Review of the previous match against Urawa Reds
The blue-red squad, with an average age of 22.73 years, achieved a brilliant comeback victory against Urawa Reds with an aggressive style. They created a frenzy at the still undefeated 'new' Japan National Stadium.
Three days after tasting defeat in the Tamagawa Classico, the young Tokyo Eleven, with six starters replaced, will thrive on the National pitch.
At the center was Kuryu MATSUKI, wearing the captain's armband.
In the 12th minute of the first half, Takahiro KO skillfully pierced a middle shot after breaking through the left side with brilliant passing. It seemed they had taken the lead early, but unfortunately, the goal was ruled out due to a foul by Matsuki in the play just before.
In the 24th minute of the first half, while attacking the opponent's territory, we were hit by a counterattack and conceded a super long shot from about 50 meters near the halfway line. We had no choice but to praise the opponent for their superb goal, allowing them to take the lead, and we ended the first half at 0-1.
The second half became Tokyo's stage. Everyone continued their incredible hard work, overwhelming Urawa. With coordinated aggressive pressing and quick responses to second balls, they took control of the game.
First, in the 5th minute of the second half, Kashif BANGNAGANDE advanced on the left side and made a grounded cross back. Here, Ryotaro ARAKI, who was assigned the role of a 'zero top', ran in from behind, took a one-touch, and struck a brilliant mid-range shot with his right foot into the near post to equalize.
The National Stadium is buzzing with excitement from the equalizer. The team's mood is heating up with the energized atmosphere. Then, in the 13th minute of the second half, the captain's strike turns the massive stadium into a whirlwind of enthusiasm.
Matsuki, who made a big switch to the left in the center, moved into the penalty area. Kota TAWARATSUMIDA received the ball, turned back in the front line, and sent a cross with his right foot. Matsuki skillfully held off the opposing defender while leaning forward, executing a brilliant direct volley with his left foot.
The long-awaited first goal of the season was a brilliant strike that led the team to a comeback. After scoring a heroic goal on the grand stage of the National stadium, he let out a roar and rushed towards the supporters behind the goal.
"I think I was waiting for my goal, and first of all, I wanted to go to the fans and supporters."
Running towards the stands shaking with cheers while performing a kiss throw and pointing to the sky with both hands. Overwhelmed by teammates who gathered around, a mountain of joy formed in front of the goal stands. "I was so happy that I don't remember the moment I was crushed," he reflected, sharing the joy with the large crowd at the National Stadium.
It was truly a lion-hearted performance. They repaid the debt of the “phantom opening goal,” showcasing not only pressing from the front but also defending back in front of their own goal. While being the starting point of the attack, the reliable captain led the team to a comeback victory with a magnificent finish.
Match Preview
Japan National Stadium has transformed into the "ultimate football theater." In the previous match, they achieved a comeback victory against Urawa Reds with a score of 2-1. Although they allowed Urawa to take the lead in the first half, they turned the game around in the second half with a brilliant long-range shot from Ryotaro ARAKI and a powerful volley from Kuryu MATSUKI. In the end, they held on to their lead with solid defense, and the sacred ground of football resonated with 'You'll Never Walk Alone.'
Araki expressed the reason for the victory as, "The average age was incredibly young (laughs). Everyone was fresh, so we talked about 'let's win by running today.'" Furthermore, Matsuki, who scored the long-awaited first goal of the season, said, "I wanted to go to the fans and supporters first after being able to score a goal," sharing the joy of victory that the team and fans/supporters experienced together.
This match will welcome Kashima Antlers after a three-day break. The coach of Kashima, Ranko POPOVIC, has a history of leading Tokyo and adhering to attacking football, making a fierce contest inevitable this match. Matsuki stated, "I feel my sense in front of the goal is returning. I have a feeling I can score again next time," raising expectations for consecutive goals. Once again at Japan National Stadium, the curtain will rise on the "ultimate football theater."
This matchday program is here
[Interview with Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q: Please tell us what adjustments were made from the Kawasaki Frontale match in Sec. 5 to the Urawa Reds match in the previous section.
In the match against Urawa, we saw more attacking threats than in the match against Kawasaki. We did not make any significant changes in our football. The increase in good plays, good moments, and plays that posed a threat towards the goal led to our victory. While following the same process, we want to encourage the team's growth so that we can perform even better in the match against Kashima Antlers.
Q: This match is against Kashima.
A, I always say this, but it is important to focus on our way of fighting and to continue to play the football we aim for, regardless of the opponent. Of course, we have respect for our opponents, but we want to become a team that makes them fear our football.
Q: This match, Ryotaro ARAKI will not be able to participate. In the previous match against Urawa, Teruhito NAKAGAWA took his place in the second half.
A, it is one of the options for fighting. I have seen Nakagawa play in that position in the past, and I know he can make dynamic plays. I believe he can pose a threat to the opponent in a different way. Considering his abilities, his runs from the center are also a significant weapon. In the match against Urawa, he was able to showcase his characteristics and contributed to ending the game positively. No matter who plays, I believe they will show plays that will contribute solidly to our way of fighting.
[Player Interview]
＜Kota TAWARATSUMIDA＞
Q, the match against Urawa Reds was my first starting appearance since the opening match against Cerezo Osaka.
I was on the bench for the Tamagawa Classico against Kawasaki Frontale, but since I couldn't play in that match, I was determined to channel that frustration into the match against Urawa. It had been a while since I started in the lineup, and my feelings were strong, so I think I was able to enter the match in a good way.
Q: The team achieved a comeback victory, and Kuryu MATSUKI's goal was created from an assist by Tawara Tsukita.
I think it was good that I was able to leave a number, but no goals were scored. As a forward, I want to show plays aimed at scoring goals. (In the assist scene) the opposing defender seemed to be wary of my dribbling, so they were slow to close in, which is why I chose to cross. I could vaguely see Matsuki in my peripheral vision. I also saw 2 to 3 teammates in the area, so I sent the cross ball aiming for that spot.
Q: If the quality of the cross balls improves, will the options for play also expand?
Yes, I think so. If they are wary of the cross supply, we can take other options such as shooting from a cut-in or breaking through with a vertical dribble after switching. I believe that increasing our options will lead to better plays, and we can become a frightening player for the opponent. I want to show a greedy approach in our plays.
Q: In the match against Urawa, there were many instances where the ball was well delivered to both wings.
If the ball comes to the wingers in a good shape, I think we can play a good match as a team, like we did against Urawa. I want to actively ask for the ball and create chances, and I want to use my dribbling, which is my strength, to contribute to our victory. We have a schedule of three days until the match against Kashima Antlers, but personally, I am not feeling fatigued, so I want to approach the game with this momentum.
<Kei KOIZUMI>
Q: The team achieved a comeback victory with a coordinated style of soccer against Urawa Reds.
We conceded a goal, but our start in the first half was certainly not bad, and it was our good start in the second half that led to the comeback. First, we aimed to equalize, and everyone shared the same mindset and play to score the second goal. It was a match that reaffirmed the importance of how to start a game.
Q: The running distance in the match against Urawa was 14km, the highest in the team. I think this reflects hard work.
I honestly think it's good that we didn't lose after running 14 km in 90 minutes (laughs). It's not just about running long distances, and considering the upcoming summer matches, I want to run while being mindful of the quality aspect as well. I want to focus on the quality of my running and carry that forward.
Q: After 6 matches, the result is 2 wins, 2 draws, and 2 losses. Please tell us what is needed to compete for a higher ranking from here.
First, we need to achieve consecutive wins. Without that, we cannot rise to the top. Teams competing for the championship always have consecutive wins. That's why I believe the next match after a victory is the most important.
Q: You have been appointed as captain this season. Considering the current situation of the team, what kind of position and behavior are you aware of?
A, being a captain is tough, and that is my honest feeling. I truly realize how amazing the players who have led the team as captains in the past are. My teammates tell me to focus on my own play without thinking too much, but I want to face this situation and position that I have been chosen for without running away. Of course, showing my skills through play is the most important job as a player, but I also want to support in other areas.
Q: I believe the excitement and atmosphere of the Japan National Stadium is something special. Please share a message for the fans and supporters as we prepare for the match against Kashima.
A. In the recent match against Urawa Reds, despite it being a weekday game, many fans and supporters came to the venue to cheer us on, and thanks to that atmosphere, we achieved a comeback victory. When I step onto the pitch, I can feel the power coming from your voices. The next match is also at the Japan National Stadium, and I look forward to experiencing a different atmosphere and excitement against Kashima Antlers. I want to deliver victory to you all in that amazing atmosphere, and share the joy together. I believe that is the best moment.
<Kosuke SHIRAI>
Q: Please reflect on the previous match against Urawa Reds.
Due to the injury of Hotaka NAKAMURA, it was an emergency appearance, but I was able to enter the match calmly. I was able to handle defensive situations calmly, and it was good that I could play steadily, and above all, it was great that we won.
Q: In the sudden opportunity to play, what did you become aware of again?
A, considering that the opponent is Urawa, I thought they would launch an attack utilizing both wide players, so I focused on making sure to contain that situation when it arose.
Q: During the camp, you played in a vertical relationship on the same side as Soma ANZAI, and there was a sense of stability.
Thanks to A. Anzai's strong points, such as speed and the ability to switch between offense and defense, it was very easy to play as a defender. I believe we achieved stability because we communicated during the play and he played smartly in defensive positioning.
Q: Please tell us your goals from here on.
There were tough times, but I have always continued to prepare well for when opportunities arise. Like in the match against Urawa, I want to contribute to the team's victory in the games I participate in. I am always ready.
