Proceed with the game in a good rhythm, but end up with a scoreless draw at halftime.

"AET CUP 2014" 3rd-4th place final round will be against PFC KRYLIA SOVETOV SAMARA FC (Russia). Both teams have lost their first match in a penalty shootout, so they both want to win and end the tournament on a high note. It has been a tough schedule with a training camp in Okinawa and a trip to Hong Kong, but each individual wants to fully demonstrate their own strength and contribute to the team's success.

Tokyo made significant changes to their lineup from the first match. Shioda in goal, Morishige and Yoshimoto returning from injury as center backs, and Nozawa as anchor. Edu was placed as forward, and they approached the game with a 4-3-3 formation. The match took place at Hong Kong Stadium, with clear weather just like the first match. The game, which they want to end their long journey from Okinawa with a victory, kicked off at 2:45 PM in Tokyo.

Tokyo continued to attack the opponent's territory from the first half. In the 6th minute, Mita picked up a loose ball from Ota's left CK and passed it to Watanabe on the left side. Watanabe tried to break through but was fouled. In the 14th minute, Kono, Edu, and Yonemoto connected with a direct pass on the right side, and finally to Tokunaga who ran up the right side. From here, a floating cross was sent in and Mita in the center headed it, but it went over the frame.

At 22 minutes, from a free kick just outside the right side area, the ball is cleared once but then connected again to Watanabe on the free right side. Edu, who was waiting in the middle, traps the ball and takes a left foot shot, but it is blocked by the defense. The opponent also has a small amount of individual movement, but they firmly connect passes based on individual skills and look for chances by putting long balls from the defense into the goal area. However, the center back combination of Morishige and Yoshimoto work together well to defend.

At 36 minutes, Edu received a foul in a great position to take a free kick after receiving a vertical pass from Watanabe near the area. Ota aimed for the goal but narrowly missed above the frame. As a result, both teams went into halftime with a scoreless tie.

Unfruitful attack...defeat with no points

Tokyo substituted Matheus for Morishige at halftime. However, just one minute into the second half, they conceded the first goal due to a slow response to the opponent's long ball. The opponent took control of the game and Tokyo made substitutions in the 55th minute with Hirayama and Ishikawa, and in the 56th minute with Higashi in an attempt to turn the tide. However, they were unable to break through and the game remained in a stalemate. As the opponent began to show signs of fatigue, Tokyo started to control the ball and launch counterattacks.

65 minutes, Tokunaga -> Hirayama keeps the ball on the right side and crosses it to the center. Watanabe reacts and tries to aim with his right foot, but the defender blocks it. East reacts to the loose ball and shoots with his right foot, but the goalkeeper saves it. In the 69th minute, Hanyu is substituted for Yonemoto, and Tokyo's rhythm changes. In the 80th minute, Hirayama keeps the ball in the area and East on the left -> Ishikawa shoots with his right foot. It narrowly misses the goal to the right.

82 minutes, Ishikawa crosses from the right side. Hirayama waits at the left goal and takes a left foot shot from a chest trap. It was a decisive chance, but no goal. In the 86th minute, Ota overlaps on the left side and sends a pinpoint cross to Hirayama. Hirayama takes a powerful header, but... it goes over the bar. In additional time, Watanabe drops the ball from the left side after stealing it from the opponent's deep position. Hirayama takes a shot, but the defender blocks it. Ishikawa tries a right foot volley, but it goes just above the bar.

Unable to shake the net despite launching a fierce attack until the end, resulting in defeat. Ended the tournament in 4th place.

[Player Comments]
《MoriShige》
「Today, it was a personal achievement to be able to play for 45 minutes. It was my first time back with the team in a while, but I played with the awareness of what I have been doing in practice. It's frustrating that we didn't get the result we wanted today, but I believe we can overcome the challenges we faced here by continuing to play and practice."
"We believe that what we are working on as a team is not wrong, and we want to continue without wavering."

"Hanyu"
"Today's game was one where results were expected, so the fact that the team couldn't win is the biggest point of reflection. Personally, even though it was a short time, I think I was able to show my play firmly."
(When I came on as a substitute) I was conscious of playing in a way that could bring the team's tempo and momentum, and as a defensive midfielder, I was focused on showing my face and moving forward. I still feel like I haven't made enough of an impression, but I want to understand what is expected of me as a team and continue to improve. I want to work hard to become a good team by the start of the season."
 

[Summary of Massimo FICCADENTI's press conference]
"I think the first half was fantastic. We created many chances and everyone moved well. In the second half, there were some moments where our concentration dropped after conceding a goal, but considering our current condition, I am satisfied with the players' performance. I believe that if our condition and quality of play improve, the results will also change."

[Krylia Sovetov Samara - Alexandre Hidaka's Press Conference Summary]
"I feel grateful to have played against a great team. Tokyo was a tough team and they created many chances with their organized play, but we were able to defend well and I am satisfied with the result."