Match Review
The away match against Urawa Reds. Many Blue-Red family members gathered at the stadium to support Tokyo as they aimed for their first 3-game winning streak of the season, cheering loudly to encourage the players.
After a series of consecutive matches, the team finally had a one-week adjustment period and made one change to the starting lineup from the previous match. Takahiro KO, who was injured in the match against Albirex Niigata two matches ago and missed the last game, returned to the defensive midfield position and wore the captain's armband. Also, Masato MORISHIGE, who has recovered from injury, returned to the bench. Supported by these reliable teammates, the team kicked off aiming to secure a victory for further progress.
1st HALF—Hian scores early but the opponent catches up
Urawa aggressively moves around from the start, circulating the ball and pressing forward. The entire team endures this, then gradually takes control of the flow with large side switches from the back line, advancing into Urawa's territory.
The match took a turn in the 7th minute of the first half.
Henrique TREVISAN advanced on the left side and passed forward. Kota TAWARATSUMIDA, who received the ball, cut inside toward the center and made a vertical pass. Keita ENDO, breaking away from behind, was fouled as he entered the box, earning a penalty kick. Taking an early big chance, Marcelo RYAN calmly placed the ball into the bottom left corner to score the opening goal. With the ace's third consecutive game goal, the blue and red took the lead.
Taking the lead changed the course of the game, with Tokyo increasingly connecting passes while looking for attacking opportunities. In offense, attacks that start by pulling back slightly before speeding up showed their threat, while in defense, they formed solid blocks like a net and turned quick interceptions into sharp attacks.
At the 28th minute of the first half, they were caught by Urawa's counterattack while pressing forward, but they closed down effectively at key moments, allowing no freedom, and endured with physical defense.
However, at the 32nd minute, the right side was broken down and a cross was delivered to Matsuo. Yu OKUBO met it with a header in the center, which was deflected by the crossbar, but the rebound was powerfully finished by Ishihara to equalize. VAR support was called due to a possible offside, but the goal was allowed as is.
The game returned to square one. Tokyo, aiming to take the lead once again, searched for openings by creating a numerical advantage using the goalkeeper from the back line. In the 38th minute of the first half, player Taka attempted a middle-range shot, and at the 40th minute, player Sato boldly pushed forward down the right side.
A closely contested match with both teams mixing ball possession and fast-paced attacks. Tokyo took the lead early, but it is concerning that Urawa frequently exploited the space behind with direct plays penetrating the pockets. The first half ended without change even after 3 minutes of additional time. The halftime score was 1-1.
2nd HALF—Late goal conceded in the match resulting in a 2-3 comeback loss
Just after the start of the second half, Kei KOIZUMI was brought on to replace Kento HASHIMOTO, who complained of discomfort in his leg. The captain's armband was entrusted to player number 37 from Takahashi.
Then, just 4 minutes into the second half, after the opponent cleared the ball, it was immediately connected forward, and Sato made a vertical move followed by a final pass to the center. Receiving this, Lucas RIAN took one touch and swung his right foot, but the powerful shot was blocked by Nishikawa's excellent save from close range, preventing the go-ahead goal.
Meanwhile, Tokyo's guardian also saves the team with desperate saves. At the 10th minute of the second half, he saved a decisive header from close range, and immediately after, at the 11th minute, he made a fine save by deflecting Savio's powerful cut-in shot with his left hand alone. The number 13, who has been starting consecutively, firmly locks the goal and lifts the team.
At the 15th minute of the second half, an unexpected trouble occurred. Rian, who had scored in three consecutive matches in the first half, complained of discomfort in his leg and sat down, switching with Soma ANZAI. Sato was moved to the front line, ANZAI to left wing-back, and Endo shifted to right inside half in the new formation.
Tokyo ended up using their two substitution opportunities due to injuries rather than tactical changes, but the recently introduced player Anzai and Endo, who switched positions inward, made significant contributions on the pitch.
At the 23rd minute of the second half, while holding the ball on the left side and looking for the right timing to make a move, he looked well to the center and crossed back. Endo ran in here and aimed directly at the near post, and the shot hit an opposing player and went into the goal. He scored a valuable go-ahead goal in front of the goal stand filled with blue and red supporters.
Then, at the 35th minute of the second half, the opponent scored after a cross, with player Matsumoto pushing the ball in. Although VAR support was involved, the goal was confirmed, resulting in the score being leveled once again.
At the 42nd minute of the second half, three players were substituted: Teruhito NAKAGAWA as the lone striker, Masato MORISHIGE as the center back, and Yuto NAGATOMO as the left wing-back, replacing Sato, Henrique, and Endo respectively. Anzai was moved to inside half, entrusting the final substitution with the victory.
However, during the 11 minutes of added time in the second half, pushed by Urawa's momentum as they caught up to equalize and surged forward, Matsumoto scored again, shaking the net and allowing the lead to slip away.
Tokyo launched a fierce attack aiming to equalize, but their counterattack did not succeed. This season, they had an exceptional record of 5 wins and 1 draw in matches where they scored first, but they failed to hold onto their lead twice. They suffered a frustrating come-from-behind loss away, narrowly missing out on a third consecutive win. However, the players showed a passionate fight, and the blue and red fans and supporters filling the stands behind the goal gave a loud "Tokyo" cheer.
MATCH DETAILS
<FC Tokyo>
STARTING XI
GK Go HATANO
DF Kanta DOI/Enrique Trevisan (42nd minute 2nd half: Masato Morishige)/Seiji KIMURA/Kosuke SHIRAI
MF Hiroshi Gao/Kento HASHIMOTO (3rd minute 2nd half: Kei Koizumi)/Keita ENDO (42nd minute 2nd half: Yuto Nagatomo)/Kota TAWARATSUMIDA
FW Yoshimasa Sato (42nd minute 2nd half: Teruhito NAKAGAWA)/Marcelo Gian (17th minute 2nd half: Soma ANZAI)
SUBS
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
DF Teppei OKA
MF Keigo HIGASHI
FW Leon NOZAWA
MANAGER
Rikizo MATSUHASHI
GOAL
9th minute of the first half: Marcelo RYAN / 23rd minute of the second half: Keita ENDO
<Urawa Reds>
STARTING XI
GK Shusaku NISHIKAWA
DF Hirokazu ISHIHARA/Danilo Boza/Marius Høibråten/Takuya OGIWARA (33rd minute 2nd half: Genki Haraguchi)
MF Samuel Gustafson (22nd minute 2nd half: Motoki NAGAKURA)/Kaito YASUI/Tomoaki OKUBO (22nd minute 2nd half: Takuro KANEKO)/Ryoma Watanabe (28th minute 2nd half: Taishi Matsumoto)/Matheus Savio (28th minute 2nd half: Takahiro SEKINE)
FW Yusuke Matsuo
SUBS
GK Ayumi NIEKAWA
DF Rikito INOUE
MF Shoya NAKAJIMA/Yoichi NAGANUMA
MANAGER
Maciej SKORZA
GOAL
32nd minute of the first half: Hirokazu ISHIHARA / 35th minute of the second half: Taishi MATSUMOTO / 45+3 minute of the second half: Taishi MATSUMOTO
[Interview with Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI]
Q, Please give us a review of today's match.
A, despite many fans and supporters coming from Tokyo, we deeply regret not being able to secure a victory. Although the players gave their best effort, it was truly frustrating to be overturned in that manner at the end. That is all.
Q: During the second goal when we were caught up, VAR support was involved. What explanation did the referees provide?
A, first, the offside review and handball review were conducted, and there was a delay in handling the handball review, which was our (referees') fault. Both coaches accepted this, and after that, there were no further handball incidents, so we had no choice but to accept it. Regarding the offside as well, it was confirmed with 3D technology that there was no offside.
Q. After the score became 2-2, with the atmosphere in the stadium rising and the players feeling uncertain, how did the coach perceive the flow of the game?
A, although you cannot see what is in the heart, I did not particularly feel any impatience. However, I probably felt the energy of the venue as pressure to some extent, and maybe that caused a slight delay in my steps and moves. That said, the venue's voltage is no excuse; we must firmly do what needs to be done, close down properly where necessary, and even if a cross ball is delivered, mark tightly there. This is obvious, and if we cannot do this, no matter what tactics we have, we cannot defend. I believe we must thoroughly tighten up in that area.
Q: In the situation where the goal was conceded, fresh players were brought in and there shouldn't have been any physical issues, but as you just mentioned, were there errors such as insufficient pressure?
A, the substitutions were changed from the original plan. When we decided to make a change at this timing, another player had a cramp in his leg, so we had to alter the player we originally intended to substitute. However, this was something we had anticipated to some extent, but our response showed some weakness. I believe this player has strengths in such situations, but unfortunately, today the opponent outperformed us.
Q: In the final stages of the match, when trying to equalize, it seemed like you could have introduced changes such as using dribbling or other methods in the attack. What was the coach's perspective on this?
There are many methodologies, but if you break through by dribbling and get caught, you risk a counterattack. Also, attacks through the center should be avoided to prevent counterattacks. Even when responding with crosses, the outcome is fifty-fifty until the ball is contested in the opponent's area. Therefore, it is essential to organize how to recover the next loose ball and attack accordingly. While committing everyone forward might increase the chances of scoring, it also raises the risk of counterattacks.
Considering such balance is naturally something the team always does, but today there were times when voices didn’t carry well, and under various conditions, those natural things can become misaligned. Even in such situations, it is necessary to respond calmly and steadily. However, if we say calmly, sometimes it can be too calm and lack challenge. I think this is quite a difficult point. Still, I believe we must steadily build up regardless.
[Player Interview]
<Keita ENDO>
Q, the winning streak has ended, but please review the game again.
If we keep losing matches like this by coming from behind, I don't think we can break into the top ranks. In that sense, I believe today was a very important match, but if we end up getting involved in the battle at the bottom again from here, it will be our own fault.
Q, you were involved in two goals. Please review the goals.
For the first goal, I think we successfully earned a penalty kick through a combination play by switching positions between Kota TAWARATSUMIDA and myself, changing positions inside and outside. For the second goal, after my position changed to shadow striker, I took a bold shot that fortunately rolled into the goal. However, since we lost the match, my own goals don't matter at all, and I only feel frustration.
Q. What should we consider in order to win matches like this or at least secure 1 point?
A, I definitely think the atmosphere of the stadium played a role, and after it became 2-2, how many players tried to shake that off and keep playing. I was on the bench, so I couldn’t do much, but it just looked like we were being overwhelmed by the pressure from Urawa Reds. I don’t think there was any play showing the determination to break free from that situation at all costs.
Q. Does Endo also communicate such points to the team?
A, it is not something for me to do; it is something each individual player must handle. All I could do was encourage the team after leaving the pitch. Preparing for the match is the responsibility of the players on the field, so I have nothing to say about that. If each player cannot be committed to winning, we will end up losing and getting involved in the relegation battle like this. I don't think it's something that can be changed just because I say something.
<Takahiro KO>
Q: It was your first start in a while and a tough match. Please give us your overall reflections.
A, the way we started the game and progressed in the early second half was a scenario where we played with confidence, and there were good aspects, but towards the end of the first half and in the last 15 minutes, we were pushed back by the opponent, and time passed without fully recovering from the disjointed moments on the pitch. In such situations, I believe that having everyone share the same awareness and proceed with the game is the key to accumulating points in matches like today's.
Q. Specifically, what were the mismatched parts and errors that occurred?
A, of course, the balance between offense and defense is important, but it also seemed that physical stamina had some impact, causing a noticeable drop in performance. In such situations, it is crucial to intensify individual tactics, such as applying strict pressure again on the opponent's ball holder and preventing the opponent, who often attacked from the sides, from easily delivering crosses.
Q, on the other hand, you were also able to secure goals at the timing when the attack became more substantial.
A, scoring the opening goal early on was one of the positive points, especially since there have been many cases so far where we failed to capitalize on chances and time just slipped away. However, we lacked the momentum to continue scoring additional goals. Instead of becoming defensive, maintaining an overall balance to keep adding goals is important. Since Keita ENDO also finished well, we especially wanted to win.
