A match we cannot lose

Tokyo suffered a defeat in the last match against Gamba Osaka, marking the first consecutive losses of the season. After seven matches since the opening, the battles at the high level of J1 seem to be placing an unexpected burden on the players of a team that has just been promoted, leading to peak fatigue both physically and mentally. Alternatively, the fast vertical play of "Tokyo's football" centered around the powerful duo of Amaral and TUTO may have been studied, and the "Tokyo countermeasures" of each team are beginning to take effect. In any case, it is essential to win this match to stop the consecutive losses. If the team suffers three consecutive losses in the high-level J1, the atmosphere within the team will darken, and there is a possibility of falling into a "losing streak hell," as seen in past teams. It was important to win in any form.

On the other hand, for their opponent on this day, Sanfrecce Hiroshima, it is also a match they cannot afford to lose. Aiming for the championship, Hiroshima is currently in 9th place, but the gap to the top teams is not too large, and they are not out of reach. Winning this match would be a significant step towards climbing the ranks, but conversely, losing would mean joining the lower-ranked teams. It is truly a critical moment. Being a home game, they will likely come at it with everything they have.

Since both teams are good at "solid defense ⇒ quick counterattack," it was expected to be a fast-paced game with a quick transition between offense and defense, competing for a single point.

Struggling to create attacking plays...

From the beginning of the game, as initially expected, a fast-paced match with quick transitions between offense and defense unfolded. Tokyo's left back Fujiyama aggressively pushed forward, combining with midfielder Seigo KOBAYASHI and providing good passes to Amaral, who was positioned for a post play, becoming the starting point of the attack. However, against Hiroshima, who defended deeply and solidly, Tokyo was unable to create decisive moments. Conversely, Amaral, who was out of form and lacking support in the front line, lost the ball at the post and faced counterattacks, leading to a difficult situation. This week, in addition to a foot injury, Amaral fell ill midweek and hardly practiced, resulting in a lackluster performance where he was unable to make an impact against Hiroshima's 193 cm tall defender, Ranko POPOVIC, who marked him closely.

Tokyo, deeply guarded and deprived of space, is struggling to create a starting point in the front line, and continues to have a tough time without being able to utilize TUTO and Yukihiko's speed.

On the other hand, Hiroshima quickly spread the ball to the left and right flanks from deep positions after regaining possession. The Olympic representative Fujimoto and Korika flowed to the sides to become the starting point for the play, where both side midfielders provided speedy support and delivered crosses at a quick pace. This simple style of soccer, with the recently returned ace Kubo aiming for the goal with a high jump, showcased a "fast-paced soccer with quick transitions between offense and defense" that rivaled Tokyo.

Tokyo, enduring a difficult time, makes a move here. In the 34th minute of the first half, Tokyo substituted the struggling 'King' Amaral for Kamino, who has just returned from injury. "There is no one but Kamino to replace Amaral. I am counting on his hold-up play," said Coach Okuma, indicating that the pattern of bringing in Kamino was decided before the season started. Just moments later, in the 39th minute, Yukiho connected well on the right side and delivered a superb cross, and the newly entered Kamino made a diving header! Unfortunately, the ball went just wide of the goal to the right, but last year's inaugural J2 top scorer made an immediate impact.

A penalty that changed the flow!?

During halftime, Coach Okuma said, "In any case, we need to use Kamino's post as a starting point. And from Kamino's passes, we should cut into the sides to seize opportunities."

As the second half began, the aim to pass to Kamino as instructed was thoroughly executed. Kamino, who was not at his best after a long absence from matches, showed some instability in the expected hold-up play, but his earnest performance under pressure boosted the team's morale.

In the 13th minute of the second half, Tokyo substituted Koiike for Kinama. By bringing in the ball-retaining Kinama, the rhythm of the midfield began to improve, but on the other hand, Hiroshima's counterattacks also increased in frequency. Komine effectively handled ground balls, while Sandro took care of crosses and high balls, consistently putting his body on the line to stop repeated attacks in difficult situations. Both full-backs, including Asari, did the same. Additionally, GK Doi's fine plays saved the team from danger multiple times. Tokyo's concentration on this day was outstanding. Regarding the 'set-piece issue,' where over 70% of their total goals conceded have come from set pieces, they rebuffed these threats with high concentration centered around GK Doi.

Then, in the 20th minute of the second half, a pivotal moment that would determine the outcome of the match arrived. Kubo broke through on the right side from a counterattack by Hiroshima, and Komine, chasing after him, committed a crucial foul inside the penalty area! The referee's decision was a penalty kick. Considering the flow of the match, the away ground, and the timing, it was a very harsh reality, but Doih was able to brilliantly catch the penalty kick taken by Popovic! Following the penalty stop against Kashima, the supporters erupted in a chorus of 'Miracle Yoichi!' Although the situation remained difficult, this concentration changed the flow of the game.

Kanno scores a priceless final round goal!

Tokyo managed to escape a major crisis, but the match continued to be dominated by Hiroshima. However, in the 28th minute of the second half, Tokyo seized a moment of opportunity. Kimino received the ball during a brief lapse in the tight marking that had been applied until then, dribbled forward to the right, and at just the right moment, TUTO, who was positioned further to the right, broke free from his marker. Kimino quickly passed the ball to him, and TUTO unleashed a powerful shot with his right foot while competing with the opposing defender. The Hiroshima goalkeeper desperately deflected it, but Kimino, who was following up, calmly pushed it in to score the long-awaited opening goal. It wasn't a flashy goal, but it was a striker's goal, and Kimino scored his first goal for Tokyo (after the transfer) in the best possible moment.

After that, Hiroshima's fierce attack awaited. In the 31st minute of the second half, a decisive moment was created from a cross on the right, but centered around Sandro, they threw their bodies to prevent the rain of shots. Three minutes later, Kubo headed a cross from the left, but this was also deflected by Doi. In the end, Tokyo, which maintained its concentration until the end of the match, held on to secure a shutout victory for the third time this season, stopping their losing streak.

[Coach Okuma's Comments]

With Amaral gone, the movement in the front line became limited to just TUTO, and the lack of strength in the midfield led to a difficult situation. With this lineup, we had no choice but to make the most of the few chances we had. In that sense, I believe Kamino did well to score. It was also significant that Doi saved the penalty.

The point of reflection is that towards the end, when the opponent pressed forward, we could have scored additional points if we had connected the ball properly. This was also due to the lack of strength in the midfield.