Match Review
Tokyo is blue and red. The big match to prove it has arrived.
After the break, aiming for the first victory and the first league win in about a month, the blue-red army faced off against "green" at home Ajinomoto Stadium.
This is a game where victory is absolutely required. In the previous match, we lost 0-3 in the Tamagawa Classico against Kawasaki Frontale. Moreover, we have not achieved good results at Ajinomoto Stadium with 2 wins, 4 draws, and 5 losses, and both the coach and players have expressed their desire to respond to the fans and supporters with a victory.
A game against Verdy in such a situation. In the last match, we managed to equalize with a goal in stoppage time of the second half after coming back from a numerical disadvantage and a two-goal deficit, but we were unable to secure the victory.
The only thing we seek in this game, which is crucial for the team's resurgence, is victory. First, we want to gain a significant mental advantage and control the key moments of the match to progress in our favor.
First, the defense consists of experienced veterans and players from the academy. At the back, Taishi Brandon NOZAWA is positioned, with the final line consisting of Kosuke SHIRAI, Kanta DOI, Masato MORISHIGE, and Yuto NAGATOMO from right to left. The holding midfielders are Takahiro KO and Kei KOIZUMI, with Ryotaro ARAKI playing just behind the forwards. The three forwards include Diego Oliveira in the center, with Teruhito NAKAGAWA on the right wing and Keita ENDO on the left wing.
The team has struggled with only 1 win in their last 7 official matches, so they want to use this game as a turning point. The match, held as 'FIREWORKS NIGHT supported by Paidy', saw the stadium heat up before the start. After player introductions with moving lights, the players entered the field against a backdrop of spectacular fireworks, with the stands dyed in blue and red. They kicked off in the best atmosphere.
1st HALF - Held the ball and created chances but did not convert to goals
With the home crowd behind them, Tokyo connects passes and attacks from the beginning. The attacking midfielder Araki and the defensive midfielder Takashi, who made their first start after the Paris Olympics, calm the ball in the center and create the rhythm of the attack while utilizing Diego TABA's hold-up play. The strong vertical dribbling breakthrough shown by the right-back Shirai also added an accent to the attack.
In the first half, while the composition of possession was blue and red and the counter was green, it was Tokyo that created the first big chance. In the 25th minute of the first half, player Endo advanced from the center and took a grounded mid-range shot with his right foot. Unfortunately, it missed just to the left of the goal, but Tokyo continued to press and approach the opponent's goal.
In the 33rd minute of the first half, a decisive chance was created from a clever build-up involving player Nozawa. As Nozawa received the ball while circulating it at the final line, right back player Shirai took a position inward to receive the pass, turned around, and sent it to player Nakagawa on the right side. At this point, Diego TABA broke into the space behind and drew the opposing players, allowing Nakagawa to cut in and unleash a shot with his left foot. The ball, deflected by an opposing defender, changed direction and went off target, but it showcased a Tokyo-style attacking play that aggressively pressed into enemy territory with sharp passing.
In the 42nd minute of the first half, Tokyo V created a chance from a big shift left and right. Matsumura's left cross was met by Saito at the far post, but the shot went wide of the goal. It was a close call, but Nozawa successfully covered the near post, avoiding danger.
Tokyo, while taking control, was unable to finish. They wanted an early opening goal while they had the pace of the game, but on the other hand, they showed the determination and risk management unique to an important game by effectively dealing with the opponent's counterattacks with solid defense.
In the end, the first half concluded with a scoreless tie after 2 minutes of added time, and the outcome of the match was carried over to the second half. The players returned to the locker room, sent off by chants from the fans and supporters behind the goal, saying, "We can't lose to Verdy! Let's show our strength!"
2nd HALF - A series of big saves by Taishi results in a scoreless draw
In the second half, a sudden big crisis arises. Tokyo V's Matsumura sends a right cross from a counterattack. Onaga, who ran to the far side, made a direct shot, but the shot did not connect.
After a pinch, there is an opportunity. Connecting at the final line and looking for a chance, multiple players break through from the midfield to the left side with one touch, passing from Endo to the center. Receiving this, Araki makes a move and finishes with his right foot. It hit the opponent who came to block and went off target, but it showcased a brilliant attack full of technique and speed.
Tokyo, dominating the second half while attacking the goal area dyed in blue and red. They showcase their match intelligence by holding the ball firmly and choosing to 'restart' without forcing plays even when spreading to the sides. The aspects that have been challenges until now are consciously addressed by the whole team, demonstrating their growth as a unit.
The intensity of the ball contests, the skill in managing the game, and a solid expression of risk management, with the only thing left to do being to score a goal. A period continues where we want to score a goal quickly.
The defense also showcased focused play. In the 68th minute of the second half, they allowed an opponent to have a diving header from a free position in the penalty area, but here, player Nozawa made a big save with a sideways leap. In the 75th minute of the second half, they faced a decisive header from an opponent's corner kick, but again, player Nozawa made a super save by reaching out with his right hand to a difficult ball that bounced once at close range. All the players on the pitch continued to play with concentration, pushing forward towards victory.
An incident occurred here in Tokyo. The ball hit the side of Taira SHIGE's head as he blocked an opponent's shot, causing him to fall down. It appeared that he might have lost consciousness, which raised concerns, but he raised his hand and responded when being carried off on a stretcher. A concussion substitution was applied, and Teppei OKA came on for Taira SHIGE. Furthermore, in the 41st minute of the second half, Hotaka NAKAMURA was sent in as a right back in place of Nagatomo, changing the formation with Shirai moving to the left side.
In the 42nd minute of the second half, we faced a crisis from the opponent's counterattack, but Nozawa made another big save from Yamami's shot that was on target. He slightly altered the course and successfully defended the goal.
In the 6 minutes of added time, amidst the loud chant of "We cannot lose to Verdy" from the blue-red supporters, a fierce battle unfolded on the pitch over the decisive goal, but neither team was able to shake the net, and the match ended scoreless.
It was a match where the determination for victory clashed, but despite gaining a sense of achievement in terms of content, they could not secure a win. The match, which gathered a large crowd of 39,921 at Ajinomoto Stadium, ended in a 0-0 draw.
MATCH DETAILS
<FC Tokyo>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
DF Kosuke SHIRAI, Kanta DOI, Masato MORISHIGE (substituted at 38 minutes: Teppei OKA), Yuto NAGATOMO (substituted at 41 minutes: Hotaka NAKAMURA)
MF Yu HIRAOKA (substituted at 32 minutes: Chikara HARAKAWA), Keisuke KOIZUMI, Ryotaro ARAKI (substituted at 32 minutes: Go KOBAYASHI)
FW Diego OLIVEIRA, Keita ENDO (substituted at 25 minutes: Kota TAWARATSUMIDA), Teruhito NAKAGAWA (substituted at 25 minutes: Soma ANZAI)
SUBS
GK Go HATANO
GOAL
―
<Verdy>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Mateus
DF Kazuya MIYAHARA, Naoki HAYASHI, Hiroto TANIGUCHI
MF Yuta MATSUMURA (41st minute: Yuuan MATSUHASHI), Akihiro MORITA (21st minute: Tomoya MIKI), Kosuke SAITO, Seiji OKUNAGA
FW Fuki YAMADA (21st minute: Hiroto YAMAMI), Yudai KIMURA (44th minute: Gouki YAMADA), Itsuki SOMENO
SUBS
GK Yuya NAGASAWA
DF Daiki FUKAZAWA
MF Yuto TSUNASHIMA
GOAL
―
[Peter CKLAMOVSKI Coach Interview]
Q: Please summarize the match.
A, as expected, it was a match where both teams gave their all against Verdy. From the start of the match, amidst the passionate support of the fans and supporters, I think both teams fought well until the end. In terms of performance, I believe we were able to control the game to some extent until the 70th minute, but we needed a bit more sharpness in our attack and had to be more of a threat to the opponent. In the last 20 minutes, we lost control and the match became open. The players fought hard to take all three points, but I am disappointed that we could not secure the three points for the fans and supporters.
Q: Please tell us about Masato MORISHIGE's condition.
First of all, I think he delivered a truly wonderful performance. I believe he was calmly moving the ball so that we could control the game. During the time that Morishige was on the field, our defense was very strong. In the midst of that, a shot hit his head. Right now, we need to get a bit more information from the medical team. I pray that he is safe. Everyone is thinking about him and his family.
Q: I think there were proactive player substitutions. Also, the players who participated were moving dynamically. However, what was the reason for not being able to control the game in the final stages?
I believe that we made a strong impact by fighting until the end while also utilizing substitute players. Today, due to a concussion substitution for player Morishige, all registered field players participated. I think all the players who took the field fought hard to make an impact, but we lost control when the opponent's long ball came in, causing us to stretch out. However, I believe the players gave everything they had. I want to continue the good aspects of the performance we were able to show today and work on training to improve the areas that need improvement.
[Player Interview]
＜Taishi Brandon NOZAWA＞
Q, you made a great save and significantly contributed to the team's clean sheet. Please review the game.
I think the first half was very good for the team. However, in the second half, it became an open game, and we need to improve on picking up loose balls at key moments, which led to us being pushed back. Still, I believe it is a positive that everyone on the team put their bodies on the line in front of the goal, and in the end, I, as the goalkeeper, managed to keep a clean sheet. Nevertheless, we must win, and we need to push more towards the opponent's goal. I think we need to do better in that regard.
Q: There were many moments in the second half, around the 30-minute mark, when the game became a bit more open and we were pushed back. What was the main thing you were focused on?
A, I believed that if we could hold on to a score of zero until the end of the match in that situation in the second half, a chance would definitely come.
Q: The members of the back four have changed from the previous match and the match before that. Do you feel any difficulties because of this?
I want to do my best at that moment, no matter who is on the field, and while I prepare myself, I always strive to have a positive influence on my teammates as well.
Q: Everyone feels the growth of Taishi Brandon NOZAWA. Has anything changed before and after going to the Paris Olympics?
I am truly grateful for the opportunity to enjoy the soccer I have always admired and to be able to play as a goalkeeper for Tokyo. I feel that my desire to take on more responsibility and grow further is what drives my personal development. I believe I can do even more.
<Kanta DOI>
Q, please review the game.
I think it was good that, as a defender, I was able to finish the match without conceding any goals, despite having both chances and risks. However, since today was a match we had to win, I regret not being able to score. In the second half, we spent a long time being pressured, but I thought it was good that we were focused on not allowing the ball to go into the goal.
Q: In the first half, there were times when we held possession of the ball, but it did not lead to any goals.
Yes, I made some mistakes, but I want to continue to challenge myself, so I will keep trying repeatedly and aim to provide more decisive passes. There are times, especially when we are tired, when the whole team's movement stops, and even if it's just for a moment, there are times when we don't show ourselves in the passing lanes, so I want to call out and demand more firmly. In that regard as well, I want to lead the team.
Q: What do you think is necessary to win a match like today's?
A. In terms of offense, I think we need more intensity in front of the goal. While penetrating passes are important, I felt we lacked the intensity to get into the goal area during set plays. Defensively, we did not concede any goals, but thanks to Taishi Brandon NOZAWA stopping 2 or 3 of the opponent's scoring chances, we need to eliminate those scoring opportunities.
Q: You have been facing tough matches. What preparations will you make for the next game?
A, I haven't scored in three consecutive matches, so personally, I want to become a player who can provide decisive passes. As a team, I believe we need to run and move more to create more chances. I want to do what I can and prepare for the next match.
<Kei KOIZUMI>
Q, I think it was a hard 90 minutes, please review the game.
A, it was indeed a match in the heat, where we aimed to hold the ball a bit more, extend our time with possession, and maintain our composure. However, we also need to be aggressive in pursuing our goals, and we discussed targeting spaces as a team in our meetings. I think it would have been better if individuals could have stepped up a bit more in those situations, and in the second half, when the ball went to the sides, we needed to make another movement to break through behind.
Q: It has been tough without a victory in the last four matches, but how do you perceive the important points that need to be addressed, including the upcoming match against Kyoto SANGA F.C.?
A, I believe that we need to reach a level where intensity, ball contests, and the passion for matches like this become the norm. Within that, I want us to be able to flexibly respond as a team in terms of how we defend and how we break down the opponent in attack, depending on who we are facing. This applies both as a team and as individuals. With 11 matches left, we need to be aware of whether we will join the higher competition or get caught up in the lower battle. I will keep a strong sense of urgency and focus on our current position.
