Good Game Anticipation

The ’99 J.League Yamazaki Nabisco Cup, featuring all 26 teams from J1 and J2. Tokyo played an evenly matched game against J1's Vissel Kobe in the 1st Round (April 7 and 14), ultimately defeating them with Amaral's extra-time winning goal to advance to the 2nd Round. Today's 2nd Round opponent is J1's JEF Ichihara. Although they struggled last year with a 16th place finish in the J.League overall standings, they showed strength in knockout tournaments by finishing as runners-up in the Nabisco Cup. This year, they welcomed Engels, who led Yokohama Flügels to an Emperor's Cup victory, as their new head coach and revitalized the team by actively promoting young players. However, their current performance is still lacking, placing 15th in the recent 1st Stage. On this day, Ichihara faced difficulties as three players selected for the Japan national team in the Sydney Olympics preliminary round were absent, and they were further weakened by injuries to J1's current top scorer FW Baron and their 'guardian' GK Shimokawa. Nevertheless, their forward line included former Japan national team striker Takeda and rookie Hayashi, who shone at this year's New Year's National High School Soccer Championship. In midfield, 17-year-old Abe secured a regular spot, and defender Nakanishi, recently recalled to the Japan national team, also stood firm, assembling strong players in key positions.Tokyo, on the other hand, missed key players such as 'key to offense and defense' Almir, midfielder Shinjo, and stopper Komine due to injuries. However, Yukihiko, who has recently been leading the attack with sharp play, rapidly improving midfielder Koike, and experienced stopper Furube were able to cover those gaps sufficiently, leaving no cause for concern. The highly anticipated match kicked off at 19:00 at their home ground Nishigaoka, drawing 4,130 spectators—the second highest attendance this season—with intense cheering from both teams' supporters behind the goals reaching its peak.

In the first half, a one-sided development by Tokyo!

From the very start of the match, Tokyo launched an intense attack. Tokyo created chances with the active offensive participation of both fullbacks, Yukihiko and Amaral involved. Left fullback Fujiyama delivered sharp vertical passes from his specialty dribbling, while right fullback Umeyama made well-timed overlaps and sent in accurate crosses. Yukihiko once again created multiple chances with his sharp play and incisive dribbling breakthroughs, and Amaral, despite struggling with the fierce charges from Japan national team defender Nakanishi marking him, showed faithful hold-up play and set the rhythm for the attack. On the other hand, JEF’s MF Henrique kept possession in midfield and distributed precise passes to both flanks and the front line. Up front, lone striker FW Takeda and MF Muto drifted wide to receive the ball, but Tokyo’s defense was solid, and with faithful and tight marking, they struggled to find rhythm. At the 38th minute, Tokyo kept the ball on the right side with Amaral, who passed it timely to Umeyama making a run, who delivered an exquisite cross. Ichihara’s defenders cleared the ball, but it fell in front of Amaral. Amaral unleashed a powerful shot, and when Ichihara’s goalkeeper parried it, Yukihiko, who was following up, calmly secured the ball, giving Tokyo the lead. Tokyo continued to attack afterward, dominating the game in the first half with 12 shots compared to Ichihara’s 3, four times as many.

Difference in decisiveness

In the second half, Tokyo's fierce attack gained momentum. At the 7th minute, Yukihiko broke through deep on the right side and passed to Okamoto in the center. Okamoto took a free shot but narrowly missed. At the 14th minute, Kagami skillfully evaded an opponent on the right side and crossed; once again, a completely free Okamoto's header was brilliantly saved by the goalkeeper. Unable to score from these decisive chances, a heavy atmosphere began to settle. At the 17th minute, Tokyo was caught off guard and conceded an equalizer. Ichihara's MF Henrique broke through the left side with a clever feint and crossed. Hayashi, who came on in the second half, dived in and scored a powerful volley. Despite overwhelming pressure, Tokyo was punished for conceding on their only chance. After this, the momentum shifted to Ichihara. At the 24th minute, Ichihara FW Takeda, who had been completely contained until then, evaded Tokyo DF Furube with a one-touch move and scored from a tight angle. Ultimately, this was all Takeda did that day, but it felt like a reminder of what it means to be a “striker.” Afterward, FW Wada, who came on as a substitute, was sent off after just two minutes, and the match went to Ichihara's pace. However, Tokyo fought with fierce spirit until the end, showing no sign of being handicapped by having one less player. The match ended 1-2, with Tokyo taking more than twice as many shots as Ichihara but suffering from a lack of finishing. In the second leg on 6/19 (away), Tokyo hopes to secure a decisive victory by two or more goals and advance to the third round in one go. (Coach GERT ENGELS comment) We lost in terms of match content and were not satisfied technically, but I am pleased that the team played with spirit. It is certainly tough without five regular players, but the players fought well. (Coach Okuma comment) We were able to play the style of football we wanted to some extent, but it was painful not to convert scoring chances. Both goals conceded were due to losing track of marks, so we want to study this week in preparation for next week. I think the players did well and never gave up until the end.