<Last Match Review: Avispa Fukuoka>
The 21st round of the 2024 Meiji Yasuda J1 League, where Avispa Fukuoka aimed for their second consecutive league victory of the season, was held at home at Ajinomoto Stadium. The game, which aimed for a consecutive victory at home, started with a cautious approach against the opponent who had implemented an unconventional system.
Fukuoka has adopted a 4-4-2 formation during defense in order to neutralize Tokyo's strengths, rather than the traditional 3-back formation. They have been using a strategy of having the side backs mark the two wingers, Kota TAWARATSUMIDA and Soma ANZAI, while the two center backs take care of Diego OLIVEIRA, who plays as the lone striker. For Tokyo, the key will be how to break through Fukuoka's strong defensive line, which is also one of their strengths.
The first big chance came in the 18th minute of the first half. While passing the ball intricately on the left side and looking for an attacking opportunity, Kei KOIZUMI, who was trying to receive a short pass from Riki HARAKAWA, turned sharply and left the opponent behind with a technical change of direction. Kuryu MATSUKI then received the ball and made a through pass forward. Teruhito NAKAGAWA, who had broken through to the penalty area, received the ball and was followed by his teammates, with Diego TABA dropping the ball and Matsuki shooting with his left foot. It was a powerful attack that can be described as a wave, and it threatened the Fukuoka goal.
From the start of the second half, Tokyo wants to take control of the game at Ajinomoto Stadium and secure a victory. However, they have been unable to break through Fukuoka's solid defense, and in the 17th minute of the second half, they allowed a one chance goal from a cross, conceding the first goal.
Afterwards, Ryotaro ARAKI took a sharp direct free kick and Tawara Tsumetai player made chances by cutting in and aiming with his right foot, but the counterattack did not come to fruition. They suffered a frustrating loss, stopping their clean sheet and consecutive wins at 2 each.
<Match Preview>
A crucial match against away Kashiwa. In the previous round, we couldn't break through Avispa Fukuoka and lost 0-1 with only one chance. We aimed for consecutive wins at home Ajinomoto Stadium and a third consecutive win without conceding, but unfortunately suffered a bitter defeat. We were unable to adapt to the opponent who came to erase Tokyo's strengths, and fell into the pattern of struggling for the team this season.
The U-23 Japan national team, which will compete in the Paris Olympics this Wednesday, was announced, with both Taishi Brandon NOZAWA and Ryotaro ARAKI selected. Unfortunately, Kuryu MATSUKI did not make the cut, but the reliable captain said, "First of all, in Tokyo, we are switching our mindset to win the game in front of us," and will not change their stance of winning every game as usual.
The previous match against Kashiwa Reysol in May ended in a fierce 3-3 draw. Despite conceding a goal early on, the team displayed a brilliant performance with their quick start and excellent distance control, successfully turning the game around with Matsuki's beautiful jumping volley to make it 3-1. However, the momentum shifted when Tokyo had a player sent off. Shortly after the start of the second half, they conceded a goal from Inukai's superb strike, and were unable to hold on with a numerical disadvantage, resulting in a draw.
As for Tokyo, we want to use the reflection of the previous match and the challenges of the Fukuoka match as a source of strength. And, in order to aim for the top once again, this will be a game where victory is absolutely necessary. This week, both players, Takefusa Kubo and Kento Hashimoto, who grew up in blue and red and spread their wings overseas, participated in practice. They conveyed "world standards" to the team and gave us motivation. The power of the Tokyo family will also support the players heading to the Kashiwa match.
In addition, what we can expect is the performance of Matsuki. He is a player who can take everything as a positive and move forward with a strong mentality. We can only imagine what is going on in his mind, but this is the perfect timing for "Kuryu MATSUKI" to produce results. Let's pay close attention to what the blue and red captain will show us.
[Interview with Peter Cklamovski]
Q: Last week, there were also measures taken by the opponent, and there were also difficult situations in building attacks. What improvements have been made this week?
There are always challenges in each game that we must face. Avispa Fukuoka had a good defense, but we need to improve our attacking strategies, play selection, and finishing touches. We are able to bring the ball to our desired area, but we have challenges in finishing our attacks. It is important to be able to convert chances into goals in a close game. We faced a similar situation in the beginning of the season, but as a team, we have grown and improved to get to where we are now. This has resulted in many goals and positive outcomes. We hope to take the lessons learned from the Fukuoka game and continue to grow in the future.
Q, Please tell me the key points for conquering the attacking third.
A. It is important to balance the players' on-field decisions and our staff's instructions. Our strength lies in each player understanding the team's goals and tactics, and being able to express their individual strengths on the pitch.
Q, In the first half of the Fukuoka match, there was a good defense, but there were still challenges in the attack.
A, there were few occurrences that greatly influenced the course of the game in a close match. In terms of our attack, we needed to fight more sharply. During the time when the game was stretched out, the opponent's linear play fit well and we ended up losing more second balls, which ultimately led to conceding a goal. It's frustrating to lose 0-1, but we want to improve our attacking challenges and end on a good note. We want to threaten the opponent with our plays towards goal and refine our way of playing.
[Player Interview]
＜Soma ANZAI＞
Q, Started as a left winger in the Avispa Fukuoka match. What was your mindset going into the game?
When playing on the left side, I had various images in mind and entered the game, but there were many times when I had to choose my play based on the situation and development during the game. There was a big difference between moving to the left side during the game and starting the game on the left. In order to bring out my strengths as a left winger, I think the ability to adapt quickly is necessary, and I want to continue to improve and maintain the rhythm I found in the second half of the game.
Q, It seemed that the selection and movement of plays have also changed due to the change of the play area from right to left.
A, the view is completely different and the way of carrying and receiving the ball changes. However, whether playing on either side, the repeated movements of the required play and breakthroughs to the back remain the same. I want to improve the accuracy of my play without changing my focus on moving forward.
Q, In the match against Fukuoka, it became a game where the stagnation of the attacking side was visible. Please tell me what is necessary to break such a game development.
A, I think that patience as a team is especially required. Looking at the entire season, there are times when things go well and times when they don't, and there have been games recently where we have felt that way as well. However, I believe that it is important to accumulate points in such games. We are currently in a position where we can turn things around in just 2 or 3 games, and it is now most important for us to fight with patience. We may have lost to Fukuoka, but that defeat does not mean everything is over. And, it is important for us to not only avoid consecutive losses, but also to continue fighting with patience.
Q, Please tell us your enthusiasm for this round.
A, It is important to take the lead and bring in the flow of scoring additional points, as we are in a situation where we are not easily conceding goals and are able to continue scoring. We want to fight patiently as a team during difficult times.
<Kuryu MATSUKI>
Q, this round we will be playing against Kashiwa Reysol. We have also scored goals in the first half of the league match.
A, Personally, I have a good feeling about playing against Kashiwa. In the first half of the season, we had a player sent off, but it was a good game where we scored 3 goals in the first half and I think the other players also have a good impression. In the previous match, it was a 3-3 shootout, so it will be a match where we will face each other with tactics and plays scouted, and I believe we can show a good game where both teams have powered up.
We lost the previous match against Avispa Fukuoka, so first of all, we will try not to lose consecutive games and do our best to bring back points from this away game.
Q, please tell me the key points to advance the game in our away game against Kashiwa.
A, although it is an away game, Tokyo has been able to accumulate points in away games this season. We want to approach with confidence, everyone aiming for the goal, and deploy a strong attacking soccer. Kashiwa has many wonderful players, but of course we also have a high-quality attacking lineup. We want to overwhelm the opponent's defense and exploit their weak points.
Q, there have been no consecutive losses in the league this season. Please tell us your enthusiasm.
After the match with Fukuoka, we were able to discuss our issues and I think the team's situation is good. It is important to not lose consecutive games and I believe we can win against Kashiwa. We want to continue playing attacking football.
