Match Review
In a match aimed at restarting after the defeat in the last round against Nagoya Grampus, which was their first loss in five games, Yokohama F. Marinos was welcomed to their home, Ajinomoto Stadium. In response to such a tough opponent, Tokyo made four changes to the starting lineup from the previous match. Henrique Trevisan was placed as center-back, Yuto Nagatomo as right-back, Kuryu Matsuki as attacking midfielder, and Ryotaro Araki was used as the lone striker. Teruhito Nakagawa, who is facing his former club, will start on the bench and wait for his opportunity.
To stop the losing streak and aim for the second victory of the season at home Ajinomoto Stadium, the stands were dyed in blue and red, and the kickoff whistle sounded amidst high voltage.
1st HALF - Gradually gaining control after allowing the opening goal
The first chance came to Tokyo. In the 4th minute of the first half, Ryotaro ARAKI's free kick was headed back by Henrique on the far side. Kashif BANGNAGANDE reacted to this and aimed for a shot, but it was blocked by the opponent. Immediately after, Yokohama FM's Yan Matheus created a chance from the right side. In the 5th minute of the first half, he cut in and struck with his left foot, but it was deflected by the goalkeeper Taishi Brandon NOZAWA.
From there, the opponent held onto the ball for a while, and Tokyo continued to chase the ball. Then, in the 25th minute of the first half, a pass from Takahiro KO aimed at Taira Tsukita was intercepted by Matsubara, leading to a quick change of sides. In the end, Nam Tae-hee scored a beautiful goal, allowing the first point to be conceded.
After the 30-minute mark of the first half, forward Araki began to move laterally to draw out the ball, gradually creating a rhythm for Tokyo's attacks. Notably, Tawaramizuki made bold attempts to approach the goal, leading to several shots. However, they were thwarted by the opponent's desperate blocks in front of the goal. In the closing stages, Matsuki faced a big chance but could not convert it, leaving them trailing by one goal at halftime.
2nd HALF—Despite a fierce attack, Nagatomo's spectacular equalizer did not lead to a comeback.
Tokyo continues to press in the second half.
Immediately after the kickoff, a big chance was created. Yasuki KIMOTO's feed allowed Soma ANZAI to break through on the right side and deliver a fast ball in front of the goal. Araki attempted to dive for the ball but was just one step short.
However, with this play, Tokyo seized the rhythm and aggressively approached the goal, resulting in an equalizing goal in the 10th minute of the second half.
From the left side, Tawaramizuki sent in a cross, which Matsuki connected with, and Nagatomo, who jumped in at the edge of the penalty area, struck with his right foot. A brilliant shot pierced the goal.
Tokyo, having completely grasped the pace, aims for a comeback without easing up. They outperformed the opponent in both ball possession and recovering second balls, and brought in players like Nakagawa and Diego OLIVEIRA from the bench to strengthen the front line. However, the crucial comeback goal is proving difficult to secure.
In the 68th minute of the second half, Nagatomo's cross was met by Yoshifumi, who made a powerful volley but failed to connect properly, sending the ball straight to the opposing goalkeeper. In stoppage time, Nakagawa's left-footed shot in front of the goal narrowly missed the target, and shortly after, the match ended. Although they stopped the losing streak, they couldn't take the lead despite their offensive efforts, leaving them with 1 point.
MATCH DETAILS
<FC Tokyo>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
DF Yuto NAGATOMO/Yasuki KIMOTO/Henrique Trevisan/Kashif BANGNAGANDE
MF Kuryu MATSUKI (substituted in 43rd minute: Riki HARAKAWA)/Hiroshi TAKAU (substituted in 43rd minute: Kosuke SHIRAI)/Kei KOIZUMI
FW Kota TABATA (substituted in 21st minute: Teruhito NAKAGAWA)/Soma ANZAI (substituted in 31st minute: Jaja SILVA)/Ryota ARAKI (substituted in 31st minute: Diego OLIVEIRA)
SUBS
GK Tsuyoshi KODAMA
DF Teppei OKA
GOAL
10 minutes into the second half: Yuto NAGATOMO
<Yokohama F. Marinos>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK William Popp
DF Ken Matsubara/Takumi Kamijima/Taiki Watanabe (37th minute: Riku Yamane)/Katsuya Nagato
MF Kota Watanabe/Takuya Kida/Nam Tae-hee (0th minute of the second half: Keigo Sakakibara)
FW Yan Matheus (17th minute of the second half: Kenta Inoue)/Anderson Lopes (17th minute of the second half: Asahi Uenaka)/Eubel (17th minute of the second half: Ryo Miyaichi)
SUBS
GK Fuma SHIRASAKA
DF Ren KATO
GOAL
25th minute of the first half: Nam Tehi
[Peter CKLAMOVSKI Coach Interview]
Q, please review the game.
A, there are complex emotions. It was a match where we were able to secure a win. I think it was a very entertaining match, with both teams playing aggressively and showcasing good football. I believe this was also good promotion for Japanese soccer. I think there were situations in the first 30 minutes of the first half where we had to endure. We became stronger towards the end of the first half, and I believe we gained the material to turn things around in the second half. In the second half, we were able to properly showcase that and create enough chances to win the match. Overall, it was a good game, and I want to build the team so that we can play even better.
Q: The match developed completely differently in the first half and the second half. What were the factors that changed the flow?
In the first half, we were a bit passive and became heavy at the back, but towards the end of the first half, we started to push forward. Just before the end of the first half, I think we were able to move the ball well while effectively using the space we were trying to exploit. This continued into the second half and brought about a good flow. I was confident that we could equalize to 1-1, and I believed we could score a second goal.
I am truly proud of the players. They fought with everything they had to win. I want us to learn a lot about the areas where we can continue to grow during the matches. That is important, and it is a part where the team performed very well, and there were elements that allowed us to express that strongly. I hope that by continuing to improve and grow, we can get closer to the team we dream of. However, there is still much to be done to achieve that.
[Player Interview]
<Yuto NAGATOMO>
Q, this was the first goal at Ajinomoto Stadium in 5118 days. Please review the scoring scene.
When Kuryu MATSUKI had the ball, I was in a good position and free, so I imagined shooting directly when the ball came. Kuryu passed the ball to me at the right time, so all I had to do was swing.
Q: I think the awareness of full-backs taking up higher positions is increasing.
A, not only myself but also Kosuke SHIRAI and Kashif BANGNAGANDE have been involved in many scenes related to assists and goals. I believe that is a result of the team's efforts.
Q: What kind of communication did you have with Soma ANZAI on the same side?
A, since we haven't played together much, I believe we can further enhance our relationship from now on. Anzai is dedicated in defense and plays without neglecting the finer details like pressing back, which is very helpful for me and makes it easier for me to play as well.
Q: It seemed that the team was able to switch gears and approach the match differently after the defeat in the previous game during the consecutive matches.
The fact that we did not collapse is a good point for the team. The first half was tough, but we were able to communicate and make adjustments on the pitch, and by the end of the first half, we were able to create our own flow. The ability to talk and make adjustments among the players on the pitch makes us feel our growth.
<Yasuki KIMOTO>
Q: Please reflect on the match.
A, since we were able to share and make adjustments on the pitch, the overall low line has been resolved, and a flow of counterattacks has emerged from there. I believe the team's strengths were showcased. Just like in the previous match against Nagoya Grampus, there have been noticeable cases where we concede goals from situations that are not major crises. I want to learn how to hold firm in those moments and the mindset that it's okay to be 0-0 at halftime depending on the situation, as well as how to manage the game.
Q: In the second half, there was a build-up and forward progression from Yasuki KIMOTO.
I think I was able to showcase my strengths in how I got involved in the attack. I want to continue this. In today's match, the number of times we connected to chances after passing vertically was a challenge. Since there are high-quality players in Tokyo's front line, I want to be conscious of continuing to play as a starting point for the attack.
Q: How do you reflect on avoiding consecutive losses and multiple goals conceded?
I believe that in order to aim for the top, we absolutely must not lose consecutive matches. I think we achieved the minimum results. Although we conceded a goal in today's match, we were conscious of not conceding goals in quick succession like in the Nagoya match, and it was especially important to focus during the five minutes after conceding. I think being able to fight patiently without giving away additional goals and without collapsing significantly will lead us to the next step.
<Kuryu MATSUKI>
Q: It has been since the match against Urawa Reds that Ryotaro ARAKI was used as a starter at the same time.
A, today the match was open, so there weren't many moments where we connected passes together, but both Araki and I are always at a distance where we can see each other, so I want to improve and continue to achieve results.
Q: There were also signs of an aggressive attitude, such as taking middle-range shots.
A, overall, I wanted to calm the game down a bit more. After the opponent's center-back was substituted due to injury, the match became open, so I think we should have moved the team while connecting the ball without adjusting to the opponent.
Q: There was more momentum going forward in the second half than in the first half.
We changed our pressing approach midway through the first half. We discussed it at halftime and continued that in the second half. We maintained a good pace for about the last 10 minutes of the first half, so I believe it was a match we could have won if we had finished our chances. However, to win, I want to work on creating a good pace from the start of the match.
