<Last Match Review: Sanfrecce Hiroshima>
I want to win. I absolutely don't want to give up until the end. The passionate feelings of jersey number 39, who wants to repay the support of the fans, brought in a determined counterattack.
Tokyo, who had struggled with no goals in the four games after the break, faced Sanfrecce Hiroshima in an away game aiming for their first win in five league matches.
However, the team that was determined to win the game was greatly affected by Typhoon No. 10. Despite starting their journey two days before the game, they were only able to arrive in Hiroshima on the day of the game due to transportation disruptions. They had to travel for two days and a half and only had a short rest before heading to the stadium. But as professionals, they gave their all for the victory. The players did not make any excuses and took to the pitch at EDION PEACE WING HIROSHIMA.
The match was forced into a difficult situation. The opponent continued to push us with their press, resulting in a goal in the first 5 minutes. We also allowed another goal in the 18th minute of the first half, and in the second half, we were scored a third goal through a penalty kick.
The score was 0-3. It seemed like the game was already decided. However, the away team's supporters behind the goal did not let the voltage drop, and the blue and red players were pushed by that atmosphere, launching a fierce counterattack to push Hiroshima back.
We cannot end like this. For the sake of those who have come all the way to Hiroshima away from all difficulties, and to respond to the thoughts of those who support us from all over the country.
That feeling came to fruition in the 34th minute of the second half. Kota TAWARATSUMIDA, who broke through the left side with a powerful dribble, crossed to the center where Tsuyoshi OGASHIWA ran in and scored a powerful shot, taking the team's first goal in 5 games.
As the remaining time gets shorter, there was a man who showed a strong desire for victory.
It was just after the start of the 6-minute second half additional time. Teruhito NAKAGAWA, who received the ball after quickly restarting the right side corner kick with a short corner, made a vertical run into the penalty area and reached the goal line. From there, he sent a powerful cross shot, which hit the opponent's defender and went into the goal.
Number 39, who delivered a fierce blow to close the gap to one point, quickly picked up the ball and rushed back to the center circle. The determination to make a comeback as soon as possible was evident in their actions.
Despite a fierce attack in the final stages, they were unable to make a comeback and time ran out. However, they showed a strong desire for goals and victory without showing any signs of being hindered by their travels, but unfortunately fell just short.
However, they definitely showed their determination. Both the supporters behind the goal and the players were moved to tears by the frustration of the match. This feeling will surely lead to the future. It was a game that made us believe that.
<Match Preview>
In the previous match against Sanfrecce Hiroshima, it was a disappointing defeat with a score of 2-3, and we were unable to break out of our long 6-game winless streak. However, we were able to find a glimmer of hope for a comeback by scoring for the first time in 5 games.
Tsuyoshi OGASHIWA scored a goal from a substitute appearance and grabbed the thread of a counterattack, and towards the end of the game, Teruhito NAKAGAWA's shot-cross caused an own goal. Despite being affected by the typhoon and facing an unexpected incident of having to travel on the day of the match, Tokyo showed their fighting spirit and never gave up. After the game, NAKAGAWA said, "Whether it's Tsuyoshi's goal or an own goal, a goal is a goal. I've always believed that any goal can change the momentum. If everyone on the team can show more determination to get closer to the goal in the penalty area, something will happen," expressing his desire to score.
This round, we will face Nagoya Grampus at the Japan National Stadium. In the previous match, we were able to successfully shut down Tokyo's attacks and lost 1-3 away. Player Nakagawa says, "The fans and supporters always cheer us on strongly, whether at home or away. We have a responsibility to respond to that. The stage is set at the Japan National Stadium, where Tokyo remains undefeated. We want to achieve a victory after about 2 months at this "sacred ground" and change the momentum.
This week's matchday program is here
[Interview with Peter Cklamovski]
Q, it is a difficult situation to be far from victory for two months.
A, Everyone wants to win and no player is satisfied with this situation. The only thing we need to do is to stay focused and prepare for the next game. Even if we have a winning streak of two or three games, I will still say the same thing. It is important for us to continue to improve and strengthen ourselves, no matter what the situation is.
No matter what the situation is, whether it's a good flow or a bad one, our mindset and preparation will not change. We want to focus only on the next game, overcome the current difficult situation, and finish the season successfully.
Q, I think one of the points that needs improvement is conceding goals in the early stages of the game.
A, this is a part that we must eliminate. No matter what kind of game it is, if we allow an early goal, it will increase the elements that we must challenge. Conceding a goal early in the game is a part that we must eliminate from our battle, and we want to take the lead and progress the game in a way that we can use our advantage effectively.
Q, I think it's necessary to fight together, so to speak, "total power" is also required.
A, We have previously talked about the importance of unity and the need for everyone's strength. It is a testament to a strong team when each player contributes and contributes to the team. We want to show our fans and supporters a game that they can be proud of by making solid contributions when our turn comes and fighting together. This week, we have the special opportunity to play at the Japan National Stadium. We will focus on our performance and give our all in order to put on a great show. We know it will be a tough game, but we will prepare well for an exciting battle that our fans and supporters can look forward to.
[Player Interview]
＜Masato MORISHIGE＞
Q, please tell us what your team has built up during the break period.
We have reached a period where we can fine-tune our defense. While we have been conceding multiple goals as a team, we were able to focus on the details during this period. On the attacking side, we were unable to score until the previous match against Sanfrecce Hiroshima, so we were able to train to increase our attacking actions towards the goal. We want to make the match against Nagoya Grampus a game where we can show the results and numbers of what we have been building up.
Q: Looking back on the Hiroshima match, what kind of game was it?
A, we were scoreless in 5 games, so I think it was a big deal to be able to score 2 points in the Hiroshima game, no matter how it was done. I think we just have to keep moving forward step by step like that. I want to continue to work positively to break through this current situation. Just like how the 2 points in the Hiroshima game can be seen as a trigger to break out of a long tunnel, I want to approach the Nagoya game with an attacking attitude as a team.
Q, What do you want to prioritize in such a difficult situation?
A, during the early stages of the league, we had the power to score two goals even if we conceded one. I think our aggressive attitude to go for goals created a good flow and was the catalyst for our success. While we were able to score and accumulate wins, it is also a fact that we conceded a lot of goals. In order to reduce the number of goals conceded, we may have focused too much on defense and ball possession, making it difficult to maintain a balance between offense and defense. I feel that we need to remind ourselves that Tokyo is an attacking team and increase our options for attacking play in order to enter a good cycle again.
Q, in seeking victory, there is also a tendency for options to narrow due to solid play in such matches.
A, I think the mentality of the players will be questioned. The more passive they become, the less dynamic they will be. It is important not only to possess the ball, but also to launch attacks to aim for goals. If the desire to not concede takes precedence, the play becomes cramped and the options for play become limited. I believe that continuously choosing attacking play and plays to score goals will lead to victory.
Q: How should we approach Nagoya and what points should we pay attention to?
A, Nagoya always increases the pressure on both offense and defense, so I think it's important for us to move the ball quickly when we have possession. We want to always be aware of choosing plays that take advantage of the opponent's momentum and we want to redeem ourselves from the frustration of losing 1-3 away.
Teruhito NAKAGAWA
Q, Please tell us what you worked on during the break after the previous match against Sanfrecce Hiroshima.
A, during the break period, we focused on practicing plays that would lead to goals. In the previous match against Hiroshima, we were able to score as a team for the first time in a while. We felt relieved and gained confidence to continue fighting for the remaining time. We believe that any type of goal will lead to multiple goals, just like in the match against Hiroshima.
Q, please tell us about the feeling and challenges you gained from the previous match against Hiroshima.
Scoring goals is important, but the issue in the past few games, including the Hiroshima match, has been conceding goals too easily or conceding them early. Our first priority is to fix that, but not being able to score goals has been a more serious problem for us. We want to continue focusing on scoring goals.
Q, How did you feel about the frustrating situation of not being able to score?
A, there were also parts where we tried too hard to break it down beautifully, and there were also games with few shots and no shots on target. I feel that the factor that our goal did not lead directly was that we leaned too much towards ball possession, and as an individual. Also, I think that giving the opponent the first goal and not being able to create a rhythm from the first half was a factor that did not lead to good attacks or goals.
Q, this round will be held at home at the Japan National Stadium.
A, every game, the performance is also great, and the atmosphere is also very good. There are also games with 50,000 people, and as a soccer player, you can play in the best atmosphere. As for Tokyo, I think there is also a good image of not losing at the National Stadium, but if we don't rely on that and instead focus on defeating the opponent in front of us, I think good results will naturally follow. The results haven't been good in the past few games, but the voices of the fans and supporters are still reaching us, and we can see and feel their support until the end, even in away games like the previous game against Hiroshima. Finally, I hope we can all smile and sing "Yuruneba" and take good photos together.
