<Emperor's Cup 3rd Round - Oita Trinita Match Review>
In a do-or-die single match, the Blue-Red team that ventured into the away ground firmly secured their ticket to the best 16.
The 3rd Round of the Emperor's Cup was held on July 16 at Crassus Dome Oita. Tokyo, searching for attacking opportunities against the well-defended Oita Trinita, launched a counterattack in the 18th minute of the first half when Kosuke SHIRAI intercepted the ball sharply on the right side. Connecting with Motoki NAGAKURA and Teruhito NAKAGAWA, they pushed forward. When NAKAGAWA was fouled near the goal, a penalty kick was awarded, which NAGAKURA calmly converted with his right foot, successfully scoring the opening goal early in the match.
Then, at the 32nd minute, they broke down Oita's defense with passing work from their own half. From Soma ANZAI's right cross, Nagakura aimed with a header, and finally Koizumi followed up to add another goal. They completely took control by switching between possession and counterattacks, fighting fiercely for the ball, and transitioning between offense and defense, leading to an ideal scenario of extending their lead by halftime.
In the second half, there were moments when the opponents, energized by substitutions, pressed us somewhat, but we held firm with key defensive plays and fine saves by player Kim Seung-gyu, maintaining the 2-0 score until the final whistle. We took a step closer to becoming cup winners.
Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI said, "There were some differences in style between the first and second halves; the first half was very offensive, and the second half was more defensive. Each had good aspects, which led to the victory," expressing his satisfaction with the win.
＜Emperor's Cup Round of 16 Preview＞
The team that won against Urawa Reds in Sec. 24 of the Meiji Yasuda J1 League held on July 19 resumed activities after the break. Considering the extreme heat after the suspension, training start time was moved up to 9:00, and they have been training in preparation for the Emperor's Cup Round of 16 against Cerezo Osaka.
After the off-season break, the training focused on physical exercises to wake the body up from rest, and "Rikizo Tokyo" has been progressing their preparations for the matches. Reflecting on the team's battles, the practice emphasized game-like training sessions where players could concentrate. They spent time revisiting and intensively reinforcing their strengths, which have become more evident since June, through repeated drills.
The Emperor's Cup is, needless to say, a single-elimination tournament. After that, there is a league match against Kashima Antlers with only three days in between. Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI expressed his determination, saying, "Since it is a knockout format, we absolutely must win. We will be fighting while considering both not losing and winning." He has advanced through the 3rd Round against Oita with a lineup that takes the consecutive matches into account, showing confidence by saying, "We have a player roster more than enough for two teams." Considering that this is the first match of the consecutive games, there is also the possibility of selecting players accordingly, and attention is focused on which members the coach will choose in this situation.
This season, we have played two matches against C Osaka in the Meiji Yasuda J1 League, both ending in draws. Coach Matsuhashi commented on the opponent's impression: "They play soccer that values ball possession while effectively utilizing the strengths of their front-line wingers. On the other hand, if we can prevent them from doing so and turn the game around, it is entirely possible to finish them off with our strong attacking style. The key points of the match are who can score more and who can firmly stop the other." The coach has always said, "The enemy in front of us is the strongest enemy." In this knockout format where every match must be won, this awareness will be further heightened, and a focused approach to the game will be required.
From this match, the new competition rule '8-second rule' will be applied. Until now, the goalkeeper was allowed to hold the ball with their hands or arms for up to 6 seconds, but this time limit has been changed to 8 seconds and will be counted more strictly than before. If violated, the match will be restarted with a corner kick from the side closest to the ball's position. Coach Matsuhashi talks about the impact of this change.
"I think it is a rule that can be expected to improve the tempo and quality of play, but we must be careful not to fall behind because of it. When the goalkeeper is holding the ball and is pressed from the front, even teams that like to keep possession will likely have more scenes where they kick the ball. It is important to make good use of that and simply figure out how to create a starting point at a high position. However, before that rule, for us, the key point is to properly build play from the back."
Tokyo has achieved an excellent record of 4 wins and 1 loss in the last 5 official matches. The narrow defeat in Sec. 23 against Kashiwa Reysol was a hard-fought game, and it gives the impression that the team's performance is finally matching the results. As they showed before the break, in this match they aim to win the battles for the ball, demonstrate high awareness in switching between offense and defense, and take control of the game's flow with solid attacks and committed defense.
The flexibility to switch between quick attacks and possession styles while considering the climate and match developments has become a major strength. We must showcase the reaffirmed "Aoaka style" from the post-break training on the pitch of YODOKO SAKURA STADIUM and make this match a proof that Tokyo's strength is genuine. Win against the opponent in front of us, win the match in front of us—this strong determination will pave the way to becoming cup winners.
[Interview with Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI]
Q. The previous league match against Cerezo Osaka ended in a draw, but this time it's the knockout-style Emperor's Cup. Did you try a considerable number of patterns?
A, we have considered the fact that it is a series of consecutive matches, but since it is a knockout format, we absolutely must win. We will approach it with a strong determination to win at all costs. While we do not know the exact answer on how to fight to avoid losing and to win, we have made player selections keeping both in mind.
Q. What kind of impression do you have of C Osaka?
A, while valuing ball possession, will play soccer that fully utilizes the strengths of the wingers. On the other hand, if we can overturn that advantage and prevent them from showing their strengths, we will have plenty of opportunities. It is also quite possible that we will create scoring chances with our strong attack, and ultimately, the outcome of the match will be influenced by which side can finish more effectively in this battle of scoring.
Q. It has been about two weeks since the match against Urawa Reds. What areas did you focus on during practice?
A, we incorporated many game-style practices. While paying attention to the finer details, we have been working on changing the overall shape of the team. Since there was a long break, we focused on how to improve our condition and how to make the most of our strengths, incorporating these points into our training.
Q. The league matches are also coming up in a few days, but how do you position tomorrow's Emperor's Cup match, and how do you view the tournament as a whole?
A, we believe this tournament is one where we have a very real chance of winning the title. While we value this tournament, we do not prioritize the Emperor's Cup at the expense of the league matches, nor do we think the opposite. By focusing on each match in front of us and fighting earnestly, we believe positive results will naturally follow.
[Player Interview]
<Leon NOZAWA>
Q. As a team, what kind of preparations have you made for tomorrow's Emperor's Cup?
In defense, we focused on coordination, such as stepping up from the front and properly passing on marking duties. On the offensive side, we practiced with a strong commitment to movements that target the space behind the defense and actions directly leading to goals through frontline coordination. Scoring is essential to win, and as an individual, I want numbers like goals and assists. Of course, there are things to do in defense as well, but I want to leverage my strengths and characteristics in attack to contribute to the team.
Q, if we win, we will advance to the Emperor's Cup Best 8 for the first time since the 2016 season.
A, the players understand that winning will lead to advancing to the best 8 for the first time in a while, and in a good way, they are not overthinking it but just focusing on the match in front of them. Whether it is the league match or the Emperor's Cup, I believe it is important to win the match in front of us and move up step by step. The entire team is training with a strong desire to win, and now it is just a matter of showing it in the match.
Q. Regarding your individual performance, not only have your substitute appearances increased, but your starts have also increased, resulting in more playing time. What do you think is necessary to continue getting playing time going forward?
A, I have to do more than what is expected of me. Of course, if everyone else doesn't do the same, the team can't aim for the top. Defensively, it's important to push the opponent out, win the ball decisively, connect that to forward play, and actively engage in press-back. In attack, I want to focus more on numbers like assists and goals. I've gradually been able to get involved in build-up play from deeper positions, and my confidence is steadily growing. I want to fully understand the meaning of being given the chance to play in matches, achieve results and numbers, and contribute to the team's victory.
<Keigo HIGASHI>
Q, after about a three-week break, tomorrow we have a match against Cerezo Osaka.
A, due to poor condition and other factors, this will be my first official match in a while. If I get the chance to play, I want to demonstrate through my performance that I am contributing to the victory, and I strongly feel that I must prove my worth on the pitch.
Q. In the current system, what are the things that Keigo HIGASHI is conscious of and what is expected of him?
A, we started the season with a three-back formation, but currently the four-back is the main setup. I recognize that the tasks and roles required of midfield players are also different. Personally, I feel more comfortable, and I believe it is important for the team to choose plays that bring us closer to victory.
Q. What specific kind of play is expected in the role?
When the defense line has four players, it is about receiving the ball in the half-space or intermediate positions, especially in attack, by expanding to the sides or making runs to disrupt the opponent's defensive formation. I want to actively demonstrate this, bring out my strengths, and help lead the team to victory. At the same time, since defensive responsibilities are also required, I want to contribute through hard work without slacking off.
Q, This will be the 3rd match against C Osaka this season.
A, Australian national coach Arthur PAPAS has become the coach from this season. Although we have not been able to closely follow the match footage, I feel that it is somewhat similar to last season's Tokyo (player positioning and system, etc.). They have fast players on the sides and a striker with scoring ability at the top, and their quick vertical attacks are their characteristic and a point we must be cautious of. It is important not to lose in individual situations; if we fall behind, especially since it is an away game, it will become a particularly difficult situation. We want to stay focused from the start and approach the match with determination.
Q: Tomorrow's match will also determine advancement to the best 8 for the first time since the 2016 season.
A, I myself have only advanced as far as the Emperor's Cup Best 4 in Tokyo, and at that time, we lost to Sanfrecce Hiroshima in a penalty shootout and missed out on advancing to the Final Round. Ultimately, of course, we aim for the top, but first, we have to win each match in front of us one by one. The result of tomorrow's match against C Osaka will undoubtedly affect the league match scheduled for the 10th. I think it can also be seen as the first match of two important recent games, so we definitely want to secure a victory and bring back good momentum.
