Tokyo Attacks, Yamagata Defends

Yamagata has recorded a balanced record of 2 wins and 2 losses so far. They are in 6th place, just one point behind Tokyo, making this a match where both teams are determined to win at all costs. The match began with Tokyo aggressively attacking from the start, while Yamagata focused on defense, stealing the ball and launching counterattacks. Tokyo quickly gathered the ball to Amaral, who moved widely from side to side, trying to establish a rhythm by launching attacks from both flanks. On the other hand, Yamagata closely marked Amaral and adopted a generally defensive system, building their attacks around Bouter, Hirama, and Mutair. Amaral's hold-up play was stable today as well, creating rhythm through one-twos with Almir and combinations with Umeyama and Yukihiko.

Heartbreaking PK Miss

In the 15th minute of the first half, Almir, who persisted on the right side, delivered a sharp cross into the center, which was handled by Yamagata defender Washida. For Tokyo, who had been attacking since the start of the match but had not created any real chances, this resulted in a penalty kick at the best possible moment. The kicker was Yukihiko SATO, who played for Yamagata last year. Everyone was convinced that Tokyo would score the opening goal, but the kicked ball was brilliantly saved by Yamagata goalkeeper Suzuki's judgment. Tokyo, disappointed for missing the biggest chance, saw Yamagata regain their breath, feeling as if they had escaped death. In the 20th minute of the first half, when Tokyo's defensive linchpin, Asari, was injured and had to leave the field, Yamagata's playmaker Hirama, who had been held back by Asari until then, became free, and the combination of Bauter, Hirama, and Mutair began to shine. On the other hand, Tokyo, unable to switch their mindset after the penalty miss, started to show noticeable passing errors and coordination mistakes. It seems that this is the moment when everyone should encourage each other and the team should unite... Nevertheless, Tokyo, wanting to somehow regain their rhythm, tried to gather the ball to Amaral, who was fighting alone at the front line, but they could not create any decisive moments.

First V-goal loss of the season

In the second half, "Fighter" Okamoto replaced Kobayashi on the pitch. With his intense play, he energized the team, and the game became more intense. On the other hand, Yamagata, who had been playing defensively in the first half, changed their approach and began to dominate the ball with increased pressure from the front line. After the match, Coach Ueki stated in the press conference, "I thought we could win if we contained Amaral and Almir," and in the second half, Almir faced strict marking, completely disrupting Tokyo's rhythm. Due to the poor condition of the pitch and Yamagata's aggressive press, Tokyo made many mistakes and was on the defensive. They faced several critical situations, but with Horiike, Sandro, and Komine at the center, they remained solid and stable, not allowing any goals. As the extra time began, Tokyo tightened their focus and counterattacked, but the situation remained unchanged with Yamagata holding the initiative, leading to a difficult period. Then, in the 12th minute of the first half of extra time, the deadlock was finally broken. Yamagata's forward Mutair held on to the right side and passed to the center. Substitute Mashimo calmly kicked it in, sealing the game. For Tokyo, it was their first V-goal loss of the season, and a tough result with two consecutive defeats at home. In the post-match press conference, Coach Okuma said, "Not being able to switch our mindset after missing the penalty was a problem. Also, losing Asari, who is crucial for our midfield defense, was painful. Moving forward, we want to adjust our balance for the Nabisco Cup on the 14th and prepare for the Oita match on the 17th." It is important to switch one's mindset.