＜Match Review＞
The battle to claim the cup has entered a new stage. The J.League YBC Levain Cup has started its playoff round, which consists of home and away matches between the clubs that advanced from the 1st round, a one-game knockout round, and the 3rd round.
Tokyo has produced Yuto Nagatomo for the Japan national team, Kuryu Matsuki for the U-23 Japan national team, Taishi Brandon Nozawa, Kashif Bangnagande, Ryotaro Araki for the U-19 Japan national team. Last week, four starting players were replaced from the Sec. 17 league match against Sagan Tosu, which was held during the "Golden J" event.
Go HATANO as goalkeeper, Shuhei TOKUMOTO as left back, Teruhito NAKAGAWA as attacking midfielder, and Jaja SILVA as right winger. In addition, Yui NAKANO and Divine OTANI, both registered for the top team while playing for FC Tokyo U-18, were included in the bench for the first playoff round against Sanfrecce Hiroshima.
1st HALF - Despite conceding 2 points, Diego's goal leads to a comeback
Tokyo, aiming for the top, pushes into the enemy's territory from the start. They launch a speedy attack while connecting passes.
However, in the 10th minute of the first half, Hiroshima conceded the opening goal from a pinpoint header by Pieros SOTIRIOU in the center, from a right cross by Arai.
Furthermore, after restarting with the ball in order to counterattack, we were caught off guard by the opponent's pressing and conceded a goal through the center, leading to a consecutive 2-point deficit in an unexpected turn of events.
Tokyo, who wants to take the initiative, received a vertical pass from Henrique TREVISAN player in the 25th minute of the first half, and Nakagawa player turned forward in the center of the pitch and sped up. While moving forward, he sharply passed vertically and Diego OLIVEIRA player, who had broken out powerfully, was fouled while trying to avoid the goalkeeper, earning a penalty kick. Number 9, as usual, took a small step and took the opposite of the opponent's goalkeeper, successfully scoring a goal in the lower right corner.
Tokyo, who uses a combination of pressing from the front and blocking when returning to defense, is dominating the game with their passing and short counterattacks against Hiroshima. In the additional time of the first half, they create multiple big chances from the left side, but both Jaja's header and Tawara's shot miss the target. They go into halftime trailing by one goal.
2ndHALF - Unable to capitalize on opportunities, heading into the "second half" with a one-point deficit
After starting the second half without any substitutions, Tokyo was the one who created chances from the beginning. They collected the ball to Tawara Tsumeta player on the left side and actively attacked to enter the enemy's territory.
In the 8th minute of the second half, a ball was sent vertically on the left side, but it was passed to the opponent once. However, Diego TABA quickly approached and regained possession, dribbling past on a counter. He then carried the ball up to the penalty area and aimed with his right foot, but it was blocked by the opponent and could not shake the net.
In the 22nd minute of the second half, a chance was created from the right side. Tawarazumida, who showed a dribble across the pitch, passed it to the right front. Anzai, Diego, and Tawarazumida connected the ball and Tokuhashi ran in from the back to receive the cross from the right side. He took a direct middle shot, but it was blocked by the opponent. Tokyo continues to create chances and push forward.
In the 26th minute of the second half, Riki HARAKAWA and Hotaka NAKAMURA were substituted for Nakagawa and Tawarazumida. Nakamura was placed as the right fullback, and Anzai was moved up to the left wing to revitalize the offense and defense.
Tokyo, who cannot afford to give up any more points, was saved by their goalkeeper with a fine save in the 34th minute of the second half. Hiroshima's Douglas VIEIRA, who came on as a substitute, headed the ball from a slow cross from the right. However, his shot on target was cleared by a diving Go HATANO, narrowly avoiding danger.
In the final stage of the game, AkaAo stepped up their pace even more. With an aggressive press that coordinated from the front line, they were able to take away the opponent's freedom. In the 42nd minute of the second half, Leon NOZAWA was substituted in for Jaja. They continued to increase the pressure from the front in order to score an equalizer.
Tokyo continues to push forward even during the additional time of 7 minutes shown. A brilliant counterattack is launched from the left side, with Diego Taba and Harakawa connecting to make the final pass in front of the goal. However, Nozawa's finish narrowly misses to the left, and they are unable to score an equalizer.
The team that takes the offensive is also supported by loud cheers from the goal stand. Player Tokumoto desperately tries to deliver the ball to the front of the goal from the left side with a long throw, but is unable to push it in. The first game ends with a score of 1-2, and the first half of the playoff round ends with a one-point deficit.
The chant that echoed throughout Ajinomoto Stadium from right after the match was "Take the cup! Raise it, Tokyo!" Sent off by the cheers of many fans and supporters, they will face the second away match on the 9th (Sunday) with the goal of advancing to the prime round.
MATCH DETAILS
＜FC Tokyo＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Go HATANO
DF Soma ANZAI/Yasuki KIMOTO/Henrique Trevizan/Shuhei TOKUMOTO
MF Takuya UHARA/Kei KOIZUMI/Teruhito NAKAGAWA (26th minute of the second half: Riki HARAKAWA)
FW Diego OLIVEIRA/Kota TAWARATSUMIDA (26th minute of the second half: Hotaka NAKAMURA)/Jaja SILVA (42nd minute of the second half: Leon NOZAWA)
SUBS
GK Tsuyoshi KODAMA
DF Masato MORISHIGE/Teppei OKA
MF Keigo HIGASHI/Yui NAKANO
FW Divine OTANI
GOAL
First Half 25th Minute: Diego OLIVEIRA
Sanfrecce Hiroshima
STARTING XI
GK Goro KAWANAMI
DF Shuto NAKANO/Hayato ARAGAKI (31st minute of the second half: Sota KOSHIMICHI)/Sho SASAKI
MF Naoto ARAI/Taishi MATSUMOTO/Toshiki HIGASHI/Takaaki SHICHI
FW Mutsuki KATO/Yuki OHASHI (44th minute of the second half: Makoto MITSUDA)/Pieros SOTIRIOU (31st minute of the second half: DOUGLAS VIEIRA)
SUBS
GK Yudai TANAKA
MF Hiroya MATSUMOTO/Toshihiro AOYAMA/Gakuto NOTSUDA/Ezequiel/Yoshifumi KASHIWA
GOAL
First half 10 minutes: Mutsuki KATO / First half 11 minutes: Taishi MATSUMOTO
[Interview with Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q, please give us an overall review of today's match.
A, it was a disappointing result for us. We are disappointed that we couldn't grab the win. We were able to create plays to win the game, but in the end, we gave away a goal in a few chances that we didn't give away much. The good thing is that we were able to create chances for ourselves. There are areas where we can improve our level, and I have talked to the players about it, but it's only halftime, the game is not over yet. The next game will be a tough away game, but we want to make the second half our own. I think we were able to show that we can fight even when we go away, so the next step is to go there and do our job.
Q, What is the impact of many players leaving the team in each generation's representative team?
First of all, we support the Japan national team. We cheer for them and we want our players to represent Japan with pride. As a club, we are proud that Tokyo players are representing our country. I always tell the players that during the season, everyone is needed. Many players are missing and we are being tested, but it is a good opportunity for many players. Even in the current situation, I hope that we can create a special story and move forward.
We are proud of the players who gave their all to achieve the results we desired. There were some very good elements, but there were also areas that needed to be sharpened. We want to show those areas on Sunday. After watching today's game, even though the next one is away, we believe we can grab a victory and they can do it.
Q, Today, there were many young players, including those on the bench. How do you want them to take advantage of their opportunities?
A, Throughout this season, we have faced similar situations. Although it was a while ago, there was a match where we played with the youngest team in the club's history. I believe that today's team is a reflection of the team we are building. There are also players who joined from the U-18 team. They are still teenagers, but I hope they will continue to grow with this experience. And I think the academy players will feel that they are close to the top team. It is a sign that we are creating something important, and when we create something special, we must build a foundation. We will continue to work on it, but we also need to improve and grow while continuing.
[Player Interview]
Diego OLIVEIRA
Q, we earned a penalty kick from our collaboration with Teruhito NAKAGAWA. I think the quality of our collaboration has also improved.
A, it was a breakthrough from the center, but Nakagawa player gave me a very good pass, so I was able to get a penalty kick. By playing with Nakagawa player, we are starting to understand each other's play, so we want to build on that. Unfortunately, we couldn't win today, so we want to prepare for the next game.
Q, there was a strong presence on both offense and defense until the end of the game. How did you feel about your condition and response?
A, my condition is good now, and I am always doing my best. If I get a chance, I am prepared to play my best at any time, so I want to continue to contribute to the team's victory by not neglecting my preparation.
Q, What preparations will you make before the next game to advance to the prime stage?
A, Sanfrecce Hiroshima is a very high-quality team. It will be a tough battle away from home, but there is a good chance that we can come back and win, so we will do our best to advance to the next stage.
<Kota TAWARATSUMIDA>
Q, please review the game.
A, I think we conceded goals as a team in a bad way and lost them with simple mistakes. We want to reflect on the game as a team and coordinate how to proceed after conceding. In today's game, we need to align our understanding of what we should have done from the kick-off after conceding. As for my own play, I was able to carry the ball from dribbling to the area close to the goal, so I want to correct the quality of my shots and crosses and work on my cooperation with my teammates for the next game. I have many challenges as an individual. I will continue to face these challenges and work hard to reach a higher stage and level as a team and as an individual. I will continue to face these challenges and keep going.
Q, How does Kota TAWARATSUMIDA view the challenges regarding conceding goals?
A, at the moment of conceding a goal, all the arrows were scattered. I think it's necessary for everyone to have the same vector. I believe it's something that the team needs in order to become stronger from here on. Personally, I am only twenty years old and have less experience compared to other players, but I think aligning everyone's thoughts will lead to eliminating simple mistakes.
Q, there was also talk about challenges, but I feel that player Tawarazumida is leading Tokyo's side attack throughout the game.
A, Honestly, I cannot confidently say anything because I have not been able to show my scoring or assisting abilities in recent games, but I want to lead Tokyo's left side and side attacks. I have a strong feeling that I have to do my best.
Q, there is no away goal in this tournament, and multiple goals will be required in the second match.
A, We want to eliminate goals against, create multiple goals, and play in a way that can energize the team. In order to advance to the playoffs, we want to always take an attacking approach and take action instead of just defending.
Riki HARAKAWA
Q, please review the game after coming on as a substitute in the second half.
A, I think it would have been better if I could have made more plays that would have been key, such as connecting with my teammates firmly after receiving the ball, and creating time because the opponent was putting pressure on me one-on-one and the game was open.
Q, it became a play in a position like a top under.
A, I am not the type to break away, so I want to touch the ball more and more. As a team, we have a lot of fast attacks, so when I am playing, I am conscious of being a connector for the ball and making plays that can push the whole team forward.
Q, What were you conscious of regarding the opponent's system?
I thought it would be a chance if I could get past one person because I was defending one-on-one. If I could play with Diego OLIVEIRA and touch the ball more, I think it would have been better if I could play while taking a good position to receive the ball a little more.
Q, How will you prepare for the second game?
I think we need to take more seriously the fact that we haven't been able to beat top teams in the league. Recently, we haven't been able to beat teams like Nagoya Grampus, Gamba Osaka, and Sanfrecce Hiroshima, who are ranked higher in the league. We need to recognize this reality as a team and work on improving. By being aware of how it connects to the league, I believe that by approaching the game against Hiroshima and winning, it will not only lead to success in the Levain Cup, but also in the league.
