<Match Review>
The first match of the Emperor's Cup has arrived. J1 League teams will enter from the 2nd round. Tokyo faced Fukushima United FC, representing Fukushima Prefecture, for the first time in an official match.
The team composition has changed significantly from the league match due to consecutive games.
Among the members who played in the previous match against Yokohama F. Marinos, six players were named in the starting lineup: Keigo Higashi, Shuhei Tokumoto, Koki Tsukagawa, Kuryu Matsuki, Adailton, and Perotti. Goalkeeper Tsuyoshi Kodama, who made his first appearance of the season, was chosen as the starting goalkeeper, while center back Renta Higashi made his first official appearance as a professional player.
1st HALF - Despite being scored on first, a calm game plan leads to a comeback
Fukushima was the one who came out before the start of the match. They maintained a high position in their formation and pressed the ball side when Tokyo passed the ball in their defense line. Tokyo also calmly advanced the ball, but they were unable to bring it to the opponent's goal due to their strength in the ball.
In the 12th minute of the first half, they were outnumbered on the left side and the opposing team was able to penetrate deep into their territory. A cross ball was then sent into the center of the goal and they conceded the first goal through a direct shot.
Amidst the unique upsets of the Emperor's Cup, Tokyo calmly regained control of the game and gradually strengthened their counterattack.
In the 19th minute of the first half, Tsukagawa stole the ball in a high position and carried it into the penalty area, evading one defender and calmly scoring to equalize. In the 29th minute of the first half, Adailton was fouled and awarded a penalty kick, which he scored to take the lead. They went into halftime with the lead.
2nd HALF - Matsuki's first goal at Ajinomoto Stadium extends lead, advancing to 3rd Round
As the second half begins, we calmly continue the game while maintaining possession of the ball, but we are also pushed back by Fukushima's momentum and create situations where we are brought deep into our own territory.
Despite leading, Tokyo made sure to not let their guard down and secured their chances.
In the 13th minute of the second half, TAWARATSUMIDA Kota, who was on a counter attack, carried the ball with speed and passed it to Matsuki, who had made a run into the space from the left. Matsuki calmly slotted the ball into the goal, scoring his first goal at Ajinomoto Stadium and extending the lead.
As the game progressed in a stalemate, in the 35th minute of the second half, the opponent player who dribbled into the penalty area was fouled during a change of direction, resulting in a penalty kick being awarded. However, this penalty kick danger was averted as the opponent's kick missed the goal.
After that, there were scenes where the ball crossed in front of the goal after being broken through on the side, but we defended with our bodies and did not allow any goals, and welcomed the final whistle of the game.
MATCH DETAILS
＜F.C.Tokyo＞
STARTING XI
GK Koda Go
DF Suzuki Junya/Higashitani Renta/Henrique Trevisan/Tokumoto Yuhei
MF Tsukagawa Takaki (30th minute of the second half: Terayama Tsubasa)/Higashi Keigo/Kuryu Matsuki
FW Tawaratsumida Kota (22nd minute of the second half: Nishido Hisatoshi)/Perotti (30th minute of the second half: Kumada Naoki)/Adailton (44th minute of the second half: Doi Kanta)
SUBS
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
FW Leon NOZAWA/Yuta ARAI
GOAL
First half 19 minutes: Koki TSUKAGAWA/First half 30 minutes: Adailton/Second half 13 minutes: Kuryu MATSUKI
Fukushima United FC
STARTING XI
GK Kaito YAMAMOTO
DF Kosuke TANAKA/Satoru NOZUE (36th minute: Kazuki DOHANA)/Naoki SUZU/Takeshi OTAKE
MF Hiroshi OMORI/Tomohiko MIYAZAKI (15th minute: Hiroshi YOSHINAGA)/Uheiji UEHATA
FW Shoki NAGANO (15th minute: Kanta JOJO)/Ryo SHIOHAMA (36th minute: Kota MORI)/Hiroki HIGUCHI (28th minute: Yuta NOBUYA)
SUBS
GK Satoshi OSUGI
MF Naoya SEITA
GOAL
12' Ryo SHIOHAMA
[Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Press Conference Comments]
Q, please review today's game.
A, the team entered the game with focus. We conceded a goal early on, but we were able to react quickly and turn the game around, controlling the game and creating many chances. However, in the last 15 minutes of the game, we were not able to play well. It was a period where we lost control of the ball and the game. Fukushima United FC has shown that they value possession and have proven their quality. I would like to take this opportunity to praise them for approaching the game with an attacking game plan, rather than a defensive one, against a team from a different category.
One improvement point is that we were not able to score additional points during the time when we created many chances. As a result, we lost control of the game towards the end. We are not satisfied with that. Finally, I would like to commend Higashi Renta, who started in the starting lineup and played well, and Doi Kanta, who came on as a substitute and made his first official appearance as a professional and as a Tokyo player. I am also satisfied with Matsuki Kuryu, who led the team as a key player in a good way. He has proven his growth and I continue to expect his growth and performance in the league matches.
Q, What was the cause of losing control of the game in the end?
A, In my opinion, a better defense means defending with the ball. It is better to end the game by holding onto the ball rather than solidifying the defense, but the team does not understand this point. In a situation where we are winning 3-1, there may be a way of thinking to solidify the defense and then score an additional goal through a counterattack, but I do not prefer to end the game in such a way. This time, because we ended up solidifying the defense, the opponent was able to create chances. I would like the team to learn to end the game by holding onto the ball and defending while holding onto the ball. Except for the last 15 minutes, we were able to move the ball at a good tempo and we were able to use the wings for our attacks. I am satisfied with that aspect.
[Player Interview]
<Kuryu MATSUKI>
Q, please review the game.
A, Even if the content was bad, I think it was good that we were able to win in the Emperor's Cup tournament. In the first half, we were able to apply a good high press, but in the second half, there was also physical exhaustion and there were difficult times. We need to create a game where we can apply a 90-minute high press, including players who have not played in the league. Aggressive defense is important as a way to lead to victory. Based on that, I want to build up one by one from tomorrow's practice.
Q, Is it correct to say that you are considering high press as the basis of your defense as a team?
A, yes. When facing a team that is good at passing the ball in a game like today, one of our strategies is to steal the ball well in the front and aim for a short counter. Koki TSUKAGAWA's goal today was a successful execution of this strategy. I believe that if we can continue to play like this for 90 minutes, we will become an even better team.
Q, Kuryu MATSUKI himself, also scored his first goal at Ajinomoto Stadium.
It took a long time until my first goal. Thanks to Kota TAWARATSUMIDA for providing a good ball, I was able to score well. After the game, TAWARATSUMIDA thanked me directly, saying "Thank you for scoring." I was also aware of the need to score in a situation where we had to win in the tournament. It was great that the goal was created in a good way. I am grateful to the fans and supporters who supported me and pushed me to score.
Q, The Emperor's Cup 3rd Round will be against Verdy.
A, "Tokyo" is the representative of Tokyo and we must win this game. We also have the league, but we will do our best to achieve good results in the Emperor's Cup.
<Renta HIGASHI>
Q, please review the game.
A, There were difficult opponents as a team, but as an individual, I challenged myself to see how far I could go. In the first half, we couldn't get into the game, but with the support of those around me, I think we were able to show some good defense in the second half.
Q, Wasn't it significant to achieve the most important result of victory today?
A, I wanted to finish it without conceding as a defender. There was also a penalty kick, so it wouldn't have been strange to concede 2 goals, so that's something I need to work on.
Q, Wasn't it a big gain to play today and get it again?
A, professionals must play and win in games. Therefore, I think it is important to continue. Today, my mother was here, so I think it was good to be able to show my family and the people who support me in my hometown how I play.
Q, what will you do from now on to participate in the next game?
A, I want to use the challenges that came up today in future practices and practice games. If I can show growth there, I think I will have another chance.
<Kanta DOI>
Q, this was my first appearance.
A, I was able to participate, but I couldn't make a good play, so I want to do my best from here on out.
Q, What preparations have you made for today's match?
A, I thought it was important to appeal in practice. I have been working hard every day since practice, so I want to continue to build on that from here.
Q, please tell us how you feel when you enter the pitch.
We were winning 3-1, so I was conscious of not conceding and entered the game. There were many firsts, such as the atmosphere of the stadium, but I think I was able to play calmly.
Q, 3rd Round will be a match against Verdy. As a born and raised Tokyoite, how do you feel?
A, I will do my best to prepare well and be able to play in the game because it is an opponent that we absolutely cannot lose to.
Q, I always dreamed of standing on the pitch at Ajinomoto. How was it to actually stand there?
A, I have always been watching this pitch with admiration since I was a child, so I am happy that my dream has become a reality.
Q, I think you have been watching your father (Yoichi DOI) play as a goalkeeper in Tokyo for a long time. Can you please share your thoughts on playing on the same pitch as him?
A, I don't want to lose to my father, so I want to build up from here to surpass his record.
Q, do you still have to be aware of it?
A, I am not conscious as much as I am told by those around me, but if my father tells me, I become conscious.
Q, is it said by your father?
A, I get provoked a lot (lol).
Q, What did Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA say to you when you entered the pitch?
A, I was told to not concede any goals.
Q, there have been injuries, and I think it's been a long journey up until now. How do you look back on it?
In November 2022, I got injured and was in rehabilitation until April. However, thanks to the constant support from FC Tokyo U-18 staff, including coach Takashi OKUHARA, I would like to express my gratitude.
