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, eager to score additional goals, fiercely bared their teeth. Tokyo’s defense made mistakes such as passing errors and fouls deep in their defensive line, and Nagoya immediately took advantage of any openings. At the 59th minute, Tokyo substituted Koike with debutant Kina, aiming to quickly shift to the offensive. However, just after the 60th minute, Tokyo conceded consecutive corners to Nagoya. They managed to withstand this with solid defensive efforts. At the 73rd minute, Nagoya replaced attacking midfielder Okayama with defender Iijima, changing their formation from three backs to four backs to protect their one-goal lead. Conversely, this eased the pressure in midfield, allowing Tokyo to start gaining control. At the 80th minute, Amaral’s shot deflected off a defender and spilled loose, whereupon TUTO turned around and passed to Yukihiko in front of the goal. Receiving this exquisite final pass, Yukihiko boldly struck the ball! Following his crucial equalizer in the Fukuoka match, Yukihiko once again delivered a priceless equalizing goal. Demonstrating clutch strength at a critical moment during a good period, they pushed the game 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 effort, I think we were able to maintain the same level until the end without dropping off, but there were many points to reflect on in this match. However, I believe that enduring the 1-0 scoreline without losing balance even after conceding the first goal led to our victory. There were many mistakes in the build-up phase and plays that should not have been done in the defensive zone, so we need to improve on these points of reflection and aim higher. In J1, I think we are able to maintain a certain level in terms of physical effort, defense, and transitions between offense and defense. However, there were times when the choices made in the defensive, midfield, and attacking zones were incorrect due to inaccurate situational judgment, and there are areas lacking precision. In the last three matches, the players have maintained their concentration and approached each game with the enthusiasm of a season opener. This has led to results and a strong mental state. However, in a way, if we do not remain humble, such confidence can be quickly shattered in this tough league. It is necessary for the team to sustain the mindset of valuing each match and approach the next one with that spirit."