adjusted the details of their tactics" (Coach Albert). And on October 1st, the match against Kashima Antlers in the enemy's territory. This season has 5 games left. It can be said that this is the final 5 of the first year of the Albert regime, and it is an important last 5. The Kashima match will be the start of that.
1st HALF - Gradually grasping the pace, approaching Kashima's goal
Missing captain Masato MORISHIGE in this match due to suspension. This season, there is an unpleasant data of 1 win and 4 losses in league matches without Morishige. However, Seiji KIMURA, who will form the center back with Yasuki KIMOTO, is expected to perform well. KIMURA, a young center back who returned to Tokyo from Montedio Yamagata this summer, has also attracted attention.
In the early stages, in front of Kashima's intense defense, the build-up play of players Kimoto and Kimura did not function well. In the first five minutes from kick-off, they were pushed back into their own half and Kashima took control of the game.
Tokyo's first shot was in the 12th minute of the first half. Leandro, who is facing his former team, Kashima, picked up a pass mistake and aimed for the goal with his right foot, but it hit the left post. However, Tokyo gradually created opportunities to enter the enemy's territory after that.
Kashima is based on a 4-3-1-2 formation, with 2 top players and 3 players below the top, putting pressure on Tokyo from the front, and the 3 defensive midfielders behind them forming a solid defensive formation in the center area. Tokyo also had many passes to the center area cut off by the opponent, but on the other hand, they started to create opportunities from the open spaces on both sides, taking advantage of the opponent's formation.
A scene where Hotaka NAKAMURA and Ryoma WATANABE, on the right side, infiltrate the Kashima defense through their combination, and Kuryu MATSUKI, in the center midfield, drifts to the left side, creating scenes where Kashif BANGNAGANDE and Leandro, in a high position, attack.
In the 28th minute of the first half, Matsuki made a long feed to Leandro, who broke through and aimed for the goal with his right foot. In addition, in the 31st minute of the first half, Leandro took a one-two with Diego OLIVEIRA and took a left-footed shot. In the 36th minute of the first half, Diego OLIVEIRA took a middle shot from a dribble, and in the 44th minute of the first half, Leandro took a shot after stealing the ball from Kashima with a high press, but none of them could shake the goal net. Despite coming close to Kashima's goal, the first half ended with no goals scored.
2nd HALF - Strong defense and a dramatic final round goal
In the beginning of the second half, Tokyo maintained their pace. However, in the 11th minute, Matsuki from Kashima took advantage of a momentary gap and broke through. But at that moment, Kimura calmly intercepted the ball and prevented any danger.
Immediately after, Kashif BANGNAGANDE player passed to Watanabe player's left foot feed and ran in front of the goal. He wanted to chest trap and shoot with his left foot, but unfortunately missed the chance to score a great goal.
In the 14th minute of the second half, there was a shot from the combination of Leandro player, Diego OLIVEIRA player, and Leandro player, which also occurred in the first half. However, it was prevented by Kashima's goalkeeper Hayakawa's great save.
In the 20th minute of the second half, coach Albert made a substitution, bringing on Shuto ABE and Adailton. Just two minutes later, Adailton took a control shot from his favorite angle of 45 degrees on the left, but it went over the crossbar. Tokyo then made another substitution, bringing on Luiz PHELLYPE in the 28th minute of the second half. PHELLYPE then took three consecutive shots in the 30th and 36th minutes, accelerating the team's attack.
In terms of expansion, Kashima and Tokyo continued to go back and forth, but while Tokyo had many opportunities to end their attacks with solid shots, Kashima did not reach any decisive moments despite their efforts. This was mainly due to Tokyo's defense showing control at key moments and each player making dedicated plays with their bodies. On the right side, Nakamura did not lose in ball battles, and in front of the goal, Kimura did not give the enemy any freedom by firmly pushing his body in challenges.
And then, substitute player Abe, who had been increasing the defensive intensity along with them, finally scored a long-awaited goal as a substitute.
In the 36th minute of the second half, Cabore picked up the second ball from the opponent's clearance and flashed a right-footed volley from the middle range. The ball grazed the hand of Kashima goalkeeper Rene, who also graduated from Meiji University, and pierced into the goal net. This became Tokyo's 1,000th J1 goal, a memorial goal.
Tokyo united, a moment of joy. From the bench, players Yuto Nagatomo and Go Hatano rushed to join the circle of celebration, in front of the away stadium, Kashima Stadium, where supporters had gathered. Finally, they performed a cradle dance for Junya Suzuki, who recently welcomed his second child.
Tokyo, who heard the strong whistle of the time-up, maintained their defensive concentration and intensity until the end. In addition to the dramatic final round goal, the growth of player Kimura who showed tough defense in the absence of captain Morishige, and the comeback of player Nakamura who suffered from injury for a long time, and the dedication of player Bangnagande who moved up and down the left side until the end, the young players contributed to the team's victory with a perfect 3 points.
＜FC Tokyo＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Jakub SLOWIK
DF Hogata NAKAMURA/Yasuki KIMOTO/Seiji KIMURA/Kashif BANGNAGANDE
MF Koki TSUKAGAWA (42nd minute of the second half: Yuto NAGATOMO)/Keigo HIGASHI/Kusei MATSUKI (21st minute of the second half: Shuto ABE)
FW Ryoma WATANABE (42nd minute of the second half: Kazuya KONNO)/Diego OLIVEIRA (21st minute of the second half: Adailton)/Leandro (28th minute of the second half: Luiz PHELLYPE)
SUBS
GK Go HATANO
DF /Junya SUZUKI
GOAL
39' Shuto ABE
＜Kashima Antlers＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Tomoki HAYAKAWA
DF Rikuto HIROSE/Ikuma SEKIGAWA/Kento MITSUKURI/Koki ANZAI
MF Yuta HIGUCHI (41st minute of the second half: Yuta MURAMATSU)/Shintaro NAGO (20th minute of the second half: Ryuji IZUMI)/Diego PITUCA
FW Hayato NAKAMA (13th minute of the second half: Ryotaro ARAKI)/Arthur CAIKE (39th minute of the second half: Everaldo)/Yuma SUZUKI
SUBS
GK Sun Tae KWOUN
DF Min Tae KIM
MF Shoma DOI
GOAL
ー
[Interview with Coach Albert]
Q, please review the game.
A, First of all, in my opinion, the first half was the most fantastic development in this season's game. We were playing great plays at the concept. Holding the ball, aiming for the goal, and playing aggressively in defense. It was a first half where each player made the right decisions in the course of the game. We were able to create several decisive chances. As a coach, my goal is always for the players to enjoy playing soccer. That was the case in the first half. The players were playing on the pitch with happy faces, and sometimes even smiling. That's what I think the first half was like.
On the other hand, the second half became a more difficult development. Of course, it is a match at the home of a great club. I didn't think things would go smoothly. Today, I am delighted as a soccer professional to be able to play in front of the wonderful supporters of Kashima Antlers in this amazing stadium. And I am very grateful that many supporters from Tokyo have come here to support us.
In the final stages of the match, Kuryu MATSUKI, who had been feeling a little unwell last night, needed to be substituted and Shuto ABE came on as a substitute and scored a wonderful goal for us. Seiji KIMURA had been on a European tour with the U-21 Japan national team until three days ago. He came back and played a great game for us. After scoring a goal, we expected Kashima Antlers to play more directly towards the goal, so we changed our system to try and secure the result and end the game. Yuto NAGATOMO had just returned from the Japan national team's tour two days ago, but his experience and wisdom helped us finish the game. I believe his contribution in such a difficult situation is proof of his greatness as a player. I hope young players can learn a lot from Yuto NAGATOMO.
How would you evaluate Yuto NAGATOMO, who has returned from the national team?
A, Regarding Yuto NAGATOMO, I think his greatness is proven by numbers. Not only has he been a member of the top-level European club Inter Milan for many years, but also it is important for many people to understand how difficult it is to continue playing there. His fourth World Cup appearance is also approaching, and that is the proof of his greatness. Even on a global scale, I think you can understand how difficult it is to play in four World Cups.
The most surprising thing about him was his reaction when I talked about considering using him on the right side instead of the left side at the beginning of this season. I asked him to play in the central area as well as a fullback and to learn from it. Many players of his age and experience might think, "What can the coach teach me? I can teach him about soccer." But he didn't have such an arrogant attitude, and he took a different approach. He has two important elements to become a great player. The first is a strong mentality, a strong mentality to pursue victory. And the other is the desire to continue learning. These are the reasons why he is a player that many young players should learn from. And not just for soccer players, but also for life. Soccer and life are connected. What is necessary in soccer is also important in life. And one more thing to add is that he is a wonderful person. Yuto NAGATOMO is truly a wonderful person.
[Player Interview]
<Shuto ABE>
Q, please review today's goal.
It was 0-0 and I was thinking about swinging my right foot. This week, I had a good feeling during shooting practice and I had a good feeling when I shot, so I'm glad it went in.
Q: What instructions did you receive from the coach when you came on as a substitute?
A, I was asked to play with more intensity. It also aligns with my strengths, so I entered the game with the intention of showcasing my own play.
Q, Was it difficult to come in from the middle unlike the starting lineup?
A, It was difficult to adjust to the intensity of the game when I came in halfway, but since I was on the pitch, I couldn't make excuses and played with the intention of running hard and maintaining the intensity.
Wasn't it significant that it was decided during that time at Q, with a 0-0 development?
A, we were able to score at a good time, and in the end we were able to defend, so as a team we were relieved and then we were able to refocus, which was good.
Many fans and supporters came to Kashima and it was really reassuring. When we scored, we naturally shared our joy with the supporters in the goal end, and I think today's victory was thanks to the fans and supporters.
Q, Today's goal in the match marked the 1000th goal in J1 history.
A, I heard in an interview earlier. I am very happy to have left my mark in FC Tokyo's history.
<Seiji KIMURA>
Q, how was it to play in the game?
A, until now I have always been a substitute and have only played on the left side of the three-back. Although there were no goals conceded, it was said that "if I had conceded during that playing time, I would not be able to be used", so I think that being able to play for 90 minutes today without conceding will be a big result in my future soccer career. It was a really good result that will greatly affect how I can contribute to the remaining 4 games.
Q, I think it was a great challenge to fill the gap without player Morishige.
A, Mori Shige player and I have different characteristics, so there is a need to fill the gap, but instead of thinking too much like Mori Shige player, I entered the game with the mindset of showing my own strengths and contributing to the team by maximizing what I can do.
Q, How was it playing against tough players like Matsuki throughout the 90 minutes?
A, I believe that my strength lies in my ability to win battles and aerial duels, so I cannot afford to lose to any opponent. I think I was able to handle that well. Although it is still a long way off, with the Paris Olympics coming up, I don't think I can compete on the world stage if I can't handle it here, so in that sense, I think it was a good experience.
Q, I think that the strength of player Kimura has been conveyed to the fans and supporters today since his return to Tokyo.
A, yes. I haven't had the chance to be seen by Tokyo fans and supporters for a year and a half, but I think I was able to show what I have built up, so I want to continue fighting for the rest of the season in this good condition.
Q, Do you think you can aim for the ACL zone in the remaining 4 matches?
A, as the coach said, it is important to play our own football and win. He talked about becoming a great team that will be remembered by many people, so if we stick to our style and win consistently, I think we will end up in the ACL zone. Therefore, I want us to fight as a team without being too conscious of it.
Kashif BANGNAGANDE
Q, did you have a specific target in mind when you were boldly crossing from the side?
A, We knew that there would be space on the side during the pre-match scouting. The coach also told us to attack that area, and we were aiming for it from the first half. Although there were times when our crosses didn't work out, we were able to finish well by taking shots from the loose balls from crosses. I think it went as planned.
Q, How did you feel about the opponent playing carefully with the ball?
There were also moments when we were pushed back by the opponent, but I think we were able to control the game from the first half, so we were able to proceed with the game without getting flustered.
Q, How was the game looking back with Kimura and side by side?
One of my goals since I became a professional was to reach the top. Personally, one of my best memories was watching a game at Kashima Stadium when I was young. It was a Tokyo vs Kashima match, and I played on the same side as player Kimura. We kept a clean sheet and it was a fantastic day.
Playing on the same side, if we lose concentration even a little, we will be beaten, so we communicated with each other during each play and I think that was the reason why our defense did not break down because we were able to repeat it.
Q, what kind of encouragement did you give during the second half?
A, in the first half we played good soccer and in the second half we just needed to score goals. We talked about the importance of making those opportunities count and making small adjustments since we were put in a tight spot twice.
Q, What kind of preparations do you want to make for the next game?
Winning 3 points at away team Kashima was a big deal, and if we don't win the next game, this victory will lose its meaning. I think it's important to continue this and aim for the ACL zone. We want to fight every game as if it were a final round, and make sure to win at our next home game.
<Hotaka NAKAMURA>
Q, please review the game.
A, Captain Morishige was suspended due to accumulation, so Kimura played instead, and (returned from the national team) Nagatomo played in place of himself and talked to Kimura before the game, saying "Let's play today's game" and as a team, we talked about playing our own soccer and winning, so I think we were able to play a game with all our hearts.
Q, there were some one-on-one battles throughout the game, and it was an impressive match. There may have been some gaps, but how was your condition?
A, this season was difficult for me in many ways, but I was prepared to respond whenever I got a chance, so my condition was not a problem. The opponent's Yasunishi player was taking a high position and kept attacking, so I thought I had to stop him. I think it was good that we ended with zero goals conceded.
Q, we would like to see a passionate performance even in the home game against Shonan. Please give us your enthusiasm.
A, whether starting or on the bench, I will continue to run for the team. I will not waver in that aspect. I will do my best to make the fans and supporters happy at home at Ajinomoto Stadium.
<Yasuki KIMOTO>
Q, please review the game.
A, it was a good game where we were able to show our strengths from the first half, so I think it will give us confidence in the future whether we end up with a draw or win by one point. It was a good victory.
Q, it was a fierce game development with intense switching between offense and defense from the first half.
A, as a strategy, instead of defending by pulling back, we aimed to go and take the ball from the front. We knew the opponent would also come from the front, so I felt that the use of long balls and short passes was particularly good in the first half, making it difficult for the opponent to catch up. Also, Seiji KIMURA did a great job stopping the opponent, so I want to thank him for that as I didn't have many opportunities to do so today.
Q, it seemed like they were also aiming for a goal from a set piece.
A, although we couldn't score easily, I think if we can score from set pieces, the game will become easier. So, I want to focus on set pieces as well.
Q, many fans and supporters came to support us today. Can you say a few words?
A, it was great to have your support all the way to faraway Kashima and deliver a victory. We have two home games coming up, so we will switch gears and prepare, and we hope to receive your passionate support again.
<Diego OLIVEIRA>
Q, it was a great victory.
A, it was a difficult match as we knew it would be against a team with many high-level players. I am very happy that we were able to stick to our style of play and earn 3 points.
Q, In the first half, there was a strong play by Diego in which he dribbled through the center area. It was very pleasing to see such plays from Diego, who has a role within the team.
A, I have been injured in January, and there are also parts where I play a defensive role tactically, so I haven't been able to show scenes like that so far, but I am happy that I was able to play for the team's victory, not just that scene.
Looking forward to a goal in the Shonan match.
A, I haven't scored for a long time, so I really want to score. But there are always times like that, and because I haven't scored, I'm working hard in practice. I feel that the fans and supporters are giving me strength at the stadium, so I will do my best to score in the next game.
Yuto NAGATOMO player
Q, I was able to play in the game as a closer.
A, I'm relieved that I was able to finish as "Closer Nagatomo".
Q, What role did you play in the game given by the coach?
I think it was good because I was told to not concede and to finish with a win.
Q, I was also shouting from the bench in the first half.
We were able to play a great game from the first half, so we were able to control the game at our own pace. I think the team has improved because of the positional soccer, which is the base of coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA.
Q, what do you need to do to take another step up?
A, I want to focus on improving the accuracy in the final attacking third and our scoring ability.
