<Match Preview>
The minimum requirement for Akaaka to advance to the prime round is just a victory in 90 minutes.
Last Wednesday, Tokyo welcomed Sanfrecce Hiroshima to Ajinomoto Stadium for the J.League YBC Levain Cup playoff round 1 match.
After starting the game with an aggressive approach, we conceded the first goal in the 10th minute and then lost possession from a press during the kickoff, resulting in a second goal for the opponent. It was a devastating two minutes of consecutive goals. We were able to pull one back with a goal from player Diego OLIVEIRA in the 25th minute, but unfortunately, we ended up losing the game 1-2.
However, the winner of the playoff round will be determined by the total results of two matches, so the game has only finished the "first half". It will now be a battle in the "second half" played away.
After the first game, coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI commented in the press conference, "I told the players, 'It's only halftime. Now it's halftime.' We will grab a victory away next. We had many good chances and they can do it."
Let's review the tournament regulations again. In the playoff round, which will be played home and away, the away goals will not be given priority, and the team with the most wins or the team with the goal difference in the two matches will advance. In other words, for Tokyo, who lost the first match 1-2, it is necessary to finish the 90 minutes with at least a one-goal lead. If they win by two or more goals, they will advance straight to the next round. If they win by one goal, the fate of the match will be decided by a penalty kick shootout after two 15-minute halves of extra time.
Diego TABA's comeback goal will have a significant impact towards the second half, as the total score of the two games becomes crucial. If a victory of two or more goals is needed within 90 minutes, it will be difficult to control the game. Soma ANZAI commented, "Diego's goal brought us back and led us to the next step. As long as we win in total, there's no problem and there's no point in looking down. We haven't lost yet. Even with a one-goal victory, we can go into extra time and as long as we win in total, it's all good," looking ahead.
Looking back, it was the semifinal of the 2021 Levain Cup against Nagoya Grampus. In the first match, we conceded a goal right after scoring one to make it 1-2, and then we were scored on again, losing 3-1. In the second match, we won by one goal, but couldn't advance. I remember playing in that game, and as Go HATANO recalls, "After it became 1-2, I knew the next goal would be crucial. In that sense, we did well to defend. However, we did concede two goals, so we need to prepare more carefully for the next match and learn from our past mistakes."
Hiroshima is expected to use their strong press and solid blocks to their advantage. How they navigate through that and finish their chances will likely determine the outcome of the match.
In the first match, there were scenes where Teruhito NAKAGAWA created big chances but couldn't shake the net. He said, "We have to finish when we have the chance. We have no choice but to go for the win. We need to show our attacking mentality away from home. I think we can create more chances, the problem is the quality of our finishing. Personally, I want to bring more power into the box."
And Shuhei TOKUMOTO, who finally got a chance to play in the first game and shined on the pitch. Those words are probably the consensus of everyone.
"I have been believing in my chances to play in the Levain Cup, even though I haven't had many opportunities to play. I think I was able to show my strengths. There are no players who are looking down, and everyone has a strong desire to do their best. We fixed the issue of the second goal in the locker room. Tel-kun (Nakagawa player) said, "What are we going to do!" in a serious tone, and we have already fixed that issue. If we can win in Hiroshima and advance, we can erase the loss in the first game. We want to tighten up as a team so that we won't be told, "We don't have any national team players."
Currently, Tokyo has produced 6 players for each age group of the Japan national team (Kashif BANGNAGANDE returned to Japan on the 8th due to injury), but one of the special features of this season is that no matter who plays, they are able to express high-quality soccer. In order to prove the team's progress so far, past lessons, and overall quality, they must absolutely advance in the playoff round.
The second game at away Hiroshima, trailing by one point. It is expected to be an exciting development until the end. We hope to approach the cup with a positive and daring Tokyo style, without rushing or being careless.
[Interview with Peter Cklamovski]
Q, How will you approach the second match against Sanfrecce Hiroshima?
A, We recognize that it is halftime now. We think it will be an exciting game where the total results of two games will be questioned. We want to continue the positive aspects that we were able to express in the first game. And in that game, we allowed the opponent to score two goals in a short time and gave them an opportunity. Of course, we are disappointed, but we also showed a performance that created scenes where we could take back one point, catch up, and overtake. We will firmly learn the good parts that were born during the game and continue to prepare for a good fight. We will go for a win in the second game.
It is a situation of being behind 1-2, but it can also be seen as clear that we are going for a win by scoring.
A, we are only going for the win. That is, regardless of the result of the first match. There is nothing that will change our mindset, approach, or mentality when facing the game. We will prepare thoroughly and give everything we have, nothing will change. In order to achieve results, we must give our all. That is where our focus lies. If we can express our way of fighting firmly, it will be a threat to Hiroshima.
Q, Player Riki HARAKAWA, who came on in the second half, expressed his play that added an accent to the attack.
A, he did a very good job. Of course, I understand that he is hungry for playing time and wants to increase his playing time, but he expressed the mentality of the team through his play. He showed a good example of "doing the job on the pitch no matter who comes out".
After practice, it was seen that Q was talking with player Leon NOZAWA.
We talked about looking back on the second half and how we felt at that time, and how we can improve and grow from here. We have been making improvements and corrections through practice so far, and I think we just need to continue doing that. Nozawa is a player who has the ability to sense opportunities and move forward. It is important for a forward player to be able to convert such opportunities into goals. I think in that scene, the attention of the entire stadium was focused on Nozawa, and many spectators stood up. When facing such an exciting moment, it is important to stay calm and control your mental state. All that is left is to continue practicing and strengthening the image of scoring a goal, and to promote growth. And when the shot hits the net, I hope he can release all the emotions he has been holding back. I believe he is a player who can take one step forward and continue to grow.
[Player Interview]
Takahiro KO
Q, the first match against Sanfrecce Hiroshima ended in a disappointing defeat.
A, Looking back at the entire game, I don't think it was all bad scenes, but the way we started the game and switched to restarts, as well as multiple goals conceded, are areas that need improvement and correction. We shared this awareness as a team and in the game on the 9th, we want to approach it thoroughly once again.
Q, please tell me the important things in it.
A, we must go for the win and absolutely avoid any more goals against us. In order to score multiple goals, I want to encourage a balance of offense and defense as a midfielder and play with even more intensity.
Q, tactical maneuvering is also expected.
In the first game, we had more possession of the ball compared to previous matches, but throughout the game, I felt that there were fewer passes aimed at the opponent's back. I think the key will be how we can break through their high line. I also think that the opponent still has a sense of playing against us, so we will need to be flexible and adapt on the pitch.
<Henrique TREVISAN>
Q, Please tell us about the characteristics and impressions you felt when playing against Sanfrecce Hiroshima in the first match.
A, As a team, they had a high quality and a very balanced offense and defense. In the league games, they had few goals against, and I felt their strong defense and attack utilizing the abilities of their front players in counter attacks. In the next game, it will be important to be cautious of their counter attacks. If we give up a goal to the opponent, it will become very difficult to progress in the game. As a defender, I want to focus on a stable defense and keeping a clean sheet.
Unfortunately, the first game at home was a disappointing match and resulted in a tough outcome. The game on the 9th will be a difficult away game, but there is a great chance to advance to the next stage. We will fight for victory and nothing else.
Q, Please tell us the key points of defense as we approach the second match.
A, In the first game, we gave up an easy goal in a short amount of time. We need to make corrections, including switching and restarting after kickoffs. We want to thoroughly review the defensive principles as a team and the communication among the defense, and support from the back line to score as a team before the opponent.
Q, In order to advance to the prime round, a victory with multiple goals is required in the second match.
A, we are in a situation where we have to win, so I want to communicate with the team from the back line to the front line to maintain a compact formation that allows us to play offensively for 90 minutes. I also want to aim for goals from set plays and contribute to the attack, and in order to put more numbers in the attack, I want to defend with a strong and persistent defense that does not easily lose in confrontations and does not give the opponent freedom by putting our bodies on the line.
<Teppei OKA>
Q, in order to advance to the prime round, victory is an absolute requirement. What preparations are you making?
Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI also said that he only thinks the first half is over. We will fight in the second half when we go away, but I think it is necessary to keep a clean sheet and win when we play. If we don't progress the game without conceding any goals, I think the evaluation of the defense, or even the entire team, will not improve. So, we want to proceed with that in mind.
Q, Have you gained a good sense from the games you have played without losing?
A, I am always in a positive state within myself, so I am always thinking about playing for the team's victory no matter what the situation. I have not been able to play in the league game as a starter, so I want to make a strong appeal and connect it to the league game. However, I think that winning the game in front of me is the most important thing first.
Q, I think it will be necessary to bring out the strengths of Teppei OKA in order to lead the team to victory.
A, Sanfrecce Hiroshima is aiming to create chances by passing behind the 3-back system. We didn't see much of that in the last game, so we want to make good use of that space. First of all, we want to be aware of the farthest point in order to aim for the goal.
Q, please give us your enthusiasm for the second game.
A, keeping a clean sheet is the basis for a defender's performance. I also want to contribute to scoring by utilizing my strengths such as long passes. I want to make good preparations and contribute to the team's victory by giving my best performance.
