For Tokyo, there is a somewhat indescribable, so to speak, unsatisfactory match. That was the Sec. 17 of the Meiji Yasuda J1 League held on May 17, the match against Urawa Reds at Saitama Stadium 2002.
While Urawa aimed for their first victory in three official matches, it was Tokyo who created chances right from the start, aiming for their first league three-game winning streak this season. Marcelo RYAN calmly converted the penalty kick earned from Keita ENDO's play to take the lead. Although they conceded an equalizer in the 32nd minute of the first half, they succeeded in taking the lead again in the second half with ENDO's first goal of the season.
The game took a major turn at the 35th minute of the second half. A cross was delivered from the left side of their own half, and it was met by Dai MATSUMOTO who rushed into the goal area. The goal decision was controversial, with possibilities of offside and handball, leading to an unusual situation where VAR support was called twice, but both times the goal was allowed.
The equalizer shifted the momentum of the match and the atmosphere in the stadium quickly in favor of the home team, Urawa. Tokyo also tried to seize opportunities, with both wing-backs pushing high to launch attacks from the sides, and attempted speedy plays without many passes to approach the goal, but they were unable to score.
Then, at 45+3 minutes into the second half, Sekine collected the second ball from a corner kick and crossed from the right side, allowing Matsumoto to push it in front of the goal, resulting in a turnaround. After that, despite increasing the pressure, they could not create a decisive chance, and the match ended with a 2-3 score.
Swearing revenge with that passion
About two months since that defeat. Moving the stage to the home Ajinomoto Stadium, the Blue-Red face the match against Urawa once again.
In Sec. 17, we struggled with the opponent's attacks originating from the sides and the long counters after Tokyo was drawn back into their own half.
In particular, all three goals conceded originated from the opponent's crosses, which were connected inside the penalty area. From the perspective of long counters, when Tokyo's two wing-backs joined the attack, the space behind them was exploited, with balls sent to the sides of the three-back formation, resulting in many situations where arrows pointed towards the goal, not only during the conceded goals.
In defense, the formation shifts to a 4-4-2, creating a solid defensive organization. Especially notable were Marius HOIBRATEN's strength in one-on-one situations and the experienced Nishikawa's precise judgment, which consistently snuffed out any budding chances.
However, as the league enters the second half, the style of soccer that Tokyo aims for this season is becoming clearer.
After that, Tokyo began to change their system. By switching from a three-back to a four-back system, their stability in both offense and defense improved. Especially in defense, it gave the impression that each player's defensive area became clearer. Additionally, in the previous match against Kashiwa Reysol, although they lost 0-1, they set a high defensive line against an opponent who excels at ball possession. The defensive midfielders and fullbacks covered the marking and spaces caused by system mismatches. They showed both aspects of defense: allowing the opponent to have the ball in certain situations and aggressively pushing up the defensive line to win the ball high up the pitch.
In attack, the speed and quality of build-up have improved, reducing knocking and ball losses deep in our own half. If the soccer style favored by Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI, which focuses on maintaining possession and advancing toward the opponent's goal, further merges with Tokyo's originally strong vertical fast short counterattacks, it will be quite possible to break the fortress of Urawa's solid defense, which concedes the second fewest goals in the league.
This week marks the 5th match of the second half of the league. So far, many points have been dropped due to missed decisive chances, so we hope for a "match to secure a win."
This match against Urawa is a perfect opportunity to prove our progress since the last encounter.
With calm and passionate play. The key player is "Scholz"
The focus of attention in this match is Alexander SCHOLZ.
The defensive leader, who played for Urawa for three seasons starting from the 2021 season and experienced winning the AFC Champions League, joined Tokyo on a full transfer in June this season. July 19 will be his first “former club match.”
Scholz excels not only in wide coverage and strong one-on-one defense but also in build-up ability that controls the tempo of the attack. His play, well-versed in Urawa, is sure to add depth to Tokyo's strategy against Urawa.
Joined in June and has currently appeared in 2 league matches. Not only regaining match fitness, but also gradually getting used to the pace of play in the J.League and the unique humid heat of Japan.
And Scholz, who understands Urawa's characteristics better than anyone else, is eagerly looking forward to this match more than anyone, while calmly preparing for the game.
"I am not particularly focused on Kanade, who we are about to face. (Although I look forward to playing against my former team) I will stay calm on the pitch and concentrate solely on the match in front of me. I'll have a relaxed chat with the Urawa players after the game (laughs)," he said, determined to win this match.
In the first half of the league matches, Tokyo fell just short in the battle in front of the goal. Stable defense encourages high-quality attacks, and his leadership undoubtedly tightens the team.
What kind of play will he show against his former team? Be sure to pay attention to Scholz's performance.
Outperform with passion in both offense and defense
Urawa, the opponent, boasts a solid defense with only 20 goals conceded, tied for second best in the league. They build their game mainly around a long counterattack from a well-organized defensive setup deep in their own half. In particular, Matheus SAVIO and Kaneko, positioned wide on the flanks, excel in receiving the ball near the sidelines and offer a variety of attacking options including crosses, cut-ins, and mid-range shots, showcasing strong individual skills.
In fact, in offensive metrics such as shots, crosses, key passes, and dribbles, these two players rank first and second within the team. Therefore, when facing Urawa's side attacks and crosses, which troubled us in the previous match, we want to always take the initiative in individual situations.
On the other hand, the key to breaking down the opponent's solid defense seems to lie in set pieces. Of Urawa's 20 goals conceded, 8 have come from set pieces. This is undoubtedly an important point for Tokyo as well, who have struggled to accumulate goals from set pieces this season. We look forward to moments where the height and strength of Masato MORISHIGE, Scholz, and the precise kicks of Kashif BANGNAGANDE, who returned in the second half of the league, create scoring opportunities.
Additionally, against Urawa, who concede many goals between the 30th and 45th minutes of the second half, Tokyo has recently increased the number of times they score or threaten the opponent's goal towards the end of the match.
Since a closely contested match is expected until the final stages, you won't be able to take your eyes off this intense battle until the final whistle blows.
Regain that passion――.
Turn the frustration and impatience experienced in the first half of the league into passion.
A match to reclaim the moment of victory.
(Honorifics omitted in the text)
