＜Previous Match: Fagiano Okayama Review＞
Tokyo took control from the early stages, mixing simple attacks aiming behind the defense while maintaining possession. They advanced the game in the opponent's half and showed a solid style of play by immediately trying to regain the ball even after losing possession.
Despite being blocked by Fagiano Okayama's solid defense with a five-back formation protecting the goal, the team took control of the match and at the start of the second half, the blue and red hotline finally opened. Takahiro KO's perfectly aimed pass was met by Keito Sato, who broke free and showed a soft trap with the outside of his right foot, quickly sliding the ball in with his right foot to score the opening goal. Wearing number 16, who demonstrated an outstanding scoring sense, dashed straight toward the goal stand and shared the joy with the fans and supporters who were cheering in the rain.
Tokyo continued to add depth and variation to their attack in order to break through the opponent's defensive line. Not only did one of the two forwards drop back to the midfield to receive the ball, but the defensive midfielder also pushed up near the penalty area, creating a formation resembling one forward with two shadow strikers. They adjusted their system while observing the opponent's response, aiming to break down Okayama's solid defense.
At one point, Tokyo conceded a goal from a corner kick, allowing the score to be tied, but the goddess of victory smiled upon Tokyo, who continued their attack without haste. In the 43rd minute of the second half, Sato once again broke free from Tak's floating pass, dribbled past the opposing goalkeeper with his first touch, and Kota TAWARATSUMIDA pushed the ball in to take the lead. Then, in the 45th minute, Sato received a sideways pass from Tak and scored a grounded mid-range shot, sealing the victory.
Continuously probing for weaknesses in the first half, they broke through Okayama's solid defense with adaptive soccer in the second half, securing a comfortable 3-1 victory and confirming their stay in the J1 League. While issues remain with conceding goals from set pieces, this was a significant win that showcased the team's overall strength in ball challenges, quick transitions, and strong competitive spirit.
This Round's Preview
The evolution and true value of "Rikizo Tokyo" will be tested in this two-game series. The venue is Japan National Stadium. As a home game for FC Machida Zelvia, the Meiji Yasuda J1 League Sec. 36 match will see the Blue-Red Army invade "Our National".
Tokyo will face Machida consecutively in this weekend's league match and the Emperor's Cup Semifinal Round next weekend. Since Machida was promoted to the J1 League last season, Tokyo has faced them three times and lost each match. Naturally, everyone is eager to erase that frustration in these two consecutive games. Teruhito NAKAGAWA, reflecting on past battles, expressed his determination: "We want to redeem ourselves here. This will be a match where we must fight for Tokyo's pride. We want to win here and gain momentum for the Emperor's Cup."
Since Sec. 28 against Nagoya Grampus on August 31, Tokyo has faced teams using a five-back system in 6 out of 8 matches, gradually building up their tactical approach and gameplay, clearly becoming capable of flexible soccer. Especially in the previous match against Fagiano Okayama, the players carefully assessed the opponent's positioning and scored 3 goals. Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI also expressed his expectations for further changes in the attack on the pitch, saying, "During the game, we can see many of their own creative ideas. It would be even better if they have the mindset to try not only correct decisions but also to find interesting ways to challenge."
Machida, currently in 6th place with 16 wins, 9 draws, and 10 losses. This season, they are participating in the AFC Champions League Elite (ACLE) and have recorded 1 win, 2 draws, and 1 loss in the league stage so far. On Tuesday this week, they faced Melbourne City FC (Australia) at home. They conceded an own goal immediately after the start, giving the opponent the opening goal, and allowed the final goal near the end, losing 1-2. The team has only scored multiple goals in official matches since September once, in the ACLE match against Shanghai Port on October 21, highlighting their current struggle with scoring power.
However, they have still been able to create solid chances, scoring 13 goals from set pieces and 12 goals from crosses in the league matches. These two patterns account for more than half of the team's total goals. Long throws are also a threat, and the strategy of placing a target player up front to simply deliver long balls and fight to win the second ball remains unchanged. Since they are expected to show a strong rebound mentality, battles for the ball will likely become even more important than before.
The player to particularly watch out for is Soma, who has also achieved results as a member of the Japan national team. He is an attacker involved in decisive moments with his vertical breakthroughs, cut-in shots, and long throws. Coach Matsuhashi is also cautious, saying, "He is a key player. His strengths are being fully utilized."
And as expected, the key lies in countermeasures against set pieces, which Machida excels at. This has also been a challenge for Tokyo, and they have been thoroughly practicing and preparing to handle it. It is not difficult to predict that the opponent will focus on this aspect in their strategy, but Coach Matsuhashi expressed confidence, saying, "We definitely want them to bring that to the forefront. We have prepared thoroughly, including repeated practice, to the extent that we can confidently overturn it."
The consecutive matches leading up to the Emperor's Cup Semifinal Round, along with the three consecutive losses since last season, tend to draw a lot of focus. However, the coach and players are not overly conscious of the past or the future and are concentrating on this week's game. Coach Matsuhashi said, "Past situations and data have no impact. It's about how firmly we hold our mindset and fight." Meanwhile, Kyo SATO, who scored 2 goals and made 1 assist in the previous match, stated, "Of course, we intend to win both games, but first, we focus on how to win the match in front of us." With this determined mindset, they are preparing to head to the National Stadium for a must-win battle.
The key points against the opponent's style of long balls, set pieces, and high press will likely be strength in close ball situations and winning one-on-one battles. Captain Kei KOIZUMI states, "By firmly getting into the game, chances will naturally come to us. It is important not to lose in simple one-on-one plays, and everyone understands the opponent's way of fighting. We want to avoid being passive and firmly win the battles in each phase."
The soccer built up since the pre-season camp is steadily bearing fruit. To prove this with results and make it a "harvest autumn," we want to take 3 points from Machida this week, turning confidence into conviction as we move forward in the following weeks. The blue and red army will stand on the National pitch, aiming to surpass the opponent with a spirited battle.
[Interview with Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI]
Q. As a reflection on the match against Fagiano Okayama, please evaluate both offense and defense.
A, it was a match where we achieved good results. Not only were we able to express the aspects we aimed for, but I also think the best point was that everyone was able to play with aligned focus regardless of the situation.
Sanfrecce Hiroshima has been facing teams based on a three-back formation, including Okayama, and even before the match against Yokohama F.Marinos, the opponents used systems with either three-back or five-back formations. Of course, each team has different strengths and talents. However, although there were moments in the matches where we were outmatched by the opponents, overall, I believe we were able to effectively suppress the strengths of each opponent in every game.
In terms of offense, considering that the targeted form has been expressed, the players gradually began to get used to it as they faced opponents with similar systems repeatedly, and I believe that this effort was reflected in the results of the Okayama match.
Q. Along with the results of building up, I think there has been growth in the aspect of playing soccer while paying more attention to the opponent.
A, each player has truly remarkable abilities, and the "players' own ingenuity" has become clearer with each match. Moreover, it doesn't seem that they choose these methods simply because they are orthodox or correct; rather, it appears they are trying them out of interest and a desire to challenge themselves. I feel that the number of players who can do ten things when told one is increasing individually, and I believe this is the result of repeated practice and confirmation in both offense and defense.
Q, This week's league match and the Emperor's Cup Semifinal Round on the 16th will both be against FC Machida Zelvia.
A, we are only thinking about winning. Since it will be consecutive matches against Machida, the first game is especially important, and winning is crucial to improve our league standings even a little. We want to firmly express what we have built up so far.
As for Machida's impression, special caution is needed for Soma's play. His dribbling breakthroughs, crosses, and shots are very effective, and the team also has strengths in set plays. I think they are a wonderful team that is steadily progressing. That is why we want to prove our strength by surpassing such an opponent.
[Player Interview]
<Player Kei Sato>
Q, It will be a two-game series against FC Machida Zelvia.
A, we intend to win both the league matches and the Emperor's Cup. However, it is important to first win the upcoming match. I don't want to talk too much about the future right now, but I am thinking that after finishing the league matches, there will be the Emperor's Cup matches ahead. Based on the challenges and achievements from the league matches, I want to approach each match carefully and fight hard, one game at a time.
Q. What is your impression of Machida?
A, the impression is that they are a team that frequently uses long balls. However, they also have many good players in midfield, and the quality of their passing work in the attacking third and middle zone is high. There are many high-quality players on the sides and wing backs, and there are also players in the attacking midfield who actively take on opponents, making them a very troublesome team both offensively and defensively. I think they are a very solid team.
Q. Which part do you think will be the key to victory?
A, in terms of offense, who uses the opponent's space will be the key to the match. Whether the forward player uses the open space, the defensive midfielder invades and uses it, or the fullback moves inside. There are various patterns, so I think that will be the key. Defensively, it is important not to lose in one-on-one situations. Machida has highly skilled players like Soma, so it is crucial to prevent them from delivering crosses or to respond firmly even if they do. We have been continuously practicing dealing with crosses and set pieces, so I think that will also be a key factor.
Q: In the past few matches, there have been many comments that player Sato's condition has been good and his performance has been high. How do you want to contribute to the team through your play?
A, like in the previous match against Fagiano Okayama, my role now is to score goals, provide assists, run the most in the team, play tough defense, appear in various positions during attacks, and participate in build-up play. When I think about my future growth, I see this as part of the process to become a perfect player. I want to approach this with the mindset of "I'll do it all myself."
<Kei KOIZUMI>
Q. I think these will be two matches where we have to show our determination.
A, we will continue to face the same opponent, but the most important thing is the match in front of us. I want to focus on winning the upcoming match without thinking too much about the next one. Right now, both for myself and the team, I am solely focused on "winning."
Q, Player Koizumi himself has started in all matches against FC Machida Zelvia in the J1 League so far, but has not been able to secure a victory.
A, since Machida was promoted to the J1 League, we have never been able to win against them, so we need to show our determination. This season's home game was a frustrating match both as a team and individually. Not only personally, but also as a team, we want to firmly show our determination in the remaining matches.
Q. What do you think are the key points to winning against Machida?
A, I think it's about how we start the match. If we can properly get into the game, it won't be a difficult match, and naturally, chances will come to us. Simply put, we need to firmly handle the basics, such as not losing in one-on-one situations. Ultimately, I believe these are the things that decide the outcome, so I want to do it properly.
Q. I think second balls are also an important factor that can decide the outcome of the match.
A, of course, the one-on-one situations are important, but if we lose out on the battle for second balls, the rhythm of the game will be taken away from us. If we can firmly outperform Machida in that aspect, I believe Tokyo will gain the rhythm. Both as a team and individually, we want to be conscious of that and work on it.
