<Last Match Review: Avispa Fukuoka>
The long-awaited first victory in the league. The blue and red army that invaded Fukuoka away took 3 goals and defeated Avispa Fukuoka.
"A gathering of actors." The center of it all were the men who were called up to the Japan national team.
The first to start the goal rush was Yuto NAGATOMO, who made his return to the Japan national team for the first time since the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
28 minutes into the first half, Kashif BANGNAGANDE, who broke free from Keita ENDO's keep, crossed from the left side. Yuto NAGATOMO received the ball from this U-23 Japan national team and sharply swung his right foot from the penalty area center, beautifully shaking the goal net. The first goal in the J-League in 5054 days. With this strike celebrating his return to the national team, Tokyo took the lead.
In the 32nd minute of the first half, Ryotaro ARAKI, who was called up to the U-23 Japan national team for his performance in Tokyo, scored an additional goal with outstanding finishing skills. Kuryu MATSUKI, who was also selected for the U-23 Japan national team, fed the ball to Endo on the front line. Ryotaro ARAKI, who had run up from the right, received the pass and skillfully placed it into the opposite side of the net with his right foot from a difficult angle.
With this, Matsuki has scored 4 goals in 4 league matches. Additionally, it was a shining result for both players, Nagatomo and Matsuki, who spent their youth in their hometown of Tohoku Fukuoka High School.
And in the 12th minute of the second half, the blue and red Hinomaru warrior also produced results. At the point where the right side was overlapped, the cross from player Nagatomo flowed to the opposite side, and player Yoshifu ran in from behind and swung his left foot with a powerful direct shot. He struck a strong blow that was well controlled and pierced the goal.
The game took a dramatic turn with a goal and a reversal on both sides. The full-backs were able to score and extend the lead to 3 points.
Despite conceding one goal towards the end, the team won 3-1. It was a big achievement for Takahiro KO, who made his first start and played a crucial role as an attacking linkman. With the impressive performance of the national team players, Tokyo secured their first 3 points of the season in a fantastic match.
<Match Preview>
After winning their first game of the season against Avispa Fukuoka in an away match, Tokyo's league record stands at 1 win, 2 draws, and 1 loss. The team had a break due to the international match week, but now they must secure consecutive wins in order to aim for a higher position in the league.
Each age group of the Japan national team has returned to the team with high motivation. After each game, the players who wore the Japanese flag on their chest all said, "I want to achieve results and grow with my team." In addition, coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI also said, "The energy of representing the country will be the players' strength. They have returned in good condition," showing that everyone is in a state of physical and mental well-being and will wear the blue and red uniform with pride.
In addition, Diego OLIVEIRA, who missed the previous match, has joined the team. The team is united with a strong player lineup to face an important game.
The next big game will be played at the away Kawasaki ground. Yes, it's the Tama River Clasico.
Kawasaki Frontale, on the other hand, is currently in a difficult situation with three consecutive losses in the league. Furthermore, Marcinho, who has been involved in scoring opportunities from the left side, will be suspended for this match. However, it is not hard to imagine that the club, which has won numerous titles in recent years, and the team aiming for their first home victory, will come into the game with even higher motivation than usual.
What to watch out for in Kawasaki is the new addition, Erik. With the nickname "Bullfighter", he is a striker with the power of a heavy tank and a strong left foot kick. He has already shown his presence as the ace by scoring in four consecutive official matches since the FUJIFILM SUPER CUP 2024 before the start of the season. Although he missed the last two matches before the break, he is expected to return for the Tama River Clasico. Tokyo will need to be vigilant in front of the goal against him.
The rivalry match across the Tama River is a game where victory is necessary for both teams. A fierce battle is inevitable. We want to win the battle of the ball with even more intensity than usual and show our strong desire for victory. For Tokyo, this is the first game of a three-game series following the two games at the National Stadium next week. It will be an important game to secure a victory in order to gain momentum for the future.
[Player Interview]
<Teruhito NAKAGAWA x Yasuto WAKIZAKA Special Conversation>
──The two of them, who have many similarities, are preparing to face each other in the Tama River Clasico on March 30th (Sat) as rivals.
Teruhito NAKAGAWA As expected, it will be exciting. The match on the 30th is an away game for us, but we hope that Uvance and Doroki Stadium by Fujitsu will be packed. The atmosphere and field conditions at the venue are also great, so we want to deliver an interesting game to everyone. It's going to be fun.
Yasuto WAKIZAKA There have been many games in the past that have shown fans and supporters of both clubs and J-League fans what the "Tamagawa Clasico" is all about. We need to play our best game to match the previous games. As this is our home, we want to take action and not just defend.
──Please tell us about the impression of each team.
Wakizaka Speaking of timely topics, Yuto Nagatomo has been selected for the Japan national team and four players have been selected for the U-23 Japan national team's activities. There are also many young players with momentum, and the impression is that there are high-quality players who can focus on each individual. Ryotaro Araki has joined on loan from Kashima Antlers this season and has produced solid results, so I think it's a club that can be watched in various ways.
Nakagawa Kawasaki Frontale has a strong team even when key players leave due to transfers. Despite many key players transferring overseas each season, the team has a strong base and high level of ability.
Wakisaka Currently, we are going through a difficult time with 3 consecutive losses in the league.
Nakagawa We also haven't won in the last 3 games since the opening, but we finally won in the 4th round against Avispa Fukuoka.
Wakizaka Both teams are still struggling to get on track, so I think there is a strong desire to use the Tama River Clasico as an opportunity. In that sense, this match is very important.
──There was also a message from player Wakizaka, but I think this will be an important match for both clubs to predict the future of this season.
Nakagawa In the previous match against Fukuoka, we were able to grab a victory in Fukuoka for the first time in 24 seasons as a club. It was a victory in a long period of time when we were struggling to win against Fukuoka.
Wakizaka Speaking of which, we lost to Kashima Antlers for the first time in 9 seasons. We have a longer preparation period than usual for the Tama River Clasico, so I think this time is very important for us.
Nakagawa We wanted to play the game without a one-week break, but that's our true feelings.
Wakizaka I think these two weeks are important, and considering the upcoming consecutive games in April, this will be a very important match. It can also be seen as a single match in this season's league, but it is also considered an important position to give momentum to the team in the future.
Nakagawa We want to continue the momentum of winning in Fukuoka. The game was also satisfying, and although there is a one-week break, it is important to show our own soccer and whether we can fight in this kind of game, which is also related to our goal of winning the J1 League. It's not an exaggeration to say that it's an important game. There are many elements packed into the Tama River Clasico.
──Please tell us the key points of the game, taking into consideration the current situation of both teams.
Nakagawa I think the base of the soccer we aim for is possession. However, it is difficult to win against Kawasaki with possession alone. Our style is to possess the ball and how we can make fast vertical attacks. And, since we haven't had a clean sheet this season, I think the key is to reduce the risk of conceding and score goals. It is the most important and challenging task for us right now in pursuit of victory.
Wakisaka We also have challenges in the area in front of the goal in both offense and defense. However, it's not that our defense is bad, but rather the positioning and risk management during attacks. Offense and defense are always linked, so it's important to be able to complete attacks and be resilient in defense. We want to use this break period to work on these areas.
──I think it's safe to say that the Tama River Clasico is a match where both teams put their pride on the line. How do you feel about the intensity and motivation for the game from both of you?
Wakasaka This is a traditional match. It will be important in many ways, and I can feel the passion of the fans and supporters as well as the history so far.
Nakagawa I am in my second season with Tokyo, but I can already feel the excitement of the Tama River Clasico and the passion of both clubs. I want to involve everyone and make it a great game.
Wakisaka Last season's event at the Japan National Stadium was amazing, with fireworks and performances.
Nakagawa It was a really amazing performance, and I could feel the effort being put into it. I want it to be a match that not only the players of both clubs fight, but also a match that heats up between the clubs and the people involved. Personally, I have that kind of image.
Wakasaka Recently, there has been a "Tama River Clasico" before the game. When we were kids, we didn't have it, but as players, we are aware of it. We want to make sure that the name "Tama River Clasico" doesn't overshadow the game. Also, as an academy graduate, I want to make sure that Nakagawa doesn't score. We haven't achieved the desired results yet, but we want to make this game a memorable one where everyone can say "We improved after the Tama River Clasico" at the end of the season.
Nakagawa As I mentioned earlier, we were able to secure a victory against Fukuoka in the league match, and I think we are starting to see some good signs. As for how much we can express that against Kawasaki, I really want to play the game soon.
[Interview with Peter Cklamovski]
Q, this round is the Tama River Clasico against Kawasaki Frontale.
A, it is a special match and we want to show our football. We want to have a fight that makes fans and supporters excited and proud of the Tokyo club. We want to actively target the opponent's weaknesses. It has been about two weeks since our last official match, but we have been preparing well and both the team and players have been able to continue to grow.
Q, How do you see Kawasaki this season?
A, I have also come to Japan and played against various teams, but I think Kawasaki is one of the teams that has achieved success. They are a team that has grown their football every season and won the top spot. This is a testament to their belief in their football and their unwavering efforts. We want to face such a team and develop our own football while challenging ourselves firmly.
Q, please tell me if there are any points that determine the outcome of the match.
A, first of all, we need to show our play. In attack, we want to take advantage of the opponent's weaknesses by firmly expressing how we move the ball, which we have been building up. By playing our own game, we can make the opponent afraid and score if we can bravely express our football. In defense, it is important to wholeheartedly follow the rules.
Q, it will be a series of consecutive games from here. How will you approach them?
A, preparation is important and it is important to watch each game. All players are ready to play. We want to be able to express our football regardless of who plays, and the competition within the team is fierce, and we can feel the energy of each player. First of all, I want to focus on the Kawasaki game.
