A challenging match against the strong Nagoya!?

At the end of the second round, Tokyo is in first place and will face Nagoya Grampus Eight in a night game this week. Nagoya transformed into a winning team after welcoming coach Joao CARLOS midway through last season. They also achieved victory in the Emperor's Cup. This season, they lost key defender Thales, but they are expected to maintain their team strength by bringing in Romildo from Brazil. However, they suffered consecutive losses to Kashima and Jubilo Iwata since the opening. Today, they will surely change their approach to regain their form and aim for a win. In the past, Tokyo faced Nagoya in the Emperor's Cup during the JFL era in 1997. Tokyo Gas won decisively 3-1 against a team without STOJKOVIC, paving the way to the top four. Today, a major point will be how to contain the attacking line centered around STOJKOVIC. Nagoya has the upper hand in strength, but it's a home game! Show the soccer style of Tokyo, sink Nagoya, and achieve three consecutive wins since the opening!

First goal conceded but fierce battle ensues

The first big chance came for Nagoya. In the 6th minute, MF Okayama passed the ball directly to the post, where Ryo was waiting, and Hirano took a shot. It narrowly missed the target, but immediately after, the corner kick taken by STOJKOVIC was perfectly placed over the heads of Komine and Amaral, landing right on the head of the opposing MF, 183cm Koga. He scored with a powerful header, and Tokyo conceded their first goal since being promoted to J1.

After that, Nagoya, who utilized direct play and advanced the match with an advantage, faced Tokyo's resilient defense and counterattacked. In the 33rd minute, TUTO dribbled down the left side and passed to the opposite side. Amaral's quick shot unfortunately hit the post! After this, Tokyo created several chances. The match was truly evenly contested. Nagoya showcased elegant passing work in front of the goal, starting from STOJKOVIC, and also displayed variations in attack with long balls from the defense to the front line. In response, Tokyo matched this pattern with passes from Naito and Yukihiko to the space opened by the opponent's right midfielder Mochizuki, with TUTO and Kobayashi cutting in from the left side. Both teams fiercely challenged each other in midfield, leading to a period of intense back-and-forth play.

Yukihiko strikes back with goals in two consecutive matches!

Before the start of the second half, Asano, a substitute member, calmly and politely offers advice to Asari, who has come onto the pitch. It was a scene that reminded us that the players are not fighting alone with just 11 people.

As the second half began, Nagoya fiercely bared its fangs, eager to score additional points. Tokyo's defense made mistakes with passes and fouls deep in their own territory, and Nagoya quickly seized any opportunity. In the 59th minute, Tokyo substituted Koike for the debuting Kina, looking to shift momentum. However, shortly after the 60th minute, they conceded consecutive corner kicks to Nagoya. They managed to hold on with a determined defense. In the 73rd minute, Nagoya replaced the attacking midfielder Okayama with defender Iijima, changing from a three-back to a four-back formation to protect their one-goal lead. However, this inadvertently loosened their midfield pressure, allowing Tokyo to start gaining control. In the 80th minute, Amaral's shot deflected off a defender, and TUTO turned and passed to Yukihiko in front of the goal. Receiving this exquisite final pass, Yukihiko struck decisively! This invaluable equalizer followed his goal against Fukuoka. He demonstrated his clutch performance at a crucial moment, leading the match into extra time.

We fought! King of Tokyo is here!!

Even in extra time, Tokyo, with superior stamina, tried to attack aggressively with momentum. In the 100th minute, they seized a counterattack after winning the ball from an opponent's corner kick. Tokyo, known for their quick transitions between offense and defense, created a great opportunity, but in the end, a pass from Yukihiko was intercepted, leading to sighs from the stands... Shortly after, STOJKOVIC was allowed a free shot, highlighting the moments of danger as well as opportunity. However, undeterred, they chased the ball, and Asari passed to Amaral just outside the penalty area from a deeper position. Amaral, now one-on-one with the defender, dribbled inside and went for it! The ball he kicked with a quick swing of his foot grazed the outstretched hand of goalkeeper Narasaki and found the net!! The left foot of the King of Tokyo marked the moment that ended the 104-minute battle.

A hard-fought victory goal. Although the points earned are two, the battle of not being intimidated by an early goal and coming back to achieve a comeback victory brings more than just points; it leads to future success. With that fighting spirit and unwavering determination, continue to show your growth, Tokyo!

Manager's Comment

"Comments from Coach Joao CARLOS"

"In the first half, we were in good form and created chances. We were able to mark the opponent's two forwards and their attacks from the sides well, and we ended the first half in a good shape after taking the lead. In the second half, I thought about bringing in Iijima for Okayama to play more defensively, but we completely fell back and got into the opponent's rhythm. We dropped too deep and gradually got caught in their rhythm, leading to our loss. Tokyo is a team that has come up from the second division and is said to play simple football, but they also have skill. Today, the left side was more aggressive than I expected. Even after going behind, everyone was making an effort to recover and did their best. At times, they can play simply and also play beautiful football."

Director Okuma's Comments

"In terms of physical exertion, I think we were able to maintain a level performance until the end, but there were many points for reflection in this match. However, I believe that enduring the situation without losing our balance even after conceding the first goal, and maintaining a score of 1-0, led to our victory. There were many aspects in the build-up phase and plays that should not have been made in the defensive zone that we need to improve upon to aim for higher goals. In J1, I think we are performing at a somewhat equal level in terms of physical exertion, defense, and transitions between offense and defense. However, there were times when our situational judgment in each zone of defense, midfield, and attack was incorrect, and there were areas where our precision was lacking. In the last three matches, the players have approached each game with the enthusiasm as if it were the opening match, maintaining their concentration. I believe this has led to positive results and a significant sense of mental fulfillment. However, in a way, I think this league is harsh, and if we do not remain humble, that confidence can crumble quickly. It is necessary for the team to sustain the mindset of valuing each match and approach the next one with that in mind."