<Match Review>
Tokyo won the opening match of the season at home at Ajinomoto Stadium with cheers returning. However, there have been no victories in 3 official matches, including a draw, until the first home game in about a month. To change the momentum, the loud support at home is essential.
In this important match, coach Albert made changes to the team lineup. He started rookie players Tsubasa TERAYAMA and Kota TAWARATSUMIDA for the first time. In the center back position, he paired Yasuki KIMOTO and Henrique TREVISAN, who also played together in the opening match.
1st HALF - Nakagawa extends the lead with his first goal after joining
The game starts moving right away. In the 5th minute of the first half, Teruhito NAKAGAWA receives the ball in an open position on the right side and sends a pass behind the opponent. Hotaka NAKAMURA, who had jumped into the area on the right side of the penalty area, known as the "pocket", turns around and makes a one-touch pass in the minus direction, to the feet of Diego OLIVEIRA who had come into the center of the goal. Diego, while turning around, swings his left foot and slides the ball into the goal, giving Tokyo a successful start with the first goal.
After scoring, there were moments where we were pushed back by the opponent's counterattack, but left wing player Kei KOIZUMI's dribbling created multiple opportunities to threaten the Yokohama FC goal. In the 16th minute, he made a move from a deep position on the left side, drawing two opposing players and then passing to an open Kei KOIZUMI for a shooting chance. In the 18th minute, Tawara Tsumita made another aggressive move, breaking through the goal line. Although his shot was blocked by the opposing goalkeeper, the wing's aggressive play provided Tokyo with momentum.
In the 24th minute of the first half, when a direct free kick was given in front of the goal, Mita's shot hit the crowded area and bounced off in front of the goal. Ndoca approached freely, but Jakub SLOWIK closed the distance with perfect timing and avoided danger by hitting his body.
After the pinch, there is a chance. In the 27th minute of the first half, we pressed from the front line and created a chance. When Diego TABA pressed the opponent's goalkeeper on a back pass, Koizumi made a pass mistake. Nakagawa picked up the ball in the penalty area and took advantage of the goalkeeper's movement to score a looping shot into the right corner of the goal, widening the lead.
Tokyo takes control of the game with coordinated pressing from the front, recovering the ball in high positions. In the 33rd minute of the first half, Kashif BANGNAGANDE crosses the ball from the left side, and Keigo HIGASHI jumps on the ball that Diego TABA returned from the far side, but the header goes over the crossbar.
In the 36th minute of the first half, the ball was broken from the right side and crossed in front of the goal, but player Jakub SLOWIK managed to clear it with his right hand.
It seemed like we would go into halftime with a lead, but in the 45th minute of the first half, a cross ball from the left side was put into the goal area and hit the foot of player Kimoto who was trying to clear it, resulting in a goal. We ended the first half with a point lost due to an own goal.
2nd HALF - Diego's second goal extends the lead for the 2nd win of the season
Tokyo made two substitutions at the beginning of the second half. Henrique was replaced by Masato MORISHIGE, and Terayama was replaced by Koki TSUKAGAWA.
In the 10th minute of the second half, Yuto NAGATOMO, who was subbed in towards the end of the first half, stole the ball in a high position and launched a short counter attack. In a numerical equal situation, Tawara Tsumita received the ball inside the penalty area and managed to get past the opponent defender for a shooting chance. However, his right-footed shot was blocked by the opponent goalkeeper.
Tokyo, who took control of the pace from the start of the second half, created chances with short counters that were successful due to their pressing from the front line. In the 17th minute of the second half, Nagatomo, who made a move on the right side, crossed the ball into the box after shaking off his marker. Tsukagawa acted as a decoy near the goal, allowing Diego TABA to head the ball into the bottom right corner of the goal.
In the first half, Jakub SLOWIK, who has saved the team multiple times with fine saves, also made a big save in the second half. In the 24th minute of the second half, when the opponent was pushing forward in the vital area and took a shot, he stretched out his right hand and blocked the ball that had changed direction after hitting a player, and deflected it away from the goal.
As the game entered the final stage, Adailton and Yuta ARAI, two attacking players, were constantly making threatening moves. In the 32nd minute of the second half, ARAI got involved in a chance. Diego TABA, who had gotten behind the opponent's defense, swung his left foot at the ball near the left post, but it hit the post and bounced to the right side of the penalty area. ARAI made a one-touch finish as the opponent's goalkeeper couldn't reach it, but the shot went over the goal.
After the score became 3-1, Tokyo continued to control the game by holding onto the ball. There were also moments where they were under attack after losing the ball, but with the support of loud cheers from the stands, Tokyo was able to maintain their lead until the end. This marks their second win of the season, the first since the opening game.
MATCH DETAILS
＜FC Tokyo＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Yakubu Swobick
DF Hotaka Nakamura (38th minute of the first half: Yuto Nagatomo)/Yasuki Kimoto/Henrique Trevizan (0th minute of the second half: Masato Morishige)/Kashif BANGNAGANDE (29th minute of the second half: Yuta Arai)
MF Kei Koizumi/Keigo Higashi/Tsubasa Terayama (0th minute of the second half: Koki Tsukagawa)
FW Teruhito Nakagawa/Diego Oliveira/Kota TAWARATSUMIDA (21st minute of the second half: Adailton)
SUBS
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
FW PEROTTI
GOAL
5 minutes into the first half: Diego OLIVEIRA/27 minutes into the first half: Teruhito NAKAGAWA/17 minutes into the second half: Diego OLIVEIRA
＜Yokohama FC＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Kengo NAGAI
DF Takumi NAKAMURA/Ndokaboniface/Katsuya IWATAKE/Kento HASHIMOTO (22nd minute of the second half: Kotaro HAYASHI)
MF Yuri LARA (0th minute of the second half: Shion INOUE)/Keiki MITA/Towa YAMANE (0th minute of the second half: Ryo YAMASHITA)/Tatsuya HASEGAWA (30th minute of the second half: Sho ITO)/Koki SAKAMOTO (22nd minute of the second half: CAPRINI)
FW Koki OGAWA
SUBS
GK Akinori ICHIKAWA
DF Kyohei YOSHINO
GOAL
First Half 45 Minutes: Own Goal
[Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Press Conference Comments]
Q, please review the game.
A, About the first half today, I have never played so badly before. It was a first half where we were able to score and take the lead, but it wasn't the kind of play we expected. There were also many plays where we were afraid to hold the ball, and overall our positioning was not appropriate. We have a situation where about three high-quality midfielders are absent, but we cannot use that as an excuse. The play in the first half today is an area that needs improvement. It's not just about holding the ball, but it's not just about playing. A key element in my style is the quick transition from high press to attack and defense. I think we were able to play well in that aspect today. But it's not always about quick transitions and good defense. Sometimes we need to calm down and build up from a lower position and move forward in a good shape. However, we couldn't do that today. Especially in the first half, we couldn't play calmly. In the second half, we saw improvement in terms of composure with the introduction of players like Morishige and Tsukagawa. We continued to win the ball from high press and make quick transitions in the second half as well. We were able to create several decisive chances in that way. I think it was possible to score more goals. Today, we earned three points. However, I am not satisfied at all with the play in the first half. I am satisfied with the content of the second half and the performance of our young players. I think many people noticed the talent of 18-year-old Tawarazumida today. He is a promising winger. I hope he will continue to work hard with a humble attitude and become a great player in the future.
Q, it seemed that Nakamura was substituted due to injury in the first half, and Bangnagande Kashif was substituted due to injury in the second half. As a coach, it must have been difficult to manage the players.
A, the team that trained during the pre-season had a great lineup of players. However, unfortunately, there are many players who have left the team due to being selected for the under-category or due to injuries. There were also players who were suspended due to warnings. Abe's injury was muscle-related, but for other players, it was due to accidents, which is very unfortunate. With many players out of the game, it is a very difficult situation. We have a team that can play closer to our ideal if everyone is present. However, we must adapt to the situation where many players are out of the game. This is why we can expect young players to shine. The J1 league is a very competitive league. We want to overcome this difficult situation by working together and accumulating points during this time. And when the players who are currently out of the game return, we want to continue accumulating points with the quality of all players.
Q: Please tell us your evaluation and areas for improvement for player Tawarazumida.
A, he is in a position similar to Matsuki in the last season. In order to succeed in the professional world, you must have two abilities. First, a strong mentality that is dedicated to winning. Without it, you cannot succeed in the professional world. And the other is to have a clear weapon. In the case of Matsuki, it is to demonstrate his technical and defensive abilities in the midfield. For Tawarazumida, it is attacking in one-on-one situations. If you have these two elements, how can you grow? You need to have the opportunity to play. That's why I think it is necessary for young Japanese players to have the opportunity to play. By playing, you can promote the growth of players. And I think that the J-League is a league that is suitable for young players to grow while playing. Therefore, I think it is best for young players to stay and play in the J-League, and then challenge overseas when they have matured, with the cooperation of the Japan Football Association, the J-League, and the team. I do not think it is appropriate for young players in the process of growth to go overseas yet. I want to give young players a chance and promote their growth.
[Player Interview]
Teruhito NAKAGAWA
Q, How do you feel about being able to score points early in the season?
A, I think it's important for the team to score points in that way. Personally, I'm glad we were able to score points for now. However, there were still chances to score points, so I want to improve our accuracy.
Q, scored a goal at home at Ajinomoto Stadium.
A, I think this is the most important thing. From now on, I want to work towards contributing to the team's victory not only by scoring points, but also by assisting. I want to continue this momentum into the next game.
Q, Did you have any conscious play when Diego OLIVEIRA was able to collect the ball quite a bit?
When I joined Diego, I was conscious of staying close to him without getting in the way, and I was able to coordinate while maintaining balance. I feel that the practice has gradually been reflected in the game.
Q, How was the awareness of connecting the ball and rushing, which was raised as an issue in the Kyoto Sanga F.C. match?
A, I think we were able to make good decisions according to the situation in this game, but there were also times when we couldn't push back the opponent after Hotaka NAKAMURA was substituted in the first half. So, we need to improve on that as a challenge.
Q, how was the second half?
A, we were able to create chances right after the start of the second half and bring the game to our pace. As a team, we were aware of the importance of starting the second half strong and we even encouraged each other to bring more momentum than our opponents. It was great that we were able to execute that plan.
Q, How do you look back on the coordinated press in the scoring scene?
A, it was also where I was aiming. When I took it, I was only looking at the ball, but the press worked well and I think it led to a good goal.
Q, What is the relationship like on the right side with player Nakamura?
A, when one of us has the ball on the side, we are conscious as a team of aiming for the pocket. We have actually been able to score points, so we hope to continue aiming for the pocket as a team.
Q, Is this your first full appearance of the season? Are you satisfied?
I am able to play soccer while enjoying it in good condition. I want to keep up the momentum and do my best in the next away game against Nagoya Grampus.
<Diego OLIVEIRA>
Q, how do you feel looking back on the first goal?
A, a good ball came from Hotaka NAKAMURA on the right side, so I was able to score from a good trap and turn. I think it was a good goal to give the team momentum at the beginning of the first half.
Q, I think scoring from a turn is a strong play, but were you aiming for it from the beginning?
A, I had the image of shooting directly with a cross, but the ball went a little behind, so I chose to trap and turn.
Q, the second goal was a cross from player Yuto NAGATOMO.
Goal A, the second goal was also from a ball from the right side, and it was a very good cross from Yuto NAGATOMO, so all I had to do was score. Today, I happened to score the goal, but I think the most important thing is for the team to win no matter who scores. I am very happy that we were able to win.
Q, how was it to overcome your injuries and score last season?
A, Last season, I played through the pain and couldn't perform as well as I wanted. Now, I am pain-free and I am very happy to be able to play. I am truly grateful to all the fans and supporters.
Q, for strikers, the first goal of the season is an important one, don't you think?
As a forward, I think the first goal is very important and I'm glad I was able to score it today. I was also able to score the second goal, so I think we have a good momentum for the future and I want to score more goals in the next game.
Q, After the goal or after the game, there was a big "Diego call" echoing in the stadium, how was it?
A, Today's support was very helpful. Of course, it was encouraging to have support even when I was not in good shape last season. But today, it was also great to score a goal myself. I think it was a very good game to be able to celebrate with the fans and supporters.
Yuto NAGATOMO player
Q, please review the game.
A, we were able to score and have a good attack from the first half, but there were also dangerous situations and it was a difficult game. When I had the chance to play in the game, I was able to enter the game firmly. I was happy to contribute to the victory by leaving an assist for the first time in a while.
Q, What were your feelings when you entered the game due to an accident?
A, I played the game with a strong desire to win. I wanted to be involved in scoring, so I made sure to contribute to the attack while also playing solid defense.
Q, there was another accident and there was a change in position to left back.
A, I have had a lot of experience so far, and I think I was able to play without rushing because I have data called experience value.
Q, did you achieve the intended result with your assist?
I always valued the spirit of competition. I practiced shooting from crosses many times during training. With players like Diego TABA coming into the box, I believed that even if I didn't aim precisely, the ball would still go in.
Q, do you feel like you had more sharpness than usual?
A, I will be 37 years old this year, but personally, I feel like my speed has increased. I believe this is the result of my training. Now, I am also sharing my training experience with players like Tawarazumi and young players. With my speed and propulsion increasing, I have reaffirmed my belief that my training was not wrong.
Q, I am in good condition, but I have not played as a starter.
A, My goal is to win and lift the trophy with the team, so I am willing to contribute in any way possible. I can contribute even if I start the game as a starter, or if I come in as a substitute and tighten up the team. I want to fulfill my given role.
Q, 18-year-old Tawarazumi Tada player played, please give us your impression when you played together.
During the 1-on-1 training at the Okinawa camp, he passed me. At that time, I thought this player is not just anyone, and I cannot let this player go. I felt that he is a player who can perform well in that one play. After that, we started training together and I have given him a lot of advice. He is gaining more and more confidence and is playing with great energy, but I still think he has room to grow. Despite not being in perfect condition due to consecutive games, I was once again impressed by his overwhelming speed.
<Tsubasa TERAYAMA>
Q, How was it playing at Ajinomoto Stadium?
A, Ajinomoto Stadium is a stage that I have admired since junior high school. I am very happy to be able to play at Ajinomoto. The game was a must-win as the team had lost two games in a row, so I was really focused.
Q, there are many contact plays and I am worried about injuries.
AIn order to compete against strong opponents, it is necessary to defend fiercely in the ball area. I think we were able to do that.
Q, How was playing on the left side with Kashif BANGNAGANDE and Kota TAWARATSUMIDA, both academy graduates?
A, As an academy graduate, we talked about dominating the left side with three people the day before the game. It was great to be able to play together.
Q, What do you think about Coach Albert's evaluation of Tsubasa TERAYAMA's mental state?
A, Kuryu MATSUKI is in a lower grade than me. I have seen him playing in Tokyo since last season. In that sense, there is a very good player nearby who is a great inspiration. I have to do more and Matsuki's presence has a positive influence on me.
Q, I think both Terayama and Matsuki have a strength as a person before their skills.
A, It is also my strength to think about how I can contribute to the team and play. I am always conscious of showing my strength during the game.
Q, It was my first time playing at Ajinomoto Stadium as a professional. How was the victory in that game?
A, I felt the excitement and cheers of the fans and supporters when the final whistle blew. As the game approached its end, I could hear the never-ending city. It reminded me of when I used to watch games at the stadium in junior high school. It was really exciting to hear it on the pitch this time and it made me feel like a professional.
Q, How is Ajinomoto Stadium from the pitch as a professional?
A,To put it simply, it was a really beautiful scenery. With the support of many fans and supporters, I felt the weight of their emotions and fought hard for today's victory. I hope to continue winning and sharing joy with fans and supporters in many more matches.
Q, I think there were times when emotions were swayed in the midst of not having won 3 games.
A, Looking back at my own play, it was a frustrating 45 minutes. However, I believe that winning for Tokyo is the most important thing. It was a difficult situation with no wins in 2 games, so I think it was great that we were able to win. The veteran players, led by the team, were able to lift us up before the game. I think I was able to get on board with the good atmosphere as well.
<Kota TAWARATSUMIDA>
Q, we have created several chances from the left side. How do you feel about getting used to the professional level?
A, I was able to play with confidence because there were many scenes where my dribble was effective.
Q, please review the finishing part.
A, it's a challenge. We have to make a decision. I have an idea, but I think we're lacking in the final technique. In order to make a decision in the game, we have to practice it regularly, so I want to practice it thoroughly.
Q, Did you have an image of scoring even in a one-on-one scene with the opponent's GK?
A, I thought it was important to have a calm mind when the opponent was able to get past one person and the GK was visible and panicked.
Q, I was facing former FC Tokyo player Takumi NAKAMURA. What kind of exchange did you have?
A, regardless of the opponent, I had to focus on my own play in order to survive, so that was the only thing I was thinking about. Since I rely more on my own instincts than the opponent's, I try to go for it when I feel like I can.
Q, Are you playing based on your instincts rather than consciously choosing between dribbling and passing?
A, the part of dribbling and breaking through is all about feeling, but I carefully consider decisions such as passing and have also been taught by my seniors.
Q, how do you feel about high school rookies being involved in games as a matter of course?
Last season, Matsuki showed that even high school graduates can play in J-League matches, so I thought I would use that as a reference and make a strong appeal by working hard. When I was promoted from U-18 to the top team, Matsuki was already playing in the top team, so I aimed for that and decided to surpass him.
Q, Did player Kumada achieve results in the U-20 Asia Cup and have the desire for his own results today?
Player Kumada has scored for the national team, but first and foremost, it is important to focus on oneself. I also want to improve my finishing ability in the final moments.
