＜Match Review＞
In the 28th round of the Meiji Yasuda J1 League, Tokyo faced Kyoto Sanga F.C. away, aiming for their first victory after the break. Tokyo has struggled with a lack of scoring, having not scored in the last 3 games. They will need to control the game while also focusing on their attack.
The team made two changes to the starting lineup from the previous match. Goalkeeper Taishi Brandon NOZAWA, who has been making great saves, will be in goal to support the team. On the back line, Hotaka NAKAMURA, known for his high energy, will play as right back, while Kanta DOI will continue to start as center back for the fourth consecutive match since the break. Tetsuhei OKA will replace Masato MORISHIGE, who suffered a concussion in the previous match, and Yuto NAGATOMO will play as left back. In the midfield, Takahiro TAKAU and Kei KOIZUMI will form a partnership as defensive midfielders, with Ryotaro ARAKI playing as attacking midfielder. The front three will consist of Diego OLIVEIRA in the center, Teruhito NAKAGAWA on the right, and Keita ENDO on the left, the same lineup as the previous match.
In addition, the bench includes four forwards, including Ewerton Gaudino, a new force expected to make his debut. The team is united and ready to face the game in order to achieve the long-awaited goal and secure a victory.
1st HALF - Opponent takes the lead with 2 goals in the early stages
The match was dominated by Kyoto's momentum, as they pressed relentlessly from the kick-off.
When the build-up was disrupted by a bold press, Rafael Elias took a powerful left-footed shot. It was deflected by Nozawa, but the resulting corner was headed in by Rafael Elias, resulting in a goal. This completely threw off the starting plan, and they conceded a goal in just 2 minutes.
After that, the opponent's press continued to push us and we couldn't connect the ball, but with Takahashi as the center, we calmed down the game and gradually increased our possession rate, leading to more plays in the opponent's territory.
In the 19th minute of the first half, Diego TABA took advantage of a loose ball from Araki's corner kick, and in the following 32nd minute, Nakagawa received a through pass from Araki inside the penalty area and aimed for the opponent's goal, creating scenes of pressure on the goal.
However, in the 34th minute of the first half, Kyoto scored a powerful middle shot from a long counter. Although Nogawa managed to deflect it, Hirano scored a devastating additional point with a header from this corner kick. This extended the lead to 2 points. It was a regrettable goal as they were gradually gaining control and creating opportunities to push forward.
Tokyo, who wants to take the initiative, is trying to find a chance while advancing to the attacking third, but the first half ends like this. The counterattack will be carried over to the second half.
2ndHALF - Fierce comeback blocked by the crossbar and not realized
In the second half, as they chase two points, Tokyo substituted Soma ANZAI for Nagatomo. He then entered as a left back, and tried to increase their attacking power.
However, Kyoto also thoroughly pressed from the kick-off in the second half, just like in the first half. They aggressively attacked from a high position. In the 3rd minute of the second half, Kyoto had a perfect shot from a corner kick, but once again, player Nozawa showed a sharp reaction and saved it with a sideways dive. He is struggling to boost the team's defense and momentum.
However, Tokyo was unable to connect the ball as they were pressed hard by Kyoto. In the 5th minute of the second half, they were hit by a wave attack from the left side and lost their defense in the penalty area, resulting in the third goal being conceded.
The difficult situation continues. An injury occurred in the 8th minute of the second half when newly substituted Yasuaki ANZAI collided with an opponent player. He was forced to be substituted and Keigo HIGASHI entered the midfield, while Kei KOIZUMI was scrambled to play as a left fullback. It became a tactical and experienced development.
Tokyo, who have been struggling to create chances, finally had an opportunity in the 22nd minute of the second half. From Nakamura's right cross, Diego took a right-footed volley. It seemed that Nakagawa, who followed up on the rebound, would score with a technical bicycle kick, but the goal was not allowed as he was in an offside position when Diego took the shot. It was a brilliant attempt, but unfortunately did not result in a goal.
In the 24th minute of the second half, coach Peter Cklamovski makes a change in the front line. He substitutes Nakagawa for Ewerton, who will make his Tokyo debut on the right wing, and sends Ogashiwa onto the pitch in place of Araki.
In the 30th minute of the second half, player Koizumi switched positions with midfielder Higashi and moved to the left side. Ewerton, who received the ball, sent it to the front of the goal with his strong left foot. Player Takashi made a run and attempted a header, but it hit the crossbar. He quickly reacted to the rebound with his left foot, but unfortunately, it missed the goal and they were unable to score a counterattack goal.
Tokyo, who wants to increase the pressure from the front line. In the 39th minute of the second half, Kota TAWARATSUMIDA, who had just been substituted, dribbled in from the left side and swung his right foot, but it was blocked by the opponent's goalkeeper's good reaction. However, both attackers will continue to make bold moves from both sides to break through.
In the final stages, Tawara and Tsumita players were able to withstand the pressure thanks to Nogawa's great save, but they were unable to break through Kyoto's defense and counterattack after widening the point difference.
There were unexpected accidents, but it turned out to be a development where we fell into the opponent's trap, resulting in 3 goals including the start of the first and second half, and the frustration of 4 consecutive games without scoring remains.
MATCH DETAILS
＜FC Tokyo＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
DF Hotaka NAKAMURA/Kanta DOI/Tetsuhiro OKA/Yuto NAGATOMO (46': Soma ANZAI) (58': Keigo HIGASHI)
MF Yuu TAKA/Kei KOIZUMI/Ryotaro ARAKI (69': Takashi KOBAYASHI)
FW Diego OLIVEIRA/Keita ENDO (83': Kota TAWARATSUMIDA)/Teruhito NAKAGAWA (69': Ewerton GAUDINO)
SUBS
GK Go HATANO
DF Yasuki KIMOTO
GOAL
―
＜Kyoto Sanga F.C.＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK KSON Yoon
DF Shinnosuke FUKUDA/Yuta MIYAMOTO/Yoshinori SUZUKI
MF Shimpei FUKUOKA/Takuji YONEMOTO (24th minute of the second half: Sota KAWASAKI)/Taiki HIRATO (45th minute of the second half: Ryuma NAKANO)/Kyo SATO
FW Marc Toruio (45th minute of the second half: Murilo Costa)/Taichi HARA/Rafael Elias (38th minute of the second half: Sora HIRAGA)
SUBS
GK Gakuji OTA
DF Kazunari KITA/Lucas OLIVEIRA
GOAL
2 minutes into the first half: Rafael Elias/36 minutes into the first half: Taichi HARA/5 minutes into the second half: Taiki HIRATO
[Interview with Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q, please review the game.
A, I am very disappointed with today's score. Kyoto deserved to win and they were better than us in key moments. The important thing is to reflect on our own play and learn from it. In doing so, I think there were areas where we needed to be sharper. There was a difference between when we were playing well and when we were not, and it became a very difficult game for us. For us, the start of the game was not good and the goal changed the game. Kyoto scored the opening goal from a corner kick, which was the best start for them. After that, we were starting to take control of the game, but then we conceded another goal from a corner kick. We cannot let these things happen and they can change the flow of the game. We needed to take control of the game at that point. The players gave everything and fought until the end. Kyoto were able to finish their dangerous chances in front of goal. As a result, we lost three points.
Q, Tsuyoshi OGASHIWA was substituted for Ryotaro ARAKI. Was there an option to use both of these players at the same time?
A, that option is also one of the possible choices. Kogashiwa player came out and made a dangerous play for the opponent. (Regarding his appearance from the middle) He is still in the stage of getting his body rhythm, which is also important for his future. There was also a part where I felt that Diego Oliveira player would do something. There was also a point of wanting to see the combination of Diego player and Everton Gaudino player. It was a decision from that perspective.
Q, What do you think is the reason for not being able to win and not being able to score in the summer?
A, we are currently in a very difficult situation. We believe that winning is a habit, and in that sense, it is a difficult situation. In difficult times, I think it is often difficult for things to go our way. Today, we couldn't score, but we had several chances. There were two scenes where we hit the crossbar, and there was also a goal that was cancelled due to offside. When things are going well, I think those situations become goals and tilt in our favor.
A few weeks ago, I mentioned that this time is crucial and we are being tested in this difficult situation. As we prepare for the next game, it is important to think about what we will do and how we will react. Our process will not change and we will analyze our performance thoroughly. In doing so, we must learn where we can improve. This situation will lead to our greatest growth and it is important for us to work hard together to overcome it. We will take it one step at a time and work towards seeing the results. There are 30 points left in the next 10 games. We believe we can make even more improvements.
[Player Interview]
Takahiro KO
Q, Wasn't it a difficult game to receive pressure from the opponent's high position from start to finish?
A, I think that not being able to avoid the opponent's press was everything in today's game. It has happened many times before, and we are repeating the same thing, so I think it is a weakness of the current team. We need to clearly determine what to do, have a solid discussion together, and each of us must take responsibility. There were scenes where we could move the ball from the middle of the first half, but I want us to be able to do it from the beginning of the game, not after conceding a goal. If we don't attack more from ourselves, not just receiving the opponent, we will be on the back foot. I think we have no choice but to do it with a common understanding as a team.
Q, what part didn't go well even though you were aiming for it?
A, there were still many times when the second ball rolled to the opponent, and when it was Kyoto Sanga F.C., there was a place where the flow would come if we could firmly dominate there. So when the flow rolls to the opponent, it is evidence that our preparation is still lacking. First of all, in the essence of soccer, it is about fighting, running, and surpassing the opponent in terms of mentality. Personally, I also want to play with a strong mentality once again as a team. Even though it was an away game, the fans and supporters created a wonderful atmosphere and continued to cheer until the end. It is very frustrating and sorry that we could not respond with a victory. However, there are still games to come, so we have no choice but to continue in the same direction.
Q, Everyone involved with the team is in the midst of a difficult time. Please tell us the most important thing you want to focus on for the Sanfrecce Hiroshima match.
A, of course, it is important to know how much each individual truly wants to win. This is the time when we are challenged to face our opponents head on. We have no choice but to train and focus on ourselves, rather than pointing fingers at others or the outside world.
<Ewerton Gaudino>
Q, this was the first official game after joining Tokyo.
It was our debut match in Tokyo, but unfortunately we lost 0-3 as a team and I couldn't contribute to any goals. It's very frustrating. However, we have another match coming up soon. I will work hard with my teammates in next week's training and look forward to the next match against Sanfrecce Hiroshima, aiming for a victory.
Q, I think the contribution on the defensive side was also high, not just in attacking play.
A, I came on as a substitute on the right wing today, but no matter what position I play, I think it's just about expressing the plays that are necessary for the team's victory and that are expected of me by Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI and my teammates.
Q, Have you ever had trouble expressing yourself on the official pitch?
A, I played for about 20 minutes as a substitute, and it was my first time playing in the J-League, so it was a tough game today with various challenges such as coming into the game while the team was losing. From here, I want to improve my condition and increase my playing time, and contribute to the team by being involved in scoring.
Q, there are only 10 games left in the league. How do you want to contribute from here?
A, both today's game and recently, not only us players but also fans and supporters have been going through tough times. However, in order to win the remaining league games, we want to prioritize unity and moving forward. Your support has been a great help and for the next game against Hiroshima, we players will work hard in training and only focus on winning in order to respond to your cheers.
<Diego OLIVEIRA>
Q, What do you think is necessary to change the current situation in this difficult situation?
A, We are also trying various things, but we are in a situation where we cannot create chances, cannot score, and easily concede goals. We have to change something. We have to change it ourselves.For the pride of those who fight in this team and for the fans and supporters who support us. Another game is coming soon. We will all work together again for victory.
