Match Review
The league resumes after a two-week break. The frustration experienced in the previous match against Kyoto SANGA F.C., and the passionate messages from fans and supporters that the players received wholeheartedly after the defeat. After spending the break with these feelings engraved in their hearts, the Blue-Red Army prepares to face Cerezo Osaka at Ajinomoto Stadium with a determination to win every match.
Heading into a must-win game, head coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI has taken on a new challenge. He put an end to the three-back formation that had been used since the season opener and introduced a four-back formation during this period. This match features Go HATANO at the rearmost position, with the center-back pairing of Masato MORISHIGE, who achieved the remarkable milestone of 500 J1 League appearances this match, and Yasuki KIMOTO. Sei MUROYA, returning to Tokyo for the first match, is positioned as right side back, and Kosuke SHIRAI as left side back, forming the defensive line.
In the defensive midfield, Kento HASHIMOTO and Takahiro KO lined up, with Keita ENDO as the left midfielder, Soma ANZAI as the right midfielder, and Marcelo RYAN returning to the starting lineup at the front line, forming a two-forward partnership with Keigo HIGASHI.
Motoki NAGAKURA, who was announced to join just before the special registration period in June, was named in the starting members, and Motoki NAGAKURA, who also became a member of the blue and red, is expected to be available from the next league match after the midweek Emperor's Cup. In addition, former South Korean national team goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu and former Danish national team defender Alexander SCHOLZ also became members of the blue and red, vowing to make a comeback in the second half with a strengthened lineup.
This round, which marks the start, is a game where we absolutely want to secure a victory with a new formation and gain momentum for the June counterattack. An important match for the future kicked off at home at Ajinomoto Stadium for the first time in about a month.
1st HALF—Lightning-fast opening goal caught up, heading into the second half
Despite the rain, the blue and red warriors shine on the pitch from the very start to meet the expectations of the fans and supporters who cheer loudly before the match.
With coordinated pressing, they cornered the left side and, from a pincer movement, Takahashi stole the ball. He then sent a final pass in front of the goal, and RIAN, running in from behind, accurately trapped the ball and slotted it in with his right foot, giving Tokyo an early lead. Ajinomoto Stadium erupted with excitement at the passionate goal show just 3 minutes after kickoff.
Tokyo continued to leverage the advantages of their four-back formation. In the 9th minute of the first half, Morishige delivered a angled vertical pass, and Anzai moved inside from the right side to receive it. He quickly turned forward and played a through pass into the space ahead. Here, RIAN sharply broke through and advanced, skillfully executing a lob shot with his right foot while observing the opposing goalkeeper's position. Although the shot unfortunately hit the crossbar and did not result in an additional goal, they created consecutive scoring opportunities right from the start.
From just past the 10th minute of the first half, C Osaka maintained possession and continued to press forward. Tokyo formed two lines of four players each in defense and midfield, firmly repelling attacks in front of the goal and demonstrating a defense that prevented clear scoring opportunities.
Tokyo demonstrated the power of sharp counters utilizing RIAN's speed after drawing in the opponent. In the 24th minute of the first half, RIAN aimed a long loop shot, and in the 26th minute, Anzai, receiving a final pass from RIAN's breakaway, took a shot. They aimed for additional goals with timely attacks that could turn the game around in an instant.
Timely movements also create effectiveness in defense. Higashi, who played as one of the two forwards, ran back from midfield to the last line of defense, working hard to defend and creating a numerical advantage in their own half to help regain possession. He supports the team with veteran-like assistance.
The day before the match, as player Takashi said, "I want to focus once again on the switching part," everyone showed strength in ball contests and quick anticipation, displaying focused play in both offense and defense. However, in the 42nd minute of the first half, after being on the attack, they suffered a long counterattack, and Rafael Hatton, who broke free on a long feed picked up by player Kagawa, scored to equalize just before the end of the first half.
Tokyo wants to take the lead in the first half. At the 45th minute, Muroya, who broke through the right side, delivered a well-twisted cross, connecting with RIAN in the center. Although it narrowly missed to the left, this attack hinted at a new weapon added to Tokyo, who had few chances from crosses in the first half of the league.
The first half ended with the score at 1-1. The outcome of the match was left to the second half.
2nd HALF—Hian scores his second goal of the day but the points remain at 1
In the second half, attacking towards the stands behind the goal where fans continue to cheer passionately despite the heavy rain. The team, determined to dedicate a goal and victory at all costs, aggressively presses from the start. First, player RIAN powerfully advances and takes a right-footed shot inside the penalty area. Although he was pressured by the opponent and couldn't strike strongly, it was a play that immediately conveyed a strong desire to score.
Tokyo's quick transitions remain unchanged in the second half. In the 10th minute of the second half, C Osaka tried to break down from the left side and nearly created a scoring chance in the center, but Endo fiercely pressed back and cleared the ball. His spirited defense prevented a dangerous situation.
At the 15th minute of the second half, Sato Yoshimasa and Kota TAWARATSUMIDA, who returned from the national team, were brought on to replace Higashi and Anzai, who had been fighting hard up front. With these substitutions, which intensified the arrow pointing towards the opponent's goal, the team aimed to score the next goal.
Player Tawara Tsukida, who took the position of left midfielder, received the ball in an open position on the side at the 19th minute of the second half and accelerated rapidly. He shook off the opposing player marking him, entered the penalty area, and made an immediate highlight by cutting back in the negative direction.
However, the next goal was scored by C Osaka. In the 26th minute of the second half, a through pass was made to player Tanaka, who had run a long distance, and the goal was conceded in a moment of vulnerability. They allowed the go-ahead goal.
In response, the Tokyo bench immediately took action. Leon NOZAWA was brought on as the right midfielder, replacing Endo. The number 28, known for his high work rate, was entrusted with revitalizing the pitch.
In the 32nd minute of the second half, player Tawara Tsukida made a vertical attack on the left side and took a shot aiming near post with his left foot. Unfortunately, it was deflected by the left post.
And in the 36th minute of the second half, once again Lukian's speed and scoring ability saved the team. Nozawa, who became the starting point on the right side, made a soft pass into the space behind. Lukian, running in from behind, broke free and scored a skillful goal by slipping the ball past the opponent's goalkeeper's feet to equalize. There was a possibility of offside, so VAR support was involved, but the goal was recognized, successfully bringing the match back to square one.
Then, at the 39th minute, Ewerton Gaudino, who made his first appearance since Sec. 8, was brought on to replace the two-goal scorer Hian, and Teppei OKA was introduced to replace center back Kimoto.
The manager expected Ewerton, who has a powerful shot, to score the go-ahead goal. Then, in the 43rd minute of the second half, the player wearing number 98 created a highlight. Moving from the center to the left, he swung his left foot, and a powerful trajectory attacked the goal. Although it was stopped by the opposing goalkeeper, the stadium buzzed with the stunning strike.
Tokyo's fierce attack continues even during the 5 minutes of second-half additional time. Nozawa breaks through on the right side from a feed from the back and crosses it back, and Takahashi shoots from the center. Ewerton tries to push in the rebound from the blocked shot but fails to connect, and the ball goes wide to the left.
Tokyo, carrying the hopes of the Blue-Red family, showed a fierce battle, but could not score the winning goal before time was up. Although the match, which they absolutely wanted to win, ended in a draw, it was a game that showcased a new 4-back formation, quick transitions between offense and defense, and a strong attacking mindset towards the goal.
MATCH DETAILS
<FC Tokyo>
STARTING XI
GK Go HATANO
DF Naruki Muroya/Masato Morishige/Yasuki KIMOTO (39th minute second half: Teppei Oka)/Kosuke SHIRAI
MF Soma ANZAI (15th minute second half: Kota TAWARATSUMIDA)/Yu Takao/Keita ENDO (15th minute second half: Megumu Sato)/Kento HASHIMOTO/Keita ENDO (30th minute second half: Leon NOZAWA)
FW Marcelo Hian (39th minute second half: Ewerton Gaudino)
SUBS
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
DF Kanta DOI/Yuto NAGATOMO
MF Kei KOIZUMI
MANAGER
Rikizo MATSUHASHI
GOAL
3rd minute of the first half: Marcelo RYAN / 36th minute of the second half: Marcelo RYAN
<Cerezo Osaka>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Koki FUKUI
DF Kyohei NOBORIZATO (Second half 0 min: Jinko TAKAHASHI)/Hayato OKUDA/Ryuya NISHIO/Shinnosuke HATANAKA
MF Akira KIDA/Shinji KAGAWA (Second half 21 min: Shunta TANAKA)/Vitor Bueno (Second half 11 min: Motohiko NAKAJIMA)
FW Rafael Hutton (Second half 40 min: Masaya SHIBAYAMA)/Thiago Andrade (Second half 21 min: Shion HONMA)/Lucas FERNANDEZ
SUBS
GK Jin Hyeon KIM
DF Kakeru FUNAKI/Ryosuke SHINDO
MF Kyohei YOSHINO
MANAGER
Arthur PAPAS
GOAL
42nd minute of the first half: Rafael Hatton / 26th minute of the second half: Shunta TANAKA
[Interview with Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI]
Q, Please give us a review of today's match.
A, I am grateful that the players fought to the end without giving up, aiming for 3 points. Also, I appreciate the fans and supporters who have continued to send passionate cheers without abandoning us, even though we have not been able to show a good view for a long time. In terms of content, we missed multiple scoring opportunities early on despite a good start, and conceded a regrettable goal. In the second half, although the opponent gained some momentum, since there was still time left, I think it is positive that we did not give up and ended with a draw.
Q: The player positions have changed; please tell us the intention behind the changes and your evaluation of them.
A, we had been struggling with games that didn't quite lead to wins, and with no points being gained, changing the formation was always on our mind. However, even though the results weren't coming, there were parts we were building up and aspects we could see, so switching formations was difficult because the buildup during training was insufficient. The timing to make a change was challenging. Over the past two weeks, we organized these issues and tried it out today. The player arrangement also reflects experience from many matches in this style, so we changed the formation with the intention of further enhancing the players' strengths in a positive direction.
As for the evaluation, it’s not that everything we prepared in rehearsal came out smoothly, but it wasn’t the case that nothing came out at all. The defensive part in the early stages showed very good qualities, and we were able to take the lead there, and even though we reached the point of aiming for the second and third goals, we couldn’t fully convert those chances. After the tone dropped midway, there was almost no time holding the ball in this game, so I think we couldn’t express the aspects we originally aimed for. However, some of our strengths, such as quickly launching attacks after winning the ball, were clearly demonstrated, so I want to properly evaluate that and prepare to maintain and further develop a more robust attack.
Q. In the first conceded goal scene, Tokyo was on the attack but then the situation reversed. How do you think about risk management in that regard?
A, of course, we had anticipated that situation to some extent. However, if we look only at that phase, there were questions about the choices and decisions regarding defensive play. There were parts where the pressing worked well. We also always need to be prepared on the opposite side, and balance is important. There are moments where we need to firmly regain possession. On the attack side, although we aimed to use the flanks as a starting point, we struggled to execute that well, which I think led to that kind of counterattack. I would like to review it again while watching the footage.
Q. After the late-game player substitutions, what kind of attack were you expecting to carry out?
A, rather than an assumption, each player was able to fully demonstrate their strengths. Regarding Ewerton, although he has primarily played on the wings, he is left-footed and possesses very high technical skills. He has a powerful strike, so by cutting inside from the center and taking shots, he becomes a threat to the opponent. He can perform plays with a high potential to score even from the center, so that was the intention behind his deployment. As for Leon NOZAWA, his speed and timing to get behind the defense, along with his calm decision-making in those situations, are his strengths. These qualities were evident even in training, so rather than him doing exactly what I expected, I believe they were able to fully showcase their abilities. It would have been better if we could have connected those efforts to more attacks that inflicted damage on the opponent, but I think they performed well enough.
[Player Interview]
<Marcelo RYAN>
Q. You scored an equalizing goal that saved the team in your first start in a while. Please share your impressions and reflections on the first and second halves.
A, in the first half, we were able to control the entire game from the start. We scored early at 3 minutes, and had more chances afterward. I personally couldn't finish well, so we couldn't quickly extend the lead with a second or third goal. As a result, it is regrettable that we were caught up near the end of the first half. Regarding the second half, I think it was evenly matched. Although we conceded a go-ahead goal and faced a tough situation, I played with the strong desire to save the team, and I believe that spirit led to the equalizing goal. Toward the end of the match, the team was able to take the upper hand, but it is very frustrating that we couldn't turn the game around.
Q. The early goal seemed to boost confidence in the subsequent play.
I believe that the early goal gave momentum and courage not only to me but to the entire team. We were also able to firmly recover the second balls, and there were chances, but it is unfortunate that we conceded a goal during a good flow. We want to seize victory in the next match at all costs.
Q. In today's system, Keigo HIGASHI and Megumi Sato were always playing in close positions. Was there any positive aspect in terms of launching attacks?
A, Indeed, today we changed the formation and positioning to something close to a two-top, but from here we want to deepen the combination of our attacking moves and create a better shape.
Q. In the early part of the season, there were times of struggle, but it seems you have been steadily building up. From here, how do you want to further improve?
A, I want to achieve results that lead to victory. Of course, I don't want to focus solely on my own goals, but as a team, we want to score multiple goals. And I want to improve our ranking step by step.
＜Sei MUROYA＞
Q, How was it to stand on the pitch of Ajinomoto Stadium for the first time in a while?
A, I was very happy and deeply moved that you called my name and sang chants even before the match. Thank you very much.
Q, it has been about two weeks since you joined the team, and today was your first game. Please review the game.
A, over the past two weeks, everyone has been fully committed to the internal team battles during practice, and from the start of the match, we were able to play with that mindset. Although conceding two goals was a bit disappointing, throughout the 90 minutes, we maintained high intensity and played football that surpassed our opponents. I believe that if we can have more periods where we control the ball, we will improve even further. Considering the current situation, I think we were able to do what we could in this match.
Q. Although we scored first, we were caught up. What do you think was the reason we couldn't secure the win?
A, the first goal conceded was due to an excellent pass from the opponent. After it became 1-1, I think the second goal conceded today was a bit unlucky. When we haven't been winning, something like conceding a goal in such situations tends to happen for some reason, so I think that's the issue. However, if we can continue playing matches like this, the points will naturally increase.
Q. From here, matches will continue with Zweigen Kanazawa in the Emperor's Cup and Gamba Osaka in the league. How will you prepare for these?
A, although we have consecutive matches including the Emperor's Cup, we must base our games on the intensity we showed today. First, we need to secure a victory in the next Emperor's Cup match, advance to the next stage, and prepare to earn 3 points in the away game against Gamba Osaka.
