Match Review
The second match of the playoff round was held, aiming for advancement to the prime round of the J.League YBC Levain Cup. Although the first match, held four days ago on the 5th (Wednesday) at Ajinomoto Stadium, ended with a one-point deficit, we were able to gain confidence in terms of performance. The sequence leading up to the penalty kick awarded to Diego OLIVEIRA was brilliant, showcasing the attacking style we have developed this season.
This is the first match for the club at EDION PEACE WING HIROSHIMA. Tokyo's starting lineup is based on the members from the first match, with Masato MORISHIGE and Hotaka NAKAMURA included in the starting members. The double pivot consists of Keisuke KOIZUMI and Takahiro KO. On the wings, Soma ANZAI and Kota TAWARATSUMIDA are positioned, while Diego Oliveira and Teruhito NAKAGAWA lead the front line. The team is aiming for a comeback victory on enemy territory to advance to the prime round, as the "second half 90 minutes" begins.
1st HALF - Despite repeatedly approaching the goal in the latter part of the first half, we couldn't score.
Learning from the mistakes of conceding goals in quick succession at the start of the first match, Tokyo shows a focused start to the game. In the 6th minute of the first half, there is the first chance. From fluid passing, left back Shuhei TOKUMOTO brought the ball to the cross.
However, Sanfrecce Hiroshima does not back down easily. In the 11th minute of the first half, a cross from player Arai led to a decisive shot from Pieros SOTIRIOU, and in the 16th minute of the first half, they were threatened by a corner kick. However, player Nakamura, who was covering the goal, cleared the ball just in time on the goal line to escape danger.
Similar to the first match, the game was characterized by the high intensity and quick transitions between offense and defense from both teams, leading to increased action in front of both goals. In the 19th minute of the first half, Tokyo broke through on the right side, and Anzai had a chance to shoot from a cross by Tawara, but they were countered after a block. Ohashi's cross, which flowed to the right side, was met by Shunki HIGASHI, but it went over the goal.
In the 39th minute of the first half, Anzai advanced the ball from the final line and delivered a cross after breaking into the penalty area, catching the goalkeeper off guard. Then, in the 45+3rd minute of the first half, Nakamura made a strong shot with his right foot from a coordinated play as he surged forward. Although they couldn't score, they created a chance that brought them close to the Hiroshima goal towards the end of the first half, and the match was turned around.
2nd HALF - 17-year-old Diva's goal is overshadowed by consecutive goals conceded
Tokyo needed a goal at all costs to advance to the knockout stage with a comeback, but they allowed the opening goal at the start of the second half. In the 8th minute of the second half, a cross was delivered by player Koshido, who made a move on the right side. Although they cleared it once, the ball spilled in front of player Kato and was kicked in.
Two minutes later, an additional goal was allowed. Masaru KATO's cross from the left side was met with a powerful shot from Daiki OHASHI with his right foot. The ball deflected off Go HATANO's hands and was sucked into the goal.
Like in the first match, Tokyo conceded consecutive goals. In an effort to counterattack, they brought in Riki HARAKAWA and Leon NOZAWA, replacing Nakamura and Anzai in the 17th minute of the second half. They sent fresh players onto the pitch to try to score a goal back.
However, in the 68th minute of the second half, we conceded the third goal. A last pass from Shiotani was sent behind our defense, allowing Kato to score.
Tokyo, wanting to show some determination, made three substitutions in the 29th minute of the second half. Teppei OKA replaced Henrique TREVISAN, Keigo HIGASHI came on for Taira SHIGE, and Divine OTANI, who was making his top team debut as a registered player, replaced Nakagawa.
Then, in the 32nd minute of the second half, the young player who carried expectations broke through to score a goal.
Keigo HIGASHI fought in midfield and spread the ball to the left side, which was received by Nozawa. He sent a cross with his left foot between the opponent's goalkeeper and defender. Otani, who jumped in from the far side, connected with his head and finally broke through for a goal.
After that, Tokyo showed a proactive attitude towards scoring with young players, and Harakawa had a clear chance to score, but they couldn't convert. The total score over the two matches was 2-5, and they did not advance to the prime round.
The consecutive matches in Tokyo continue, with the Emperor's Cup 2nd Round taking place on June 12 (Wed), two days later, and the league matches resuming four days after that. To pursue the title in the remaining tournaments until the end, the team will approach the matches with full strength from here on.
MATCH DETAILS
<FC Tokyo>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Go HATANO
DF Hotaka NAKAMURA (17th minute of the second half: Riki HARAKAWA) / Masato MORISHIGE / Henrique TREVIZAN (29th minute of the second half: Tetsuhei OKA) / Shuhei TOKUMOTO
MF Hiroshi 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 minutes into the second half: Divine OTANI
<Sanfrecce Hiroshima>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Goro KAWANAMI
DF Shuto NAKANO/Hayato ARAKI (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)/Piero SOTIRIOU (26th minute: Douglas VIEIRA)
SUBS
GK Yudai TANAKA
MF Yoshifumi KASHIWA/Hiroya MATSUMOTO/Gakuto NOTSUDA
GOAL
8th minute of the second half: Mutsuki KATO/10th minute of the second half: Yuki OHASHI/23rd minute of the second half: Mutsuki KATO
[Peter CKLAMOVSKI Coach Interview]
Q, please review the game.
First of all, I would like to congratulate Sanfrecce Hiroshima for advancing through the playoff round. It was a good football battle, just like in the first match. There weren't many events until we conceded a goal. This was the case in both matches, but we gave the opponent a gift, which allowed them to seize the momentum. To become a special club, we need to eliminate such aspects. Even in tough situations, I am proud that the players fought together selflessly until the end. The team gave everything they had, and I feel regret that we couldn't move forward towards the cup. We still have much to learn. Many fans and supporters traveled to Hiroshima. I am grateful to them. I apologize for not being able to bring smiles.
Q: Regarding the situation where many players from various age groups of the Japan national team have been called up and there are many injuries, I believe the coach does not want to make excuses, but has this had an impact?
It is true that many players from Tokyo have been selected for international matches. However, I do not want to make excuses about such matters. While there are situations where representative players and injured players are missing, I believe this is where the overall strength of our team is being tested. I think it is wonderful that the players have shown a mentality to confront such difficulties and to overcome them on their own, even in challenging situations.
This week has been 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 hard work. I am proud of that play. The top team players fought well while connecting with the academy players, passing on their experiences to them. Even during this difficult week, we have been able to grow, and I feel that exciting players are emerging.
Q: In two days, we will be competing in the Emperor's Cup. How are you preparing for this and making adjustments?
We are currently feeling very regretful and disappointed, but we want to channel that into our next match. I believe that football never sleeps, and we will make sure to recover properly so that we can be fully prepared to do our job next Wednesday.
Q: Please evaluate Divine OTANI, who scored a goal and is registered as a second type player.
He is an exciting player with great potential for the future. The club is working to have him practice alongside top team players under the guidance of the coaching staff while being connected to the academy. He has potential and is showing very good growth. In terms of such growth, there are many other exciting players as well. He has made a good impact, and the results we have achieved together over the past few months reflect that. I believe he has been able to provide energy and power to the academy as well.
[Player Interview]
＜Kei KOIZUMI＞
Q: It was a disappointing result, but please share your thoughts.
A, we must accept the reality of having lost a title. The differences with Sanfrecce Hiroshima may be small one by one, but I believe that those slight differences can make a big difference in whether we win a title or not.
Q: What is your impression when you reflect on the match?
A, there was no need to rush in our game plan, and since we were able to go into halftime at 0-0, I thought it would be fine to somehow score one goal in the second half and then aim for another in extra time. However, if we concede goals in quick succession like we did last time, it will put us in a difficult situation. I believe we need to improve on the areas where we conceded goals, and I want to make sure we don't give our opponents any openings.
Q: How do you feel about this defeat?
A, I must acknowledge the reality that we have easily lost one of the three titles. Additionally, with the Emperor's Cup coming up in two days, we need to face this reality and truly fight to win, or we risk being caught off guard again. I believe the same can be said for the league matches, so I want to stay grounded and continue to work hard.
Q, There is the Emperor's Cup in two days.
I think everyone feels quite regretful about losing a title, so I hope we can properly prepare and give it our all for the Emperor's Cup.
<Leon NOZAWA>
Q: You came on as a substitute. It was a difficult situation to enter, but how did it go?
It was clear what needed to be done both as a team and as an individual. I was conscious of getting involved in scoring and running to switch on both offense and defense. I was able to provide one assist after coming on as a substitute, but I still feel it's not enough. When I was given the opportunity to play in that situation, I thought it would have a significant impact on what I could do in the future. Since I was on the field in a situation where we needed to score, I had to be involved in the scoring, and we needed to turn the game around to catch up, so I realized that I still lacked the ability in that regard.
Q, please review the assist scene.
When I received the ball, I was free and had distance from the opponent, so I thought about breaking through. However, since there was also distance to the goal, I saw Divine OTANI behind me and made eye contact, so I thought it would lead to a goal if I simply crossed the ball to him. As part of the team's strategy, I believed that delivering quick crosses was also my job, so I played with confidence. I'm glad that it led to a good result.
Q: From today's play, we could see a boldness in your performance.
A, I was able to play with more confidence than in the last match. After the last match, I reflected and organized my thoughts, communicated with various players, staff, and the coach, and received words from the fans and supporters. I believe that the result of my own reflection and organization is who I am now. I still think I have a long way to go. I feel very sorry for the fans and supporters who have come to Hiroshima today. I need to connect this result to the next one, and since the next match is coming up soon, I want to prepare well for the next one and deliver a victory.
Q: I believe that Leon NOZAWA is able to create many opportunities. What mindset will you have going into the next match?
I believe that I can attract opportunities within myself. Today, I was able to record an assist. However, as a striker, I want to contribute even more to this team, and for the supporters who are cheering for me, I want to leave visible numbers first. I will work positively and proactively to demonstrate my value and significance within the team.
<Divine OTANI>
Q: How did you prepare for today's match? Also, please tell us about your actual experience during the match.
A, personally, I have been able to participate more in FC Tokyo U-18 matches since this season, and I have had more opportunities to join the first team practices. Last week, I was registered as a second team player, and my first reaction was surprise. Since I was able to accompany the team as a second team player, I definitely wanted to achieve results. When I was warming up around the 20-minute mark of the second half, I was called to go in, and while I was excited to play, we were in a losing situation, so I focused on maximizing my own performance when I entered the pitch. In the end, I was glad that I was able to achieve results in the form of a goal.
Q: The first goal in an official match for the top team was a header. Please reflect on the scoring scene.
When the ball flowed to the deep position on the left side, I utilized my characteristic sprint, gained speed to get in front of the opposing defense, and I had been told in practice to always have the awareness to dive in, so I jumped into the goal area with momentum. I am happy that I was able to finish well with a good cross from Leon NOZAWA.
Q: Please tell us about the challenges you felt on the official match pitch and any areas where you succeeded.
In the sprinting part, I felt that I was able to compete. Although it resulted in a foul, I was able to close in on the ball holder with speed, and I didn't feel completely outmatched physically. However, in terms of communication and the mentality towards the game, I need to become a player who can contribute positively to the team with more encouragement.
Q: With the Emperor's Cup coming up in two days, do you think today's goal has increased your chances of playing?
A, I played for 20 minutes in today's match, but I want to increase my playing time from here and grow into a player who can start in the lineup. Last season, in August, Ryunosuke SATO secured his promotion to the top team. I was inspired by seeing that, and I want to aim to be a player who can succeed in the top team.
