Taking over the best stadium in the country!?

The "Yokohama International Stadium," which was decided as the venue for the 2002 World Cup Final Round. This enormous structure, with a capacity of 70,000, is not only impressive in size but also a high-tech stadium that brings together cutting-edge technology, creating an atmosphere worthy of representing Japan. The first leg of the Nabisco Cup Quarterfinal Round against Yokohama F.Marinos took place in this country's best stadium. It wasn't just the players who were excited about this perfect situation. About 1,000 enthusiastic supporters, who took their place behind the goal in Tokyo, showed an incredible level of excitement even before the match started. In a stadium of 70,000, about 1,000 fans, although naturally outnumbered by the home team supporters, responded with their sense and ideas. They repeatedly sang unique parodies, overwhelming the opponents and taking over the venue.

Secret strategy? Or a clever tactic?

Yokohama F.Marinos, boasting many Japan national team players and known as one of the top "talent groups" in the country, were considered favorites to win the J1 this season. Just looking at the starting lineup on this day, there were star players shining like a constellation: Japan national team goalkeeper Kawaguchi, defender Ihara, midfielder Miura, forward Shiro, Olympic team midfielder Nakamura, and South Korean national team midfielder Ryu... On the other hand, Tokyo, missing key players midfielder Yukihiko and defenders Furube and Umeyama due to injuries, faced tough circumstances and countered with a bold lineup that could be seen as a secret strategy. In the attacking midfield, Wada made his first start of the season, Kobayashi started for the first time in 10 matches since May 9, and Kaburagi made his first start as a midfielder for the first time in 9 matches since May 16. Defensive midfielder Almir returned from injury and started for the first time in 8 matches since May 23, and defender Yamao was given a big opportunity to start in the center for the first time this season... and so on, it was a daring player selection that could be seen as a clever tactic.

What, no way! Two goals in the first three minutes!?

Who could have predicted such a development? The match moved quickly right from the start. Tokyo rhythmically circulated the ball in midfield, then Amaral drove forward with a dribble and passed to Kobayashi on the left. Just as Kobayashi was about to start his signature dribble, he was violently charged and knocked down. But in the next moment, while the Marinos defender hesitated, Kobayashi delivered a perfect pass forward to Go KABURAKI. KABURAKI powerfully volleyed the ball into the net, scoring the opening goal in just one minute—the fastest this season. There is a difference in match sharpness between the Marinos, who had been away from competitive matches, and Tokyo, who had played a match just three days ago, but more than that, Kobayashi’s decision-making surpassed that of J1 players. Tokyo’s momentum did not stop there. Continuing to overwhelm the Marinos with passing, at three minutes, Almir connected with Amaral and delivered a decisive pass to Wada, who burst out on the right side just on the offside line. Wada sprinted toward the goal at explosive speed and fired a powerful shot. The Marinos goalkeeper Kawaguchi barely deflected the ball, but Kobayashi, running in, powerfully kicked it in, quickly putting Tokyo two goals ahead.

"Impenetrable Defense" Shines!

"There’s no way Marinos will end like this...". Everyone anticipated a fierce counterattack from Marinos. The match regained its composure after this, and a high-level offensive and defensive battle unfolded.

Marinos formed their midfield with Miura and Nakamura, while Shiro tried to find rhythm using the post. Occasionally, precise passes from Nakamura to Yanagi and Ueno, who made runs behind Tokyo's defense, broke through, but goalkeeper Suzuki made a series of fine saves to prevent shots. Rookie starter Yamao fiercely charged against ace Shiro. The tough defense that hardly allowed Shiro to face forward proved the skill of a man who once played for Nagoya and was a key player for Kofu until last year. In midfield defense, Asari and Almir responded with abundant stamina, shutting down dangerous areas where Nakamura and Yanagi entered. Also, against Miura, who excels at breakthroughs on the left side, Komine, playing right back, handled the challenge. Even in one-on-one situations against Miura, who boasts international-level speed, Komine matched him in pace and did not let him make plays. In attack, with Almir and Amaral at the center, Marinos dominated the midfield with superior passing. From the sides, Kaburagi and Wada charged forward with their best aggressive play of the season. Their speed proved they can compete fully in J1, delivering crosses that led to goal chances.

Kaburaki seals the match with a late goal!

At the 32nd minute, Tokyo, under pressure, intercepted the ball and passed it to Almir, who remained on the left side upfront. Almir artistically evaded the marking player with a heel kick and delivered a perfect through pass to Kaburagi, who timed his run into the center perfectly. Kaburagi calmly bypassed the advancing goalkeeper and secured the decisive third goal.Even after entering the second half, the back-and-forth battle continued. Marinos focused the ball on forward Valmir, who came on in the second half, creating chances. However, Tokyo stood firm at the crucial moments, blocking shots. In attack, Fujiyama, who had launched sharp dribbles since the first half, showed even sharper movements in the second half, creating multiple opportunities. Especially his fast attacking runs following interceptions confused the Marinos defense.In the final stages, Marinos kept pressing, but everyone responded with high defensive awareness. Ultimately, Tokyo held on to win the first leg of the quarterfinals by an unexpectedly large margin. Next, on the 24th (Saturday) at 19:00, Marinos will be welcomed at Edogawa.<Coach Okuma's Comment> Offensively, we achieved the intended result by exploiting the space behind the opponent when they came out. Also, keeping a clean sheet will be beneficial for the upcoming league matches, so I am satisfied.On the 24th, we want to fight in a way that leads to future success.