<Match Review>
Tokyo, riding the momentum from their victory in the 'Tamagawa Classico' at the Japan National Stadium, headed to Kashima Soccer Stadium with approximately 56,000 fans in attendance. The starting lineup remained unchanged from the previous match, and Shuhei TOKUMOTO, who had a standout performance with 1 goal and 1 assist against Kawasaki, started as the left back.
Although there is a Levain Cup match against Cerezo Osaka in the midweek, the league matches will kick off a three-game series against top teams such as Kashima Antlers, Vissel Kobe, and Yokohama F.Marinos starting from this match. It goes without saying that this game holds significant meaning in determining the future of Tokyo's season. First, we welcomed the kickoff of that opening match.
1st HALF - Equalized by Diego TABA's penalty kick
Kashima's strength, with five consecutive wins, was indeed genuine. In the 6th minute of the first half, after a throw-in was awarded deep on the side, a cross was delivered to left-back Anzai. The ball found Kaita, who was free between Yasuki KIMOTO and Masato MORISHIGE, and he headed it in to score the opening goal.
However, by taking the lead, Kashima's defensive awareness increased, and there was hardly any pressure coming from the front line, allowing Tokyo to hold the ball and smoothly enter the opponent's territory. There were many situations where they could take the initiative in recovering second balls, extending the time they pushed the opponent back into their own half.
Then, in the 21st minute of the first half, Diego OLIVEIRA received a pass from Ryoma WATANABE, turned to face forward, and made a final pass to Teruhito NAKAGAWA, who got behind the opponent's defense. Unfortunately, it was cut off by the opposing defender, but it created a path to break through the opponent.
Tokyo continued to advance the game in the opponent's territory and earned a penalty kick in the 25th minute of the first half. Shuto ABE delivered a loop pass from near the corner of the penalty area, and Diego was brought down from behind by Sekikawa. Diego calmly converted this chance himself, allowing Tokyo to equalize before the end of the first half.
After returning the score to square one, the match returned to a back-and-forth battle once again. Despite Kashima's increasing intensity, Tokyo moved the ball carefully and progressed through the game. Although they couldn't shake the net, they finished the first half while maintaining a good rhythm.
2nd HALF—Tsukakawa's volley shot hits the left post
Tokyo made a move at the start of the second half. Koki TSUKAGAWA was brought in to replace Nakagawa, with TSUKAGAWA taking the left wing and Watanabe sliding to the right wing. Instead of staying wide, these two players frequently swapped positions to draw passes and invigorate the attack.
Kashima also brought in players Doi and Sano early in the second half, utilizing the power of fresh players from both sides, and engaged in an intense battle for midfield control aiming for the go-ahead goal.
As the match progresses, space begins to open up on the pitch, and both teams increase their scenes of approaching the goal, starting from quick transitions between offense and defense. Set pieces from deep positions have also increased, but both defenses are highly focused, and no decisive chances arise.
To break the deadlock in such a competitive match, Tokyo made a move. In the 29th minute of the second half, Kashif BANGNAGANDE and Kota TAWARATSUMIDA were brought on, placing Tsukakawa in the center, with TAWARATSUMIDA on the right wing and Watanabe on the left wing.
With less than 10 minutes remaining, both teams maintained their intensity and physicality, continuing a high-tension battle. In the 39th minute of the second half, a big chance came for Tokyo. Kashif BANGNAGANDE took a corner kick from the left to the near side, where Watanabe headed it backward, and Tsukagawa, who was waiting at the far side, executed a direct volley shot. The shot hit the ground and flew diagonally, but unfortunately struck the left post, and Kimoto's follow-up shot went over the goal.
In the 44th minute of the second half, Adailton was sent onto the pitch as a secret weapon, preparing for a counterattack opportunity by exploiting a moment of weakness. However, Kashima's defensive intensity did not wane until the end, and although they held the ball in the opponent's half, they were unable to create any chances to approach the goal, resulting in a 1-1 draw. The three consecutive matches against the top teams ended with a result of gaining 1 point away from home.
MATCH DETAILS
<FC Tokyo>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Jakub Słowik
DF Yuto NAGATOMO (substituted in 74th minute: Kashif BANGNAGANDE)/Yasuki KIMOTO/Masato MORISHIGE/Shuhei TOKUMOTO
MF Keisuke KOIZUMI/Kegon HIGASHI/Shuto ABE
FW Ryoma WATANABE (substituted in 89th minute: Adailton)/Diego Oliveira (substituted in 74th minute: Kota TAWARATSUKIDA)/Teruhito NAKAGAWA (substituted in 0th minute: Koki TSUKAGAWA)
SUBS
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
DF Henrique TREVISAN
MF Takuya AOKI
GOAL
28th minute of the first half: Diego OLIVEIRA
<Kashima Antlers>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Tomoki HAYAKAWA
DF Rikuto HIROSE (30 minutes into the second half: Keigo TSUNEMOTO)/Naomichi UEDA/Ikuma SEKIGAWA/Koki ANZAI
MF Yuta HIGUCHI (30 minutes into the second half: Arthur Kaiki)/Diego PITUKA
FW Shintaro NAGO (11 minutes into the second half: Kaishu SANO)/Hayato NAKAMA (11 minutes into the second half: Shoma DOI)/Yuki KAKITA (19 minutes into the second half: Keisuke CHINEN)/Yuma SUZUKI
SUBS
GK Yuya OKI
DF Gen SHOJI
GOAL
6th minute of the first half: Yuki KAKITA
[Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Coach Press Conference Comments]
Q, please review the game.
A, I was not satisfied with our play in the first 10 minutes, but our game plan was to start with more focus than our opponents and to score as early as possible. Conversely, I am not satisfied that we were scored on. We anticipated that they would increase their intensity and use direct play at the start of the match, so responding to that was part of our initial game plan.
We conceded a goal early in the match, but I think we were able to switch our mindset and gradually get into the game. We created good chances, and from that flow, we scored the equalizing goal. The match continued to be closely contested, and we didn't allow the opponent to create many clear chances. I believe we also created opportunities to take the lead towards the end of the match. The players fought hard in this competitive game. Due to Teruhito NAKAGAWA and Yuto NAGATOMO feeling a bit of discomfort during the match, there were two substitutions that deviated from the game plan, but I think the players who came on adapted well to the situation.
Finally, I am grateful to have played in this wonderful stadium, in such a fantastic atmosphere. I would also like to thank the supporters of Kashima Antlers, as well as all the fans and supporters who came from Tokyo. As someone who came from Europe, playing in such an atmosphere gives me a higher motivation.
Q: What was the offensive plan when Koki TSUKAGAWA, who has a different playing style than Nakagawa, was included?
Considering the characteristics of the players, the one who might have replaced Nakagawa could have been Kota TAWARATSUMIDA. However, Kashima's strengths lie in counterattacks and attacks from crosses when pushing the opponent back. In that sense, there was an intention to include Taira SHIGE, who contributes significantly in defense, to respond to the opponent's side attacks. When the second half started, taking into account the characteristics of the full-backs and wingers, left-back Shuhei TOKUMOTO is skilled in playing with his feet, so Taira SHIGE was brought in front of him, and on the right side, Ryoma WATANABE, who is also good with his feet, was included, with the intention of having Nagatomo make runs into space. Taira SHIGE's strength is making runs into space. I believe he effectively utilized that aspect today to create chances.
[Player Interview]]
<Diego OLIVEIRA>
Q: Did you feel anxious after conceding an early goal?
We knew that the opposing team would come at us with high pressing, especially at the start of the match, and we also anticipated high balls. However, we still conceded a goal, which is something we need to reflect on. After conceding, we were able to control the game by connecting our passes, so I think the match progressed well. In the second half, we hit the post and came close to scoring, but luck also plays a part in that. Overall, considering the opposing team was very energetic, I don't think it's bad that we managed to earn one point away.
Q, please review the penalty kick scene. I think there was pressure as well.
A, there were times when it was the opponent's supporter side goal, and unfortunately, there was also a moment when I missed a penalty kick chance against Albirex Niigata, so there was certainly pressure. However, I believe that in such situations, I need to remain calm, and I was able to score calmly and contribute to the team.
Q: How do you want to build on this match going forward?
A, there will also be a match against the top teams Vissel Kobe and Yokohama F.Marinos later, and before that, there is the Levain Cup. There are two matches next week, so I want to make sure to rest well to build up my strength and prepare for the next match.
<Yasuki KIMOTO>
I think the early goal we conceded made the game difficult, especially since we were focusing on our entry.
As a team, we entered the match with the mindset to score the opening goal in the first 10 to 15 minutes. We were cautious about crosses, but it became a difficult situation. I feel responsible, and I reflect on the fact that we let the rhythm slip to them at that point.
Q, it was a beautifully coordinated goal conceded with Masato MORISHIGE.
I spoke with Mori Shige, and we had our opinions. It seems that Mori Shige wanted me to mark, but I couldn't see Kakita. I believe we can resolve today's conceded goal through proper communication moving forward, and I think we handled the defense well afterward, so it was good that we managed to limit it to just one goal conceded.
Q, after falling behind, you were able to switch gears and equalize in the first half, right?
We maintained our focus, equalized with a penalty kick without conceding any additional goals, and there was a feeling that we could turn the game around. I believe we were able to connect well in the next match.
Q: In the first half, there were times when we had possession of the ball, but in the second half, it seemed like there were more long balls.
A, the opponent allowed us to have the ball at times, but on the other hand, they were aiming for counterattacks, so there were moments when we used long balls to avoid falling into their strategy. I think it would have been better if we had connected the ball a bit more, but since there is a common goal for the team, I believe it’s important for everyone to play with a shared understanding. We need to come up with more ideas in our attacking play.
Q: What do you think about bringing home 1 point from the away game against the strong Kashima Antlers?
A, I think it was good that we at least didn't lose. From here on, we will continue to face the top teams, so in that sense, I believe that one point will lead to future success. Next, we will be up against Vissel Kobe, who are currently in first place, and I don't want to lose. Also, we have the Levain Cup next Wednesday, so I want the whole team to prepare well.
<Kei KOIZUMI>
Q, how do you feel about reviewing the game?
I approached the match thinking that the way we started would determine the outcome. While conceding the first goal is something to reflect on, there were areas where we improved. In an away game against a strong opponent, there were moments when we felt overwhelmed by the atmosphere, but I believe we achieved a minimum result. However, as a team, we want the ability to win such matches, and as individuals, I want to show plays that lead to victory in the future.
Q: What was your impression of Kashima Antlers after actually facing them?
A, I felt the strength and momentum as expected. Above all, I was overwhelmed by the sense of unity in this stadium. Once again, I thought that Kashima is a good team. The Tokyo players played calmly in a good way without being overwhelmed by the unique atmosphere. I think it was good that they were able to play without getting impatient.
Q: It was a match where the intensity of the ball contests was important.
A, I knew in advance that battles would occur in the situations of ball contests and second ball recoveries. There were also moments where we could have picked up more and turned them into our ball. Since I play as an inside half, I want to build on this with consistency.
Q: I think we achieved the minimum results. How do you reflect on this outcome?
If we don't win consecutively, we won't be able to compete for the championship, and that's why this was a match we wanted to win. Next week, we will have back-to-back matches in the Levain Cup and the league. I believe this will be a key match for the team moving forward, so I want to positively view today as having achieved the minimum result and create a momentum for victory.
Q: We have not won any matches after conceding the first goal this season. Please tell us what will be important moving forward.
A, there was a chance to win today as well. Of course, it is important not to concede the first goal, but even after conceding, we must not get flustered and instead catch up to equalize, scoring one by one. I believe that even if we allow the first goal, we must develop the ability to turn the game around; otherwise, we will never achieve victory, so I want to build on this through daily practice.
Q, Koizumi's determination to run until the end was very impressive.
A, the inside half position is all about running. Additionally, when asked what I was able to do in today's match, I couldn't do anything. It was a frustrating match, but since the games continue, I want to play well.
<Koki TSUKAGAWA>
Q: What role were you given when you participated?
I think there was an intention to score, so my role was to score goals.
Q: Although your playing style is different from Nakagawa, what did you consider when trying to break through on the left side?
A, I personally cannot do much by staying wide. My playing style is better suited for breaking through by coming inside and coordinating well with those around me, but in terms of game development, it felt more like we were pushing forward rather than connecting. I was conscious of being a starting point, and if I dropped too deep (into midfield), I wouldn't be able to pick up second balls, so I was trying to stay up front while being aware of that.
Q: Rather than just connecting as a team, did you also consider the balance with the opponent and use some longer balls as well?
A, I think it went well in the match against Kawasaki Frontale, so I hope to be able to use both effectively.
Q, please review the scene of the volley shot.
A, that was a scene that needed to be scored. I got distracted by the opposing player, and instead of swinging through with full force, I aimed for the shot, so I think I could have followed through better. The opponent was covering the goal on the right, so I thought the left was the only open space and aimed for that, but it hit the post.
Q: It was a match where we brought home 1 point.
A, I think that is the minimum, so I want to earn 3 points for the fans and supporters who have come all the way to the away game, and I want to share the victory together. I am not satisfied at all. I want to make sure to utilize this in the next match.
