Review of the previous match against Urawa Reds
An ultimate football theater. The second act was also full of highlights, resulting in an exciting and great game.
A match against Kashima Antlers at Japan National Stadium. After a scoreless first half, the blue-red army dominated in the second half. They displayed a brilliant style of soccer with coordinated offense and defense at 'our National Stadium.'
The game changed in the 10th minute of the second half. Kuryu MATSUKI, who will join the U-23 Japan national team after this match, delivered a sharp cross from the left side that sliced through the air. The accurate ball was sent forward, overcoming the tall defense of Kashima.
What jumped out there was Teruhito NAKAGAWA, who was used as a lone striker in this match. He timed his jump perfectly to meet the trajectory of the ball. From a position far from the goal, he made solid contact with his head and guided it in, leading the stadium into a frenzy. This was a goal in the league for NAKAGAWA for the first time in 337 days.
"I felt a sense of responsibility and frustration for not being able to deliver results," said number 39, as he leaped over the sign and rushed towards the goal area. He pointed to the ground with both hands, grabbed the emblem, and then cupped his hands to his ears to listen to the cheers. From there, he knelt down and pointed to the sky, fully savoring the joy of the moment after a long time.
"I wanted to convey the meaning of 'I am here' and hoped to hear my name being called. (Since I couldn't score goals) I was receiving criticism, so I believed that responding with results is how a football player should be. I guess I can finally stand at the starting line now."
In the closing moments of the match, substitute Riki HARAKAWA scored with a powerful left-footed long-range shot, marking an additional goal, and the match ended with Tokyo winning 2-0. Defensively, it was the first clean sheet of the season, and the team celebrated their first consecutive wins of the season in the two-match series at the new Japan National Stadium.
Match Preview
A crucial moment that could determine the fate of this season has arrived with the "decisive battle."
It has been 16 seasons since Verdy faced off against the J1 League on August 23, 2008. The overall league record stands at 6 wins, 4 draws, and 6 losses, making it completely even. However, in the 3rd Round of the Emperor's Cup held on July 12 last year, Tokyo emerged victorious after a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw.
In the two consecutive matches at the Japan National Stadium, Tokyo defeated Urawa Reds and Kashima Antlers, marking their first consecutive wins of the season. This is a crucial match for Tokyo as they aim for a third consecutive victory. They want to secure all three points to build momentum for the future.
From this match, Kuryu MATSUKI, Ryotaro ARAKI, and Taishi Brandon NOZAWA will leave the team for the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024. However, it is reassuring to see the depth of the squad, as Riki HARAKAWA, who came on as a substitute in the previous match, scored a decisive goal.
The number 40, who made an impact coming off the bench, sees the current team situation like this.
"I think a strong team needs the strength of about two teams, and now it has become a situation where anyone can play, including players who are not on the bench. Everyone just has to do their best so that they can show their skills when their time comes."
The team has a bitter experience of failing all four challenges to achieve three consecutive league victories last season. However, player Harakawa stated, "Unlike last season, we are having meaningful consecutive wins, and keeping a clean sheet against Kashima is significant. If our defense stabilizes, we will see improvements. I want us to focus on continuing to win as a team and build steadily."
The condition is definitely improving. However, this is a match against Verdy. Regardless of the situation, it is certain that it will be an intense battle where both sides' pride clashes.
Peter CKLAMOVSKI, the coach, says, "This match is special. Anything can happen. Emotions run high, the intensity of play increases, and the atmosphere in the stadium rises."
Each player will stand on the pitch with a strong awareness, but there is one player who approaches this match with extraordinary determination.
"I have been fighting with Verdy since my junior youth and youth days, and I have a strong attachment to it since I was a child. After the match against Kashima, I could hear the fans and supporters singing, 'We cannot lose to Verdy,' and I felt once again the strength of everyone's spirit and feelings. I couldn't participate in last season's Emperor's Cup due to injury, so if I get to play, it will be my first match as a professional. I'm really looking forward to it, especially since it's an important match with a chance for a third consecutive win, and I think it's a great situation. Although three players are missing from the U-23 Japan national team, we have members who can still fight. I want those three to go without worry, and I will just focus on delivering results in my position. I will go all out to win."
Quietly and powerfully speaking was Kashif BANGNAGANDE. Although the place of battle differs from the three of the same generation, the position of looking toward a shining future remains unchanged. Before the decisive battle, he is a product of the academy, with blue and red blood boiling.
This is truly a battle where victory is essential. Of course, the opponent will come at us with all their might. We cannot achieve victory unless we unite as one.
What is necessary to open the door to the future is to win one by one against the play, the opponent, and the match in front of us. The players must be able to express their desire to win more than the opponent on the pitch, and the fans and supporters must be able to create an atmosphere of 'winning' in the stadium. True growth as a team should be found beyond overcoming such crucial matches.
The coach aiming for three consecutive wins speaks.
"It will be a special situation for everyone. I want to enjoy it and show our performance. It will be a very important game for the club and for all the fans and supporters. We will do our best to earn three points, fight together, and celebrate together after the match."
If you believe in yourself, victory will follow.
Let's show our strength.
Tokyo is blue and redーー.
[Interview with Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q, it is a match against Verdy.
A, this is a special match for us. As we approach this game, we have various emotions. I believe these emotions will have a positive impact on us. It is undoubtedly a special match for everyone involved with the club, starting with our fans and supporters. The important thing is to channel that energy into the game. I think that by executing our strategies in both offense and defense, we will see the results come back to us.
Q: Kuryu MATSUKI, Taishi Brandon NOZAWA, and Ryotaro ARAKI are currently away from the club due to their activities with the U-23 Japan national team.
The 11 players on the pitch should fight tough to express our football. No matter who participates, I believe each of them will fulfill their respective jobs and roles on the pitch.
Q, the team that has won consecutive matches at the Japan National Stadium seems to be truly filled with "energy".
A good performance is important to achieve good results. As I mentioned earlier, I believe this will be a special game for everyone involved in Tokyo. We just need to show that feeling with a result of three consecutive wins.
Q, we faced each other in the 3rd Round of the Emperor's Cup last season.
A, last season's match was also a special game. In this matchup, anything can happen. We want to prepare so that we can respond properly. I believe it will be a special day where emotions run high, the intensity of play increases, and the excitement in the atmosphere and venue grows. I want to enjoy the tension that can only be felt on that day, not knowing what will happen. I hope we can link our performance and the football we want to showcase with these heightened emotions. The players are focused solely on delivering three points to our fans and supporters.
[Player Interview]
＜Kanta DOI＞
Q: How do you feel reflecting on the two matches at the Japan National Stadium where you achieved consecutive victories?
In the match against Urawa Reds, there were moments in the first half where I personally made mistakes that gave the opponent chances. Regarding defense, I was able to make adjustments at halftime and contribute to the victory, but there are still issues with building attacks from the defensive line. In the match against Kashima Antlers, I was able to play with a good feeling from the start of the game and managed to keep a clean sheet. In both matches, I couldn't fully utilize my characteristics in attacking plays such as switching sides and long passes, so I want to make corrections for the next match.
Q: Selected for the important matches in the National back-to-back games and contributed to the victory. Do you feel any sense of achievement or growth from your long-awaited return to the field?
A, I feel that the intensity of defense in front of the goal has been growing with each match and practice. I have the sense that I can block the opponent's shots even in dangerous situations.
Q: How is the collaboration with Henrique TREVISAN, who you partnered with in the recent match?
A, the player who communicates the most during the match is Henrique. We are coordinating even in the finer details, such as marking assignments and covering instructions. I believe we will continue to improve from here, and I want to enhance our quality as we play more matches.
Q: This match is against Verdy, aiming for a third consecutive victory.
Since I have been taught that there are opponents we cannot lose to since my academy days, I absolutely want to win. As a defensive player, I want to finish the match without conceding any goals and also aim to score while looking for set-piece opportunities. I have the impression that Verdy is good at attacking from the sides, and I think they will actively target open spaces. I want to focus on responding to and handling crosses calmly and play with composure.
<Kashif BANGNAGANDE>
Q, what were the factors that allowed you to achieve consecutive victories against Urawa Reds and Kashima Antlers?
I believe that not losing in the second ball recovery and in one-on-one situations was a factor that allowed us to control the match. As a team, we had many aggressive plays, and I feel that both full-backs are becoming more organized in their involvement in the attack as the matches progress. I want to continue this.
Q: This match is against Verdy.
A, there have been several matches since the academy days. It has been said that we cannot lose to Verdy, and I believe that not just myself, but the players from Tokyo's academy will have an even stronger desire to win before this match.
Q: Unlike last season, we will be competing on the stage of the J1 League.
I am simply happy to be able to compete. Personally, I am looking forward to competing on the J1 stage since I couldn't participate in last season's Emperor's Cup 3rd Round due to injury. The fans and supporters raised banners during yesterday's open practice, inspiring us. I am very excited about the intensity of this match and the atmosphere in the stadium on the day. I want to contribute with goals and assists.
<Go HATANO>
Q: This match is against Verdy.
A, I have been aware since Verdy defeated Shimizu S-Pulse in the J1 promotion playoff last season. The 2024 season is going to be exciting. I was also looking forward to this matchup after deciding to return to Tokyo, and I absolutely cannot lose.
Q: Does this match feel like it raises your motivation to another level?
A, there is no difference in focusing on the upcoming match compared to other matches. However, as a player who has been nurtured by this club, I am aware of it and feel a heightened sense of emotion. Once the match starts, I will just focus on playing as usual.
Q: What kind of match development do you expect?
I think it will be a tough match, and I have the impression that there have been many draws in past matches. I want tomorrow's match to be one that is decisively settled in 90 minutes. Both teams have their pride, and we will carry the feelings of our fans and supporters as we aim for victory.
