<Match Review>
Tokyo switches their mindset from the frustration experienced in the league matches and takes on the challenge of competing for the Emperor's Cup. Heading to Saitama Stadium 2002, the quarterfinal match against Urawa Reds is energized by the passionate chants of the blue and red fans and supporters gathered behind the goal before the start, urging the team to "Seize the Cup."
Three more to the top. Given the schedule with only two days between Sunday's match against Kyoto SANGA F.C. and the next game, and also due to contractual reasons that Motoki NAGAKURA cannot participate, Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI decided to change five starting members.
The goalkeeper is Kim Seung-gyu, who was announced to return to the South Korean national team on Monday. The back line from the right consists of Yuto Nagatomo, Alexander SCHOLZ, Henrique TREVISAN, and Teppei OKA. The defensive midfield duo is Kento HASHIMOTO and Kota TOKIWA. On the attack, Leon NOZAWA is on the right, and Marcos Guilherme is starting for the first time in blue and red on the left. The two forwards are Keigo Higashi and Marcelo. Additionally, Masato MORISHIGE was included on the bench for the first time in about a month since the previous match against Urawa on July 19.
From this round, the Emperor's Cup will adopt VAR. The match for the ticket to the Semifinal Round kicked off in the rain that started just before the game began.
1st HALF—Lost control, failing to coordinate in both offense and defense
From the start, Urawa controlled the ball for long periods, and Tokyo was unable to connect passes as they wished. The ball was played from the sides into the center, creating dangerous situations repeatedly.
In the 17th minute of the first half, Marcos sent a horizontal pass from the left side to the center, where RIAN received it and aimed with his left foot after trapping the ball, but it went straight to the goalkeeper. After that, Tokyo gradually increased their play in the opponent's territory, gaining momentum with crosses from Nagatomo and volleys from Higashi.
However, there were also cases where players put their bodies on the line to stop the opponent's counterattacks, and by the 25th minute of the first half, both defensive midfielders, Hashimoto and Tokiwa, had received yellow cards. How this will affect the game remains to be seen. Since the team is struggling to advance the ball as desired, it is important to increase movements that create passing lanes for the ball carrier in order to find a breakthrough in the attack.
After that, Urawa increased their possession rate, and while Tokyo continued to lose second balls, there were many scenes where the players' intentions did not align in attack, making it difficult to create decisive chances. They also often lost the ball they had just won due to simple mistakes, resulting in wasteful plays. Even when trying to build from the back line, there were no passing lanes, and in the 42nd minute of the first half, a ball played from the left side to the center was intercepted by the opponent, leading to a smooth counterattack finished by Kaneko with his left foot, conceding a goal. They lost the initiative in a regrettable manner.
In the first half, the team was unable to combine the unique strengths of each player or show a cohesive attacking form, and went into the break trailing by one goal.
2nd HALF—Turned the game around with two goals by Hian. Secured advancement to the Semifinal Round
Tokyo desperately wanted to change the momentum and seize victory. At halftime, Coach Matsuhashi substituted Nozawa and Oka for Kota TAWARATSUMIDA and Kashif BANGNAGANDE. Marcos was moved to the right attacker position, with the substitution aimed at boosting the attacking power on both flanks.
In the 1st minute of the second half right after the restart, Marcos dribbled through the center and passed to RIAN in front, and number 19 took a shot with his left foot. Although it missed to the left of the goal, it immediately created a big chance.
And this substitution brought an equalizing goal to the Blue-Red. In the 7th minute of the second half, player Tawara Tsukida made a vertical move near the left sideline and sent a through pass forward. Marcos, who flowed into this pass, used his proud speed to dribble forward, then Higashi connected the return pass, and RIAN skillfully turned around the opposing player and scored with a difficult right-footed shot. With an attack that fused individual strengths, Tokyo succeeded in bringing the match back to even.
At the 17th minute of the second half, Teruhito NAKAGAWA was brought on to replace Higashi as one of the two forwards. The number 39 was sent onto the pitch with the role of further smoothing the team's coordination, which had begun to show more fluid attacking play.
Tokyo, riding the momentum, continued at the 20th minute when Marcos broke free on a long feed from Scholz, skillfully trapping the ball to evade the opposing defender and regaining control, then delivering a final pass to the center. Rushing in, RIAN struck a one-touch shot with his right foot, piercing the goal and turning the match around with a decisive blow.
It was player Hian who scored two crucial goals, but at the 25th minute of the second half, he cramped his left leg and was substituted by Keita YAMASHITA in the front line. At the same time, a player substitution was made from Tokiwara to Kei KOIZUMI, using up all the substitution slots for the 90 minutes in a proactive manner.
Tokyo increased pressure from the front line, showing an aggressive attitude while controlling the ball battles. In the 35th minute of the second half, Marcos, who had been running devotedly since the first half, cramped his leg, but since there were no substitutions left, he somehow recovered and continued playing. Henrique, who was enduring Urawa's fierce attacks in front of the goal, also collapsed from fatigue in his legs. The entire team showed a desperate fight to advance.
Near the end of the second half, Marcos, who could not dash, was positioned in the center, while fresh players Nakagawa and Yamashita supported the right side. Nakagawa, observing the flow of the game and the condition of his teammates, avoided forcing runs and instead skillfully challenged in tight spaces to draw fouls, demonstrating precise judgment as he worked to lead the team to victory.
The second half additional time is displayed as 10 minutes. Against Urawa, who repeatedly send crosses from the sides in a power play, the blue and red eleven muster their last strength and all together repel the opponent's attacks.
Urawa on the attack. Tokyo holding firm—this pattern continued throughout the long additional time, which was endured until the final whistle. Approaching the Emperor's Cup quarterfinals with a strong determination to "respond to the fans' and supporters' feelings with results," the red and blue warriors gave their all in spirit and stamina, overcoming a tight schedule with only two days' rest, and secured their ticket to the Semifinal Round with a splendid comeback victory against Urawa once again.
MATCH DETAILS
<FC Tokyo>
STARTING XI
GK Kim Seung-gyu
DF Yuto NAGATOMO/Alexander Scholz/Teppei OKA (2nd half 0 min: Kashif BANGNAGANDE)/Henrique Trevisan
MF Keigo Azuma (2nd half 17 min: Teruhito NAKAGAWA)/Kento HASHIMOTO/Kouta Tokiwa (2nd half 28 min: Kei KOIZUMI)/Leon NOZAWA (2nd half 0 min: Kota Tawara)
FW Marcelo Hyan (2nd half 28 min: Keita YAMASHITA)
SUBS
GK Go HATANO
DF Masato MORISHIGE/Kanta DOI
MF Maki KITAHARA
MANAGER
Rikizo MATSUHASHI
GOAL
7th minute of the second half: Marcelo RYAN / 20th minute of the second half: Marcelo RYAN
<Urawa Reds>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Shusaku NISHIKAWA
DF Hirokazu ISHIHARA (42nd minute second half: Takuya OGIWARA) / Danilo Boza / Marius Høibråten / Yoichi NAGANUMA
MF Kaito YASUI (32nd minute second half: Taishi MATSUMOTO) / Samuel Gustafson (42nd minute second half: Genki HARAGUCHI) / Takuro KANEKO (32nd minute second half: Thiago SANTANA) / Matheus Savio / Yusuke MATSUO
FW Hiiro KOMORI (17th minute second half: Takahiro SEKINE)
SUBS
GK Ayumi NIEKAWA
DF Kenta NEMOTO
MF Tomoaki OKUBO/Kai SHIBATO
MANAGER
Maciej SKORZA
GOAL
42nd minute of the first half: Takuro KANEKO
[Interview with Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI]
Q, Please give us a review of today's match.
A, It was truly a game with difficult conditions, but I am proud of the players who fought without giving up until the end, and I am also truly grateful to the fans and supporters who backed them. I believe today's victory is a wonderful victory.
Q, Was the progression of this match as you had envisioned? Could you please explain, including the fact that one goal was conceded and the substitutions made at halftime?
A, honestly, it was not the content we had envisioned. The opponent is a team that applies a strong high press from the first half, and while we aimed to properly bypass that, just like in the league match against Kyoto, we conceded goals due to our own errors by giving the ball to the opponent. Although the lack of stability in that area remains unchanged, there has been a gradual improvement, and some parts have gotten better, so even while being attacked, we were able to create some rhythm there.
However, it wasn't about tactics; the first half had a lot of errors in the part where we were supposed to win the ball and connect to the next attack, so inevitably, we ended up spending more time defending. Even after conceding a goal in that way, I only mentioned one tactical point: since the opponent is pressing from the front, the outlet can be created here, so I asked the player in this position to move a bit more into this area. Besides that, of course, since we have to win in a knockout tournament to advance, tactics don't matter anymore—we just have to do it. We have nothing to lose. I told them not to play soccer with fear. Up until now, there had been a somewhat negative feeling, so in the pre-match meeting today, I told them to show their strengths. I conveyed that they can only compete by using those strengths. Everyone has weaknesses, and they always exist within the team, but as we cover for each other, I emphasized that both individually and as a team, they need to firmly show their strengths. In that sense, I believe that in the second half, showing those parts properly led to the comeback.
Q: The opponent has four days between matches, Tokyo has two days. Despite various concerns such as some players being unable to participate due to contract restrictions, I think your tactics were quite bold. Could you please explain the factors behind that?
A, I am not worried about the fact that some players cannot participate. The biggest concern was definitely the players' condition. Over the past two days, we have barely been able to train, and all tactical confirmations were done in the meeting before today's match. However, there was nothing special in that meeting; it was just what we have always been doing. The players who played today were expected to perform based on the matches and training so far, so there was no particular concern there. The only real worry was about their condition. But that concern turned out to be completely the opposite; players who did not play in the previous match started cramping, while those playing in consecutive matches managed to finish strong. So, I told them on the bench to teach the players who cramped how to avoid it.
Q. I think the issue so far has been a lack of finishing ability, but today you managed to score and in the end, everyone endured together for the victory. How do you plan to build on this battle going forward?
A. I believe that overcoming difficult situations definitely strengthens the team, and it is a very important point for growth. I don't think I can always approach matches in a stable, relaxed, and calm state of mind. Considering that, today there were various difficulties and anxious factors that made the players nervous at times, but throughout the 90 minutes of the match, they accepted errors and firmly connected them to the next steps. There were players who clearly showed such expressions. There are probably also players who ended without fully showing this, but I believe that this result of overcoming difficulties must absolutely be turned into great confidence, and inevitably, it becomes a significant confidence for each individual.
[Player Interview]
<Marcelo RYAN>
Q. In the first half, the attack did not go as planned and the ball rarely came around. How did you view the progression of the match?
A, in the first half, the press did not work well, and I think the team struggled overall. However, in the second half, the press functioned effectively, and we were able to create good opportunities in various aspects. As a result, we managed to turn the game around and advance to the next match.
Q: The first goal looked like a difficult shot. How did you aim for the goal and swing your foot?
A, since it was a shot while turning around, I couldn't see the goal at the moment of turning, so it was difficult to accurately grasp the position of the goal, but as a result of trusting my own sense and taking the shot, it led to a goal.
Q, The second goal was finished off with a final pass from player Marcos Guilherme.
In that scene, Marcos broke away on a counterattack with a long pass, dribbled forward, and I was waiting for a pass in front of the goal. Marcos delivered a wonderful pass, so all I had to do was score. I am grateful to Marcos.
Q. This season, you have scored 4 goals in 3 matches against Urawa.
A, I also think that is a wonderful thing. However, of course, I want to score goals that help the team in other matches as well.
Q, The Emperor's Cup next match is the Semifinal Round, but before that, there is a league match with only three days in between. How will you prepare for this?
A, first of all, I want to take a proper rest. Then, while analyzing the opposing team for the next match, I plan to proceed with preparations for the upcoming game.
<Yuto NAGATOMO>
Q: The game started off tough, conceding the first goal, but you changed the momentum in the second half. Having played the full 90 minutes, how did you feel about the flow of the match?
A, the start of the first half was far too poor. We have to consider ourselves lucky that the match wasn't decided during that period. The poor start to the match, and the fact that Urawa Reds had four days between games while we had only two, might have had an impact, but that is no excuse. The start was really too bad, and it wouldn't have been surprising if the match had been decided in the first half. We must reflect on that. However, looking at the full 90 minutes, we fought back in the second half, and the players who came on during the game changed the flow and brought momentum. When the team gained momentum, we managed to turn the game around and win, which I believe showed the team's resilience and determination.
Q. Despite the long periods of having to endure, it seems that Nagatomo himself continued to respond defensively without getting impatient.
A, being pressed that much creates a flow where "we will eventually get scored on." Even if we didn't concede at the last moment, the probability of winning becomes difficult when pressed that heavily. Personally, I played with a strong determination that I would never let it happen on my watch, but not only was the team's start poor, I also have to reflect on the fact that I couldn't bring momentum to the team from the first half.
Q, on the other hand, in the final stages of the match, I feel that Nagatomo led the team through his play to maintain the lead.
A, my condition was good, and I didn't feel like they could get through on my side. I made sure to keep it tight there, and when possible, I pushed forward to bring momentum to the attack while thinking carefully. Throughout the 90 minutes, I didn't cramp, and my physical condition was fine, so I was able to compete without any issues. I was thinking, "Everyone's cramping too much, I don't even have any tight spots," while playing (laughs).
Q, I also wore the captain's armband from the middle of the second half.
A, Whether you wear the captain's armband or not, what matters is showing it through your play. Just encouraging without demonstrating it in your play won't resonate with your teammates. I want to continue with the mindset of showing it through my play and properly becoming a role model for everyone.
Q, The Emperor's Cup is now just two titles away.
A, now that we've come this far, there's only winning the championship. No matter who the opponent is, we are only thinking about winning the cup. Having come this far, we just have to do it.
<Player Marcos Guilherme>
Q. Even though your legs were cramping towards the end of the match, I think you made a significant contribution to the team's victory with your dedicated play until the very end.
A, having not played in matches for about two months, I reflect that my condition and match rhythm were insufficient. I cramped my leg and caused trouble for the team, but I focused on playing without giving up until the very end. In the final stages of the match, seeing my teammates running and playing with full commitment motivated me even more. I believe this victory was achieved by all of us together.
Q. I think the defensive contribution to suppressing Urawa Reds' side attacks was also very high.
A, my playing style is to support the team both offensively and defensively. In the first half, I contributed defensively, and in the second half, I was able to show my presence going forward in attack. However, I still have a lot to improve. From here, I want to further enhance my condition.
Q, the team's first goal came when Marcos moved to the left and sent a cross ball in front of the goal that led to the equalizer, and the second goal was assisted by a play with speed leading to a goal by Marcelo RYAN.
A, for the first goal, I found space and moved to the left, and the ball I crossed in front of the goal hit the opposing defender and connected to RIAN. Regarding the second goal, Alexander SCHOLZ sent a wonderful ball to the front line, allowing me to bring it into a form that suits my strengths. I am grateful that RIAN calmly finished the cross ball. I want to further deepen coordination with my teammates so that my own playing style and characteristics can be utilized.
Q. During the post-match greetings, it was evident that strong emotions were welling up.
A, for about two months, I have truly endured a lot of hardship. Even in such circumstances, my family sincerely supported me and became my emotional pillar. It has been really tough up to this point, but I have been building up to seize the opportunity that will come someday. I am glad to have finished today's match in a good way, and when I went to greet the fans and supporters, I was overwhelmed with emotion. I am happy to have won in front of everyone who delivered passionate support.
