What, again with Hiratsuka!?

Since making its first appearance in the Emperor's Cup in 1994, FC Tokyo has qualified for the tournament for six consecutive years this year (previously as Tokyo Gas FC). Remarkably, they have faced Shonan Bellmare Hiratsuka three times before this day. This will be their fourth encounter, and to have met four times out of six is certainly a sign of a deep rivalry. The previous match records show that in 1994 (Expo), they faced each other in the quarter-finals and Tokyo lost 1-2; in 1997 (Mizuhō), they again met in the quarter-finals and Tokyo won 3-2 with a golden goal; and last year in 1998 (Hiratsuka), they faced off in the 3rd Round and Tokyo lost 1-2, resulting in a record of 1 win and 2 losses against them. Among these, the match in 1997 stands out. That year, Tokyo, riding high after defeating higher-ranked J-League clubs Nagoya in the 3rd Round and Yokohama M in the 4th Round, faced Hiratsuka in the quarter-finals. At that time, Hiratsuka was a team filled with popular players, including Nakata (currently at Perugia), and was a top-class team in both popularity and strength within the J-League. The match saw Tokyo's midfielder Asari marking Hiratsuka's ace Nakata closely, resulting in a balanced back-and-forth battle. Just before the end of regular time, Tokyo equalized in stoppage time, and in extra time, Okamoto scored a dramatic golden goal to secure the victory...

What kind of battle will it be this year? Both sides are in different positions than before. Tokyo has been promoted to J1 next season, while Hiratsuka has been relegated to J2. Tokyo feels the pressure of expectations from the surroundings, as if it's a matter of course to win, and Hiratsuka will surely show their determination with a "We can't afford to lose!" attitude. The unexpected calm before the match hinted at fierce combat to come. At 13:02, the curtain was raised on the first big game of the Emperor's Cup!

Tough, Tokyo!

As the match began, Hiratsuka launched a fierce attack. With intense pressure and pursuit from the front line, they stole the ball and attempted to break through with quick passing in the midfield. Tokyo was overwhelmed by the young power, with an average age of 22.6 years, far below Tokyo's 25.1 years. In contrast, Tokyo's overall movement was stiff, and their reaction to the ball was somewhat slow, seemingly bewildered by the opponent's speed. The cause may be attributed to the fact that their last two matches were against high school students, making it difficult to adapt to the speed and physical contact of a J1 team. The first goal conceded also stemmed from a mistake that would be unthinkable in league play. In the 16th minute, Fujiyama, who was holding the ball deep on the left side of his own half, failed to exchange quick passes with Sandro, who had come to support him despite the opponent's persistent defense. When the ball was stolen, a simple pass was made through the weakened center, resulting in a goal. Tokyo, having conceded the opening goal from such a poor mistake, continued to repeat easy errors, leading to ongoing crises.

Tokyo's Strength

Perhaps awakened by the initial opening punch, Tokyo regained flexibility and sharpness in their movements immediately after conceding a goal. Fujiyama's sharp interceptions began to shine, and as they adjusted to the opponent's movements overall, opportunities to win the ball increased. Once they regained possession, they spread the ball from midfield to both sides, launching speedy attacks from the right side with the Ume-yama and Yukihiko line, and from the left side with the Fujiyama and Okamoto line. In the 24th minute, Yukihiko attempted to break through on the right side and was initially caught by the opposing defender, but Ume-yama, who was supporting, quickly won the ball and passed it forward to Almir. Almir sharply cut inside and delivered a superb cross with the outside of his left foot to the center. There, Okamoto was waiting free and easily struck the equalizer.

Both teams, eager for additional goals, engaged in a fierce battle for the ball in midfield, resulting in numerous fouls. Amaral, the focal point of Tokyo's attack, was closely marked by the opposing center-back, preventing him from creating the usual plays. However, left-sided Okamoto showed good movement up front, generating opportunities not only with his runs towards the goal but also with stable hold-up play. On the defensive side, regular player Komine was sidelined due to a cold, prompting the urgent inclusion of veteran Kobayashi. He was somewhat similar to Sandro in style, taller than Komine, but there were concerns about his ability to handle quick lateral movements from speedy players. That day, Hiratsuka's two forwards were the tall Sotoike and Nishimoto, known for his sharp and unpredictable play, who created numerous chances throughout both halves. In the 40th minute, Sandro was beaten by Nishimoto on the left side of his own half, leading to a shot on goal that hit the crossbar. A player following up then pushed the ball in, allowing the opposing team to finally score an additional goal.

Just before the end of the first half, Tokyo allowed an additional goal and found themselves in a chasing position (1-2). However, on this day, Tokyo was filled with the confidence that they could "catch up at any time." As the first half was about to enter stoppage time, Almir received a pass on the left side, elegantly evading the approaching defender with a brilliant feint, and delivered a superb through ball to Okamoto, who made a vertical run. Okamoto then sent a sharp cross back into the center from just inside the goal line, where Yukihiko, who had made a run, powerfully scored to equalize! The unscripted drama was about to reach an even more dramatic climax.

Amaral's super goal & Okamoto's dramatic winning shot!

Tokyo, who wanted to gain momentum after equalizing in first-half stoppage time, found themselves behind again just one minute into the second half. A low trajectory pass sent from the left corner kick was met by Sakai, who had just entered the game, diving in to connect with his right foot, and the ball cruelly pierced the left corner of Tokyo's goal. Once again, they fell behind, but that day's Tokyo eleven believed in their own strength and continued to launch fierce attacks. In the 5th minute, Almir surged forward to shoot a ball that had gone to the left side! It was a decisive moment, but the powerful shot unfortunately went straight to the goalkeeper. On the right side, Yukihiko attempted a daring breakthrough to create a chance. Almir also delivered several decisive through passes that could lead directly to a goal, but each time they were caught by Hiratsuka's shallow defensive line. In the 35th minute, Umeyama broke through on the right side and passed to Amaral, who shot but the ball hit the goalkeeper and bounced back. In the ensuing chaos, a floating ball that resembled a shot almost entered the goal, but it was cleared desperately by Hiratsuka's defense. In the 37th minute, Fujiyama dribbled through on the left and crossed to the center where Amaral headed the ball! Unfortunately, the shot went over the bar. Tokyo was completely in control, but in the 39th minute, the balance was finally broken. Fujiyama, who had repeatedly broken through on the left side, dribbled past three defenders and moved to the center. Sandro, who had moved up, received the ball and lightly passed it to Almir on the right. Almir then passed to Yamao, who had broken forward, with a perfect loop pass directly with his right foot to Amaral, who was waiting about 20 meters in front of the goal. Amaral unleashed a powerful volley shot with his right foot! The goalkeeper couldn't move a step, and the ball pierced the left corner of the goal. At this point, it was all Tokyo's. The difference in momentum between them and Hiratsuka was evident. In the end, no more goals were scored, and the match went into extra time. Many likely recalled the Bellmare match from two years ago at this moment. There was a sense that something was about to happen.

Just before the end of the second half, the defender who had been persistently fouling Amaral was sent off, leaving Hiratsuka with ten men and no momentum. As the match went into extra time, it was completely at Tokyo's pace. Then, in the 6th minute of the first half of extra time, a counterattack led to a beautiful series of passes between Amaral, Okamoto, and Enomoto, and Enomoto unleashed a powerful low shot from a distance at a right angle! The goalkeeper managed to deflect it, but Okamoto was there to easily push it in, defeating Hiratsuka with an extra time golden goal, just like two years ago. And once again, it was the Emperor's Cup man, Okamoto, who scored the decisive goal.

Next, we will finally face this year's J-League champion, Júbilo Iwata (Note: The opponent will be decided on 12/15. As of 12/12, this is just a prediction). We have faced them during the JFL era (when they were Yamaha), but this will be our first match since they became Júbilo Iwata. The odds are naturally in favor of Iwata, but if Tokyo, free from pressure, fights with a challenging attitude, there is certainly a possibility of stirring things up again. Our goal is to recreate the "Tokyo whirlwind"!

Director Okuma's Comments

At first, the transition from high school students (to matches against the team) to J (matches against league clubs) did not go well, but it gradually improved after we conceded the first goal. However, it was disappointing that the goals we conceded that day were all due to our own mistakes and lack of concentration. If we continue to play like this in the future, we won't be able to win, and I want to make corrections once again. Since this is my first match against Jubilo, I want to clash with them wholeheartedly. I think we will see both good and bad aspects, so it will be a valuable match. Our goal for the Emperor's Cup is not about what rank we achieve, but rather to fight against as many strong J teams as possible, hoping it will be a good experience for the players.