A match we cannot lose

Today's Frontale was fired up. No one expected the three consecutive opening losses until the previous match. Losing today’s game would not only mean a fourth consecutive opening loss but also the worst-case scenario of being defeated at home by their "archrival" Tokyo, so it was natural for them to be highly motivated. On the other hand, Tokyo, who came as the away team, also could not afford to lose since they had lost the previous match. The "Blue-Red Army" behind the goal was more energized than usual, fiercely cheering as if this were their home ground. From the start of the first half, intense fighting spirit clashed. Frontale broke through with Tinga’s persistent and sharp dribbling and early crosses to the tall forwards. Although not in the best condition, former Japan national team player Iwamoto’s presence was significant, with his set-piece kicks being accurate and sharp, creating multiple chances. Tokyo, in response, built rhythm with Amaral’s stable hold-up play and Okamoto’s passionate charges. Fullbacks Fujiyama and Umeyama actively joined the attack from interceptions, creating chances. In defense, Asari stopped Tinga with fierce charges, and Sandro closely marked the tall forward Uemura, not allowing him to work freely. As both managers said in the post-match press conference, both teams moved well, and the game developed into an exciting match with speedy and dynamic transitions between offense and defense.

Amaral's Big Explosion

The center of Tokyo's attack was undoubtedly "KING OF TOKYO" Amaral. As if to release the frustration from the previous match, he actively engaged with the ball and created Tokyo's rhythm with stable hold-up play. Then, in the 5th minute of the second half, Amaral, who ran onto a ball connected by Fujiyama and Almir on the left side, scored a magnificent goal to secure a valuable opening point. Tokyo continued to attack relentlessly, and in the 18th minute of the second half, Okamoto broke free on the right side and took a shot. After the goalkeeper deflected it, Okamoto shot again! The goalkeeper deflected this one too, and in the end, Amaral scored a magnificent second goal. The Tokyo eleven was filled with joy. At that moment, no one doubted victory...

An unexpected equalizer. And a draw.

Tokyo is gaining momentum more and more. However, Frontale, centered around Thales and Iwamoto, fiercely launched attacks to show their determination. Then, at the 25th minute of the second half, Horiike rushed out to punch a cross from the right, and the ball went to Iwamoto. Iwamoto calmly scored, narrowing the gap to one goal. The back-and-forth battle continued afterward, but the pace gradually shifted to Frontale. Frontale, eager to score a second goal, increased the number of passes to the tall forward Uemura. Until then, they had somehow defended mainly with Sandro and Horiike, but finally, in stoppage time, Uemura dropped the ball, allowing Takada to score the equalizer. The Tokyo eleven were stunned by the last-minute equalizer.The first overtime of the season was a one-sided development in favor of Frontale. The momentum between the team that caught up at the end and the team that was caught was obvious. Frontale, originally top-class in individual ability in J2, relentlessly threatened the Tokyo goal. In attack, Iwamoto freely orchestrated plays; in defense, they showed fierce fighting spirit and physical commitment. Tokyo also continuously brought in Kaburagi, Kobayashi, and Kagami, but before Frontale’s determination, they could not change the outcome, and the final whistle blew.At the post-match press conference, Frontale’s coach BETO called today’s game the best game. On the other hand, coach Okuma said, “We endured well without losing balance amid the away team’s pressing mood. It’s a shock to have missed victory by just a little, but the content is improving.” Indeed, it has improved remarkably compared to the previous match, but it was a regrettable game. We look forward to the next match against Montedio Yamagata.