A match we cannot lose

After the 6th round of the J2 League, Kofu remains at the bottom with no wins and 0 points. On the other hand, Tokyo, with 2 wins, 2 losses, and 2 draws, is struggling in 6th place. The crucial match, where neither team can afford to lose any further, kicked off on the best pitch, transformed into a 'green carpet,' amidst light rain. Tokyo, missing their attacking core 'KING OF TOKYO' Amaral due to injury, focused on gathering the ball to 'midfield dynamo' Almir, connecting passes carefully to create rhythm and trying to slip the ball behind the opponent's defense. However, Kofu's defense, which was deeply focused on defense, left no space, and although the passes connected, they could not break through to create decisive moments. On the other hand, Kofu played defensively overall, launching quick counterattacks using both full-backs after regaining possession. They attempted to create chances by having tall forward Watanabe connect with early crosses from the sides, but lacking precision in their passes, they could not create decisive moments. The back-and-forth battle continued, but gradually, Fujiyama's sharp dribbling began to break down Kofu's defensive line, and he started to take control of the game.

Sandro, a powerful strike!

In the 36th minute of the first half, the match finally changed. From a right corner kick, the ball kicked by Yukihiko was powerfully headed in by Sandro. This completely shifted the momentum to Tokyo. As Kofu, feeling the pressure, began to attack, space opened up behind the previously stable defense line, allowing Kaburaki and Okamoto to run in and create chances. Defensively, Sandro completely contained Kofu's tall forward Watanabe, while Komine consistently outperformed the speedy forward Horii with stable and hard play. In midfield, Shinjo showcased tough tackles throughout, effectively shutting down the source of the ball. As the second half began, the game turned one-sided in favor of Tokyo. On the left side, a breakthrough dribble by Fujiyama created a chance with a final pass to Okamoto, while on the right side, precise passes from Yukihiko and flexible dribbling from Kobayashi led to decisive opportunities. In the 30th minute of the second half, a perfectly timed pass from Yukihiko to Kobayashi on the right side allowed Kobayashi to deliver a direct cross. Almir, who was positioned near the deflected ball, 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

In the 22nd minute of the second half, Tokyo's "secret weapon" Wada returned to the pitch for the first time in about seven weeks. After suffering a left ankle fracture in a practice match just before the start of this season, he had been forced into a tough rehabilitation period, and this marked his long-awaited debut in J2. Although he is not yet in perfect condition and his movement is limited, his speed in breaking behind the opponent and his fearless dives in front of the goal have certainly posed a threat to the opposition, significantly increasing the "intensity in front of the goal" that Tokyo had lacked this season. In the 44th minute of the second half, just before the end of the match, he made a powerful diving header from a corner kick taken from the left, which unfortunately bounced off the goalpost, showcasing his ability to meet expectations right away. Additionally, another player making his debut, Kobane, also showed his strength and veteran-like stability in his approximately four minutes of play, making a strong impression. The addition of both players is certainly a positive development for Tokyo moving forward. The match ultimately saw Yukihiko, who moved to the left side in the 33rd minute of the second half, surrounded by opponents but forcefully delivering a cross, which Kobayashi headed in spectacularly while competing with a defender, sealing the victory. The "must-win match" ended with a season-high three goals, providing a sense of accomplishment and making it a fruitful game.