<Match Review>
A match aiming for the first 3 consecutive league wins of the season. In the last two games, the entire team worked in unison based on intense and passionate play around the ball, skillfully combining the strengths of each player to achieve consecutive wins with a fusion of individual and team soccer. This week, they face an away game against Kashiwa Reysol, who maintain good form with intense possession soccer and are tied for first place in points. They want to defeat this tough opponent and enter the break period with momentum.
Standing in goal for such an important game is Kim Seung-gyu, who transferred to Tokyo in June. For him, it is also a match against his former club, where he played for two and a half seasons since the 2020 season, and he will make his Blue-Red debut at his familiar former home stadium.
The back line was formed as a four-back by Sei MUROYA, Masato MORISHIGE, Alexander Scholz, and Kashif BANGNAGANDE. Hiroshi Takau and Kento HASHIMOTO teamed up as defensive midfielders, with Leon NOZAWA on the right side of the midfield and Keita ENDO on the left. Up front, the duo of Motoki NAGAKURA and Teruhito NAKAGAWA, who have shown great coordination in build-up play and making runs behind the defense, were positioned. Additionally, Masataka KOBAYASHI was included on the bench for the first time since turning professional. With attacking players such as Keisuke SATO, Marcelo Hian, and Kota Tawaratsumida waiting as substitutes, the timing of substitutions and decision-making in critical moments are expected to be key factors influencing the match outcome.
Also, in this match, from Tokyo, players Tawara Tsukida and Yuto NAGATOMO, and from Kashiwa, players Koga, Kubo, Kakita, and Hosoya were selected for the Japan national team competing in the East Asian E-1 Football Championship 2025, making this game one to watch closely.
1st HALF—A high-intensity first half, managing the game steadily into the second half
At the start, Kashiwa controlled the ball and pressed forward, but Tokyo showed an awareness of building up from the back line to connect play and drew the momentum. Using a kick from Min Gyu JANG, who dropped back to the last line, as a starting point, they created chances.
In the 7th minute of the first half, Nagakura controlled a long ball in the center and advanced it to the right, then Nozawa received it and took a right-footed shot after breaking through vertically. One minute later, Nozawa on the right side passed the ball to Nakagawa in the center who took a shot, as Tokyo aggressively attacked inside Kashiwa's territory.
A development where both teams hold possession of the ball. Tokyo shows an attack that combines sharp attacks and possession while directing arrows toward the opponent's goal. Against Kashiwa's possession soccer, they do not retreat too much and apply precise pressing and a mid-block, as well as press back from the front line to deny freedom.
Kashiwa also approached the Tokyo goal using large side changes, but the red and blue defense concentrated and solidly protected the area in front of the goal to hold firm. By firmly closing the center, they did not allow the opponent to 'hold' the ball but instead forced them into an outside route, controlling the flow of the game.
Tokyo positions themselves defensively while looking for a momentary gap. In the 34th minute of the first half, after Nakagawa's pressing back, they launched a swift counterattack. Nakagawa received the ball facing forward and played a through pass ahead. Nagakura rushed into the penalty area and collided with the opposing goalkeeper, but no foul was called. Then, from the loose ball picked up by Endo, Nagakura again aimed to finish, but the goalkeeper blocked it just in time, preventing a goal.
In terms of ball possession, Tokyo yielded to Kashiwa, but responded with a style of play combining quick attacks and passing. Both teams fought fiercely for the ball, but neither could score, and the match went into halftime goalless.
2nd HALF—Conceded a goal due to a momentary lapse. Increased offensive pressure but failed to secure a third consecutive win.
The fierce battle continues into the second half. While Kashiwa tries to increase their possession rate, Tokyo also launches attacks with a mix of short and long passes, carefully handling the ball they have won.
In the 5th minute of the second half, Nakagawa intercepted the ball in midfield and persistently dribbled forward, taking a shot with his right foot from near the penalty arc, but was unable to shake the net. However, with an aggressive attitude, they took control and pressed forward into Kashiwa's territory.
The first substitution came at the 14th minute of the second half. Replacing Nakagawa and Nozawa, Hian was brought in as one of the two forwards, and Sato was introduced as the right attacker to boost the offensive power. Then, immediately at the 16th minute, Hian headed a right corner kick from Yoshifu at the far side. Although it was blocked by the opponent, it instantly created a good chance.
Tokyo spent a long time in the opponent's territory, increasing their set-piece opportunities. In the 24th minute of the second half, player Yoshifu's right corner kick was parried by the opposing goalkeeper, and Endo took a direct volley from the rebound. The ball was struck firmly, but it just went over the bar.
The second substitution is the left attacker. At the 26th minute of the second half, the switch is made from player Endo to player Tawara Tsukida to increase the attacking pressure.
However, it was immediately after, in the 28th minute of the second half. The right side was broken through and a cross was delivered, which was headed by Kubo in the center, resulting in a goal conceded. Once again, a goal was allowed due to issues with defending crosses, which had been a challenge. It was a frustrating goal conceded while on the attack. From here, the true value of the team would be tested in how they would make a comeback.
In the 37th minute of the second half, Tokyo made their final substitution. Nagatomo was brought on as right back, replacing Muroya, and Kei KOIZUMI was introduced as a defensive midfielder, replacing Takahashi. The experienced duo was entrusted with the outcome of the match.
In the 39th minute of the second half, Nagakura received the ball inside the penalty area and quickly struck with his left foot after a feint, but this was blocked by the opposing goalkeeper.
Then, at the 42nd minute, Hian connected near the near post to a cross from Nagatomo, but it was just outside the goal. Despite increasing the offensive pressure, they could not score.
The second half added time is 5 minutes. In a scramble formation, they desperately aim for an equalizing goal by pushing Morishige to the front line. From a right corner kick earned by Nagatomo's daring move, a scramble occurs in front of the goal from Kashifu's kick, and RIAN tries to strike with his right foot while turning around, but unfortunately, it hits the goalkeeper's center.
After that, Scholt's right cross and Nagatomo's long feed allowed Nagakura to aim a header, but the net did not shake. The red and blue team showed a passionate fight until the end, but despite putting on a good game, they ended with the frustrating result of not being able to secure any points.
MATCH DETAILS
<FC Tokyo>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Kim Seung-gyu
DF Muroya Sei (36th minute second half: Yuto NAGATOMO) / Masato MORISHIGE / Kashif BANGNAGANDE / Alexander Scholz
MF Ko Woo-young (36th minute second half: Kei Koizumi) / Kento HASHIMOTO
FW Keita ENDO (26th minute second half: Kota TAWARATSUMIDA) / Motoki NAGAKURA / Leon NOZAWA (14th minute second half: Megumu Sato) / Teruhito NAKAGAWA (14th minute second half: Marcelo Hyan)
SUBS
GK Masataka KOBAYASHI
DF Teppei OKA/Kanta DOI
MF Soma ANZAI
MANAGER
Rikizo MATSUHASHI
GOAL
―
<Kashiwa Reysol>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Ryosuke KOJIMA
DF Wataru HARADA/Taiyo KOGA/Hiroshi MIMARU/Tomoya KOYAMATSU (41' 2nd half: Diego)
MF Yuto YAMADA/Atsuaki NAKAGAWA/Yoshio KOIZUMI (44' 2nd half: Hayato NAKAMA)/Tojiro KUBO
FW Riki WATANAI (22' 2nd half: Yota KOMI)/Yuki KAKITA (41' 2nd half: Mao HOSOYA)
SUBS
GK Kenta MATSUMOTO
DF Tomoya INUKAI/Hayato TANAKA
MF Yusuke SEGAWA/Sachiro TOSHIMA
MANAGER
Ricardo RODRIGUEZ
GOAL
28th minute of the second half: Tojiro KUBO
[Interview with Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI]
Q, Please give us a review of today's match.
A, it turned out to be a very frustrating game. Although we had our opportunities, the biggest issue was that we couldn't finish them off, and since similar things have happened before, including conceding goals, there are still many areas we need to improve. This pursuit of improvement is endless. I believe we just have to keep going, and eventually overcome this, so that we can prepare to secure the full 3 points with the kind of game performance we showed today.
Q: It seemed like Tokyo shifted gears at the start of the second half. What instructions did you give during halftime?
A, we talked about how to create time in attack and the part of our strength in short counters. The opponent is a team that comes forward aggressively, so if we can properly exploit the space ourselves, of course, the aim was to attack with short counters. However, we became one-dimensional, and one attack ended in a single attempt. Also, the defensive time became long, and once we gave the ball to the opponent, they rarely gave it back. To take the initiative ourselves, we discussed making more precise decisions during attacks when pressing forward. In that regard, I think we were able to create a good flow in the second half.
Q. Please tell us the intention and evaluation of selecting player Kim Seung-gyu for his first appearance in Tokyo.
A, there was plenty of time to build up training, and the performance there was also very good. As you saw today, the key point for selection was that he was in very good condition. I believe he delivered an excellent performance.
Q. We are now entering the break period. What kind of training approach are you considering during this time?
During this period, of course, there is time and also climate issues, but I want to manage the schedule so that we can properly rest and train in good condition. While building up mainly as a team is one aspect, I also want to focus on individuals and positions, and overall, I intend to reinforce the demands from me regarding what we are trying to do once again.
[Player Interview]
<Player Kim Seung-gyu>
Q, This was your first league match appearance since joining Tokyo.
A, first of all, I am most frustrated that I could not contribute to the victory. I am truly disappointed because I had been preparing for today's match with the aim of winning.
Q, the pass from the rearmost position was the starting point of the build-up.
A, since it was my first official match appearance in a while, I was thinking about playing safely before the game. However, being able to play boldly in the first play and the feed to the front line connecting as intended gave me confidence in my subsequent plays.
Q. Besides build-up, there were also stable plays in various aspects of defense.
A. Regarding the shot-stopping scenes, my past experience and instincts worked in a positive way, but the main focus was to firmly cover the space behind the defensive line. The timing and sense of speed when rushing out are challenging, so I played with particular caution and awareness. I want to carry this good feeling forward to the next opportunity.
Q. Your first match in Tokyo was against your former team, Kashiwa Reysol. Was there anything you personally paid special attention to?
A, since it was a club I had belonged to in the past, I also felt that I could play in a familiar stadium. Compared to playing in a completely unknown team or stadium, it was somewhat easier mentally. Next, we have a home match at Ajinomoto Stadium against Urawa Reds, and I want to make my home debut in that game and finish with a victory.
Q. We expect the coordination with teammates and Kim Seung-gyu's own condition to improve from here.
A, today was my first official match since transferring, and from here I want to thoroughly understand my teammates' strengths through the games. Regarding the parts that were lacking in today's match, I want to communicate well during practice and improve them by the next game.
<Kento HASHIMOTO>
Q. The content was good, but it seems you couldn't achieve the desired result. How did you feel while doing it?
A, the first half was very tough, but throughout the match we had some chances, and it feels like we lost because they capitalized on one opportunity. It was a very frustrating defeat, having been beaten by the opponent's strong fighting spirit.
Q. It seemed that Tokyo was able to do to some extent what they wanted to do.
A, there were times when we performed well and times when it was quite difficult. Even so, we held firm in the first half and carried that into the second half. I believe there were chances to secure a win, so I think there are many parts where we have steadily built up. However, the result is the most important thing right now, so I feel responsible.
Q. There was a mention of the opponent's strong competitiveness, but where do you think the narrow margin that decided the outcome lies?
A, I think the opponent is playing with confidence because they are getting results, and when we concede a goal, it’s difficult for us to recover from that. Even so, we have no choice but to fight tenaciously, and especially in tough times, I believe it’s important for everyone to encourage each other and fight together, focusing on those small details.
Q. I think you have been able to show your strengths quite well. What do you think?
A, I think the individual characteristics of the players are gradually emerging, and the quality of our combinations is also improving. However, since we scored zero goals today, I want us to be able to score in every match. We aim to be an attacking team, so I believe we must make sure to score goals consistently.
Q. The winning streak has ended, and we are entering the break period. What aspects will you focus on during this time?
A, it is important to improve teamwork, and personally, I want to focus on maintaining good condition so that we can compete well during the summer.
