Chance to rise to the top...

"To finish the first half in first place..." This is certainly a matter of interest for each team participating in J2, and it would be a lie to say there is no interest. Unlike J1, J2 does not have significant divisions like "1st Stage / 2nd Stage," nor does it have a title like "First Half Champion!" However, being in first place at this significant milestone, which is half of the four rounds and a total of 36 matches, is still an important step. So, how can Tokyo, currently in second place with 34 points until the last match (Sec. 17), take the lead at the end of this match (Sec. 18)? The answer is to win the match against Tosu within 90 minutes (no extra time wins allowed). Before the match, news came in that Oita, who had been leading with 35 points until the last match, lost to Sapporo after extra time. It was revealed that if Tokyo wins within 90 minutes (adding 3 points), they would have 37 points and take the sole lead. Additionally, if the match goes into extra time, Kawasaki Frontale, who had been closely marking Tokyo with 33 points until the last match, had already secured a win this round (adding 3 points) to reach 36 points. Therefore, even if Tokyo wins in extra time (adding 2 points) to reach 36 points, they would still be in second place due to goal difference (having lost to Kawasaki Frontale). Conversely, if they lose, the first place would go to Kawasaki Frontale (36), second to Oita (35), and Tokyo (34) would drop to third place. In other words, this match became the biggest turning point of the first half where losing was not an option.

"Man" Kobeya's opening goal explodes!

In light rain, the match kicked off. The venue, Tosu Stadium, is one of the wonderful stadiums in J2, alongside Sendai Stadium, characterized by its bowl-shaped seating like European stadiums. The acoustic effect is outstanding, and the local supporters' cheers, utilizing drums and megaphones, create a thunderous sound to support the Tosu players. About 20 strong supporters who rushed from Tokyo also desperately cheered back, but they were overwhelmed in volume by the Tosu supporters who are well-versed in the acoustic effects. Two minutes into the match, the cheers from the Tosu supporters momentarily stopped. Yukiho took a free kick from the left side and sent it into the goal area, where DF Kobane, who ran in, headed it in! It was a clean goal by header following the match against Omiya on May 2 (Kobane, who served as the game captain for the first time that day, has earned the title of 'man' among some for his masculine appearance, gentlemanly demeanor (always appearing in a suit at the match venue!), and mental toughness (having also served as captain at his previous club Fukuoka, he leads the team with strong leadership)). Tokyo, wanting to build momentum from this goal, actively launched attacks centered around Yukiho and Amaral. However, on this day, with right-back Umeyama (injured) and left-back Fujiyama (accumulated warnings) absent, the team's attacking pattern involving contributions from both full-backs was diminished, making it difficult to create chances. Additionally, the ground became slippery due to the rain, reducing the accuracy of ball control, leading to frequent passing errors overall, and the rhythm of the attack did not improve.

Overcoming struggles with a fierce defense, achieving the first six consecutive wins of the season and taking the top spot!

In the 32nd minute of the first half, the key player Yukihiko left the field due to injury (lumbar sprain), shifting the momentum to Tosu. Backed by a strong support, Tosu showed aggressive pressing defense from the front line, cutting off Tokyo's passing mistakes and launching counterattacks. They displayed a fast-paced passing game based on abundant physical activity, but ultimately lacked precision in their passes and failed to create decisive chances. Tokyo tried to rally by focusing the ball on their 'ace' Amaral, but he was neutralized by hard marking from two defenders. In the second half, the game became one-sided in favor of Tosu. Against Tosu's fierce attacks with early crosses from the sides, Tokyo, led by goalkeeper Suzuki, fought back with determined defense. Their solid defense, which had maintained four consecutive clean sheets up to this point, remained unbroken despite changes in personnel, indicating that the team tactics had permeated all players, including forwards. In the dying moments of the match, Sandro and the defensive line, including Kobayashi, put their bodies on the line to prevent a crisis, and Tokyo managed to endure a tough battle that was completely dominated by Tosu. They achieved their first six consecutive wins of the season (five consecutive clean sheet victories) and reclaimed the top position for the first time since Sec. 10.<br/>Coach Okuma's Comments<br/>There were many passing mistakes, and especially after Yukihiko left, it was a tough match completely in Tosu's pace. I believe that losing in physicality was largely due to accumulated fatigue recently. I am satisfied with how well the defense put their bodies on the line and fought hard. While I am certainly happy that we finished the first half in first place, we have only completed half of the season. Looking ahead to the second half, I want to seize something in the upcoming Nabisco Cup that will connect to the league matches.