<Last Match Review: Kyoto Sanga F.C.>
After the break, the away game in Kyoto aimed for the first goal and first victory. However, from the start, they were pushed by the opponent's intense press and lost the lead due to a gap in the build-up, conceding the opening goal from a corner kick in just 2 minutes. Despite trying to control the ball through players like Takahiro KO and Kei KOIZUMI, they were unable to gain momentum and conceded another goal from a corner kick in the 36th minute of the first half. In the 5th minute of the second half, they lost the ball due to the opponent's press and gave up a third goal as their defense was broken down on the side. This put them in a difficult situation.
Ewerton Gaudino, the new foreign player, made his debut in blue and red with high expectations at such a timing. In the 24th minute of the second half, wearing the number 98, he stepped onto the J-League pitch for the first time, responding to the "Eve!" call from the goal end. He fought hard in the right wing position, using his strong left foot to help with the counterattack.
Successfully managed to receive the ball while being approached from behind when returning to their own half, lightly flowing it forward with one touch to avoid the press, and successfully lifted it up while facing forward. This play, combining a wide field of vision and technique, brought options for the team to move forward.
In the 30th minute of the second half, he produced a pinpoint sharp left cross and set up a decisive header shot by Takase, also serving as a set-play kicker with his preferred left foot. From here, he will deepen his collaboration with those around him and polish his left foot shot from cutting in from the right side, which he himself says is a "play he wants people to see", and he should become more and more frightening. It was a game that showed a glimpse of such potential.
However, the team was unable to shake the goal net as Teruhito NAKAGAWA's bicycle kick was judged offside, resulting in a 0-3 defeat. It was a frustrating result to lose the game with four consecutive scoreless games.
<Match Preview>
In the 29th round of the Meiji Yasuda J1 League, Sanfrecce Hiroshima, who is only 2 points behind the top spot, will face off against Tokyo, who has been struggling with 4 games without a goal since the break, with 2 draws and 2 losses. This game was supposed to be the turning point for Tokyo to break out of their slump, but the team was hit hard by Typhoon No. 10 as they traveled to Hiroshima. The team is facing a difficult journey to get to Hiroshima, but they have no choice but to give their best and aim for victory if the game is to be played.
In the previous match against Kyoto Sanga F.C., Soma ANZAI was substituted due to injury and Ewerton GAUDINO made his debut, so the team is testing a new formation in this week's training. They are attempting to make changes and challenge the goalless attack that has been continuing.
However, the Hiroshima move has been moved up, and there may be hurdles due to travel issues that prevent practice the day before. The final team composition will likely be determined while assessing the players' conditions.
Hiroshima, on the other hand, is in great form with 6 consecutive wins in the league. In the 6 games of their winning streak, they have scored 12 goals and conceded only 2, showing a stable performance. At the core of this success is defensive midfielder Shiotani, who provides balance for the team while supporting them from the back. Additionally, Kawabe, who had been playing in Europe, rejoined Hiroshima in August and has already become a key player in their tactics. He has quickly made his presence known as a player who adds depth to their attacks by actively pushing forward.
Hiroshima has a strong attack with players constantly coming out, so as Tokyo, they want to stop them firmly and take the win on July 13th. The blue and red army will overcome all difficulties and aim to take their first league victory in about a month and a half as they step onto the pitch of away Hiroshima.
[Interview with Peter Cklamovski]
Q, In recent games, there has been a trend of not being able to pick up second balls, but in the red and white game, the front and back were able to work together to recover second balls.
A, that part needs to be improved. It is important to continue doing that part while concentrating during the game. It may be a simple part, but I think it is a very important element. I think that will be an important part in the Sanfrecce Hiroshima match this weekend.
Q, In the red and white game, there were scenes where the side back players were involved in the attack and led to goals.
A, Yes. I want to be able to do what I am doing in practice in the game. The team has not scored, but there were scenes where we could score, so I want to be able to play calmly in those scenes in the actual game. In practice, we were able to play by connecting passes effectively from the back, not just in those breaking scenes. I want to continue to do that.
Q, Hiroshima is in very good condition.
A, they are a really good team. They are currently in good shape and have momentum, so I think it will be a tough match. However, we want to give everything we have and take the victory and 3 points from them. We have played against them several times this season, and there have been positive scenes such as taking advantage of their weaknesses and breaking them down. We want to take on that challenge again and do it properly.
[Player Interview]
Ryotaro ARAKI
Q, How will you approach the Sanfrecce Hiroshima match?
A, I think Hiroshima is a really good team in both offense and defense. They have good players in each position, and as a team, they have a clear style of soccer they want to play. I think it will be a tough match. Last time we played against them, we were able to possess the ball surprisingly well and play our own soccer. We want to play in the same way as last time.
Q, What do you think is necessary to win in order to continue difficult games?
A, I believe in playing the football that the coach wants. We are focusing on attacking from the sides, so if we can utilize the strengths of our wings and time our runs into the middle, I think we can score. Right now, we are not able to score and win, so our priority is to score as a team and win.
Q, please tell us your enthusiasm for the Hiroshima match.
A, Personally, I think the best thing is to make smooth attacks and be able to make plays that lead to goals. In the past few games, we have only conceded goals at bad times, so there is no bad impression on the ball movement. There is also no bad impression against Hiroshima since the last match, so we want to build our usual attack and increase the number of shots to score. Everyone wants to change this situation and we want to get 3 points as soon as possible. We want to win this game and gain momentum for the remaining league matches.
Teruhito NAKAGAWA
Q, Please tell us your impression of Sanfrecce Hiroshima.
A, we have established our own style and I believe we are the most powerful team in the J1 league. We have already played against each other three times this season, so we know a lot about what Hiroshima has been building up. We want to organize ourselves and enter the game with a strong mindset.
Q, In the 2nd round, we drew 1-1 against Hiroshima at home. What are the points to be aware of against a strong Hiroshima?
A, there were many wasted scenes such as our own mistakes. In the Levain Cup game against Hiroshima, we conceded another goal right after the first one, and in our home opener we drew but the performance was not very good and we had to come back in the second half. I don't think we were overpowered, and I believe the key is how we can overcome the opponent's high pressing. By facing it well, I think we will also have chances for ourselves.
Q, it will be a consecutive away game. What is the most important thing for victory?
A, as with the previous match against Kyoto Sanga F.C., we have been overwhelmed by the opponent's momentum in away games, so we need to be careful at the start of the match, face the opponent with our own style and fearless play, and remember to approach the game as challengers.
Q, there have been a series of scoreless games. Where do you see the challenges on the offensive side?
A, we have been overwhelmed by the opponent's momentum, and there are still many things that need to be improved. It is necessary for the whole team to enter the opponent's box, and if we become passive and let the opponent take the lead, our momentum to move forward will also weaken. Regardless of the opponent, I think that increasing our awareness to move forward will also lead to goals.
