＜Match Review＞
In the 17th round, which was held as "Kin J", Tokyo, who had traveled to away team Tosu, had all four members of the U-23 Japan national team quartet starting in the lineup, which was announced the day before.
The starting members made two changes from the previous match, with Taishi Brandon NOZAWA as the goalkeeper and the defensive line consisting of Hayama ANZAI, Kyosei KIMOTO, Enrique TREVISAN, and Kashif BANGNAGANDE. Takahiro KO and Kei KOIZUMI formed a partnership in the midfield, with Kuryu MATSUKI playing as the attacking midfielder. On the front line, Teruhito NAKAGAWA was placed on the right wing and Kota TAWARATSUMIDA on the left, while Ryotaro ARAKI moved from attacking midfielder to striker. Additionally, Hotaka NAKAMURA, who returned from injury, was on the bench and received applause from the Tokyo goal end during warm-ups in response to the "Hotaka" call.
After winning the previous week's Wednesday J-League YBC Levain Cup 3rd round in a penalty kick shootout, the away game in Tosu continues. Although the team's performance has been improving, they have yet to achieve a win in the league, putting them in a difficult situation. Therefore, they are determined to grab a win in the league at Tosu, a place where they have struggled in the past. The match kicked off at the EKIMAE REAL ESTATE STADIUM, with some daylight remaining.
1st HALF - Yasu's powerful shot gives an early lead goal
Tokyo, who showed an aggressive attack from the beginning. Matsuki's cut-in dribble and Araki's through pass are threatening the opponent's goal.
And in the 11th minute of the first half, Matsuki's right corner kick was deflected and Takahashi headed it forward, where Kimoto, who had stayed up front, struck a powerful shot with his right foot, breaking the near post. The assistant referee raised the offside flag, but with the support of VAR, the goal was awarded. The players formed a circle of joy near the center circle with an early lead.
Tokyo, who wants an additional point, had a chance in the 23rd minute of the first half when Kindergarten player Yoshifu Matsuki broke through on the left side from a long feed by Julian player Takuma Tawarazumi. The ball was not cleared when the opponent defender and goalkeeper's back pass was disrupted, and it fell to Matsuki's feet. Matsuki, who was free in front of the goal, tapped it in and shook the net. However, after a long 5-minute VAR support and on-field review, it was determined that Tawarazumi's position was offside and the goal was not allowed, so the additional point was not awarded.
After that, Tokyo took control with Araki's strong ball retention, aggressive pressing from the front line, and sharp reactions to loose balls. In the 38th minute of the first half, Nozawa made a super save by stretching his right foot to clear a shot from close range just before it crossed the goal line. He once again protected Tokyo's goal with his sharp reactions, following his performance in the previous match.
As each player demonstrates their strengths, in the 43rd minute of the first half, there was a big chance on the left side. Matsuki, who had created space in a high position, made a soft through pass to the near pocket, and Nakagawa, who had made a run at top speed, made a sharp cutback. At this point, a final pass was sent to the space behind the opponent in a way that took advantage of their weakness. Takashi, who had made a run, aimed for the near post with a left-footed direct shot, but unfortunately it was saved by the opponent's goalkeeper.
The first half ended after a long 7 minutes of additional time due to a VAR check, with a one-point lead going into the second half.
2ndHALF - Protecting one point with Daiji's save and Yoshifumi's block
Facing off against a counter-attacking Tosu, just like in the previous match against Gamba Osaka, once again the guardian of Tokyo stood in the way. In the 50th minute, a ball lost in their own half led to a shot from Marcelo RYAN, and in the 56th minute, a cut-in from the left side by Yokoyama resulted in a shot from inside the penalty area, but both were caught firmly by Nozawa. Shutting down the opponent's attacks.
Tokyo, who calmly builds up their attack, will use time while keeping Sagan Tosu, who is on the offensive, at bay. In the 20th minute of the second half, they will attempt to change their formation by substituting Nakamura for Nakagawa and repositioning Yasuzaki to the right wing.
Despite it being his comeback match, Nakamura's persistent defense was still strong. He effectively shut down Tosu's strong point, left winger Yokoyama's attacks, with his physical defense and took away their freedom.
Tokyo, prioritizing defensive stability, aims for an additional goal. In the 29th minute of the second half, Matsuki breaks through the left side with a big one-two and runs alone. He takes a precise left-footed shot, but it narrowly misses to the right of the goal.
Tokyo, who are aware of the situation where they have been conceding goals in the latter part of the game, are now focusing on their defense. In the 37th minute of the second half, they faced a dangerous situation from the opponent's left cross, but Marcelo RYAN's header was blocked by Kousuke SENSHU with his head. They managed to overcome the close call and hugged with Henrique player in front of their own goal.
In the final stage, Shuhei TOKUMOTO and Riki HARAKAWA were brought in to strengthen the defense from the front line. In the 5 minutes of additional time, they effectively used both attacking and blocking strategies to maintain their lead and secure a clean sheet victory for the second time this season, capitalizing on the early goal they scored.
This marks the first league victory for Away Tosu since June 2015. The chant of "the city that never sleeps" echoed throughout the EKIMAE REAL ESTATE STADIUM.
MATCH DETAILS
＜FC Tokyo＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
DF Soma ANZAI (43rd minute of the second half: Shuhei TOKUMOTO)/Yasuki KIMOTO/Henrique Trevizan/Kashif BANGNAGANDE
MF Kusei Matsuki (31st minute of the second half: Diego Oliveira)/Takuya Takahashi/Kyo Koizumi
FW Kota TAWARATSUMIDA (31st minute of the second half: Jaja Silva)/Teruhito NAKAGAWA (20th minute of the second half: Hotaka NAKAMURA)/Ryotaro ARAKI (43rd minute of the second half: Chikara HARAKAWA)
SUBS
GK Go HATANO
DF Masato MORISHIGE
GOAL
First Half 11th Minute: Yasuki KIMOTO
Sagan Tosu
Starting XI
GK Park Il-Kyu
DF Kosuke Yamazaki/Katsunori UEEBISU/Yusuke Maruhashi (27th minute of the second half: Yuki Horigome)
MF So Kawahara/Kohei Tezuka (37th minute of the second half: Naoyuki Fujita)/Taichi Kikuchi (37th minute of the second half: Ikuya Kitajima)/Yoichi Naganuma
FW Ayumu Yokoyama (42nd minute of the second half: Atsushi Kawata)/Cayman Togashi (37th minute of the second half: Vinicius Araujo)/Marcelo Hian
SUBS
GK Masahiro OKAMOTO
MF Shota HINO
GOAL
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[Interview with Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q, please review the game.
A, it was a good football match. Both teams displayed entertaining and high-quality football, showcasing their strengths. As for our play, we were able to put on a strong performance and control the game. We were able to create a good flow and connect for the first goal, and although we couldn't score a second goal, I think we were able to show what we are capable of. At halftime, we talked about bringing out more of our strengths and went into the second half with the attitude of going for the second and third goals. It's a shame we couldn't score more goals, but we were able to create chances. Sagan Tosu is a very energetic and dynamic team under coach Kawai, but I believe we were able to put up a fight worthy of a win against them. I am happy that we were able to get 3 points for the fans and supporters who came here today, as well as for our fans and supporters in Tokyo.
Q, please evaluate the defense that held on without conceding any goals.
A, not only the defenders but the whole team did a very good job in defense. We were able to press aggressively and gain control of the game. All the players followed the defensive rules and we were able to keep a clean sheet. I am happy with that and I think we deserved it. From there, we were able to move the ball the way we wanted in attack. However, it is disappointing that we couldn't score multiple goals from there.
[Player Interview]
＜Yasuki KIMOTO＞
Q, please review the game.
A, In the first half, both the attack and defense were in great shape. We were able to attack while maintaining possession of the ball, and I was able to score a goal myself, so I think the first half was good. In the second half, there was some physical fatigue, but we had more opportunities to block. We were able to create chances, so if we had been able to score, we could have gotten 3 or 4 points. I talked about this with everyone, and it was a challenge for the second half.
Q, especially in the second half, the time we were under attack increased. How was the difference in defensive strategy compared to the first half?
A, there were some moments where we couldn't press as much, so our defensive line dropped. However, we were still able to defend well without breaking down and were able to counterattack. We were also able to move forward while maintaining possession of the ball, so it wasn't all bad. We want to continue this going forward.
Q, the scoring scene was a spectacular volley shot. It was the first goal in two seasons.
A, I didn't aim for it (laughs). I was conscious of putting it in the frame and happened to fly to that course. I was happy, but it was mentally tough for the team not to win, so I'm glad I could contribute to the team's victory.
Q, As a team, this is our second game of the season without conceding a goal in the league since our match against Kashima Antlers in Sec. 7.
A, I have been conscious of keeping a clean sheet in every game, but recently I have been able to keep the number of goals conceded to a minimum when I play, so I had confidence that I could keep a clean sheet if I continued this. In addition, today, because every member of the team was able to maintain a strong mindset and defend, I am happy with the result of a clean sheet.
Q, the Levain Cup and Emperor's Cup will continue to be played from here. How will the team overcome this?
A, Last season we lost both the Levain Cup and the Emperor's Cup in a half-hearted manner, so this season we will go for all the titles. The strength of the entire team will be necessary, and with a deep roster, I think we can have a good game no matter who plays. First, we will prepare for the first match of the Levain Cup playoff round next week.
＜Taishi Brandon NOZAWA player＞
Q, please review the game.
A, I think we were able to make the game easier by scoring from a set play early on. However, we should improve on not being able to take advantage of the opponent's weaknesses and score a second or third goal during the game. It was good that we were able to win 1-0.
Q, whether to connect or kick out big, it seemed like the team's decision during build-up led to a good flow.
As we continue to play more games, the team's coordination improves, making it easier to judge the opponent's movements.
Q, The Kashima Antlers match just before heading to the AFC U23 Asian Cup was also a clean sheet.
A, Last time when I came back from national team activities, I couldn't get into the flow very well, so this time I want to make sure that doesn't happen and contribute to the team's victory even after playing for the national team.
Q, after this, I will join the U-23 Japan national team's activities. Please tell us your enthusiasm.
A, In order to make it to the final round of the Paris Olympics, we will continue to appeal and fight until the end for a spot on the team. We will fight with "Tokyo" on our backs.
<Hotaka NAKAMURA>
Q, it was my first appearance in a while.
A, the injury was still painful. As long as there are people who reach out to me during my injury, support me nearby, and wait for me to come back, I felt guilty that I couldn't show my hard work and performance. With the help of many people, I was able to return to the pitch. From here on, there will be a series of games, so I want to do my best to contribute to the team's strength.
Q, it was a difficult game. I think there were a lot of things we needed to do on the defensive side.
Player Soma Anzai was working hard from the first half, so while watching his plays and the opponent's plays, I was imagining what kind of plays I would make when I entered the game. When I entered the game, the match was becoming more open and it was like a back-and-forth counter, so my job was to handle 1-on-1 situations and to cover defensively. In that aspect, we didn't concede any goals, so I think I was able to do my job.
Q, there are many good rivals competing for the position of right back, such as Yuto NAGATOMO and Kosuke SHIRAI.
A, During the period when I was injured, both players scored and assisted, and they were very active. I felt very frustrated that I couldn't be there. When I got a chance, I thought I would just let out all the feelings that had built up. As a result, I thought it would determine whether I could survive or not, and since that's the world we live in, I want to show that I am the right side back for Tokyo on the pitch.
Q, please tell us your enthusiasm for the future.
A, I just want to win. I have no other feeling than wanting to win by getting involved in scoring. I will win.
