Last Chance to Win the Title

　The 81st Emperor's Cup All Japan Soccer Championship, which marks the end of 2001 and the beginning of 2002, has begun. The tournament has already reached the 2nd round, and J1's FC Tokyo will make their appearance in the 3rd round today. After finishing the league season two weeks ago, it was announced that manager Ohkuma will retire at the end of this season, making the team's situation different from previous years. However, this is also the last chance for them to win a title. Their opponent is Yokohama FC, who have advanced through the 1st and 2nd rounds. Against a J2 league team, a certain victory is expected at their "home" stadium, Tokyo Stadium.

Fujiyama, who fought through the league match, is now out of action due to surgery. Ito, Sandro, Amaral, and others are also dealing with injuries, and today's Tokyo lineup is Umayama, Komine, Yamao, and Minoru Kobayashi from the right in defense. In the midfield, Miura and Kina. On the wings, Sato on the right and Masamitsu Kobayashi on the left. Kelly and Toda will be up front.

On the other hand, Yokohama FC has a "2-back" formation with two registered DFs. Of course, four MFs cover the final line, but they also have a super attacking formation with four FWs. Up front, we can see the energetic figures of former FC Tokyo player Kamiya and current loan player Sakai as a stopper. This is a match where they want to show their determination.

Yokohama FC struggling with clear soccer

　Immediately after the kickoff, Yokohama FC's FW Masuda took a middle shot, showing his determination for this match. In the first minute, Tokyo's Toda used his speed to break through the DF line, but was unable to shoot due to Yokohama FC's fast defense. Gradually, with aggressive pressing and quick counterattacks, Yokohama FC took control of the game.

　Yokohama FC's aim is clear, with FW Ono and Kanno receiving the ball at the post and spreading it to the side, or FW Yoshitake and left MF Morita breaking through the side and crossing into the middle, repeating their attacks. Tokyo also distributes well-timed balls to left side players Kobayashi and Toda, starting from Kina, but they struggle to get past the opposing DF's checks and take shots. In particular, on the right side, Sato is facing a tough situation as he is marked by Yokohama FC's MF Morita. In the 16th minute, Toda heads down a cross from Sato on the right side, and Kelly connects with Kobayashi in the penalty area, but is unable to take a shot. In the 17th minute, Kina passes to Toda, who then connects with Kelly again, and Sato makes a run, but is blocked by the DF. In the following 18th minute, Toda breaks through to the back of the DF with a long ball, and is challenged and brought down in the penalty area, but no whistle is blown. In the 19th minute, a high header from Yamao from a corner kick goes wide to the left of the goal.

　Yokohama FC quickly turns to attack after taking the ball with a tough press, and the intention to boldly aim for the goal has permeated the players. In the 20th minute, Ono took a shot from a quick attack after Yoshitake's cross from the right side. In the 27th minute, Ono connected the ball from a corner kick. In the 32nd minute, Komine hesitated on where to send the ball, and Ono stole it and took a shot. Then, in the 35th minute, MF Takagi took a shot without hesitation when he saw no pressure in the midfield. Tokyo GK Doi initially blocked it, but the ball was picked up by Kamiya and scored. Tokyo couldn't find their pace and gave up the first goal. At the end of the first half, Yokohama had 7 shots while Tokyo had 2. It was a situation where they were bound to give up a goal after being taken away.

Lost the first game with a fierce attack, a disappointing defeat

　Tokyo made a substitution, replacing Toda with Kaga at the start of the second half. Kaga was placed at the front line, finally starting to create attacking opportunities. However, they were unable to break through the solid defense of Yokohama FC, centered around stopper Sakai and Komatsuzaki. In the 51st minute, Kobayashi made a run towards the goal from the left side of the penalty area, but the opposing GK was quick to catch the ball. In the 54th minute, Kaga received a return pass from Miura on the left side and made a solo run towards the goal, but his final pass was cut off by a DF. In the 55th minute, Kelly passed to Kina on the left side, but once again they were stopped by the DF. Later, a well-aimed header from Kina from a right corner kick was saved by the GK. Then, from a short corner, Yamao made a header shot from Miura's cross. In the 58th minute, Yamao, who had stayed up front after a counterattack, took a forceful shot from a set piece. In the 60th minute, Kelly received a free kick in the front line and passed to Miura for a shot, but they were unable to find the back of the net. The pressure from Yokohama FC only intensified, and in the 63rd minute, Kina dribbled into the penalty area from the left side and appeared to be fouled, but no call was made.

　In the 64th minute, Fukuda was brought in at the top in place of Sei Kobayashi, and Kagami was moved to left half. In the 71st minute, Miyazawa was substituted for Umayama. Tokyo will face the game with all their might, with Miura moving to right side back. From the 75th minute, Sato started to win the ball on the right side and put pressure on the Yokohama FC goal. In the 76th minute, Kelly connected with a ground cross from Miyazawa, but the shot was poorly executed and was cut off by a defender. Immediately after, Kelly connected with a cross from Miura, but the GK caught it. In the 81st minute, Sato was brought down in front of the goal, but Minoru Kobayashi picked up the ball and charged into the penalty area for a shot, which was saved by the GK. On the other hand, Yokohama FC did not rush their attacks, but they were determined to end with a shot and were able to push up to the goal.

　Tokyo continued to put balls into the goal from the right side with Sato as the starting point, but they just couldn't break through. In the 88th minute, Fukuda's header went just over the top of the goal. In the 89th minute and 58 seconds, Kelly's powerful overhead also missed the target. The tension was high as the clock ticked down, and finally the whistle blew... Yokohama FC's aggressive soccer put them on the defensive, and they ended up losing in the last game of this disappointing season.

Oguma Tokyo, Tomorrow's Regret

　After the match, coach Okuma said, "It's a very disappointing result, but if we were missing even one of our mind, technique, or physicality, it would have been a game like today. It turned into a game of 'this is football'. Both myself and the players need to humbly accept this result and work on improving individually." On the other hand, Yokohama FC coach Shindo said, "Regardless of the opponent, I am proud that we stuck to our clear style and played aggressive football at a high level."

　Looking back, in this Emperor's Cup in '94, Tokyo Gas led by interim coach Okuma defeated Kashima Antlers, led by ZICO, and advanced to the best 8. It can be said that this was the beginning of the history of "Okuma Tokyo". And since then, they have experienced numerous giant killings in cup competitions, as well as winning the JFL and promotion to J1. After two years in J1, they have become a team to be targeted, ironically. Last year it was Kofu, this year it's Yokohama FC, seeing us in the past. However, today's defeat is bitter and pathetic, but FC Tokyo has undoubtedly continued to move forward from the JFL to the top league. For 7 years, without resting a single game or day, sometimes in the sun and sometimes in the shade, the achievements of coach Okuma, who has faithfully built the foundation of FC Tokyo, are immeasurable.

That's why we move forward. Under the guidance of coach Ohkuma, FC Tokyo has connected dreams in various ways. We must never forget that and not waste any experience as we head towards the future in the upcoming season. We aim to be a team that continues to win and now, we put an end to one era and begin a new challenge.

"From Coach Ooguma to Everyone"

"It's disappointing to end the game like this, but both myself and the players have realized that we need to improve our mind, technique, and physical abilities as individuals. I believe the key to success is how much we can endure and absorb from various experiences. If we can do that, we will definitely become a great team. I will also do my best, so I ask for your continued support and expectations."

　In this season's league, we finished last in the 7th round of the 1st stage, but ultimately we were able to fight through and finish in 8th place in the J1 league. This was truly thanks to everyone's support. Whether it was good times or bad times, you always stood by us. Just like humans, in times of struggle, we needed the support that would be a good medicine for the team. I am truly filled with gratitude.

　If asked if I have continued to grow for 7 years, I cannot help but say I do not know. As football continues to become more global, it has been a daily process of constantly questioning and reflecting on my goals. Of course, there are regrets as well. However, each experience has taught me something and I realize that I must continue to build upon them in order to be able to defeat any opponent in the future.

　Thank you very much to all the people, supporters, sponsors, and media who have supported and built FC Tokyo over the past 7 years. We are truly grateful.