＜Match Review＞
The second match of the playoff round was held at Ajinomoto Stadium, with the J.League YBC Levain Cup prime round qualification at stake. Although the first match, held 4 days ago on the 5th (Wednesday), ended with a one-point deficit, we were able to gain confidence in our performance. The sequence leading up to Diego OLIVEIRA's penalty kick was brilliant, and it was also a scene where the attacking style we have built up this season was beautifully displayed.
The first match as a club will be played at EDION PEACE WING HIROSHIMA. Masato MORISHIGE and Hotaka NAKAMURA, based on the members of the first match in Tokyo, have been selected as starting members. Kei KOIZUMI and Takahiro KO form a double midfield combination. Soma ANZAI and Kota TAWARATSUMIDA are on both wings, and Diego OLIVEIRA and Teruhito NAKAGAWA are in the front line. The start of the "second half 90 minutes" is approaching, with the chance to advance to the prime round with a come-from-behind victory on enemy territory.
1st HALF - Despite continuously threatening the goal towards the end of the first half, they were unable to score.
Taking advantage of the reflection of the first game where they conceded goals in a short period of time, Tokyo showed a focused start to the match. In the 6th minute of the first half, they had their first chance. Shuhei TOKUMOTO, the left fullback, brought the ball to the cross after a fluid passing play.
However, Sanfrecce Hiroshima does not give up easily. In the 11th minute of the first half, Pieros SOTIRIOU took a decisive shot from Arai's cross ball, and in the 16th minute, they were threatened with a goal from a corner kick. However, midfielder Nakamura managed to clear the ball just before it crossed the goal line, avoiding danger.
The game, which was marked by the high intensity and quick transition of offense and defense, was similar to the first match. The battle between the two teams in front of the goal increased. In the 19th minute of the first half, Tokyo broke through the right side and Tawara Sekita had a chance to shoot from Azusa Azai's cross, but the ball was blocked and turned into a counterattack. Daiki Ohashi received the ball on the right side and passed it to Shunki HIGASHI, but the shot went over the goal.
In the 39th minute of the first half, Erik advanced the ball from the final line and broke through the penalty area, then crossed the ball past the goalkeeper. In the 45+3 minute, Nakamura, who had been running up, took a powerful shot with his right foot from the flow of coordinated play. Although they were unable to score, they created a chance to threaten the Hiroshima goal towards the end of the first half, and the game went into halftime.
2ndHALF - 17-year-old Diva scores a goal, but consecutive goals against take their toll
Tokyo needed one goal at all costs to advance to the knockout stage in a comeback, but they conceded the opening goal at the start of the second half. In the 8th minute of the second half, a cross ball was sent in by Koshimichi from the right side, and although it was initially cleared, the ball fell to Kato and was kicked in.
Two minutes later, they allowed an additional point. Kato player's cross from the left side was met by Ohashi player's powerful right-footed shot. The ball deflected off of Hatano Go player's hand and was sucked into the goal.
Tokyo, who suffered consecutive goals just like in the first match, made a comeback attempt by substituting Riki HARAKAWA and Leon NOZAWA for Nakamura and Yasuzaki in the 17th minute of the second half. They sent fresh players onto the pitch in an attempt to score a goal.
However, they conceded their third goal in the 23rd minute of the second half. A final pass from Shiotani was sent through to Kato, who then scored a goal from behind the attacking line.
Tokyo, who wants to show some determination, made three substitutions in the 29th minute of the second half. They sent in Teppei OKA for Henrique TREVISAN, Keigo HIGASHI for Taira SHIGE, and Divine OTANI, who made his debut in the top team as a registered 2nd player, for Nakagawa.
In the 32nd minute of the second half, a young player who carried high expectations stepped onto the pitch and opened the goal.
Keigo HIGASHI made a persistent effort in the midfield and sent the ball out to the left side, where player Nozawa received it and crossed it between the opponent's goalkeeper and defender with his left foot. Player Oya then jumped in from the far side and headed the ball into the goal, finally breaking the deadlock.
Afterwards, Tokyo showed a strong attacking attitude with young players showing their aggressiveness towards the goal, and Harakawa had a chance to score, but they were unable to score. The total score of the two games was 2-5, and they were unable to advance to the prime round.
The Tokyo team will continue their consecutive games, and on June 12th (Wed), just 2 days later, they will compete in the 2nd round of the Emperor's Cup, followed by the resumption of the league 4 days later. In order to chase the remaining titles until the end, the team will once again approach the games with all their might from here on.
MATCH DETAILS
＜FC Tokyo＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Go HATANO
DF Hotaka NAKAMURA (17th minute of the second half: Chikara HARAKAWA)/Masato MORISHIGE/Henrique TREVISAN (29th minute of the second half: Tetsuhei OKA)/Shuhei TOKUMOTO
MF Yuhi TAKAU/Kei KOIZUMI/Teruhito NAKAGAWA (29th minute of the second half: Divine OTANI)
FW Diego OLIVEIRA/Kota TAWARATSUMIDA (29th minute of the second half: Keigo HIGASHI)/Soma ANZAI (17th minute of the second half: Leon NOZAWA)
SUBS
GK Tsuyoshi KODAMA
DF Shuto NAGANO
MF Yui NAKANO
FW Rui ASADA
GOAL
32' OTANI Divine
Sanfrecce Hiroshima
STARTING XI
GK Goro KAWANAMI
DF Shuto NAKANO/Hayato ARAGAKI (34th minute: Sota KOSHIMICHI)/Sho SASAKI
MF Naoto ARAI/Taishi MATSUMOTO/Tsukasa SHIOTANI (42nd minute: Takaaki SHICHI)/Toshiki HIGASHI
FW Mutsuki KATO (42nd minute: Makoto MITSUDA)/Yuki OHASHI (26th minute: Ezequiel)/Pieros SOTIRIOU (26th minute: DOUGLAS VIEIRA)
SUBS
GK Yudai TANAKA
MF Yoshifumi KASHIWA/Hiroya MATSUMOTO/Gakuto NOTSUDA
GOAL
8 minutes into the second half: Mutsuki KATO / 10 minutes into the second half: Yuki OHASHI / 23 minutes into the second half: Mutsuki KATO
[Interview with Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q, please review the game.
First of all, I would like to congratulate Sanfrecce Hiroshima for advancing through the playoff round. It was a great football battle, just like the first game. There wasn't much going on until we conceded a goal. This was the case in both games, where we gave the opponent a gift and they took control of the game. In order for us to become a special club, we need to eliminate these mistakes. Despite the tough situation, I am proud that the players fought together until the end with dedication. The team gave everything they had and it's disappointing that we couldn't move forward in the cup. We still have a lot to learn. Many fans and supporters came to Hiroshima. We are grateful to them. We are sorry that we couldn't bring a smile to their faces.
Q, Many players are called up to the Japan national team in each age group, and there are many injuries. Do you think this has had an impact, even though the coach doesn't want to make excuses?
It is a fact that many Tokyo players are selected in international matches. However, I do not want to make excuses for that. There are situations where national team players or injured players are missing, but I believe that it is a test of our team's overall strength. I admire the players who show the attitude of facing such difficulties and trying to overcome them, and the mentality of fighting even in difficult situations.
This week, it was a tough battle, but four academy players were on the bench and one of them was able to score a goal as a result of their hard work. I am proud of that play. And the top team players were able to connect well with the academy players and fight while passing on their experiences to them. We have been able to grow even in a difficult week and I feel that exciting players are emerging.
Q, Also in 2 days, we will be competing in the Emperor's Cup. How will we make adjustments and switch gears for that?
A, we are currently feeling very frustrated and disappointed, but we want to use that to fuel our next game. Even in the midst of that, we believe that football never sleeps, and as a team, we will recover and prepare ourselves to do our job well next Wednesday.
Q, Please evaluate Divine OTANI, the player who scored a goal and was registered in two categories.
A talented and exciting player with potential for the future. The club is working to have him train with the top team players while being connected to the academy and coached by the top team coaching staff. He has shown great potential and growth. In terms of growth, there are many other exciting players as well. He has made a good impact and the results are showing from the past few months of working together. I believe he has also brought energy and power to the academy.
[Player Interview]
＜Kei KOIZUMI＞
Q, please tell us about your feelings even though it was a disappointing result.
We have to accept the reality of losing one title. The difference between us and Sanfrecce Hiroshima may be small, but I think that small difference becomes a big difference in whether we can win the title or not.
Q, What is your impression when looking back on the game?
A, there was no need to rush as a game plan, and we were able to turn the first half 0-0, so I thought it would be good to take one point in the second half and fight for another point in extra time. However, if we continue to concede goals in succession like last time, it will be a difficult situation. We need to improve on conceding goals and make sure not to give the opponent any chances.
Q, how will you take this defeat?
A, I think we need to firmly accept the reality that we have easily lost one of the three titles. We have the Emperor's Cup in two days, so we need to accept the reality and go there with all our might to win, or we may be tripped up again. I think the same can be said for the league matches, so I want to firmly keep our feet on the ground and continue to do our best.
Q, there is an Emperor's Cup in 2 days.
A, I think everyone is feeling very frustrated after losing one title, so I hope we can all come together and give it our all for the Emperor's Cup.
＜Leon NOZAWA player＞
Q, I came on as a substitute. How was it playing in a difficult situation?
Both as a team and as an individual, I knew exactly what I needed to do. In my mind, I was conscious of getting involved in scoring and running to switch between offense and defense. I was able to make one assist when I came on as a substitute, but I still feel like it's not enough. When I was given the opportunity to play in that situation, I knew it would have a big impact on my future. Since I came on in a situation where we needed a goal, I knew I had to contribute to scoring and we had to turn the game around. That's when I realized that I still have a lot of room for improvement.
Q, please review the assist scene.
When I received the ball, I was free and there was distance between me and the opponent, so I thought about trying to break through. However, there was also distance to the goal, and I saw Divine OTANI in the back and made eye contact, so I thought that if I could deliver a simple cross ball to him, it would lead to a goal. As a team rule, I also thought that it was my job to put in early cross balls, so I played with confidence. I'm glad it led to a result.
Q, We could see a good sense of boldness from today's play.
A, I was able to play with confidence compared to the last game. After the last game, I reflected on myself and organized my thoughts, and also communicated with various players, staff, and coaches, and received words from fans and supporters. Among them, I think the result of organizing it in my own way is who I am now. I still feel like I'm not enough. I am full of apologies to the fans and supporters who have come to Hiroshima today. We have to connect this result to the next one, and there is another game coming up soon, so I want to prepare for it and deliver a victory for the next one.
Q, I think Leon NOZAWA is able to attract many opportunities. How do you approach the next game?
A, I believe I am able to attract opportunities within myself. Today, I was able to record an assist. However, as a striker, I want to contribute more and more to this team. For those who support me, I want to leave visible numbers first. I will continue to be positive and forward-looking in order to demonstrate my value and significance to the team.
Divine OTANI
Q, How did you approach today's game? And please tell us about the actual feeling of playing.
A, personally, my playing time in FC Tokyo U-18 matches has increased this season, and as a result, I have had more opportunities to participate in top team practices. Last week, I was registered as a 2nd string player, which was the biggest surprise. I was determined to make an impact since I was able to accompany the team as a 2nd string player. When I was warming up around the 20-minute mark in the second half, I heard someone say "Let's go, Diva," and although I was excited to play, we were losing, so I focused on giving my best performance on the pitch. In the end, I was able to contribute with a goal, and I am glad I was able to produce results.
Q, The first official goal of the top team was a header goal. Please review the scoring scene.
When the ball flowed to the deep position on the left side, I was able to use my own strength, sprint, and get in front of the opponent's defense with speed. I was always told to have the awareness to dive in during practice, so I jumped into the goal with momentum. I am happy to have been able to score a goal with a good cross ball from Leon NOZAWA.
Q: Please tell us about any challenges you felt while playing on the official pitch, as well as any areas where you were successful.
A, there was a sense of accomplishment in the sprint section. Although it resulted in a foul, I was able to firmly approach the ball holder with speed and it didn't feel like I was completely ineffective in terms of physicality. However, in terms of communication and mentality when facing a game, I need to become a player who can contribute positively to the team by being able to give more vocal support.
Q, with only 2 days until the Emperor's Cup, do you think today's goal will bring you closer to a chance to play?
A, I played for 20 minutes in today's match, but I want to increase my playing time even more and become a player who can start in the game. As for last season, Ryunosuke SATO was promoted to the top team in August. I myself was inspired by his presence and I want to aim to be a player who can play an active role in the top team.
