Although we progressed the match in a good rhythm, we went into halftime with a scoreless draw.

The "AET CUP 2014" 3rd-4th place playoff will be against PFC KRYLIA SOVETOV SAMARA FC (Russia). Both teams lost their first matches in penalty shootouts, so each team is determined to win and finish the tournament on a high note. Despite the tough schedule from the training camp in Okinawa to the expedition in Hong Kong, each individual wants to fully demonstrate their abilities and showcase the results of their efforts as a team.

Tokyo made significant changes to the lineup from the first match. Shioda is in goal, with Morishige and Yoshimoto returning from injury as center-backs, and Nozawa as the anchor. Edu is positioned as a forward, and they will approach the match with a 4-3-3 formation. The Hong Kong Stadium was clear and sunny, just like the first match. This match, which they want to conclude the long expedition from Okinawa with a victory, kicked off at 14:45 with Tokyo's kickoff.

From the first half, Tokyo continues to invade the opponent's territory and attack. In the 6th minute, Ota's left corner kick leads to a loose ball that Mita picks up and passes to Watanabe on the left side. Watanabe attempts to break through but is called for a foul. In the 14th minute, a direct pass sequence from Kono to Edu to Yonemoto on the right side connects, and finally, Tokunaga, who surged up the right side, delivers a floating cross. Mita heads it but it goes over the goal.

In the 22nd minute, from a free kick just outside the right side of the area, the ball was cleared once but was quickly passed back to Watanabe, who was free on the right side. Edu, waiting in the middle, attempted a left-footed shot after trapping the ball, but it was blocked by the defense. Although the opponent's individual movements were limited, they connected passes based on solid individual skills and sent long balls from the defense into the goal area to create chances. However, the center-back duo of Morishige and Yoshimoto coordinated well to defend.

In the 36th minute, Edu received a foul just outside the area from a vertical pass by Watanabe, earning a free kick in a great position. Ota aimed for the goal but just missed over the crossbar. In the end, both teams went into halftime scoreless.

Despite the relentless attack... defeated without scoring

Tokyo substituted Matheus for Morishige at halftime. Then, just one minute into the second half, they allowed the opponent to score first due to a delayed response to a long ball. After that, unlike the first half, they were dominated by the opponent, who aggressively pushed forward. Tokyo brought in Hirayama and Ishikawa in the 55th minute. Furthermore, they tried to shift the momentum by bringing in Azuma in the 56th minute, but it did not go well. A stalemate continued between both teams, but as the opponent began to show signs of fatigue, Tokyo started to circulate the ball and launched a counterattack.

In the 65th minute, Tokunaga was substituted for Hirayama, who kept the ball on the right side and delivered a low cross to the center. Watanabe reacted and tried to shoot with his right foot, but the defender blocked it. Higashi reacted to the loose ball and took a shot with his right foot, but the goalkeeper made a save. In the 69th minute, Hanyu was brought on for Yonemoto, and Tokyo quickly found their rhythm. In the 80th minute, Hirayama, who stole the ball in the area, kept it and passed to Higashi on the left side of the area, who then passed to Ishikawa, who shot with his right foot. This went just slightly to the right of the goal.

In the 82nd minute, Ishikawa delivered a cross from the right side. Hirayama, waiting on the left side of the goal, controlled the ball with his chest and took a left-footed shot. It was a decisive chance, but he couldn't score. In the 86th minute, Ota, who overlapped on the left side, sent a pinpoint cross to Hirayama. Hirayama unleashed a powerful header, but it went over the bar. During stoppage time, Higashi stole the ball deep on the opponent's left side and passed it to Watanabe in the center, who set up Hirayama for a shot. Ishikawa aimed for a right-footed volley after a defender blocked it, but it just went over the bar.

Despite launching a furious attack until the end, we were unable to shake the net and lost the match. We finished the tournament in 4th place.

[Player Comments]
"Morishige"
"Today, my personal gain was being able to play solidly for 45 minutes. It has been a while since I joined the team, but I played with the awareness of what I have been practicing until now. I am disappointed that we didn't get a result today, but I believe that the only way to overcome the issues that arose here is to continue to work through them in matches and practices going forward."
We all believe that what we are working on as a team is not wrong, and we want to move forward without wavering.

Hanyu
"Today was a match where results were required, so the biggest point of reflection is that the team could not win. Personally, although it was a short time, I was able to properly show my play."
(Regarding coming on as a substitute) I focused on playing in a way that could bring the team's tempo and momentum, and even though I entered as a defensive midfielder, I was conscious of showing my face and moving forward. I still think my self-promotion is lacking, but I want to thoroughly understand what is required of me as part of the team and improve even more. I want to work hard to become a good team by the start of the season.
 

【Summary of Coach Massimo FICCADENTI's Press Conference】
"I think the performance in the first half was wonderful. We created chances multiple times, and everyone was able to move well. In the second half, there were moments when we lost focus after conceding a goal, but considering the current condition, I feel that the players' performance was satisfactory. I believe that as the condition and quality of play improve, the results will change as well."

【Summary of the Press Conference of Director Alexandre HIDAKA of Krylia Sovetov Samara】
I feel that I was able to compete against a wonderful team. Tokyo was a difficult team to play against, and they were very organized and created many chances, but we were able to defend well, and I am satisfied with the result.