Direct confrontation!

This match, which became a direct confrontation between 2nd place (Tokyo) and 3rd place (Oita), is a critical moment for Tokyo, as losing would not only drop them to 3rd place but could also allow the currently strong leader, Kawasaki Frontale, to run away with the title. Additionally, Oita, which has been persistently staying in the upper ranks, is a team that Tokyo must defeat here to avoid future regrets, making this a match they absolutely want to win.

Losing rhythm due to an early goal

In the previous match, both teams suffered narrow defeats without being able to play the football they desired. On this day, they approached the game with an offensive strategy. Tokyo decided to move Almir, who was used as a defensive midfielder in the last match, forward to increase the movement in the frontline and create more chances. On the other hand, Oita started Choi, who, along with Will, became the focal point of their attack, enhancing their offensive power.

In the first half, as the match began, Tokyo launched an aggressive attack. They quickly earned several corner kicks, and Amaral took a near miss shot. Tokyo, with Yukihiko and Almir at the center, connected the ball rhythmically in midfield and built their attacks. However, in the 6th minute, due to a momentary lapse in concentration, they fouled an Oita player near the left penalty area corner, giving away a free kick. Oita's midfielder, Will, took the shot. The ball hit Tokyo's wall, changed direction, and rolled into the goal. Having allowed a goal at such an early stage in enemy territory, Tokyo lost momentum, and the game, which had been progressing at Tokyo's pace, suddenly shifted to Oita's pace. Oita, starting with Choi, saw Will dribble forward, and forwards Kamino and Shiokawa repeatedly created opportunities to break through with speed, threatening Tokyo's goal. In particular, Will's dribbling and passing were sharp, making it seem difficult to stop.

After that, although Oita had slightly longer ball possession, the match continued with almost equal offensive and defensive play. In the 18th minute, Fujiyama, who had been showing sharp dribbling down the left side, cut into the center and dribbled into the penalty area, prompting a hurried foul from the Oita defense! A penalty kick was awarded. Amaral calmly converted the penalty to equalize. However, just as they were celebrating, in the 27th minute, they were easily breached on the left side, leading to a cross. Oita defender Wakamatsu, who had overlapped, made a powerful dive and scored with a diving header, turning the score around to 1-2 once again.

Will Kaburaki revive the team!?

As the second half began, Kobayashi Seigo, who was not in good form, was substituted for Kaburaki. Kaburaki showcased his characteristic speed and agility, wreaking havoc in the front line, causing the previously perfect marking by Oita to gradually falter. This allowed the midfield pressure to ease, enabling Tokyo's original passing game to start functioning. In the 58th minute, Fujiyama, holding the ball near the center circle, delivered a superb through pass to Amaral, who was making a run forward. The Oita defender, competing with Amaral, managed to catch up just in time and passed back to the goalkeeper, who handled the ball, resulting in an indirect free kick near the penalty mark. Yukiho played the free kick sideways, and Sandro unleashed a powerful shot that hit the wall, leading to a scramble from which Koike scored to equalize at 2-2. Riding the momentum, Tokyo gained a corner in the 67th minute after Kaburaki broke through on the left side, and from yet another scramble, Sandro volleyed in the third goal, successfully turning the game around. To seal the deal, in the 82nd minute, Koike, who was holding the ball in the center, delivered a perfect through pass to Amaral, who made a run forward. The opposing defender hesitated for a moment, and as they stopped, Amaral skillfully broke free and shot! He scored the fourth goal.

After this, Oita showed a desperate counterattack with the support of their local fans, but the defense, led by goalkeeper Suzuki, remained focused until the end, putting their bodies on the line to clear the danger, achieving a victory with a large number of goals for the first time since the match against Jeff on June 19 (2nd Round, 2nd Leg of the Nabisco Cup).

<Coach Okuma's Comment> At the start, it wasn't that we were broken down by the opponent, but rather we conceded a free kick due to our own mistakes, which changed the flow of the game. It was due to a lack of focus, and we need to concentrate more. In the second half, Kaburaki's efforts in the front line disrupted the opponent's marking, allowing us to circulate the ball better. In terms of stamina, we outperformed Oita in the second half. I'm also happy that the defense worked hard and put their bodies on the line.