<Emperor's Cup Round of 16 - Cerezo Osaka Match Review>
Tokyo, who defeated Zweigen Kanazawa in the 2nd Round and Oita Trinita in the 3rd Round, faced Cerezo Osaka in the Round of 16. Riding the momentum of a strong performance with 4 wins and 1 loss since the suspension ended in June, they headed to YODOKO SAKURA STADIUM.
Tokyo struggled to create attacking opportunities as the opponent maintained possession for extended periods from the early stages. Although adjustments were made during the water break, immediately afterward Kosuke SHIRAI was forced to leave the game due to injury, leading to the unexpected deployment of Sei MUROYA as right side back.
Towards the end of the first half, they gradually started to suppress the opponent's strengths and began to show their own qualities. In the second half, it was truly a back-and-forth battle. When Kashif BANGNAGANDE cut off the opponent's counterattack with aggressive pressing back, Sato Yoshimasa's dribbling breakthrough and final pass were blocked by the opponent.
Tokyo took the initiative from such a development. The key point was Motoki NAGAKURA's post play. At the 10th minute of the second half, when the ball was possessed from their own half, number 26 dropped back from the front line to receive it, then quickly turned and supplied a through pass to the front. Teruhito NAKAGAWA skillfully tapped it in after breaking away, and Tokyo succeeded in taking the lead.
Tokyo was equalized 5 minutes later, but by bringing in Takahiro KO and Kota TAWARATSUMIDA, they revitalized their attack, and goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu also protected the goal with fine saves.
Then, at 35 minutes into the second half, after Nagakura intercepted the ball, Tawara Tsukida showed a dribble crossing the pitch from the left side and switched play to the right side. Here, Sato sent a lofted pass to the far side, where Nagakura, who had become the starting point of the attack, appeared. After a one-touch trap, he slid the ball into the goal, successfully taking the lead.
After that, the guardian deity continued to show fine saves one after another to get out of danger and the time was up. Tokyo advanced to the Emperor's Cup best 8 for the first time since the 2016 season.
＜Emperor's Cup Quarterfinal Preview＞
Two days after the painful heavy defeat against Kyoto SANGA F.C., we face the quarterfinals against Urawa Reds aiming for the Emperor's Cup victory.
A one-shot match at Saitama Stadium 2002 for a ticket to the Semifinal Round. Urawa will come into the match after playing on Friday with only four days of rest, so for Tokyo, physical and mental recovery will be the key. Among these, how well they can mentally switch gears and face kickoff will be crucial.
In the previous match, under the management of Rikizo MATSUHASHI, we challenged possession, but suffered a complete defeat against Kyoto, who have a contrasting pressing style. We were overwhelmed by an opponent who boldly applied pressure from the front, resulting in a painful realization for the team about the importance of situational judgment and flexible tactics. It was a match that once again made us feel the importance of reading the opponent's intentions and the flow of the game, and adapting our response flexibly.
That said, dwelling on it won't help us move forward. We must use the transition from the league matches to the Emperor's Cup as an opportunity to reset our mindset and turn things around positively.
Captain Kei KOIZUMI said, "Of course, we must not forget about the match against Kyoto, but we have advanced this far in the Emperor's Cup, and by winning here, we can expand our possibilities. I don't want us to carry too much pressure, focus only on the results, and lose sight of our own play. If everyone can play with confidence, good results will naturally follow, so I want to firmly focus on that and work hard."
We played against Urawa just about a month ago. This season, although we suffered a frustrating come-from-behind loss in the away game, it is still fresh in memory that we avenged that disappointment with a brilliant come-from-behind victory at home. This time as well, Motoki NAGAKURA, who is on loan from Urawa, cannot participate due to contract-related reasons.
Urawa had been recovering with 3 wins and 1 draw since losing to Tokyo, but in the match against Kashiwa Reysol last weekend, they took a 2-goal lead in the first half but suffered a comeback loss after conceding 4 goals in the second half. It is expected that the opponent will also regroup mentally and approach the game with renewed determination.
Tokyo has currently conceded goals in five consecutive official matches and has allowed the first goal in three straight games, so they must be careful about how they start the match. It's a one-off match, and moreover, it's at Saitama Stadium. To take control of the game and showcase their strengths, they need to play without any lapses or moments of vulnerability.
Kento HASHIMOTO said, "I think the key will be the opening goal. Since we have been conceding goals continuously, first we want to focus on solid and good defense, then good offense, and from the start of the match, we want to have energetic defense and then transition to energetic offense." Meanwhile, Alexander SCHOLZ, returning to his former home stadium, said, "We just played against Urawa recently, but I think the game will unfold differently this time," recalling the match a month ago that turned into a shootout as he envisions the next day's game.
The frustration in soccer can only be resolved through soccer. Keigo HIGASHI, showing the lingering frustration from the previous match, prepared himself for the Emperor's Cup by saying, "We must show our pride and prove that we can do it. That can only be redeemed through soccer, through the match. We have no choice but to show our pride and prove it in the game."
Both teams suffered frustrating defeats in the previous round, so this will be an important game where they absolutely must secure a victory in front of their passionate fans and supporters. It will truly be a clash of wills.
Despite the frustrating 0-4 result in the previous match against Kyoto, the blue-red family at Ajinomoto Stadium sent us off with loud cheers of "Take the cup!" We must respond to that feeling no matter what. With determination in their hearts and carrying a great responsibility, the blue-red warriors take the pitch at Saitama Stadium.
[Interview with Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI]
Q. The second and fourth goals conceded in the match against Kyoto SANGA F.C. seemed to be scenes where errors within the team led to the goals.
A, I think that's exactly right. There are parts where I wonder why we couldn't do the simple things we always do at that time. Those simple moments led to conceding a goal. Yesterday's training was conducted with that essence in mind. It is necessary to prepare so that the goalkeeper and the ball holder have many options. Of course, creating reliable passing lanes is important, but ultimately, the ball holder makes the judgment. Even if the correct judgment is not made, someone on the pitch must take leadership. I had the players focus once again on the simple things and work on them starting from training.
Q, Tomorrow is the match against Urawa Reds. In the league matches, both home teams have won 3-2.
A, we just want to stick to what we are doing and make sure there is no hesitation. This is a match we must win. Of course, this applies to every match, but since it is a tournament, and advancing to the next round is at stake, I believe we need to think through things more carefully than usual.
Q. I think winning = not conceding goals is also important. How will you improve the situation where the number of goals conceded has been increasing in recent matches?
A, it is essential to firmly suppress that, but even if we concede goals, we want to maintain an attitude of scoring more goals than that. Of course, we prepare thoroughly for the match, but within that, there are scenes where intensity cannot be maintained and the slow switching is apparent. First, we need to properly correct that and emphasize the transition between offense and defense more.
Q, on the other hand, regarding scoring, what exactly is the style you want to express?
A, we definitely need to make attacks that cause damage to the opponent. It is important how many times we can deliver the ball to the area where the most goals are scored and whether we can get into that area. We are doing well in the areas leading up to that, but we need to improve the options for delivering the ball in front of the goal. There were many instances, including the match against Kyoto, where we failed to see another option during a big chance in front of the goal and ended up sending the ball to a place where the opponent could easily respond. I believe there were many parts that could have been broken down depending on the quality. We want to focus on improving accuracy and how to make the most of our options.
[Player Interview]
＜Alexander SCHOLZ＞
Q. How do you perceive the defeat against Kyoto SANGA F.C.?
A, probably the fans and supporters are expecting to see how the team will recover from this defeat and what kind of reaction they will have going into the next match. We must show that attitude to the fans and supporters.
Q, This time the match will be against Urawa Reds at Saitama Stadium 2002. The match came up without much time passing since the last encounter.
A, I think it's a bit too soon (until we face Urawa again). However, that's something we can't do anything about, and for now, I'm just looking forward to the match. Since this will be the 2nd Round against Urawa, I know how I will feel heading into the game. Compared to the 1st Round, the excitement for the match is stronger.
Q, The Emperor's Cup is a knockout tournament where losing means elimination. What do you think are the key points?
A, I don't know exactly how it will turn out, but I think it will be a much closer match than the previous games against Urawa. As a defensive player, I want to minimize the opponent's chances. Also, I believe set pieces are a crucial point that can decide the outcome. I want to be well prepared for everything.
<Marcelo RYAN>
Q, As you approach the Emperor's Cup quarterfinal match against Urawa Reds, please tell us your current feelings.
A, since this is a knockout tournament where losing means the end, I want to contribute to the team's victory as a top priority through my play. There were only two days between the recent Kyoto SANGA F.C. match and this one, but we have been preparing thoroughly in this short period. The coaching staff has shared a lot of information, including feedback on the match and characteristics of the opponent, so I believe we can approach the game in perfect condition.
Q: In the league matches against Urawa, you scored 2 goals in 2 games. Don't you have a good impression?
A has scored goals in both matches, so the motivation is very high. I am confident that I can score in three consecutive matches and will actively aim for it. And I will win.
Q: In the match against Kyoto, although you came on as a substitute and did not score, you showed several scenes where you approached the opponent's goal.
A, what I regret most is not being able to help the team with goals, but in the match against Urawa, I have focused solely on scoring and contributing to the victory over these two days, concentrating on delivering results in front of the goal. I want to give my all in this match to secure the win.
Q. If there is something you particularly focused on and worked hard at for a short period, please tell us about it.
A, We are facing Urawa in a tight schedule with only two days in between, so we have been preparing to enter the match in the best condition possible. This is not our first experience dealing with such a difficult schedule, so we want to sharpen our focus even more than usual.
