<Previous Match - Urawa Reds Review>
A match where the Urawa Reds, returning from the FIFA Club World Cup, were confronted. Bearing the dramatic comeback loss suffered away, the red and blue eleven energized Ajinomoto Stadium.
First, at 6 minutes into the game, Yuto NAGATOMO, the right side back who received a pass from Alexander SCHOLZ advancing forward, adjusted the ball and crossed with his left foot. Keita ENDO skillfully headed the ball in the center to take the lead.
After that, Urawa temporarily took the lead, and just before the end of the first half, it seemed that Marcelo RYAN scored the equalizer, but with VAR support, it was judged that Tokyo committed a foul just before, and the goal was not recognized. They faced the second half trailing by one point.
In the halftime locker room, Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI fired up the players with, "The stage is set now. We will definitely fight back. Play firmly while thinking that we will be the ones smiling in the end." The players then expressed the feelings they held in their hearts on the pitch.
First, in the 21st minute of the second half, Nagatomo made a pass cutting in from the right side to the center, and RIAN skillfully turned while keeping possession and scored the equalizing goal with his left foot.
With this, Tokyo leveled the match, and in the 44th minute of the second half near the end, Soma ANZAI's left corner kick was cleared, but Leon NOZAWA aimed a half-volley at the loose ball, which deflected off an opponent and became a floating ball. Teruhito NAKAGAWA dived in and succeeded in turning the game around. The dramatic victory, as if returning the frustration from the away game, engulfed Ajinomoto Stadium in a wave of excitement.
This Round's Preview
This is a match where true value is tested.
The most recent official matches resulted in 6 wins and 1 loss. Demonstrating strong competitiveness and tactical skill, the team has steadily accumulated positive results. After struggling through a long tunnel in the first half of the season, the team has transformed significantly, evolving into a group that aligns their focus and looks forward together.
There have been more matches where we take the lead, and even when caught up or overtaken, the players fight with confidence, showing their resilience. The fact that anyone who steps onto the pitch can demonstrate their unique strengths is also a sign of growth. This is proof that the steady efforts made since the season opener are bearing fruit.
Looking back, the away match on March 1st against Kashima Antlers in Sec. 4 of the Meiji Yasuda J1 League was a turning point early in the season. Both teams entered the game with 2 wins and 1 loss since the opening. Tokyo controlled the game from the start and created many chances but kept missing decisive opportunities, ultimately conceding 2 goals at critical moments and losing the match. Kashima, achieving their third consecutive win, gained momentum and contended for the top spot, while Tokyo, triggered by this defeat, faced a tough path of 8 winless games.
About five months have passed since then. The blue and red team, which once sank to the relegation zone, quickly improved their form with a system change to a four-back and precise reinforcement of their squad, and they are set to face Kashima once again.
Kashima is traditionally considered to have strong competitive spirit. Coach Matsuhashi says that behind this, "Such qualities do not develop overnight. To firmly establish them, it really requires the accumulation of very small efforts."
And Tokyo is "exactly at the stage of working on such things. Some players may feel that the team is in good condition, but precisely because it is such a time, by not getting overconfident and steadily building up from small things to aim for victory, we can surpass the opponent and achieve results," they focus on their footing.
In the Emperor's Cup 3rd Round held on Wednesday, they fought tenaciously and won against Cerezo Osaka. As a result of reflecting on their strengths during the training after the break, the match also demonstrated that their recent good form was not just momentum. And now, the upcoming game against Kashima. It will be a match to accelerate the confidence gained by showcasing their current abilities.
Thoroughness in all things. Tighten your helmet strap after winning──.
Various efforts accumulated by the entire team are beginning to bear fruit. That is why we want to focus on fighting for the team by concentrating on the match against the opponent in front of us and each play, and draw in the results.
The frustration from the last match is not forgotten. This is a game to showcase five months of progress. The coach, with the big match against Kashima the next day, said firmly, "I am very much looking forward to seeing how we can confront our 'now.' I believe that if we can properly express our current form, we will definitely win."
For Tokyo, this match against Kashima must become a significant turning point in the second half of the season. To connect from the "Summer of Counterattack" to the "Autumn of Harvest"──.
Determined to prove their strength at Ajinomoto Stadium, the team unites as one in red and blue to push forward to victory.
[Interview with Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI]
Q. It has been three days since the Emperor's Cup; what did you emphasize during the preparation period?
A, being mindful of Kashima Antlers, we conducted training that emphasized both offense and defense as much as possible. Of course, we also maintained good condition, and even in the heat, we made sure to train properly.
Q. In the previous match, there were moments when we pressed forward until the middle of the game, but I think it was a frustrating loss.
A, This match is at home, so it is important for us to play a good game and secure a victory. The members who participate will likely change between each other, and both teams have spent time building up their strengths. We want to firmly bring out what we have now and do our best to ensure it leads to a win.
Q. What is your impression of Kashima?
A, they are truly a wonderful and strong team. They are "clutch" and have strength both as individual players and as a club. This is a club firmly rooted in knowing exactly what must be done to win. If they show even a slight weakness or hesitation, the momentum can easily shift away from them. This is true for Kashima and other clubs as well; it is not something that suddenly appears one day, but rather something established by steadily building up small things. We may be in a good state currently, but if our spirit grows too large, we might neglect the small details or stop doing what we can. Just like human growth, it is precisely at times like these that we want to focus carefully on the small things. I conveyed to the players in meetings that this accumulation and steady buildup ultimately surpasses the opponent and leads to victory.
Q: In the previous match, I think we created chances but ended up losing at the crucial moments.
A, Kashima absolutely does not miss such opportunities. It may not be necessary to take an exaggerated view of "never missing," but you can understand by looking at their current ranking. I truly believe it is the result of steady accumulation and a part worthy of respect. That is why, from the perspective of how we can demonstrate our current condition, this is a very exciting match, and if we can properly express our current form, I believe Tokyo is definitely a team that can win against any opponent.
[Player Interview]
<Motoki NAGAKURA>
Q. How do you feel about scoring a good goal in the Emperor's Cup and riding that momentum to compete against a top team like Kashima Antlers?
A, the team has had momentum and a good flow in the last few matches, so I am really looking forward to seeing how we can compete against the top-ranked teams in that context.
Q. Seeing the results so far, doesn't your confidence grow by being able to win here against the strong and resilient Kashima?
A, I believe that really builds confidence. Whether we concede a goal or score one, it is important to stay composed and see it through to the end. Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI said that he aims for victory through the accumulation of small things, so I want to focus on winning or losing each situation carefully.
Q. How do you prioritize your play?
A, I am always thinking about plays that are unpleasant for the opponent or helpful for my teammates. As a priority, I always make sure that the option to move forward is available. Even if I can't face forward myself, I believe it's fine as long as the next player can face forward, and I always prioritize options that allow the team to move forward.
Q, continues to score goals consistently.
A, I somehow feel like we're scoring goals. I think that kind of feeling is important, so I want to keep that going in the next match as well. I don't think we often get this lucky, so I want to ride this momentum, score goals, and win the next game.
Q: I think the match against Kashima will be really important. Please share your enthusiasm.
A, whether we can win here is really important. We want to win, not just draw.
＜Sei MUROYA＞
Q. In the Emperor's Cup Round of 16 match against Cerezo Osaka, you suddenly had to play from the middle of the first half.
A, there were some difficult parts due to the sudden appearance, and C Osaka was controlling the game during that time. First, I focused on responding firmly in defense, calming down after taking the ball, and connecting passes without rushing. In the second half, as we held the ball longer, chances increased and it led to a goal.
Q: In the match against C Osaka, you played as a right side back, and in the previous match against Urawa Reds, you played as a left side back. Even though both are side back positions, I think there is a difficulty in switching sides.
A, playing as a left side back still requires a lot of time, and at first, there were many things I wasn't used to, so it took time to find the "correct answer." By trying various things that I thought were good while playing, I am feeling the joy of being able to think and play.
Q, Like the match against C Osaka, Kashima Antlers, who we face this week, is also a team with a high defensive line and strong defensive intensity.
A, basically, there is no change in what we should do and what we have done so far. However, Kashima has firmly established a traditional style in both offense and defense, and they seem to aggressively try to take the ball from the front line. First of all, I think it is important not to lose easily in such situations and to win the battles for the ball.
Q: In a previous media interview, you mentioned that "there is an atmosphere to make a comeback." Is this one of the factors behind the team's improving form?
A, the team atmosphere is very good. It's hard to put into words, but it doesn't feel like we're just passing the ball around; I feel that we are playing with a clear aim toward scoring goals. I also feel a sense of accomplishment in being able to express the style of soccer we want to play. Of course, easy goals conceded are not good, but even in difficult situations, by enduring and maintaining our way of playing, I believe we create scoring opportunities that lead to equalizing, overturning, and taking the lead.
Truly strong teams have the ability to score goals and secure victories without being shaken by the situation or the flow of the match, and this is a tradition that the Kashima team we are facing this time also possesses. We want to firmly win this close match, and that is why we aim to defeat Kashima, who are second in the league, and demonstrate our strength.
