Match Review
The rain that had fallen until the morning stopped at Ajinomoto Stadium. Aiming for the first consecutive wins of the season in the Meiji Yasuda J1 League, they faced the reigning champions Vissel Kobe, who have won the league consecutively.
This match switches the goalkeeper from Taishi Brandon NOZAWA, who has guarded the goal in all league matches since the season opener, to Go HATANO. The back line features the same three players as the previous match: Kanta DOHI, Seiji KIMURA, and Henrique TREVISAN. Additionally, Ko UYO, who was forced to leave the field due to a heavy collision in the last match against Albirex Niigata, is out of the bench, and the defensive midfield duo consists of Kento HASHIMOTO and Keisuke KOIZUMI. On the wings, Kosuke SHIRAI is on the right and Keita ENDO on the left. Up front, the same 3-4-2-1 system as the previous match is used, with Keisuke SATO and Kota TAWARATSUKIDA as inside halves and Marcelo HIAN as the lone striker.
The focus is on Go HATANO, who wants to energize the team with a loud voice while showing precise instructions and sharp reactions. In the J.League YBC Levain Cup, he contributed to advancing with fine saves, and he aims to make his presence felt and help secure victory in this match as well. Additionally, Yuto NAGATOMO has returned to the bench after recovering from injury. His play is expected to tighten the team at crucial moments.
1st HALF—Creating chances but unable to shake the net
As expected, Kobe pressed aggressively from the start with long balls and high pressing. Tokyo responded fiercely in duels, recovered second balls, and connected passes to look for attacking opportunities. While there were moments when Kobe's press affected possession in the defensive area, Tokyo increased their ball retention in the attacking third, resulting in a back-and-forth period of play.
The first big chance came in the 27th minute of the first half. Kimura received the ball connected from the back line and made a long feed quickly to the right front. Shirai, who broke away with perfect timing, received the ball and powerfully dribbled forward, aiming with his right foot, but unfortunately, the opponent's fine save prevented the opening goal.
At the 39th minute of the first half, RIAN dribbled through the center of the pitch on a counterattack and passed to the right side. Sato crossed it back, but it just missed RIAN. Then, at the 40th minute, on another counterattack, RIAN broke through again and carried the ball to the front of the goal, aiming a shot while moving to the right, but he could not make a strong impact shot.
Tokyo looks for chances with sharp attacks against Kobe, who show a power-based style of soccer. The entire team continues to firmly repel set-piece defenses, which were identified as an issue in the previous match. Both teams create opportunities but fail to shake the net, and after three minutes of additional time, the first half ends scoreless.
2nd HALF—Hian's consecutive goals in 2 matches lead to the first winning streak of the season
The second half started with no substitutions for either team, and Tokyo created the first chance. In the 3rd minute of the second half, Lucas RIAN received the ball on the left side of his own half, changed direction diagonally while advancing forward, and made a vertical through pass. Lucas RIAN broke into that space, and at the moment he dodged the opposing player with a feint, he quickly aimed with his right foot, but the shot missed the target and went to the right of the goal.
The red and blue team continued their sharp attacks, pressing into Kobe's territory. When Shirai supplied crosses from the right and Tawara Tsukida from the left, at the 18th minute of the second half, RIAN carried the ball on a long-range dribble from the right side of his own half and gently laid off a final pass that Sato aimed at, but the close-range shot was blocked by the goalkeeper. Then, at the 20th minute, RIAN's powerful shot from the right side hit the crossbar. Tokyo launched numerous intense attacks throughout the match.
After Kobe made three substitutions by the 25th minute of the second half and rallied with fresh members, the Tokyo bench made a move. In the 32nd minute of the second half, Soma ANZAI was brought on as left wing-back, replacing Endo. Then, immediately at the 33rd minute, Lukian was fouled inside the penalty area after a one-two with Sato, but no penalty kick was awarded. Furthermore, in the 36th minute, Soma ANZAI cut inside and took a shot on a counterattack. However, the rebound blocked by the goalkeeper could not be pushed in.
At the 38th minute of the second half, three players were substituted at once. Replacing Koizumi, Sato, and Shirai, Kouta TOKIWA was brought in as defensive midfielder, Teruhito NAKAGAWA as inside half, and Yuto NAGATOMO as right wing-back. Then, at the 45th minute, Tawaratsumida was taken off and Maki KITAHARA was positioned as inside half. Having used all substitution slots, the players on the pitch were entrusted to break through the situation.
In the 7 minutes of added time in the second half, player Hian powerfully struck the ball with his right foot inside the penalty area, shaking the net spectacularly, but the goal was unfortunately disallowed due to a handball by player Nakagawa in the preceding play.
And finally, in the 45+13th minute of the second half near the end, the match takes a turn.
Go HATANO's ultra-long feed allowed Nakagawa to break free and take a shot. Then, when Anzai tried to push in the rebound, VAR support was called due to a possible handball on the opponent's sliding block, and after an on-field review, a penalty kick was awarded at the last moment.
Ajinomoto Stadium watched with bated breath. Wearing number 19, standing at the penalty spot with a focused expression as if entering a zone. When the right-footed kick, swung with full force, pierced the net, the entire stadium rose to their feet in joy. Immediately following, the victorious anthem "Sleepless City" echoed throughout. The ace, who had been involved in many chances, delivered a big moment at the very end, scoring in two consecutive league matches and leading the team to victory. With this, Tokyo secured their first win at Ajinomoto Stadium since Sec. 3 against Nagoya Grampus, and achieved their first consecutive wins of the season.
MATCH DETAILS
<FC Tokyo>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Go HATANO
DF Kanta DOI/エンリケ トレヴィザン/Seiji KIMURA/Kosuke SHIRAI (38' 2nd half: Yuto NAGATOMO)
MF Kento HASHIMOTO/Keita ENDO (32' 2nd half: Soma ANZAI)/Kota TAWARATSUMIDA (45' 2nd half: Maki KITAHARA)/Kei KOIZUMI (38' 2nd half: Kyota TOKIWA)
FW Yoshimasa SATO (38' 2nd half: Teruhito NAKAGAWA)/Marcelo Hian
SUBS
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
DF Teppei OKA/Yasuki KIMOTO
FW Leon NOZAWA
MANAGER
Rikizo MATSUHASHI
GOAL
Second Half 45+13 min: Marcelo RYAN
<Vissel Kobe>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Daiya MAEKAWA
DF Gotoku SAKAI/Tetsushi YAMAKAWA/Yuki HONDA/Rikuto HIROSE (2nd half 25 min: Mateus Tourel)
MF Takahiro OHGIHARA/Eriki (2nd half 25 min: Jean Patrick)/Yosuke IDEGUCHI/Koya YURUKI (2nd half 14 min: Yuya Osako)
FW Taisei MIYASHIRO/Daiju SASAKI (2nd half 40 min: Gustavo Chrisman)
SUBS
GK Shota ARAI
DF Takuya IWANAMI
MF Haruya IDE/Nanasei IINO/Kakeru YAMAUCHI
MANAGER
Takayuki YOSHIDA
GOAL
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[Interview with Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI]
Q, please review today's game.
First of all, regardless of the content, I am very happy that we were able to secure consecutive wins, that the players did their best without giving up until the very end, and that we achieved these wins amid the passionate cheers of everyone who came to the venue. As for how we connect this moving forward, there are many points related to the game’s content, so we want to prepare well to properly take on those challenges.
Q. I think the selection was very well suited for the match against Vissel Kobe. Could you please explain the intention behind today's team selection?
A, although not all, the selection was carefully made to counter the opponent's major strengths, and these are players who have been delivering results as the matches progress. In that context, the selection was made. Of course, we considered how to prevent the opponent from showing their style and how to express our own style. However, I believe that was almost nonexistent in the first half. The key is how we handle that challenge. The attack in the second half, after we scored, is, in a way, also our style, so we must firmly back that style and take on challenges even more.
Even if we can't do it, that is our style, and we might be able to rely a bit more on having that one decisive move. On top of that, we need to steadily improve the accuracy of the challenges we are currently undertaking. In the second half, rather than focusing on methodology, I think there were several moments where we took the initiative by restarting quickly and playing with speed.
Q. Specifically, what adjustments did you make during halftime?
First, instead of starting with the methodology to gain their understanding and reassurance, I talked to the players about what they should correct. Although everyone's mind was focused on the method, they simply had options to score, so I thought about what actions would bring change, and as I mentioned earlier, it's a quick start. Rather than waiting for both sides to prepare and then start, I told them to keep passing to any free player immediately. I expected there might be some difficulties in doing so, but if the opponent can't make errors in how they respond to that, then to avoid our strengths—short counters and fast vertical attacks—they probably won't be able to push forward easily.
So, in my mind, let's start quickly, and once the goalkeeper has the ball for a restart, let's immediately use players who are in good condition one after another. In that context, I somewhat eased the expression of build-up play involving the goalkeeper. Since the opponent is a team known for strong high pressing, by properly breaking through that, if space opens up in midfield or if the opponent's defensive line pushes forward creating deep space, we can exploit it with our speed and talent. Since that wasn't happening much, rather than making halftime corrections, I conveyed the idea of trying that approach.
Q. Please tell us your evaluation of Go HATANO, who was in the starting lineup for the first time in the league match.
Although his main appearances have been in cup matches, he has truly maintained good performance through daily training. Of course, the selection was made considering the goalkeeper coach's opinion as well, but he was able to fully demonstrate his strengths in his performance. I think his play, which clearly showcased his characteristics and became the trigger to decide the game, was truly excellent. I always tell the goalkeepers to aim for assists, and although it wasn't an assist today, it was just one step before an assist, an assist of an assist. Also, I believe the accuracy was truly outstanding.
Q: It was the first victory at Ajinomoto Stadium in a while.
A, speaking from my own experience, I think the idea that you just can't win is merely a misconception. Humans tend to follow the flow of their beliefs once they become convinced of something. I believe it is important to always have a strong determination that next time will be the time. I also think that the loud support from all the fans and supporters has contributed to this winning streak.
[Player Interview]
<Marcelo RYAN>
Q, It was a goal that led the team to victory. I believe it was a high-pressure penalty kick, but how did you feel at that moment?
A, of course, I was nervous given the situation. We have practiced well to win this match and earn 3 points, so I was able to kick the ball confidently and calmly.
Q: You managed to break through the defense several times and passed to player Kei Sato, showing good teamwork throughout the 90 minutes. How did you feel about that?
A, well, I think the coordination up front has improved. There were chances where we forwards had to score, but unfortunately, there were also moments we couldn't convert. However, since good opportunities are increasing, I believe we will be able to win more matches from now on.
Q. Do you think the momentum from scoring a goal against Albirex Niigata also led to today's goal?
A, the goal against Niigata did have some impact, but not to a great extent. Every day, we are putting in good practice to earn 3 points and win the upcoming matches, and that effort is reflected in our play.
Q: This season's first consecutive wins. Next match is an away game against Urawa Reds.
A, having gained confidence from consecutive wins, although it is an away game, we want to win against Urawa in the next match as well, further deepen our confidence, and aim for the top positions.
Q. You make a salute pose during goal celebrations; please tell us the reason.
A, many of my relatives work in law enforcement, and they have told me, "We want you to score goals." I do it with love for my family.
<Go HATANO>
Q: You have participated in cup matches, but this was your first appearance in a league match.
A, honestly, this season has been very tough up until today. I was determined to win at all costs today. I was really nervous before the match, but once the warm-up was over and I stepped onto the pitch, I was able to get into the usual mindset, so I’m glad I could perform without difficulty.
Q. The cheers behind the goal sounded louder than usual.
A, I was happy to hear the Hatano chant at Ajinomoto Stadium for the first time in a while. I wanted to share the victory with all the fans and supporters, so I’m glad we won today and that I was able to do the "Sha" for the first time in my life at Ajinomoto Stadium.
Q. When the penalty kick was scored, I saw him running towards Taishi Brandon NOZAWA.
A, my body moved naturally. When I saw the yellow uniform, I was drawn to it like a magnet. We've both been through tough times and understand each other, so I want to have even better competition and work together in practice again starting tomorrow.
Q. What did Shota YAMASHITA, the goalkeeper coach, say to you before the match?
A said, "You can do it," so I'm glad I believed in that. I was able to prove it.
