＜Match Review＞
This round, Tokyo will face the undefeated Shonan Bellmare since the opening. In order to keep up with the top teams by defeating them at home and gaining 3 points, it is an absolutely necessary game to secure a victory.
Shonan, who recorded the club's first three consecutive wins in history, may have given up the top spot in the previous round, but their strong performance with 10 points in second place is shining. Led by coach Yamaguchi, they have succeeded in a strong start with outstanding organizational strength and a powerful pressure from the front line.
Tokyo made three changes to the starting lineup from the previous match. Goalkeeper Taishi Brandon NOZAWA took his position, while the back three consisted of Makoto DOI on the right, Masato MORISHIGE in the center, and Tetsuhei OKA on the left. On the wings, Kosuke SHIRAI was on the right and Soma ANZAI on the left. In the midfield, Kento HASHIMOTO and Takahiro KO formed a partnership for the second consecutive game, with HASHIMOTO making his first start at Ajinomoto Stadium since his return. In the front, Teruhito NAKAGAWA and Kota TAWARATSUMIDA played as inside forwards, while Keita YAMASHITA led the line as the lone striker. This match holds special significance for SHIRAI, as it is his first time facing the club where he began his professional career. For YAMASHITA, it is a bittersweet return to a club where he had a difficult experience due to a serious injury during his loan spell.
In addition, this round has become a formation where fresh members stand out on the bench. Seiji KIMURA and Hisatoshi NISHIDO made their first bench appearance after transferring, and for Kouta TOKIWAI, who had experience playing in the Meiji Yasuda J3 League with FC Tokyo U-23 during the 2019 season in the academy, it was his first time being included in the J1 League. Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI said the day before the Shonan match, "My role is not to teach or convey, but to carefully watch and bring out their strengths." It will also be interesting to see how the potential of these young players will be incorporated into the game.
The match kicked off at 4:03 PM, with a chilly weather where snowflakes were fluttering before the game, aiming for a home winning streak.
1stHALF—Unable to convert chances into goals despite holding onto the ball
Both teams are evenly matched in the early stages, with a cautious approach from both sides. Tokyo's Hashimoto joins in the build-up play with a slightly deeper positioning, while Doi and Oka aim to create attacking opportunities with their flexible system that allows them to move to the sides.
In the 7th minute of the first half, Hashimoto made a through pass that broke through the opponent's defense from the left side. Anzai was able to break away, but was unable to create a chance as he got tangled up with the opponent. In the following 11th minute, Anzai made a cut from Yamashita's aggressive press. However, Yamashita's shot was blocked by the opponent's defender.
The first big chance came in the 17th minute of the first half. Yamauchi and Takahashi connected the ball from the left side to the center, and Tawara Takada took a shot. The ball narrowly missed to the left, but the team continued to break through the enemy's defense with their precise passing.
Tokyo, who rhythmically connects the ball with a good sense of distance, pushes it in. In the 26th minute of the first half, Okada player brilliantly cut off the counterattack from the corner kick that was attacking, and then Tawara and Nakagawa players consecutively crossed from the right side. In the end, Yamashita player headed with a high point of contact on the far side, but the opponent goalkeeper saved it just before the goal. Although they couldn't break the line, Tokyo tactically sealed the opponent's strengths and advanced the game with an advantage in the battle for the ball.
In the first half, the blue and red eleven were active in the cold rain that started in the middle of the game. Although they couldn't score, they showed a soccer style that seeks to reproduce the breakdown while holding the ball. Now, they need to show accuracy and fear in the finishing part and score the first goal. The game ended scoreless at halftime.
2ndHALF - Scoreless draw despite creating numerous chances
No changes for either team during halftime. In the second half, Tokyo showed determination in competing for the ball and continued to pressure the opponent's front line without weakening their defense. In the 7th minute of the second half, Nakagawa made a daring attempt to score from a cross by Shirai.
Not only creating opportunities on both sides, but also increasing the chances of creating opportunities through vertical passes from the back line to the inside half, and exchanging short passes while pushing into the enemy's territory, resulting in a more versatile and reproducible attack.
In the second half, at the 15-minute mark, a base was created on the left side, and player Okada overlapped with player Nakagawa for a one-two play towards the center, where he took a shot with his right foot. However, the shot missed the goal by a large margin, but it was a great attack with the center back involved in the flow of the attack. After that, they continued to attack mainly from the left side, but there were scenes where the ground crosses did not match in the center.
The first player substitution was in the 18th minute of the second half, with Sato Keiin being replaced by Yamashita. Nakagawa moved to the front line, while Sato was placed as the right inside half to increase pressure on the front line.
Sato creates a big chance. In the 22nd minute of the second half, he breaks through with a high pass from Takahashi on the right side, and powerfully charges forward without being stopped by the opponent's defender. He carries the ball to the goal line and turns it back in the negative direction, where Tawarazumi and Tada are running in. Tada takes a direct shot with his right foot. It was a decisive moment, but unfortunately the ball goes over the crossbar and does not result in a goal.
Tokyo's fierce attack continues. Each player actively engages with the ball, pushing the game forward by picking up second balls and pushing into the enemy's territory. In the 28th minute of the second half, Kei Koizumi was substituted for Shirai and Hashimoto on the right wing, and Tokiwa was brought in as a defensive midfielder. This was Tokiwa's debut in the J1 League.
In the 32nd minute of the second half, while connecting deeply in their own territory, the speed increased and Nakagawa received the ball in the center and dribbled forward. At this point, defensive midfielder Tokiwa broke through on the right side and put in a soft cross, and striker Tawarazumi waited in the center for a header shot. However, it hit the goalkeeper's face and they were unable to convert another big chance.
A scene where they bring the ball to the shot with a counterattack is starting to emerge in Shonan, but the defense shows a concentrated defense and does not allow any goals. From the lesson of the previous match against Kashima Antlers, they continue to strive to score first. In the 38th minute of the second half, they send Leon NOZAWA to the left inside half instead of Tawara Tsumita, and coach Matsubashi continues to activate the front line even more.
The captain of the blue and red team, who wants to respond to the fans and supporters who continue to support them even in the pouring rain, ignites the stands with a powerful middle shot from the right side at 42 minutes into the second half. In the 45th minute, player Tsuchi from the build-up overlaps near the enemy corner flag. The intense battle continues in order to shake the goal net.
The fierce attack continues even during the 4-minute second half additional time. In a crowded situation in front of the goal, Takashi player shoots the loose ball from the pushed-in state. Nakagawa player aims for the blocked loose ball, but the decisive shot goes over the crossbar. Furthermore, Koizumi player lets the ground cross from the right side go through in the center, and Leon NOZAWA takes a precise right-footed shot. However, it narrowly misses to the right of the goal and the net remains still.
Although we created many chances both tactically and individually, we were unable to finish and the game ended in a scoreless draw. While feeling confident in our adaptability, diverse attacking, and focused defense, it was a game that once again left us with the challenge of finishing.
MATCH DETAILS
＜FC Tokyo＞
STARTING XI
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
DF Masato MORISHIGE/Tetsuhiro OKA/Kanta DOI/Kosuke SHIRAI (28th minute: Kei KOIZUMI)
MF Soma ANZAI/Yu TAKUHARA/Kento HASHIMOTO (28th minute: Kouta TOKIWATARI)/Kota TAWARATSUMIDA (38th minute: Leon NOZAWA)
FW Keita YAMASHITA (18th minute: Kei SATO)/Teruhito NAKAGAWA
SUBS
GK Go HATANO
DF Henrique TREVISAN/Seiji KIMURA
MF Hisatoshi NISHIDO
FW Ewerton GAUDINO
MANAGER
Rikizo MATSUHASHI
GOAL
-
Shonan Bellmare
STARTING XI
GK Naoto KAMIFUKUMOTO
DF Kim Min-tae/Junnosuke SUZUKI/Hiromasa HATA
MF Yuto SUZUKI/Tomoya FUJII/Kosuke ONOSE/Kohei OKUNO/Taiyo HIRAOKA (25th minute of the second half: Hisatsugu ISHII)
FW Akito SUZUKI (25th minute of the second half: Lucian)/Sho FUKUDA (45+2 minutes of the second half: Ryo NEMOTO)
SUBS
GK Kouta SANADA
DF Kazuki OIWA/Sere MATSUMURA/Naoya TAKAHASHI/Kazunari OHNO
MF Akimi BARADA
MANAGER
Satoshi YAMAGUCHI
GOAL
-
[Interview with Rikizo MATSUHASHI, Manager]
Q, please give us your overall thoughts for today.
A, Thank you very much to all the fans and supporters who came to the stadium in such cold weather. It is very disappointing that we ended up with only 1 point. Throughout the game, both teams played a tight match. In the second half, we were able to create more opportunities by giving advice and approaching individual players, and at times we were able to take the lead. However, we were unable to convert several scoring chances, just like in the previous match. As a result, we ended up with a draw. It is very frustrating and we wonder why, but we will not give up and continue to prepare for the next match.
Q, We were able to gain 1 point by keeping a clean sheet unlike the previous match, please evaluate our defense.
A, We were able to do very well according to our plan and what we have built up so far. Even when errors occurred, I think the response to those errors was excellent. Towards the end, we made the decision to leave one substitution remaining, taking into account that the game would likely unfold in this way. However, the players fought tenaciously until the end. Not only were we able to keep a clean sheet, but we also did a great job of breaking down the opponent's attacks and creating counterattacks. I think our defense was excellent overall.
Q, Please tell us your evaluation of Kento HASHIMOTO, who started two consecutive games, and Tokiwa Kouta, who made his J1 League debut today.
Player A, I think Hashimoto had a great performance. Although he may not have lasted the full 90 minutes, he gave 100% of his effort to what he could do, which was a very good performance. As for Tokiwa, he showed a great attitude and maintained his condition since the camp, and he was able to perform very well. However, as the season started, we could see some ups and downs, so he didn't get to play much. But today, he had a very good performance and he showed it in this game as well. Just like Kitahara in the previous game, I hope he can use this game to move forward and improve..
Q: Was there any instruction from the coach regarding countermeasures against Shonan Bellmare's attack?
When it comes to defense, we have been discussing plans with Coach Yu TOKISAKI and aligning our opinions. The players are also very focused during sessions. First and foremost, the roles of the three players up front are crucial. I cannot go into detail, but it is important to know where to send the ball and how to move within our defense that is centered around the front line. However, there are times when things do not go according to our plan and we are able to overcome them. Coach TOKISAKI has also been able to come up with solid strategies for those situations and for when the opponent is strong. We were able to express that well in this match. Not just in this match, but I believe the players themselves are feeling confident. I have heard them say that and I think it was a big factor that we were able to connect our attacks in this match. We have been working on our plans and being able to execute them in training, so I think it will become a strength for us in the future. It will be important to continue improving and making it even better in the next stage.
Q, Speaking of coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI, there is an image of possession soccer, but today FC Tokyo was good at counter attacks. Are you rebuilding the team now, or are you trying to make the most of the team's strengths?
A, rather, we are trying to bring out the strengths we have while tickling the sides a little. We also include such sessions in our training and gradually build up. We are currently progressing while observing the players' awareness and sensitivity, so it doesn't feel like we are pushing it to the forefront. However, there are also things that players feel in the game, so I always give feedback and tell them to try in certain areas in the next stage, and they always do. I think various things are gradually building up. There were some games during the camp where this was strongly evident, but in actual games, the opponents also come up with countermeasures, so the players need to have a good game flow and game reading, and they need to think carefully about not pushing their own ideas too much.
[Player Interview]
Teruhito NAKAGAWA
Q, please review the game.
A, I think it was a game where it was unclear which side would come out victorious. Both teams had chances and periods of dominance, but I believe our failure to capitalize on those opportunities led to today's result.
Q, Coach Matsubashi also praised the defense of the front three during the press conference. I also think that Nakagawa's individual defense was highly valuable.
A, when facing the opponent's system, I was aware that there would be gaps and spaces created, so I was particularly conscious of making timely movements and using my teammates. I wanted to create a good cycle by being involved with the ball and aim to establish an attacking rhythm. On the defensive side, there were difficult movements to catch, such as the center back playing in the position of a defensive midfielder in the opponent's unconventional system. However, we were able to prepare for it properly as it was shared by the staff in the pre-match meeting. Another key point was to recover second balls. The rhythm and chances of attack can change depending on whether we can pick them up or not. I was also conscious of this and I think there were chances and dangerous situations that arose from it in today's match.
Q, I think the key is how many goals we can score as our team's completion level is increasing.
A, first of all, I think we are well organized on the defensive side and we are able to clearly determine where to take the ball depending on the opponent. I feel that this has improved as we play more games. In games where we couldn't score, there were many instances last season where we ended up conceding a goal in the last minute. In a game like today's, it was good that we were able to withstand the pressure and end the game with a clean sheet. That is one of the areas where we have improved. On the attacking side, I think it's about how we can penetrate the box and score after making passes and pushing the opponent into their own half. I feel the progress on the attacking side while playing, and I want us to play calmly in order to utilize each player's individual skills in front of goal. Personally, I missed a chance that could have led to a goal in today's game, and since everyone is just one step away, I want us to calmly finish our chances and prepare for the next game.
<Player Tokiwa Kouta>
Q, J1 League match, and debut at home at Ajinomoto Stadium, how was it to stand on the pitch?
A, When I stood in the place I had always longed for, it was a strange feeling, but I kept a calm mind. Even when I was called to substitute, it felt like just another game. I was able to enter the game as usual, without putting too much pressure on myself.
Q, How did you approach the difficult situation of making your debut in a match against a strong team in heavy rain and slippery pitch as a substitute?
A, First of all, since it was 0-0, I was conscious of defending so as not to concede. In particular, the defensive midfielder seemed to have a very difficult time dealing with the opponent's two shadows, so I made sure not to let them do that. However, since I was substituted in to win, I also wanted to go for a goal.
I think that player Tokiwa's vertical movement on both offense and defense helped the team.
A, I went to press from the front because the back was getting heavy, and I actively aimed to play in a way that would make the opponent return the ball. I was also afraid of creating too much space behind me by pressing forward, but I think I was able to play while maintaining balance.
During the time when we were being pushed back by Shonan, it seemed that Tokiwa was able to bring out plays that would help us regain our pace.
A, although we were not able to make plays that move the field, I think we were able to tighten up the team a little bit.
Q, it was my debut match, but the team couldn't win.
I don't feel any special emotions just because it's my debut match. I feel responsible for not being able to help the team win by playing in the middle of the league match. I just wanted to win.
