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 numerous players from the Japan national team and regarded as one of the top "talent groups" in the country, was considered a contender for the J1 championship this season. Just looking at the starting members for this day, there are star players like Japan national team goalkeeper Kawaguchi, defender Ihara, midfielder Miura, forward Jo, Olympic representative midfielder Nakamura, and South Korean representative midfielder Yoo... all gathered like shining stars. In contrast, Tokyo faced difficulties with key players midfielder Yukihiko and defenders Kobane and Umehara missing due to injuries, 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 ten matches since May 9, and Kaburaki started for the first time in nine matches since May 16 as a midfielder. In the defensive midfield, Almir returned from injury and made his first start in eight matches since May 23, and Yamao was given a big promotion as a central defender for his first start of the season... among other bold player selections that could be seen as unconventional.

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

Who could have predicted such a development? The match started with action right away. Tokyo rhythmically passed the ball in midfield, and Amaral made a dribble, passing to Kobayashi on the left. Just as Kobayashi was about to start his signature dribble, he was brought down by a fierce charge. However, in the next moment, while the Marinos defense was caught off guard, Kobayashi made a brilliant pass to Go KABURAKI ahead. KABURAKI scored with a powerful volley, taking the lead in just one minute, the shortest time this season. There is a difference in 'game sense' between Marinos, who had been away from competitive play, and Tokyo, who had just played three days ago, but more than that, Kobayashi's judgment surpassed that of a J1 player. Tokyo's momentum did not stop there. Continuing to overwhelm Marinos with their passing game, Tokyo connected through Almir and Amaral, sending a decisive pass to Wada, who burst out on the right side just on the edge of the offside line. Wada charged towards the goal with explosive speed and took a powerful shot. Kobayashi, who ran in, kicked the ball in decisively after Marinos GK Kawaguchi barely deflected it, quickly putting Tokyo ahead by two goals.

"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 created the midfield with Miura and Nakamura, while Jo tried to find a rhythm at the post. Occasionally, they were broken down by accurate passes from Nakamura to Yanagi and Ueno, who made runs behind Tokyo's defense, but shots were repeatedly saved by goalkeeper Suzuki's fine saves. Ace Jo faced a fierce charge from Yamao, who was making his first start. The hard defense that hardly allowed Jo to face forward proved the ability of the 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 mobility, shutting down the dangerous areas where Nakamura and Yanagi entered. Additionally, against Miura, who excels at breaking through on the left side, Komine, who played as the right back, responded well. Even in one-on-one situations against the internationally speedy Miura, Komine held his ground and did not allow him to make plays. In attack, centered around Almir and Amaral, they dominated the midfield with superior passing work, while the speedy Kaburaki and Wada charged forward with the most aggressive play of the season from the sides. Their speed proved they could compete well in J1, leading to crosses that created goal-scoring opportunities.

Kaburaki seals the match with a late goal!

In the 32nd minute, Tokyo, under pressure, cut the ball and passed it to Almir, who was positioned on the left side of the front line. Almir evaded the approaching defender with an artistic heel kick and delivered a superb through pass to Kaburaki, who made a timely run into the center. Kaburaki calmly slotted the ball past the advancing goalkeeper to secure the third goal. In the second half, the back-and-forth battle continued. Marinos focused on forward Valmir, who came on in the second half, creating opportunities. However, Tokyo defended well at the last moment, blocking the shots. In attack, Fujiyama, who had been launching sharp dribbles since the first half, continued to show even sharper movements in the second half, creating chances repeatedly. Particularly, his attacking participation with speed after interceptions confused the Marinos defense. In the closing stages, there were moments when Marinos pressed hard, but everyone responded with high defensive awareness, and ultimately, Tokyo held on to win the first leg of the quarterfinals by an unexpected large margin. The next match is on the 24th (Saturday) at 19:00, welcoming Marinos to Edogawa. <Director Okuma's Comment> In terms of offense, we were able to exploit the gaps as we intended when the opponent came out. Also, keeping a clean sheet will contribute to future league matches, and I am satisfied. I want to fight in a way that leads to future success on the 24th as well.