<Match Review>
Tokyo, who maintained the momentum of winning the "Tama River Clasico" at the Japan National Stadium, where about 56,000 people gathered, entered Kashima Soccer Stadium. The starting lineup remained unchanged from the previous match, and Shuhei TOKUMOTO, who showed a goal and an assist in the Kawasaki match, started as a left back.
The Levain Cup against Cerezo Osaka will be sandwiched in the middle of the week, and then the league will enter a three-game stretch against top teams such as Kashima Antlers, Vissel Kobe, and Yokohama F.Marinos. It goes without saying that this game holds great significance in predicting the future of Tokyo's season. First, we will welcome the kickoff of that first game.
1stHALF - Equalized with Diego's penalty kick
Kashima's strength during their 5-game winning streak was indeed real. In the 6th minute of the first half, they were caught off guard on the side and a cross was sent in by left back Yasunishi. The ball found its way to player Kakita, who was free between Yasuki Kimoto and Masato Morishige, and he headed it in to give the opposing team the lead.
However, by taking the lead, Kashima's defensive awareness was heightened and they rarely put pressure on the front line, allowing Tokyo to smoothly enter the enemy's territory. There were also many opportunities to take the second ball first, prolonging the time in which they pushed the opponent into their own territory.
And in the 21st minute of the first half, Diego Oliveira, who received a pass from Ryoma WATANABE, turned forward and made a final pass to Teruhito NAKAGAWA, who took advantage of the opponent's defense. Unfortunately, the opponent's defender cut it off and did not lead to a scoring opportunity, but he created a way to break down the opponent.
Tokyo, who continued the game in the opponent's territory, earned a penalty kick in the 25th minute of the first half. Shuto ABE made a looping pass from near the penalty area corner, and Diego TABA was fouled from behind by Sekikawa. Diego took this chance calmly and equalized for Tokyo before the end of the first half.
After returning to the starting score, the game once again returned to a back-and-forth battle. Despite Kashima's increasing intensity, Tokyo continued to move the ball carefully and advance the game. They were unable to shake the net, but they ended the first half with a good rhythm.
2ndHALF - Tsukagawa's volley shot hits the left post
Tokyo was the first to move after the start of the second half. Koki TSUKAGAWA was substituted for Nakagawa, with TSUKAGAWA moving to the left wing and Watanabe sliding to the right wing. These two players did not stick to their wide positions, but frequently exchanged positions to draw out passes and contribute to the activation of the attack.
Kashima also put in players Doi and Sano in the early stages of the second half, using the power of fresh players to compete for control of the midfield and aim for a winning goal.
As the game progresses, spaces begin to open up on the pitch, leading to both teams increasing the number of scenes where they quickly switch between attacking and defending to approach the goal. There have also been more set pieces from deep positions, but both defenses have remained highly focused, resulting in no clear-cut chances being created.
Tokyo moves to break through such a close game. In the 29th minute of the second half, Kashif BANGNAGANDE and Kota TAWARATSUMIDA were substituted, with Tsukagawa in the center of the front line, Tawaratsumida on the right wing, and Watanabe on the left wing.
Even with less than 10 minutes remaining, both teams continue to show high levels of energy and intensity in their play. In the 39th minute of the second half, Tokyo gets a big chance. Kashif BANGNAGANDE takes a corner kick from the left side, and Watanabe heads it back behind him. Tsukagawa, who was waiting on the far side, takes a direct volley shot. The ball hits the ground and flies towards the opposite corner, but unfortunately hits the left post and the follow-up shot from Kimoto goes over the goal.
In the 44th minute of the second half, Adailton was sent onto the pitch as a trump card, preparing for a counter-attacking chance to take advantage of a momentary gap. However, Kashima's defensive strength did not falter until the end, and although they had possession in the opponent's half, they were unable to create any chances to score and the match ended in a 1-1 draw. The three consecutive matches against top teams resulted in only 1 point earned away from home.
MATCH DETAILS
＜FC Tokyo＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Yakubu Swobick
DF Yuto Nagatomo (29th minute of the second half: Kashif BANGNAGANDE)/Yasuki Kimoto/Masato Morishige/Shuhei Tokumoto
MF Kei Koizumi/Keigo Higashi/Shuto ABE
FW Ryoma Watanabe (44th minute of the second half: Adailton)/Diego Oliveira (29th minute of the second half: Kota TAWARATSUMIDA)/Teruhito Nakagawa (0th minute of the second half: Koki TSUKAGAWA)
SUBS
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
DF Henrique TREVISAN
MF Takuya AOKI
GOAL
28' First Half: Diego OLIVEIRA
＜Kashima Antlers＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Tomoki Hayakawa
DF Rikuto Hirose (30th minute of the second half: Keigo Tsunemoto)/ Naoto Ueda/ Ikuma Sekigawa/ Koki Anzai
MF Yuta Higuchi (30th minute of the second half: Arthur Caíque)/ Diego Pituca
FW Shintaro Nago (11th minute of the second half: Kaishu Sano)/ Hayato Nakama (11th minute of the second half: Shoma Doi)/ Yuki Kakita (19th minute of the second half: Kei Chinen)/ Yuma Suzuki
SUBS
GK Yuya OKI
DF Gen SHOJI
GOAL
6th minute of the first half: Yuki KAKITA
[Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Press Conference Comments]
Q, please review the game.
A, We were not satisfied with the first 10 minutes of play, but our game plan was to start with more focus than the opponent and score as early as possible. We were not satisfied with being done by the opponent. We expected them to come out with high intensity and use a lot of direct plays at the start of the game, so that was our initial game plan.
We conceded a goal early on, but I think we were able to get into the game more and more as time went on by changing our mindset. We were able to create chances and equalized from that momentum. The game continued to be close and we didn't give the opponent many clear chances. Towards the end of the game, we were able to create opportunities to turn the game around. The players fought hard in a close game. Due to some discomfort between Teruhito NAKAGAWA and Yuto NAGATOMO during the game, there were two substitutions that were different from the game plan, but I think the players who came on did a good job adapting to the situation.
I am grateful to have been able to play in this amazing stadium and in such a great atmosphere. I would like to thank the supporters of Kashima Antlers and also the fans and supporters who came from Tokyo. As someone who came from Europe, playing in this kind of atmosphere gives me even more motivation.
Q: What was the attacking plan when Koki TSUKAGAWA, who has a different style from Nakagawa, was put in?
A, based on the player's characteristics, the player who should have replaced Nakagawa may have been Tawaratsumida Kota. However, Kashima's weapon is counter attacks and attacks from crosses when pushing the opponent. In that sense, there was an intention to put in Tsukagawa, who has a high contribution in defense, to respond to the opponent's side attacks. At the start of the second half, taking into account the characteristics of the fullbacks and wingers, Tokumoto Shuhei, who is good at playing with his feet, was put in front of Tsukagawa, and Watanabe Ryoma, who is even better at playing with his feet, was put on the right side, with the intention of having Nagatomo take advantage of the space. Tsukagawa's weapon is his ability to take advantage of space. I think he was able to create chances today by utilizing that aspect well.
[Player Interview]
<Diego OLIVEIRA>
Q, were you feeling anxious after being scored on early in the game?
A, we knew that the opposing team would come out with a high press at the beginning of the game, and we also knew they would play long balls, but we still have to reflect on the fact that we conceded a goal. After conceding, we were able to control the game by keeping possession of the ball, so I think the game progressed well. In the second half, we hit the post and had a few chances to score, but luck was not on our side. Overall, the opposing team was very strong and we were able to take one point away, so I don't think it was a bad result.
Q, please review the penalty kick scene. I think there was also pressure.
There was pressure, of course, as there was also the fact that it was the opposing team's supporters' goal, and unfortunately I missed the chance for a penalty kick in the Albirex Niigata match. In that kind of situation, I think I need to be even more calm, so I was able to score calmly and contribute to the team.
Q, How do you want to continue this game?
A, there will also be a match between top-ranked Vissel Kobe and Yokohama F.Marinos, and before that there will be the Levain Cup. There will be two matches next week, so first of all, I want to rest well to gather strength and prepare for the next match.
<Yasuki KIMOTO>
Q, I think that the early conceded goal made the game difficult while valuing the entrance.
As a team, we entered the game with the intention of scoring the first goal in the first 10-15 minutes. We were aware of the crosses, but it became a difficult situation to deal with. I feel responsible and it was a point of reflection that we lost our rhythm at that point.
Q, it was a clean goal that was conceded in the match against Masato MORISHIGE.
A, I also talked to Morishige, but we had different opinions. Morishige wanted me to mark, but I couldn't see Kakita. I think we can talk about today's goal and solve it for the future. I think we were able to handle the defense well after that, so it was good that we were able to keep it to a minimum of one goal.
Q, we were able to catch up in the first half by switching after being scored on.
A, we were able to catch up with a penalty kick without losing focus and without giving up any additional points, and there was also an atmosphere where we could turn the game around. I think we were able to have a game where we connected well next.
Q, In the first half, there was also time to hold the ball, but in the second half, it seemed that there were more long balls.
A, there were times when the opponent let us have the ball, but they were also aiming for counter attacks, so there were also moments where we used long balls to avoid falling into their trap. I think it would have been better if we could have connected more passes, but there is also a team strategy, so I believe it's important for everyone to have a common understanding and play together. We need to make more efforts in our attacking play.
Q, How do you feel about being able to bring back 1 point from the away game against the strong Kashima Antlers?
A, At the very least, I think it was good that we didn't lose. From here on, we have matches against top teams, so in that sense, I think the one point will lead to something in the future. Next, we will face Vissel Kobe, who is currently in first place, and we don't want to lose. Also, we have the Levain Cup next Wednesday, so I want the whole team to make good preparations.
＜Kei KOIZUMI player＞
Q, how was the game review?
A, I approached the game thinking that the way we start will determine the outcome. It was a point of reflection that we conceded a goal first, but there were also areas where we were able to improve. It was an away game against a strong opponent, and there were moments where we were overwhelmed by the atmosphere, but I think we were able to achieve the minimum result. However, as a team, we still need the ability to win games like this, and as an individual, I want to show plays that will lead to victory in the future.
Q, What was your impression of Kashima Antlers when you actually played against them?
I felt the expected strength and momentum. Above all, I was overwhelmed by the unity of this stadium. Once again, I thought Kashima was a good team. The Tokyo players were able to play calmly without being swallowed up by the unique atmosphere. I think it was good that they were able to play without getting frustrated.
Q, it was observed that the strength of the ball was important in this match.
A, we knew beforehand that there would be battles in the situation of recovering the ball in the air and second balls. There were also scenes where we could have picked up more and had the ball ourselves. As an inside half, I want to continue to build up with consistency.
Q, I think we got the minimum result. How do you look back on this result?
A, if we don't continue winning, we won't be able to compete for the championship, so it was an important game that we wanted to win. Next week, we will have back-to-back games in the Levain Cup and the league. I think these will be key games for the team in the future, so I want to take today's result as a positive and build on the momentum of victory.
Q, If we allow the first goal this season, we will not win. Please tell us what will be important for the future.
A, there was a chance to win today as well. Of course, it is important not to give up the first point, but even after giving it up, I think it is important to catch up and score one by one without getting frustrated. Even if we give up the first point, I think we need to build up the strength to turn the game around in order to win the championship, so I want to continue to build it up through daily practice.
Q, Koizumi's impressive run until the end was very impressive.
A, the inside half is a position where running is everything. In addition, when asked what I was able to do in today's game, I couldn't do anything. It was a frustrating game, but since the game continues, I want to play firmly.
<Koki TSUKAGAWA>
Q, what role were you given to play?
I think there was an intention to score points, so I think my role was to score a goal.
Q, How did you think about breaking through when you entered the left side, even though your playing style is different from Nakagawa's?
A, personally I cannot do anything by sticking to the side. In terms of my playing style, it was better to go inside and break down while working well with the people around me, but in terms of game development, it was more about going forward rather than connecting. It was a starting point, and if I dropped too much (in the midfield), I couldn't pick up second balls, so I was conscious of staying up front.
Q, rather than connecting as a team, did you also consider the balance with the opponent and use longer balls to some extent?
A, I think the game against Kawasaki Frontale was the one that went well, so I hope I can use both of them well.
Q, please review the volley shot scene.
A, that was a scene where I had to make a decision. The opponent player caught my eye, so instead of swinging with all my might, I ended up aiming and I think it would have been better if I had swung harder. I thought the only open space was to the left because the opponent player was covering the goal on the right, so I aimed there, but it hit the post.
This game was a match to bring back 1 point.
A, I think that is the minimum, so I still want to get 3 points for the fans and supporters who have come all the way to the away game, and I want to share the victory with them. I am not satisfied at all. I want to make good use of this in the next game.
