Match Review
Including two consecutive wins after the break, Tokyo, under the management of Peter CKLAMOVSKI, boasts a high winning percentage with 4 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss in league matches. As clean sheets and solid defense are becoming their strengths over the last five matches, this round they face Yokohama F.Marinos, who have scored the most goals in the league and are in the title race.
The goal was defended by 20-year-old Taishi Brandon NOZAWA for three consecutive matches, and Seiji KIMURA was assigned to the center back position due to Henrique Trevisan's suspension, forming a partnership with Masato MORISHIGE. Additionally, in the absence of Kuryu MATSUKI, Keigo HIGASHI, who scored in the league for the first time in 1624 days in the previous match against Kyoto Sanga F.C., was included, and Ryoma WATANABE was positioned as the attacking midfielder.
And, Teruhito NAKAGAWA, who returned to the lineup in the match against Kyoto, has confidently returned to the starting lineup for the match at Nissan Stadium against his former club. He has come back to this memorable place as "Aka-Aoi no Teru."
In this round, we face Yokohama FM, followed by a match against Vissel Kobe, continuing our encounters with the top two teams in the standings. This is a crucial match for PEACE STADIUM Tokyo, serving as a stepping stone to aim for a higher rank. We approach this match with the desire to avenge the frustration of the comeback loss we suffered at Ajinomoto in June.
1st HALF - Regaining momentum, Diego scores to equalize
Right after the kickoff, we were pushed back by the champion's passing work. Yokohama FM took control as the players moved fluidly without being tied to their starting positions. Then, in the 12th minute of the first half, we allowed the opening goal. The lone striker, Anderson LOPES, became the starting point and created a one-on-one situation with Nozawa against Maiichi, who broke through. We managed to hold on thanks to Nozawa's save, and although we didn't allow Nishimura to shoot from a quick second action, the loose ball was slotted in by Nagato.
Despite conceding a goal for the first time in three league matches, Tokyo did not lower their heads. They thoroughly executed their play on both offense and defense, regaining their rhythm and increasing the number of counterattacks from quick transitions. Following this momentum, they scored the equalizer in the 23rd minute of the first half. On the right side, Teruhito NAKAGAWA evaded an opponent and moved centrally while spreading the play to the space on the left side. Kota TAWARATSUMIDA confidently made a vertical run and delivered a cross with his left foot, which was pushed in by Diego OLIVEIRA, who had entered the near side.
After the score was leveled, Tokyo increased the number of counterattacks from interceptions in midfield. Diego TABA's ball retention and Takuya TAWARA's dribbling bewildered Yokohama FM. Although they were gaining momentum, they were unable to secure a comeback goal, and the first half ended at 1-1.
2nd HALF - Created two scenes hitting the crossbar...
The second half saw a rapid increase in the tempo of the game. It was a 45 minutes filled with intense changes between offense and defense.
In the 5th minute of the second half, Yokohama FM created a chance. In this match, they earned the first corner kick for both teams, and Matsubara took a shot from a set play. However, Tokyo's defense blocked it with their bodies.
In the 19th minute of the second half, Tokyo made three substitutions at the same time. Adailton, Jája Silva, and Riki HARAKAWA, who was making his debut for Tokyo, were sent onto the pitch. Immediately after that, a decisive chance arose. Adailton received the ball on the left side and made a powerful dribble towards the goal, entering the penalty area to shoot. Jája also managed to take a shot after picking up the blocked rebound. Both were powerful shots, but neither could shake the net.
In the humid and sweltering stadium, the battle enters the final 15 minutes, turning into a war of attrition. Players from both teams are exerting themselves to score the second goal.
Then, from the 39th to the 40th minute of the second half, Tokyo launched a furious attack. For the first time in this match, Harakawa took a corner kick with his right foot, and Adailton connected with a back header, but the ball that flowed to the far side hit the crossbar. A minute later, Watanabe showcased his skills. He attempted a cross from the right side, which was initially blocked, but he picked up the second ball, cut in towards the center, and unleashed a powerful shot from a right diagonal 45-degree angle with his left foot. It was a fierce shot that left the opposing goalkeeper unable to move, but it was also deflected off the crossbar and did not result in a goal.
Then, just after entering 6 minutes of additional time, an unexpected conclusion awaited.
In the 45+1 minute of the second half, Watanabe scored a low trajectory mid-range shot into the bottom right corner of the goal. Despite putting up an equal or better fight in terms of chances created and transitions between offense and defense, in the end, they could not bring home any points against the strength of Yokohama FM.
MATCH DETAILS
<FC Tokyo>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
DF Kosuke SHIRAI/Masato MORISHIGE/Seiji KIMURA/Yuto NAGATOMO
MF Keigo HIGASHI (19 minutes into the second half: Riki HARAKAWA)/Kei KOIZUMI/Ryoma WATANABE (45 minutes into the second half: Shuhei TOKUMOTO)
FW Teruhito NAKAGAWA (35 minutes into the second half: Koki TSUKAGAWA)/Diego Oliveira (19 minutes into the second half: Jaja Silva)/Kota TAWARA (19 minutes into the second half: Adailton)
SUBS
GK Jakub SLOWIK
DF Yasuki KIMOTO
GOAL
23rd minute of the first half: Diego OLIVEIRA
<Yokohama F. Marinos>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Hiroki IIKURA
DF Ken MATSUBARA/Shinobu HATANAKA (19th minute: Takumi KAMIJIMA)/Eduardo/Katsuya NAGATO (36th minute: Ryotaro TSUNODA)
MF Kota WATANABE/Takuya KIDA/Takuma NISHIMURA
FW Yan Mateus (0th minute: Kenta INOUE)/Anderson Lopez (28th minute: Nam Te-hee)/Ryo MIYAICHI (19th minute: Kota MIZUNUMA)
SUBS
GK Powell Obinna OBI
MF Riku YAMANE
GOAL
12th minute of the first half: Katsuya NAGATO / 45+1 minute of the second half: Kota WATANABE
[Comments from Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI at the Press Conference]
Q, please review the game.
A,Both teams played good football, and it became a battle where we could showcase our strengths. I believe it was truly entertaining football, and we had chances; it was a match we could have won. The players fought desperately and dedicatedly to deliver a strong performance. It is unfortunate that we couldn't achieve the desired result, but I want to become stronger so that we can turn this pain into our strength.
Q: How did you try to stop Yokohama F.Marinos' attack?
A,overall, we were able to defend as planned. I think Yokohama FM had a good start and played well, moving the ball effectively for the first 20 to 25 minutes. From around the end of the first half, we started to control the game ourselves. Overall, we were able to utilize the spaces we wanted and exploit the opponent's weaknesses, and during halftime, we confirmed that we could show good aspects in the second half as well. However, I regret that our shots hit the post twice, and despite having chances to score a second goal, we conceded the decisive goal in the final moments.
Q: What do you think about Keigo HIGASHI's positioning?
A,I think we were able to play well while looking at the available spaces, and we were able to utilize good spaces as well. There were many scenes that could lead to good attacks and potential goals. I believe there were many positive aspects in today's match, so I want to build on the positive parts and improve on the areas that need improvement as we move forward.
[Player Interview]]
<Teruhito NAKAGAWA>
Q: Please reflect on today's match.
I think it was a match where the outcome could go either way. In that context, I felt the difference in the ability to finish and the ability to attract luck that leads to goals. It was a close match, and ultimately we didn't win, so I thought we need to be more serious about getting results and show a stronger attitude in pursuing results.
Q: How was your performance today after playing approximately 80 minutes in your first match back?
I performed at 50 to 60 percent. I want to move more and create plays that generate chances. Honestly, it was fun to be able to start from the beginning. I am really frustrated that we lost, especially losing to the same opponent twice. As I mentioned earlier, if we don't close the gap that we felt in today's match, I don't think we will reach our goal of "championship."
Q: You mentioned that you didn't know what kind of emotions you would feel before the match, but could you tell us what you felt playing at Nissan Stadium?
Thanks to the warm atmosphere of the Yokohama F.Marinos fans and supporters, I was able to play today, and the fans and supporters in Tokyo also inspired me with their cheers as I faced my former team. To respond to their support, I wanted to win, and I feel sorry that we couldn't. Honestly, there are many challenges, but I believe there is still much we can do and room for growth. I want to prepare for the next match to avoid consecutive losses.
Q: To demonstrate progress in winning against strong opponents, the next match will be an important game against a top team. Please share your enthusiasm once again.
A, we cannot rise to the top unless we defeat the top teams, and we absolutely do not want to lose at the Japan National Stadium, where our winning percentage is high. I want to turn today's defeat into strength and fight together with all the fans and supporters as one. Please create the best atmosphere. Thank you.
<Diego OLIVEIRA>
Q, please review the game.
A, of course, I knew it would be a difficult match since we were up against a rival competing for the championship, and it turned out to be just that. The content of the match was not something to be pessimistic about, but I felt very frustrated because we did not achieve the final result. There's no point in dwelling on what has already happened, so I think we can only move forward. The next match will also be against a tough opponent, but I want to make sure to rest properly and prepare.
Q, you scored the equalizing goal from a short counterattack. Please review the goal scene.
A good cross from Kota TAWARATSUMIDA came from a nice counter, and I was able to score a goal. I'm happy to have scored, but I'm sad because the team lost.
Q: Next is a very important match for Tokyo at the Japan National Stadium. Please share your enthusiasm.
A. The next match will also be a difficult one. Our next opponent, Vissel Kobe, is a team competing for the championship, so even though it is a home game, I expect it to be a challenging match. I want to correct the mistakes made in today's match and prepare to ensure we can play well.
<Seiji KIMURA>
Q: It was your first full-time appearance in the league in a while. Please reflect on the match.
We conceded the first goal due to our own misalignments and discrepancies, but we managed to equalize before halftime and were able to regroup during the match. However, in the end, we conceded a goal in stoppage time, which was a moment that showcased both the resilience of Yokohama F.Marinos and our own vulnerabilities. I believe this is something we need to correct and improve upon.
Q: What specific aspects did you focus on defensively when facing Yokohama FM, who apply pressure in their attack?
Anderson LOPES was strong in the position at the top, so we didn't allow the ball to be easily played in. Even during times when we were being pressed, we didn't force ourselves onto the opponent's ball holder and focused on solidifying our central position. I believe the team had the awareness to put their bodies on the line in the final moments to prevent the opponent from scoring. I think we did well in that regard.
Q: Although we lost after conceding a goal in the final moments of the match, did you feel any sense of achievement in your performance throughout the 90 minutes?
A, the match has just ended and we lost, so I can only think of the bad parts of the play. However, I was able to approach the match in good condition. I believe I was able to perform at least the minimum required plays, but I was informed by the staff that there were instances where my build-up passes were off or floated, and my defensive responses to the opponent were slightly delayed. I want to have a thorough discussion to correct whether my understanding of the correct position is different, or if I was in the right position but just responded too late. When I get the chance again, I want to win next time.
<Riki HARAKAWA>
Q: This was your first official match after joining. In the difficult situation of a 1-1 tie, what were you conscious of as you approached the game?
First, I focused on defense while observing the flow of the match. Both teams were playing in an open manner, bypassing the midfield. The attackers entered the pitch at the same timing while effectively engaging with the ball, so I aimed to utilize their characteristics to create attacks that could capitalize on counterattacks. There were opportunities, and I believe that if we could play while watching the opponent during counterattacks, even more chances would have arisen.
Q: There were plays that led to scoring opportunities from your precise kicks. How would you rate your performance in today's match?
A, I was able to play for 90 minutes in last week's practice match, and I feel confident about my condition and being able to play in my rhythm. I believe that as I continue to participate in matches from here, I will improve even further. Since there were many opportunities to counterattack, I was always looking for chances to receive the ball in a negative position after pushing into the opponent's territory and for mid-range shots. I want to increase the plays where I receive and demand the ball more.
Q: Please share your enthusiasm for the next match.
A, even when watching the match, I believe that the intensity of defense is required first and foremost. I myself am a player who can make a difference in attack, so when I receive the ball, I want to show the difference compared to other players, including aspects of coordination such as when I want the ball. I want to improve this through practice and matches.
