Crucial Match

Frontale was fired up today. No one expected them to start the season with three consecutive losses. If they lose today's game, it will be their fourth consecutive loss and they will also be defeated by their "archrival" Tokyo at home, which is the worst-case scenario. It's a must-win game for Tokyo as well, as they are coming off a loss in the previous round. The "Blue and Red Army" in the stands is even more energized than usual, and they are cheering fiercely as if this were their home ground. The match was intense from the start. Frontale broke through with TInga's persistent and sharp dribbling and early crosses to their tall forwards. Despite not being in the best condition, former Japan national team player Iwamoto's presence was crucial, as his set-piece kicks were accurate and sharp, creating multiple chances. On the other hand, Tokyo created rhythm through Amaral's stable post play and Okamoto's passionate runs. Fullbacks Fujiyama and Umeyama also actively joined the attack from interceptions to create chances. In defense, Asari stopped TInga with fierce challenges, and Sandro marked tall forward Uemura tightly, not giving him any freedom to work. As both coaches mentioned in the post-match press conference, both teams showed great movement and played a dynamic game with speedy attacks and defense.

Amaral Big Explosion

The center of Tokyo's attack was undoubtedly "KING OF TOKYO" Amaral. He actively involved himself with the ball and created a stable post-play to set the rhythm for Tokyo, seemingly releasing his frustration from the previous match. Then, in the 5th minute of the second half, Amaral ran in to score a spectacular goal after receiving a pass from Fujiyama and Almir on the left side, giving Tokyo a valuable lead. Continuing to dominate the game, Tokyo's Okamoto broke through on the right side in the 18th minute and took a shot that was saved by the keeper, only for Okamoto to take another shot and Amaral to score a second goal with a powerful strike. The Tokyo Eleven were ecstatic. At this point, no one doubted their victory...

Unbelievable tie. And a draw.

Tokyo, which is gaining momentum, but Frontale also shows its determination by attacking fiercely with Tiga and Iwamoto at the center. And in the 25th minute of the second half, Horiike jumps out to a cross from the right and punches the ball to Iwamoto. Iwamoto calmly scores, closing the gap to one point. The back and forth battle continues, but the pace gradually shifts to Frontale. In order to score a second goal, Frontale increases the number of times they pass to tall FW Uemura. Up until now, they have managed to defend against Sandro and Horiike, but in the end, they were defeated by Uemura in stoppage time, allowing a tying goal by Takada. Tokyo Eleven is stunned by the tying goal at the end of the game. The first overtime of the season was dominated by Frontale. The momentum of the team that caught up at the end and the team that was caught up with was clear. Frontale, who is already one of the top teams in J2 in terms of individual abilities, relentlessly threatens the Tokyo goal. Iwamoto freely builds up the attack, and defends with fierce determination. Tokyo also brings in Kaburagi, Kobayashi, and Kagami one after another, but in front of Frontale's determination, they were unable to change the tide and the final whistle blew. In the post-game 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 in the away pressure atmosphere. It's a shock that we missed the victory by just a little, but the content is getting better." It's certainly much better than the previous game, but it was a very regrettable game. We look forward to the next game against Montedio Yamagata.