A match we cannot lose

After the 6th round of the J2 League, Kofu remains at the bottom with zero points, having not won a single match. Meanwhile, Tokyo, with 2 wins, 2 losses, and 2 draws, is stuck in 6th place, unable to find momentum. Both teams, unable to afford another loss, kicked off the match on the perfect pitch transformed into a "green carpet" under light rain.Tokyo, missing their attacking core "KING OF TOKYO" Amaral due to injury, focused the ball on "midfield dynamo" Almir, carefully connecting passes to create rhythm and trying to play the ball behind the opponent's defense. However, Kofu's defense, deeply set and focused on defense, left no space; although passes connected, they could not break through or create decisive chances. On the other hand, Kofu played a generally defensive game, launching quick counterattacks using both fullbacks after regaining possession. They tried to create chances by having their tall forward Watanabe meet early crosses from the sides, but poor pass accuracy prevented decisive opportunities. The back-and-forth battle continued, but Fujiyama's sharp dribbling gradually began to break down Kofu's defensive line, and Tokyo started to take control of the game.

Sandro, a powerful strike!

At the 36th minute of the first half, the game finally shifted. From a right corner kick, Sandro powerfully scored with a diving header on the ball kicked by Yukihiko. This completely swung the momentum to Tokyo. Kofu, growing anxious, launched an attack, creating space behind the previously stable defensive line, where Kaburaki and Okamoto ran in to create chances. Defensively, Sandro completely shut down Kofu's tall forward Watanabe, and Komine consistently won duels against the speedy forward Horii with his stable and tough play. In midfield, Shinjou showed solid tackles throughout, effectively cutting off the ball's source. In the second half, Tokyo dominated the game. On the left side, Fujiyama's dribbling breakthrough and a final pass to Okamoto created chances, while on the right side, precise passes from Yukihiko and Kobayashi's flexible dribbling led to decisive opportunities. At the 30th minute of the second half, a perfectly timed pass from Yukihiko to Kobayashi on the right side was followed by Kobayashi's direct cross. Almir, who was following up on the ball that hit a defender, powerfully kicked it in with his right foot for the second goal. It was a goal scored in the best possible way.

Tokyo's 'secret weapon' that raises expectations

At the 22nd minute of the second half, Tokyo's "secret weapon" Wada returned to the pitch for the first time in about seven weeks. The man who suffered a left ankle avulsion fracture in a practice match just before the start of this season and endured a tough rehabilitation made his eagerly awaited J2 debut. Although he was not yet in perfect condition and his amount of movement was limited, his speed breaking behind the opponent and fearless dives in front of the goal posed a significant threat, noticeably increasing the "goal-front intensity" that Tokyo had lacked this season. Near the end, at the 44th minute of the second half, he powerfully headed a corner kick from the left, which unfortunately bounced off the goalpost, showing right away that he could meet expectations. In addition to Wada, another player, Furube, also made his eagerly awaited debut. Although he played for only about four minutes, he demonstrated his characteristic strength and veteran stability, making his presence fully felt. Both players joining Tokyo as reliable assets moving forward is certainly a bright development.The match was ultimately decided at the 33rd minute of the second half when Yukihiko, moving to the left side, forcefully crossed the ball despite being surrounded by opponents. Kobayashi competed with defenders and powerfully scored with a diving header, securing the victory. This "must-win match" ended with the season's best three goals, leaving a definite sense of accomplishment and making it a fruitful game.