<Match Review>
Never forgetting that frustration, to respond to those expectations with results──.
The Meiji Yasuda J1 League Sec. 27 match against Kyoto Sanga F.C. is a must-win game to avenge the heavy defeat suffered on away ground. The whistle to start the match sounded under harsh conditions, with intense heat from midday and air so thin it was felt even at kickoff.
In a game where victory was imperative, the starting eleven selected by coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI was a lineup with one change from the previous match against Shonan Bellmare. Goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu was placed in goal, and the back four from right to left consisted of Yuto NAGATOMO, Alexander SCHOLZ, Teppei OKA, and Kashif BANGNAGANDE. Kento HASHIMOTO and Kei KOIZUMI formed a duo in the defensive midfield, with attackers Reon NOZAWA on the right and Kota TAWARATSUMIDA on the left. The two forwards were Motoki NAGAKURA and Teruhito NAKAGAWA. Additionally, Marcos GUILHERME, who joined on loan from V-Varen Nagasaki, and Kizuna KOMINATO, registered as a JFA/J.League special designated player and confirmed to join the team next season, made their official match debut on the bench.
The players in blue and red had pointed out before the match that the key point would be how to avoid the opponent's pressure and connect it to their attack. Attention was focused on how Tokyo would respond to Kyoto, who launched a high press as expected from the start.
1st HALF—Early concession of goals weighs down Tokyo, heading into the second half with a large deficit
In the early stages, pushed back by the opponent's momentum, Tokyo was gradually searching for attacking opportunities when an unexpected turn awaited them. At the 5th minute of the first half, against a large left cross from Kyoto, Yoshifu, who entered late, was called for a foul during the contest and conceded a penalty kick. Rafael Elias calmly converted it, allowing the opponent to take an early lead. Then, at the 11th minute, a goal kick intended to connect in their own half went awry, and under pressure from the opponent, Kim Seung-gyu was judged to have fouled an opponent, resulting in another penalty kick. This was again converted by Elias with his left foot, extending the lead.
Kyoto, who had taken a 2-goal lead, saw their pressing weaken slightly, and from around the 20th minute of the first half, Tokyo gradually began to control the ball more and increase their attacking phases. They started showing coordinated movements by switching the ball from side to side and making runs into the space ahead, creating several near-chance situations.
However, the opponent's defense was solid, and effective vertical passes could not be inserted. In the 34th minute of the first half, player Tawara Tsukida made a solo dribble breakthrough on the left side, carrying the ball into the penalty area and taking a powerful shot with his left foot. Although this was saved by the opposing goalkeeper, it was an attack filled with the desire of number 33 to change the flow with a single strike.
Kyoto continued to form a solid block, showing quick slides and tight central defense, followed by a hard press when the opportunity arose. Tokyo also tried to attack, with Nozawa delivering right crosses on the right side and Nakagawa aiming headers, but they struggled against the opponent's strong defense and rhythm, resulting in an increase in backward passes and a prolonged period without creating decisive chances.
At the end of the first half, in the 45th minute, after a long throw-in, the second ball was picked up and a cross was delivered, allowing Suzuki to skillfully score with a diving header in front of the goal, making it 0-3. This regrettable goal put the team in a difficult scoreline.
The first half ended as it was. From behind the goal, the blue and red fans and supporters gathered there echoed calls of "Show your determination."
2nd HALF—Unable to seize momentum, outmatched by the opponent in every aspect
In the second half, we must somehow respond with results and performance for the blue and red family who continue their passionate support even when we fall behind. Coach Matsuhashi sent the players out without making any substitutions.
Just three minutes into the second half, player Kim Seung-gyu made a fine save to prevent a decisive chance. The loose ball was picked up by player Koizumi, who advanced with a long-range dribble and passed to the left side. Player Tawara Tsukida received the ball at full speed, accelerated down to the goal line, and crossed it back, but the opponent blocked it. Although it unfortunately did not lead to a shot, it was a counterattack filled with the determination of the blue-red warriors showing their spirit and aiming for the goal.
In the 17th minute of the second half, from Nagatomo's right cross, Nagakura, who had moved into the center, delivered a powerful header at the perfect timing. However, this was stopped by an excellent save from the opposing goalkeeper, preventing the ball from hitting the net.
Tokyo, wanting to strengthen their offense, made a change in the 18th minute by substituting Nakagawa and Nozawa with the speedy players Marcelo RYAN and Marcos. Marcos was entrusted with set-piece kicking duties, while RYAN immediately got involved in chances, including a powerful shot in front of the goal. In the 24th minute of the second half, Marcos took a controlled shot with his right foot from mid-range. Although the opposing goalkeeper made a diving save, it was a scene that hinted at future potential.
However, once again, we conceded a regrettable goal. In the 36th minute of the second half, while trying to connect from the goalkeeper in our own half, Matsuda applied intense pressure causing a turnover. Elias then calmly finished in the open area, completing a hat-trick.
In the 39th minute of the second half, Tawaratsukida and Hashimoto were substituted out, with Kouta Tokiwa brought in as a defensive midfielder and Kominato, making his top team debut, introduced as the left attacker. Immediately after, Kominato appeared to have scored his first goal by following up on a cross from RIAN, who had broken through on a counterattack, but the goal was disallowed due to an offside call on RIAN.
Player Kominato continued to show aggressiveness in a short time, aggressively aiming headers at cross balls. The team seemed to have landed a determined strike by player RIAN during the 3 minutes of additional time, but this was also ruled no goal with the support of VAR.
The match ended with time up as it was. Predicting the opponent's moves, Kyoto also showed the expected style of soccer, but from the start, Tokyo was overwhelmed by the opponent's momentum, conceding multiple goals and suffering a complete 0-4 defeat. Unable to display the Tokyo style they had built up so far, it was a humiliating result that added to the frustration of playing away.
After the match, there were scenes of players being booed as they circled the stadium, but what echoed loudly was the cheer of "Take the cup!". Encouraged by the strong voices of fans and supporters trying to switch their focus to the Emperor's Cup quarterfinals against Urawa Reds in just two days, they left the stadium once again with their backs pushed forward.
MATCH DETAILS
<FC Tokyo>
STARTING XI
GK Kim Seung-gyu
DF Yuto NAGATOMO/Kashif BANGNAGANDE/Alexander Scholz/Teppei OKA
MF Kento HASHIMOTO (39th minute second half: Kyota Tokiwa)/Leon NOZAWA (18th minute second half: Marcos Guilherme)/Kota TAWARATSUMIDA (39th minute second half: Kizuna Kominato)/Kei KOIZUMI (32nd minute second half: Keigo Higashi)
FW Motoki NAGAKURA/Teruhito NAKAGAWA (18th minute second half: Marcelo Hian)
SUBS
GK Go HATANO
DF Kanta DOI/Henrique TREVISAN
FW Keita YAMASHITA
MANAGER
Rikizo MATSUHASHI
GOAL
―
<Kyoto Sanga F.C.>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Gakuji OTA
DF Shinnosuke FUKUDA (26th minute second half: Hidehiro SUGAI) / Yuta MIYAMOTO / Yoshinori SUZUKI
MF Shimpei FUKUOKA / Shohei TAKEDA (26th minute second half: Ryuma NAKANO) / Temma MATSUDA (39th minute second half: Shun NAGASAWA) / Taiki HIRATO / Hibiki SATO
FW Rafael Elias (39th minute second half: Masaya OKUGAWA) / Daichi HARA (18th minute second half: Fuki YAMADA)
SUBS
GK Kentaro KAKOI
DF Shogo ASADA/Hisashi APPIAH TAWIAH
MF Gustavo Bahet
MANAGER
CHO Kwi Jae
GOAL
8th minute of the first half: Rafael Elias / 13th minute of the first half: Rafael Elias / 45th minute of the first half: Yoshinori SUZUKI / 36th minute of the second half: Rafael Elias
[Interview with Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI]
Q: Please summarize the match.
A, Last time, we suffered a truly frustrating loss, and we approached this match with the determination to win, but unfortunately, we were defeated by an even larger margin. Early errors led to conceding three goals, including mistakes in build-up play and passing. I believe we needed more detailed coaching and preparation in those areas. That shortcoming was definitely my fault. Since we have practiced those situations many times and I had communicated the points, I think the complacency that it was something we could handle led to these goals conceded.
Although we were at a disadvantage in the game, there were certainly parts where we were able to carry out the attacks in the way we had prepared. However, even then, we couldn't break through the opponent's solid defense in front of the goal. And again, due to a build-up mistake, we conceded the fourth and final goal, which overturned the shape and style we were trying to implement. It was truly frustrating, and I felt my own inadequacy in this game. But we cannot end like this; we must properly prepare for the next match and face it with determination.
Q. There were many crosses and corner kicks from the first half, but they didn't lead to any decisive chances. What were your thoughts on that?
In plan A, since the opponent comes forward on the side, instead of going behind them after they come out, the idea was to enter from the side and create a numerical advantage on the flank to see whether the opponent is dropping back or not, aiming for the space between the goalkeeper and the defensive line, including backward passes. However, although the shape was there, ultimately the players went near the near post, and while the quality of the crosses is naturally a factor, the quality has not yet been demonstrated. The quality is not high, and considering my training, there has been very little training from crosses, so I think I need to do more.
Q. There is a trend in Japan to appreciate the style of building play from goal kicks by CHO Kwi Jae, the manager of Kyoto SANGA F.C., but there was a comment saying that the opponent's goal kick is actually the real opportunity.
A, honestly, I believe there is only one thing. If I were to say it here, it would be about the sense of distance and timing. If I can clearly convey to them things like "when they come this way, this is how you position yourself," or "at this distance, when they come like this...," I believe I can effectively break their press. Of course, Kyoto is a team with very high defensive awareness from all players, so they will diligently fall back, and we fully understand that they come to press while accepting that. However, similarly, in the build-up phase, the opposing forwards are human too, so how many times can they keep chasing? There will inevitably be moments of exhaustion and errors. If we can exploit those errors well, we can advance with a good rhythm. I think there were several such scenes.
However, the way the ball was played and the sense of distance, which had a high probability of conceding a goal, as well as the judgment regarding that, were seriously lacking. Even as I was watching, thinking that if I were standing there, the opponent would press in a straight line along the shortest distance, my voice didn't reach, and the ball was played. I believe that if I had properly controlled it and passed it to Alexander SCHOLZ, we could have avoided the press, but due to the opponent's pressure, my technique became unstable, leading to that situation. I truly think we need to refine those details much more.
Q, Is the idea behind goal kicks in your own half to draw the opponent in and wear them down, or is it seen as an opportunity in that sense?
A, yes. We draw the opponent in and skillfully use the space behind them. Of course, this is not near the opponent's goal, so it doesn't immediately create a big chance. However, we don't keep doing this for the entire 90 minutes; as the opponent adapts, we observe their tactics, substitutions, and how they use their cards, and we skillfully alternate with long balls. Moreover, if we kept doing the same thing continuously, the opponent would adapt, so I think this is one of the methods we use to unsettle them.
While that remains the main approach, by incorporating long balls and other variations, we can create damage and hesitation for the opponent, forming situations where they cannot come forward, which will allow us to establish our own momentum even more. However, just because we can do that doesn't mean we can definitely score goals. This is a preliminary stage of how to create that space. When the opponent takes the actions we are aiming for, we should firmly exploit that space.
Q. All three players who received warnings in the first half will be suspended for the next match against Nagoya Grampus. How will you prepare for this, including the Emperor's Cup quarterfinals to be played midweek?
A, that is preparation for winning. I don't think the players can stay positive after this defeat. Even if we say let's forget it once or let's calm down once, I think it's impossible. Even so, I believe we must prepare to win.
[Player Interview]
<Kento HASHIMOTO>
Q: Please reflect on the match.
A, I am at a loss for words. I am truly frustrated.
Q. Please tell us the parts you found particularly difficult when facing an opponent coming from the front.
A, conceding goals early in the match made the game difficult. However, there were many chances to score in both the first and second halves. We feel that not being able to finish and the number of chances are areas for improvement. With a series of matches without positive results, conceding goals early like today is something the team needs to work on improving.
Q: Although we understood the opponent's characteristics, the match ended up going their way.
A, if you can peel it off well, it leads to a chance, but if you lose the ball in your own defensive area, it directly leads to conceding a goal. Even though we understand this, since today's match ended up like this, I think the team must have a serious discussion to prepare for the next game.
Q, After the match, there was encouragement from fans and supporters saying "Take the cup."
A, we have no choice but to switch gears. We will put everything into the Emperor's Cup, which comes after just two days.
<Player Marcos Guilherme>
Q: Please reflect on the match.
A, I believe that being able to play in a match immediately after joining was a big step forward, but it ended in a very frustrating result. We accept this outcome and will just keep building as a team to make a comeback in the next game. Although I don't fully understand all the characteristics of my teammates yet, I will continue to deepen communication and keep working towards the next match.
Q, you showed dedicated play utilizing speed in both offense and defense.
A, Thanks to the wonderful fans and supporters who came to watch, I got goosebumps when entering the pitch. Receiving such passionate support, I focused on giving my all in my play, but looking back on the match, there were many shortcomings. I want to improve the accuracy of my play and my physical condition further.
Q: In the next match, with three players suspended due to accumulated warnings, expectations for Marcos Guilherme are also rising.
A, I also joined Tokyo with my life on the line. Regardless of offensive or defensive roles, no matter the position, I will simply contribute to the team's victory. I believe I just need to express on the pitch what Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI expects from me. This time, I truly want to win.
<Player Kizuna Kominato>
Q: This was your first appearance in the J.League. How do you feel looking back on the match?
A, I was more frustrated about not being included as the first choice for substitution.
Q: What instructions did you receive from the coach?
A, In the scene where the goal was disallowed due to offside, I was told to go in for the cross and to give it my all since we were losing.
Q. I believe your main position is forward, but you played on the side. What kind of play did you want to show?
A, The tasks may change, but what I can do does not vary depending on the position, so I played thinking to express what I can do to the fullest.
Q, how do you want to build on this match moving forward?
A, first of all, I believe I must get playing time in matches. I need to fully accept this 0-4 result and become a player who can properly repay the many fans and supporters cheering for us with solid results.
Q, how did you feel the cheers from fans and supporters on the stage of the J1 League?
A, so many people were chanting "Tuna" for me, and I felt a lot of emotions welling up. I am determined to definitely score next time, and I entered today with that mindset, so I am frustrated that I couldn't respond with the results.
