Match Review
In the previous match, Tokyo achieved victory in Sapporo for the first time in 12 seasons against Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo, marking their third consecutive win and moving up to fourth place. With the top position now in sight, this week they returned home to Ajinomoto Stadium to aim for their first four consecutive wins in three seasons, facing Kashiwa Reysol.
After a month of fierce battles in Qatar as a member of the U-23 Japan national team, Kuryu MATSUKI has returned with a spot in the starting lineup. Despite being a long-awaited official J.League match, he wears the captain's armband, a symbol of the blue and red leader. He partnered with Takahiro KO in the holding midfield position, stepping in for Kei KOIZUMI, who is suspended due to accumulated warnings. Additionally, this match is significant for Diego OLIVEIRA, who has scored in three consecutive games, as it is against his former club.
1st HALF - Early goal conceded but steadily adding goals to lead by 2 points
Following the previous match against Sapporo, where they allowed an early goal, they were immediately shaken by their own goal net. Teruhito NAKAGAWA tried to keep the ball in front of his own penalty area, but was intercepted by the opponent, leading to the loose ball being kicked in by Matheus SAVIO.
However, Tokyo now does not look down for just any little thing.
Matsuki encouraged Nakagawa, and as the entire team switched gears, a tying goal was scored in the 6th minute of the first half. After quickly starting a short corner, Kota TAWARATSUMIDA dribbled and delivered a cross, and although Henrique TREVISAN's header was stopped by the goalkeeper, Nakagawa pushed in the rebound. Number 39 quickly made up for the goal conceded from his own ball loss, bringing the score back to even.
After equalizing, the build-up from the defensive line functioned well, leading to a dominant phase. The left side was broken down through the combination of Taba and Kashif BANGNAGANDE, and a quick cross was delivered. Soma ANZAI, who sprinted in from the far side, was fouled in the penalty area, earning a penalty kick. In the 32nd minute of the first half, Diego TABA converted this opportunity, successfully turning the game around with his fourth consecutive goal.
Furthermore, in the 37th minute of the first half, Matsuki reacted to a loose ball from a left corner kick and powerfully struck it with his left foot, causing the stadium's excitement to reach a peak.
However, just after entering stoppage time, an accident strikes the team that is on a roll.
After losing the ball in the defensive line, when the opposing forward broke free, Go HATANO, who tried to cover, was judged to have fouled the opposing player, resulting in a red card and ejection. Tsuyoshi KODAMA, making his first appearance in the J1 League this season, was brought in as the goalkeeper, replacing Nakagawa.
2nd HALF - Unable to overcome the numerical disadvantage, match ends in a draw
They conceded a goal early in the second half. It was an event that happened less than a minute after the kickoff. When the center-back Inukai had the ball beyond the center circle, no one was able to close in on him, and he took a powerful long-range shot. The ball flowed into the top left corner of the goal, narrowing the lead.
The team continued to face a tough period, unable to turn around the disadvantage in numbers. In the 58th minute of the second half, they were shaken significantly from side to side, and although they managed to clear a cross ball that was thrown into the penalty area, they allowed another mid-range shot when the loose ball was picked up. Shirai's mid-range shot was saved by Kodama, but the second ball spilled to Shimamura, who was right in front of the goal, and they were equalized.
After being brought back to square one in the match, Tokyo tries to push forward, but struggles to create time to keep possession of the ball, leading to a difficult game situation.
Still, in the 27th minute of the second half, Riki HARAKAWA and Yuto NAGATOMO were brought on in an attempt to push back. However, despite having several set-piece opportunities, they could not capitalize on them, and the match ended in a 3-3 draw. As a result, they managed to secure 1 point despite being at a numerical disadvantage.
MATCH DETAILS
<FC Tokyo>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Go HATANO
DF Kosuke SHIRAI / Masato MORISHIGE / Henrique Trevisan (substituted in 45 minutes: Yasuki KIMOTO) / Kashif BANGNAGANDE (substituted in 45 minutes: Jaja Silva)
MF Kuryu MATSUKI / Takahiro UCHIYAMA / Teruhito NAKAGAWA (substituted in 45+5 minutes: Go KODAMA)
FW Diego Oliveira (substituted in 27 minutes: Chikara HARAKAWA) / Kota TAWARAZUMI (substituted in 27 minutes: Yuto NAGATOMO) / Soma ANZAI
SUBS
DF Shuhei TOKUMOTO
FW Leon NOZAWA
GOAL
6th minute of the first half: Teruhito NAKAGAWA/32nd minute of the first half: Diego OLIVEIRA/37th minute of the first half: Kuryu MATSUKI
<Kashiwa Reysol>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Kenta MATSUMOTO
DF Diego (33rd minute: Yugo TATSUTA)/Taiyo KOGA/Tomoya INUKAI/Daiaki SEKINE (29th minute: Naoki KAWAGUCHI)
MF Eiji SHIRAI/Takumi TSUCHIYA (0th minute: Sachiro TOSHIMA)/Takuya SHIMAMURA (44th minute: Kazuki KUMASAWA)
FW Mateus SAVIO/Tomoya KOYAMATSU (0th minute: Kosuke KINOSHITA)/Mao HOSOYA
SUBS
GK Tatsuya MORITA
FW Fumiya UNOKI
GOAL
2nd minute of the first half: Matheus SAVIO/1st minute of the second half: Tomoya INUKAI/13th minute of the second half: Takuya SHIMAMURA
[Peter CKLAMOVSKI Coach Interview]
Q, please provide an overview of today's match.
I think it was a game with various events and many things happening. The first half and the second half had completely different developments. In the first half, we were able to play the football we wanted to show, and by moving the ball and utilizing the spaces we wanted to use, we were able to create good attacks. I want to continue to focus on those aspects.
In the second half, we found ourselves in a situation where we had to fight with ten players. Of course, fighting with ten players is always difficult, but the players gave their all. Even in a numerically disadvantaged situation, they kept a clear mind, united, and showcased their character while playing in the second half. After this, we will reflect on how our performance was, continue with the ongoing process, and work on recovering our condition as we prepare for the next match. It's unfortunate that we couldn't win, but we will take this one point and prepare for the next game.
Q: Given the tight schedule, I believe that injuries and condition adjustments are also challenging. What is important to you in overcoming consecutive matches?
A, what is important is to continue the process we are undertaking. I believe there were many positive aspects in today's match, so it is essential to maintain that. As we prepare for the next match, good recovery is also important, and I think we still have time to assess which players are in a fresh state and well-prepared for the next match.
However, as I always say, we need everyone's strength throughout the long season. Of course, there will be difficult situations, but we must ensure that whoever steps in can make an impact and contribute to good performance. We must continue to develop our football, regardless of who is on the field. We can already see signs of this. I believe there is still room for growth, so I want to continue moving steadily towards our goals.
[Player Interview]
＜Kuryu MATSUKI＞
Q, please review the game.
We conceded a goal early in the first half, but I believe we were able to express the style of football we are aiming for, scoring three goals before the end of the first half. Early in the second half, the opponent scored a superb goal, and because we became too defensive as a team, we faced a difficult period of enduring pressure. Additionally, having one player sent off in the first half meant we spent a longer time defending in the second half.
Q, it was a well-timed volley shot.
Yes, I aimed to shoot the loose ball from the practice the day before. Since my ball feeling was very good from the previous day, I think I was able to make a good impact. Personally, it was my first league goal at Ajinomoto Stadium, so I am happy about that.
Q: How did the team organize itself as a whole entering the second half with one player less?
During halftime, we discussed the importance of establishing a solid defense and aiming for additional goals through counterattacks. However, we placed too much emphasis on defense, and as a result, we were unable to create many chances in the second half, which left us with regrets.
Q: The match ended with a two-point deficit being equalized.
A, as I mentioned earlier, we were able to play the football we aim for and seek in today's match, so I am not overly pessimistic. The atmosphere in the locker room is not very downcast, and there is a sense of clarity and organization as we prepare for the next match.
<Takahiro KO>
Q, please review the game.
It was a match where we lost 2 points. The early goal conceded was a significant point of reflection, but looking at the entire first half, I felt a sense of achievement within myself. Personally, I was able to almost perfectly draw the ball out, manage risks, and recover the ball. As a team, we were able to score 3 goals, and we had a long period of pushing the opponent back, including maintaining distance, so the content was very good. However, we ended up with a player sent off, which put us in a very tough situation. Still, we had a 2-goal lead, and there was also a chance to score one more goal, so I believe that not being able to secure the win reflects our lack of strength. I think we need to thoroughly address the points of reflection.
Q: What was your mindset entering the second half with one player less?
We talked about attacking and never accepting defeat. However, we conceded a goal early on. In that moment, we should have applied more pressure, but instead, we ended up in a defensive position, so I think we needed to focus more on entering the match. We were also conscious of moving the ball well, so it wouldn't just be about kicking long balls. There were parts that went well, so I want to refine the finer details further.
Q: After the score was tied, what were you focused on while playing?
We had been conceding goals in quick succession, so I emphasized that we must not allow a fourth goal. Within that context, there were one or two moments where we could have positively involved the players on the sides, and I hoped we could make a decisive move there. However, we conceded another goal, but I want to take a positive view that we managed to secure 1 point instead of ending up with 0 points.
Q: There were many scenes where players were talking to each other throughout the match.
After scoring 3 points, no one was satisfied, and personally, I wanted to dominate even more. Regardless of age, I believe that when I notice something, I should share it properly and work on improving it. I think that when this becomes a common understanding within the team, conversations will naturally increase. In that regard, I believe the team as a whole has started to generate more opinions, and it is gradually improving, so I want to continue this effort.
<Kosuke SHIRAI>
Q, please review the game.
We conceded a goal early in the first half, but after that, we were able to score three goals in good form. It would have been better if we could have finished the first half without any dismissals, but we conceded a goal at the start of the second half, which made the situation difficult.
Q: How was the strategy and matchup feeling against Diego and Matheus SAVIO?
I think we didn't break down significantly, but the opponent is also a team with hard-working players, so we found it difficult to attack. It felt like both sides were trying to neutralize each other's strengths.
Q: Please reflect on the defensive aspects.
The second goal conceded was during a time when we absolutely should not have allowed a goal. While the opponent's shot was impressive, we still needed to close in more on the ball holder. In the second half, we let our guard down, which is a point of reflection. After that, we conceded another goal and were equalized against, but considering the lead, it was crucial to maintain our advantage for as long as possible, so it was disappointing to be equalized so early.
Q: Given that we spent a long time on defense, we needed a bit more power in our attack.
A, we struggled to generate offensive power, and the opponent managed their risks well, leading to a continuous situation where we were pushed back. There were a few counterattacks, but I think there were not many moments where we could fully execute our attacks.
Q: The consecutive matches continue. How do you want the team to switch gears?
After three consecutive wins, we had a draw, so it will be really important to either win or lose the next match. The series of matches in May will be a total battle, so we want to combine everyone's strength to definitely secure 3 points and stay in the competition for the top positions.
