<Last Match Review: Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo>
Tokyo conceded an unexpected goal early in the game. After that, the opponent continued to dominate possession.
The one who broke through such a difficult situation was the reliable number 9. Diego OLIVEIRA showed a decisive play.
First, in the 27th minute of the first half. He dropped back to the midfield and was involved in the build-up from the right side, playing a one-touch pass to the right front. Takahiro KO, who had anticipated Diego TABA's post-play and ran into space, broke free and equalized with a perfect volley from the left foot on this floating cross, with Kota TAWARATSUMIDA in the center.
Tokyo, which returned the game to the starting point, maintains compactness with two lines in the midfield and the final line, and takes away the opponent's freedom by tightening the center. And in order not to miss the momentary gap shown by the opponent, we will develop a focused game without getting impatient.
The switch from stillness to movement was turned on after 15 minutes into the second half. They launched an intense press that was unimaginable from the previous development, causing confusion for Sapporo.
And in the 20th minute of the second half, they stepped up their game even further and aggressively pressed the enemy's territory with coordinated movements.
Diego TABA initiated Sapporo's passing play by pressuring the opponent's goalkeeper's build-up. Soma ANZAI, who intercepted the ball in a high position, passed it to Teruhito NAKAGAWA in front. NAKAGAWA, surrounded by opponents, persevered and received the ball, stretching his left foot to score the winning goal just before being blocked by the defender.
A sharp short counter with a focused stance, like a quick draw. And his finish was also a momentary strike that took advantage of a split second space and timing.
As an individual, I scored in three consecutive games, and the team won three consecutive games. The outstanding striker said with a smile, "I am happy that we have won all the games in which I scored. It doesn't mean anything if I score but the team can't win. I want to continue this."
A victory at the away Sapporo ground, where we have been forced to drink boiling water many times, for the first time since the 2012 season. This has raised our league ranking to 4th place.
<Match Preview>
In the previous match, we achieved a come-from-behind victory of 2-1 against Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo and marked our third consecutive win. It was our first victory at Sapporo Dome in 12 seasons. Diego OLIVEIRA, who scored in three consecutive matches, said, "Even the players who were not here are competing together at the KODAIRA ground. That's why I think this is a victory that we all won together. I'm really happy that my goal was also the winning goal, but it was a team effort to score. I want to share this joy with all the fans and supporters."
This round, welcoming Kashiwa Reysol to Ajinomoto Stadium, the team that has risen to 4th place will be further accelerated by the return of a player. Kuryu Matsuki, who participated in the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024 as a member of the Japan national team and won a ticket to the Paris Olympics, and Taishi Brandon Nozawa, who is also a member of the U-23 Japan national team. Matsuki reflects on the tournament as "a memorable one in my soccer career" and is preparing himself for the battle in Tokyo. "I need to perform well in Tokyo and further increase my value. I also want to leave visible results for myself."
The strong desire for victory remains unchanged for every player. Together as a team, we will grab 3 points and Tokyo will make a claim for the championship.
This week's matchday program is here
[Interview with Peter Cklamovski]
Q, we have achieved a victory against Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo, making it our third consecutive win.
A, the most important thing for us is to respond to alerts on the pitch. We respect the efforts of our players and staff for the results so far, but it is important to know what we should do and what actions we should take for the next game. Continuation leads to growth. We also want to fight tough in this week's match against Kashiwa Reysol.
Q, In recent games, we have gained the ability to come back from behind without getting discouraged even if we concede a goal.
A, There may have been such games in the past, but the players are approaching with a hungry spirit in the environment they are creating here. I believe that when their perseverance, individual character, and mentality come together, they can overcome any obstacles. It is important to continue the challenge to pave our own path and not stop moving forward.
Q, I think that playing without being bound by position led to a goal in the Sapporo match.
Player Takahiro KO did a great job. I think there were many good elements from the team in the equalizing goal against Sapporo. The goal was born from a good start by player Kota TAWARATSUMIDA. Such good individual plays can be seen a lot from practice. I am happy that the things we have built up in our daily training at the Kodaira Ground have been returned to the players. On the other hand, there were also areas for improvement. By continuing and improving on these challenges, I believe it will lead to further growth.
Q, looking back on the scoring scenes so far, how do you feel about the overall fluidity of the team?
A, I think the most important thing is the team's growth and how we use space. The players are aware of how to effectively attack the areas and spaces that the opponent dislikes, and they are conscious of the interplay and connection of plays. Even if Diego OLIVEIRA does not play as a forward in the Sapporo match, the player who replaces him would have made the choice to play in that position, or to pass to Takahashi who has moved to the side. I believe that the team's overall awareness and understanding can still grow. It is because there is a shape to the team that fluidity is born. Especially for us, our focus is on moving forward. When watching the game, I feel that exciting scenes that make my body tingle are leading to goals.
[Player Interview]
Diego OLIVEIRA
Q, 3 consecutive goals have brought 3 consecutive wins to the team.
A, the team at the start of the league season was struggling to win and we were not getting the results we wanted. There was also a period where my personal condition was not improving, and we were unable to get off to a good start overall. From late April, both the team and myself have been feeling better and I want to continue playing with the awareness of maintaining this good situation. Scoring in 3 consecutive games is not something I have experienced often in my career. However, what makes me the most happy is that we have won all 3 games in which I scored. I think the team's victory and my ability to score are linking together well.
Q, I think the good cooperation between players, including Teruhito NAKAGAWA, is a factor that leads to scoring.
A, as you all know, Nakagawa is a player with very high abilities. And no matter which position he plays, he supports the attack with high quality plays. This also applies to me, and if the team requires it, I think there may be a need to play in a different position than now. It is important for everyone to come together and work together for the team's victory.
Q, Diego OLIVEIRA is always involved in scoring as the most recent team.
A, not only the goal against Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo, but also as a proof that we are able to fight and work together as a team. Regarding the first goal against Sapporo, it was thanks to Takahiro KO, who usually plays in the center, taking advantage of the chance and moving to the side, which led to the goal. Also, I believe that our forward line has not only improved in attack, but also in supporting defense with a strong mentality. The biggest factor that has led to good results is that everyone is playing with the same mindset, without being bound by positions.
<Kuryu MATSUKI>
Q, How do you look back on the activities of the U-23 Japan national team, which ended with a victory?
It was a schedule of consecutive games, and I think we were able to win because the whole team fought tough. My honest impression is that we fought well. We lost to Korea, but I think it was the result of what we have built up as a team. We were able to experience many things that we couldn't before in this tournament, and it was a memorable tournament in my soccer career. I was able to spend a dense time. We came back to Tokyo in a good shape, and the team is in a position to aim for first place, so I want to focus on contributing firmly.
I heard that even during representative activities, you were paying close attention to Tokyo's games and results.
A, it was impressive that they fought tough despite injuries and other issues. With three consecutive wins during the Golden Week matches, the team's arrows are even more aligned and moving in the same direction. This week is a home game, so we want to win and increase the team's value. Personally, I have just joined the team after a long time, and it is full of energy and we are able to play in a good atmosphere from practice. As I have just joined from national team activities, I want to get used to the feel of the turf and weather, and adjust my condition properly.
Q, please tell us if there are any important points for the Kashiwa Reysol match.
First of all, I want to combine my own strengths with what the team has built during the period we were apart due to national team activities, and create something even better. As this game will be played at Ajinomoto Stadium, winning is an absolute requirement. I want to focus on achieving a "win" in our home game above all else.
<Soma ANZAI>
Q, We have defeated Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo and our team is currently on a 3-game winning streak. What kind of momentum are you feeling?
In terms of the fact that key players were absent from the team due to the activities of the Japan national team, I think the team as a whole feels a sense of accomplishment with three consecutive wins. However, there are many challenges and areas that need to be improved during the game, and we have not been able to finish the game without conceding a goal. There are many things we need to work on in order to aim higher from here. Although we have achieved three consecutive wins, I think this is the start of the battle for the top. We cannot afford to lose every game. We want to focus on winning the upcoming matches, including the match against Kashiwa Reysol.
Q, the team is currently in 4th place with 21 goals, which is the highest in the league. Can you tell us the reason?
A, I think that various scoring patterns, especially goals from open play, are working positively. The fact that there are more scoring variations means that all 11 players on the field, bench members, and even players who couldn't play in the game, understand our desired actions and tactical points with the same awareness. Recently, there have been many goals from crosses, but the team as a whole has a deeper understanding of the points to enter the goal area and the points to pass the ball. And the Tokyo players are all very high-quality players. I think the high level of understanding in our attack is reflected in the league-leading number of goals scored.
Q, please tell us what you are conscious of when playing as a right winger.
I have a strong desire to fight for the team. I always try to cover for others and run for them, and maintain a fighting attitude even in tough times. In the Tokyo Verdy match, I was sent off in the first half and caused trouble, but my teammates saved me. With these thoughts in mind, I am now playing with the intention of helping the team.
Q, Please share your enthusiasm for the Kashiwa match with the fans and supporters.
A, May is a tough schedule with consecutive games, but I think it is important for everyone involved in Tokyo, including the members who play in the game, the members who cannot play, and the fans and supporters, to fight together. We will use your support as our strength and show it on the pitch through our play. In the previous home game against Kyoto Sanga F.C., your cheers undoubtedly pushed us forward during the difficult time when we were under attack in the second half. When it comes down to the final moments, your support is what helps us. Please fight with us in this match as well.
Soma ANZAI PLAYER ORIGINAL COLUMN "365 - A Turning Point in Growth -" is here
