Crucial Match

Recently, Tokyo has been far from victory and suffered a humiliating V-goal defeat just three days ago, while Kobe has not won a single game since the start of the season and only achieved their first victory four days ago. Winning today's match is undoubtedly crucial for both teams, despite their different positions. Before the match, the familiar chant of "Tokyo! Tokyo!" echoes from the back stand. The "Blue and Red Army" has come to support their team on a weekday night game, with a group of over 30 people. With such strong "comrades" cheering them on, Tokyo cannot afford to lose. Tokyo has changed their formation, with Almir playing a more defensive role, Yukihiko SATO in the center, and Kobayashi on the right side, in an attempt to activate their midfield. On the other hand, Kobe has started their Korean ace, Kasei Kawa, who was rested in the previous game, to take control of the midfield. It is expected to be a fierce battle to see which team will dominate the midfield.

Awaken with Kobe's opening goal

After the start of the first half, Tokyo, which had been moving solidly, still seemed to be unable to shake off the bad image from the past few games. On the other hand, Kobe was riding a wave of momentum from their victory four days ago and attacking fiercely and boldly. In the 4th minute of the first half, a free kick from the left was easily turned back and Kobe MF Buhe scored the opening goal. It was a quick turn of events. However, Tokyo woke up after this. Kobe, who was attacking recklessly, often left space in the midfield after the ball was cut off, which was exploited by Yukihiko SATO and Almir with their quick ball movement and effective dribbling. In this game, Yukihiko SATO was fantastic, actively involved in the ball like a "fish in water" by being able to move freely in the center, creating chances with his favorite direct passes and speedy dribbling. Almir also dazzled with his brilliant technique and accurate passing. On the other hand, Kobe countered with the combination of ace Kawaguchi, Hasebe, and substitute Nagashima. As expected, a fierce battle in the high-level midfield unfolded.

Dramatic Finale!

In the second half, Tokyo's attack gains momentum. Amaral, who has been in good form since the opening, remains stable and becomes a key player in the front line. Kobayashi, who has entered as a right midfielder, repeatedly bewilders Kobe's defense with his flexible dribbling, and left fullback Fujiyama also tore apart Kobe's defense with one-twos with Almir and high-speed dribbling. In terms of shots in the second half, Tokyo had 11 compared to Kobe's mere 2, showing their overwhelming dominance and the game was completely in Tokyo's pace.

However, they fell just short of scoring and time passed by in vain. Then, in the 43rd minute of the second half, Amaral won the ball from a left corner kick and Sandro pushed it in to equalize the game. The match ended in a draw after 90 minutes and went into extra time. Even in extra time, Tokyo continued to dominate and attack Kobe's goal. In the 12th minute of the first half of extra time, substitute Kagami made a perfect cross from the left. Amaral then dove in with a header to score the winning goal in the intense match that lasted until the 102nd minute.

The confidence gained from playing an equal or better match against a J1 team and achieving a dramatic victory is significant. In the post-match press conference, coach Okuma stated, "We surpassed the opponent in terms of physicality and mentality," and seemed to feel the momentum leading to the next match. Tokyo, who advanced to the 2nd round of the Nabisco Cup, will face JEF United Ichihara Chiba at Nishigaoka on Saturday, June 12th.