＜Match Review＞
"Away" at NHK Spring Mitsuzawa Football Stadium, the first match of the J.League YBC Levain Cup. With a three-day interval from the Tokyo Verdy match in the 8th round of the 2024 Meiji Yasuda J1 League last weekend, the starting lineup was changed with 7 players to face the match against Y.S.C.C. Yokohama.
The goalkeeper Tsuyoshi KODAMA made his first appearance of the season, and the final line was made up of four players: Soma ANZAI on the right, Masato MORISHIGE, Kanta DOI, and Shuhei TOKUMOTO. ANZAI, who received a red card in the match against Verdy, will be suspended for the next league match, but will be able to play in this match. Riki HARAKAWA and Kei KOIZUMI formed a partnership in the defensive midfield, with Tsubasa TERAYAMA playing as an attacking midfielder. Jaja SILVA on the left wing, Keita ENDO on the right wing, and Tsuyoshi OGASHIWA as the lone striker.
In addition, this match has different regulations from the league and tournament, with only 9 players registered on the bench. Teppei OKA, Ryunosuke SATO, and Leon NOZAWA were named on the bench for the first time this season in an official match.
1st HALF - First goal by Kashiwa player in blue and red
The blue and red eleven were welcomed with a chant of "Take the cup!" as they entered the field. The game continued with Tokyo dominating possession and pushing forward from the beginning.
First shot was in the 6th minute of the first half. Jaja player aimed for the loose ball in the center from Harakawa player's right corner kick with his left foot, but it missed to the left of the goal.
The game started moving in the 13th minute of the first half. Ansa player, who boldly attempted to dribble breakthrough on the right side, was fouled and earned a free kick. At this point, Kobashi player ran into the ball shot by Harakawa player's right foot. He powerfully headed the ball into the near side, scoring the long-awaited first goal for the team in the official blue and red match.
In the 21st minute of the first half, Terayama player headed Endo's right cross, and in the 23rd minute of the first half, Jean player aimed for the goal but unfortunately missed to the left after aggressively pressuring the opponent's goalkeeper and taking the ball.
In the midst of an offensive, we were caught off guard and put in a dangerous situation. In the 27th minute of the first half, our right side was broken through and a cross was allowed, leading to a header in the center. However, Koda made a save on the shot from close range. Even when it seemed like the rebound was going to be pushed in, Toyoi blocked the opponent's decisive shot and our defense was able to withstand the consecutive dangerous situations with concentrated efforts.
The additional point was born in the 39th minute of the first half. On the left side, player Kashiwa and player Tokumoto connected the ball, and player Harakawa received it in the center. He then skillfully controlled the shot from near the penalty arc. His well-aimed right foot kick hit a defender who had entered the block, changing the course and sinking into the upper left corner of the goal, expanding the lead to 2 points with his favorite middle shot.
2ndHALF - 2 fine goals for additional points
The pace of Tokyo remains unchanged even in the second half.
In the 5th minute of the second half, player Kashiwa dribbled from the right side and took a shot. In the 8th minute of the second half, player Terayama hit a direct shot from a floating pass from behind in the penalty area, but unfortunately it went over the goal. The exciting scenes continue and the blue and red stands are also showing their enthusiasm.
Substituting Koizumi and Kashiwa for both players, Ryunosuke SATO and Kosuke SHIRAI were brought in at the 15-minute mark of the second half. 17-year-old Sato made his first official appearance since April of last season, and as he stepped onto the pitch, he was greeted with multiple "Ryunosuke" chants.
The decisive third goal was born in the 16th minute of the second half, just after the substitution. When the ground cross from the left side was cut by the opponent defender with a sliding tackle, Endo was aiming for the ball that spilled to the left side. He scored a difficult direct shot with his left foot from a difficult angle, and Tokyo extended their lead to three points with a fine goal, making it two consecutive official games.
In the 24th minute of the second half, Leon NOZAWA was substituted in as left winger, and Teppei OKA, who made his Tokyo debut, was brought in as center back. The formation was changed to move Taira SHIGE to defensive midfielder.
In the 33rd minute of the second half, player Tokumoto excited the stadium with a powerful left-footed shot from long range, but it narrowly hit the crossbar. Then, in the 35th minute of the second half, player Sato made a run into the right pocket from a vertical pass by player Anzai and took a shot. They continued to create numerous decisive scenes.
In the second half additional time, player Jaja powerfully dribbled through the center of the pitch and broke through vertically, then struck a powerful shot with his right foot for the fourth goal. Number 70, who finally scored, ran to the goal stand and shared the joy with the fans and supporters who had gathered at Mitsuzawa.
The team showed a focused defense, even in the face of multiple challenges, and achieved a shutout victory. Each member of the fresh lineup also demonstrated their strengths, leading to a strong start towards becoming the 4-time league cup winner.
MATCH DETAILS
＜FC Tokyo＞
STARTING XI
GK Tsuyoshi KODAMA
DF Soma ANZAI/Masato MORISHIGE/Kanta DOI/Shuhei TOKUMOTO
MF Tsubasa TERAYAMA (24th minute of the second half: Teppei OKA)/Kei KOIZUMI (15th minute of the second half: Kosuke SHIRAI)/Chikara HARAKAWA
FW Tsuyoshi KOBAYASHI (15th minute of the second half: Ryunosuke SATO)/Keita ENDO (24th minute of the second half: Leon NOZAWA)/Jajá SILVA
SUBS
GK Go HATANO
DF Kashif BANGNAGANDE
MF Takahiro KO
FW Kota TAWARATSUMIDA/Teruhito NAKAGAWA
GOAL
First half 13 minutes: Tsuyoshi OGASHIWA / First half 39 minutes: Riki HARAKAWA / Second half 16 minutes: Keita ENDO / Second half 45+3 minutes: Jája Silva
＜Y.S.C.C. Yokohama＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Michiya OKAMOTO
DF Minoru Hanafusa/Van Ijarendshon/Takahiro Nakazato (Second half 37 minutes: Ryotaro Yamamoto)
MF Yusin Otake (Second half 20 minutes: Atsushi Kikutani)/Shuto Kojima (Second half 20 minutes: Takuma Taneno)/Yasuto Fujita
FW Rikuto Hashimoto/Onie Ogochuku (Second half 0 minutes: Jorn PEDERSEN)/Ryohei Wakizaka (Second half 41 minutes: Jukiya Fujishima)/Koji Okumura
SUBS
GK Takahashi Chris
DF Hiroto Okoshi/Haruki Oshima
MF Yusei Otake
GOAL
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[Interview with Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q, please review the game.
A, we were able to demonstrate a high level of performance and the game unfolded as we had requested. In the midst of that, we were able to dominate the game and control it while taking on various challenges. There were times when we had to be patient, but we were able to avoid conceding during those times and even create chances to score. The players were dedicated and showed a professional performance. As a result, we were able to score 4 goals and send the fans and supporters home with smiles. I think it's important that we prepare well for the next game as well.
Q, What were the factors that were functioning when various players participated?
A, I think all the players fought well. We were able to show what we had been practicing and preparing for. There were many challenging moments, but we were able to play well while adjusting. It is important for everyone to be able to play the same way, and for the 11 players who wear this uniform to be able to fight firmly no matter who they are. In that regard, the team showed the football mentality and high level of play intensity that we are trying to achieve on the pitch.
Q, Kanta Doi played in the position of defensive midfielder for the first time in a professional league match. Do you think it is difficult to change positions from center back to defensive midfielder during a game? How do you evaluate his performance throughout the match?
A, I think they did very well. They continued to play well even after changing positions from center back to midfielder. I think they showed their talent. They are a player who works hard in practice and grows even during practice. He entered as a midfielder and Teppei Oka entered as a center back, but they fought well. And I am also happy that Ryunosuke Sato played well when he entered the game. Leon Nozawa also entered as a side player and became the starting point of the attack. I think the players who played did very well. It was a game where we could have scored a few more points. We want to prepare well for the tough game coming up in three days on the weekend.
[Player Interview]
Tsuyoshi OGASHIWA
Q, the first goal was born in Tokyo. Please review the goal scene.
A, I thought I could only use my close-range tactics because I don't have height, but a good ball came there and I was able to head it well.
Q, please tell us what you were consciously working on, given that the players on the front line were different from the previous Tokyo Verdy match.
A, with Tsubasa TERAYAMA as the top two or in a vertical relationship, I was conscious of going further forward and pulling the opponent's center back to allow Tsubasa TERAYAMA to receive the ball freely. On the other hand, I played while preparing to receive the ball if the opponent marked Tsubasa TERAYAMA. I think we were able to create a good relationship today. However, there were no scenes that led to a goal, so we need to be more conscious and work on that.
Q, has your playing time increased since coming here? Has your own condition and sense of play improved?
A, yes. However, I still need to improve my game sense. If I don't build up my teamwork with everyone on the team, it will be difficult to score against J1 league teams in league matches, so I need to build it up from practice.
Q, We will return to the league game in 3 days after playing in consecutive games. Please tell us about your motivation to continue playing in consecutive games, even with players missing due to the U-23 Japan national team.
As a player in the front position, I have to contribute to the team by scoring goals. In a team without players like Kuryu MATSUKI or Ryotaro ARAKI who can score goals, I hope to lead the attack by scoring points and show my strengths to fit in with the team.
<Jája Silva>
Q, it was the first full game in the starting lineup after joining Tokyo. Please review the game.
It was my first 90-minute appearance. I've been waiting for this game since I found out I was starting. First of all, I would like to thank coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI for giving me the opportunity to start. I am very happy to be able to show results.
Q, it was a magnificent super goal from a dribble breakthrough. Please review the scoring scene, including the battle with the opponent defender.
A, the position where I received the ball was in my preferred area and distance. I am good at one-on-one plays and was able to swing my right foot while accurately understanding the timing and movements of the opposing defenders. When I came to Japan and joined Tokyo, I was frustrated because I couldn't score a goal. To be honest, I also felt the pressure to score a goal quickly. In the midst of that, there were also plays that didn't go well, like missing chances in the first half, but I am really happy to have scored a goal in today's match.
Q, what were your thoughts when you ran to the fans and supporters after scoring?
A, I can say that the support from the fans and supporters in Tokyo is amazing and has been a great boost in my soccer career. Today's goal was also thanks to their support. It was an unforgettable day. The match against FC Machida Zelvia this weekend is also a crucial game that we cannot afford to lose. I want to continue to improve myself and show my play and contribute to goals in the match against Machida.
<Shuhei TOKUMOTO>
Q, I finally got to play in my main position this season after playing in many positions.
There was a view that could only be seen because I played in many positions. The pass to Tsubasa TERAYAMA in the second half was also a play that was possible because I played as a defensive midfielder. With my personality, I can do anything without complaining in any position, so I think that part is paying off a little.
Q, there were many attacking scenes that started from the left side. What were you conscious of in terms of your involvement in the attack?
A, I was confident that I could calmly peel off any press if the ball came to my place, so I was conscious of preparing before receiving the ball and my first touch. In that process, I think I was able to use the midfielder well and expand to the opposite side. I think that's because I have experience as a midfielder and I'm good at looking around.
Q, What were you conscious of in terms of defense, even though the player taking the previous position was changing fluidly?
I played with about three players, and since it was a problem that could be solved with words, I tried to communicate a lot. When we conceded a goal, I played with a strong feeling that I wouldn't be able to play in the league anymore.
Q, we will have a league match this weekend. What kind of performance do you want to show as an individual?
Although I am always looking for opportunities to play, my strength lies in being able to wait in good condition, so I want to make a good impression starting from practice at the Koyohira Ground.
<Ryunosuke SATO>
Q, this was your first official game appearance of the season. What were you conscious of during the game and what were you able to express on the pitch?
A, I entered the pitch in the middle of the second half, so first of all, I was conscious of not neglecting defense and pressing from the front line, and fighting hard for the team. In that process, I think I was able to express my strength, which is to activate the attack by making good use of my teammates.
Q, many plays were seen where they took a position like a top midfielder and controlled the attack in the middle.
A, Players Jája Silva and Leon NOZAWA have speed as their weapon, and they were able to play while considering each player's strengths. They also communicated on the pitch and were able to express the combinations they have been working on in practice matches and daily training.
Q, the stadium was enveloped in cheers that showed the expectations of fans and supporters.
A, Ryunosuke call was firmly heard on the pitch, and I was really happy. It's been a while since I signed a professional contract, but I finally got to stand on the official match pitch and feel the expectations and feelings of the fans and supporters. I don't know if I should say "sorry for the wait," but I think this is just the beginning, so I will continue to do my best.
