Crucial Match

Tokyo, who suffered their first consecutive loss of the season in the previous match against G Osaka, have now played 7 games in the high-level stage of J1. This level of competition has put a heavy burden on the newly promoted team, both physically and mentally. Perhaps the "powerful duo" of Amaral and TUTO, who are the core of Tokyo's fast vertical style of play, have been studied and teams have started to find ways to counter it. In any case, it is essential to win this match and put an end to the losing streak. If they lose three consecutive games in the high-level J1, the team's atmosphere will become gloomy and there is a possibility of falling into the "losing streak hell" as seen in past teams. It is important to win in any way possible.

On the other hand, for Sanfrecce Hiroshima, the opponent of the day, it will be a crucial match that they cannot afford to lose. Currently in 9th place, Hiroshima is aiming for the championship, but the gap with the top teams is not yet large and they are not far behind. A win in this match would be a big step forward to break into the top ranks, but a loss would mean joining the ranks of the lower teams. It is truly a critical moment. With the advantage of playing at home, they will surely come at us with all their might.

It is expected to be a fast-paced game with both teams excelling in "solid defense ⇒ quick attack" as they compete for one point.

Unable to create an attacking shape, it's a difficult situation...

The game was fast-paced from the beginning, as expected, with both teams switching between offense and defense. Tokyo's left back Fujiyama aggressively pushed forward, distributing good passes to MF Seigo Kobayashi and Amaral, who made runs into the box, becoming the starting point of the attack. However, against Hiroshima's deep and solid defense, Tokyo struggled to create clear chances. On the contrary, Amaral's poor form and lack of support from the front line led to counterattacks and a difficult situation. This week, in addition to a foot injury, Amaral also suffered from illness and was unable to train much, resulting in a lackluster performance. He was also marked tightly by Hiroshima's 193cm tall defender, Ranko Popovic, and was unable to do his usual job.

Tokyo, who cannot create a starting point in the front line due to being deeply guarded and having their space taken away, continues to struggle without being able to utilize TUTO and Yukihiro's speed.

On the other hand, Hiroshima has been quickly expanding to the left and right front lines from a deep position when they take the ball. Olympic representative Fujimoto and CACA flow to the side and become the starting point, and the two side halves quickly support and cross at an early timing. Recently returned ace Kubo aims for the goal with a simple soccer of high jump, but they have been deploying a "fast and speedy soccer with quick transition between offense and defense" that takes away Tokyo's share.

Tokyo, where the tough times continue, is moving here. In the 34th minute of the first half, Tokyo replaced the struggling "King" Amaral with the just returned from injury Kamiya. As coach Okuma said, "There is no one but Kamiya to replace Amaral. We are expecting his post-play," the pattern of Kamiya's substitution had been decided since before the start of the season. In the immediate 39th minute, Yukihiro skillfully connected on the right side and sent in a perfect cross, and the just entered Kamiya made a diving header! Unfortunately, the ball missed the goal to the right, but last year's J2 first-ever top scorer showed his skills right away.

Changed the flow with a PK?!?

At halftime, Coach Okuma said, "In any case, we need to use Kanano's post as a starting point. And, we need to grab chances by cutting through the sides with passes from Kanano."

In the second half, the team focused on passing the ball to Kamiya as instructed. However, Kamiya, who was not in his best form due to a long absence from the game, was somewhat unstable in his expected post-play. Nevertheless, his determined play as the man carrying the heavy responsibility boosted the team's morale.

In the second half of the game, Tokyo substituted Kina for Koike. By bringing in Kina, who has strong ball control, the team was able to find a rhythm in their midfield play. However, Hiroshima also increased their frequency of counterattacks. In response to ground balls, Komine played a solid role, while Sandro was able to handle high balls and crosses. Both fullbacks, Asari included, also worked hard to stop the opposing team's attacks. Goalkeeper Doi also made numerous fine saves to prevent the team from conceding. Tokyo's focus on this day was remarkable. Even against the "set piece challenge," where more than 70% of their goals conceded have come from, the team showed great concentration, led by goalkeeper Doi, and were able to fend off the attacks.

And in the 20th minute of the second half, a crucial moment that would determine the outcome of the game arrived. Kubo broke through the right side from Hiroshima's counter attack, and chasing after him, Komine made a fatal foul inside the penalty area! The referee judged it as a penalty kick. Considering the flow of the game, the away game, and the timing, it was a very tough reality, but Doi made a brilliant catch on Popovic's penalty kick! Following the penalty kick stop against Kashima, the supporters erupted into a chorus of "Miracle Yoichi!" Although the situation remained difficult, this level of concentration changed the flow of the game.

Kamino scores the crucial goal in the final round!

Tokyo managed to survive a big pinch, but the game continued to be dominated by Hiroshima. However, in the 28th minute of the second half, Tokyo took advantage of a momentary gap. Taking advantage of a brief lapse in the previously tight marking, Kanno received the ball and dribbled towards the right, where TUTO was positioned. TUTO expertly evaded his marker and received the pass from Kanno, unleashing a powerful shot with his right foot while competing with the opposing defender. Although the Hiroshima goalkeeper made a desperate attempt to save it, Kanno was there to calmly push the ball into the net, scoring the long-awaited opening goal. It may not have been a flashy goal, but it was a typical striker's goal, and Kanno scored his first goal for Tokyo (since transferring) in a perfect moment.

After that, Hiroshima's fierce attack was waiting. In the 31st minute of the second half, they created a decisive situation from a cross on the right, but Sandro threw himself in the center and prevented a shower of shots. Three minutes later, Kubo headed from the left, but Doi blocked it. In the end, Tokyo, who did not lack concentration until the end of the game, escaped and stopped their losing streak with their third shutout victory of the season.

[Coach Okuma's Comment]

Without Amaral, the movement of the front line was reduced to just TUTO, and the lack of strength in the midfield made for a difficult situation. With this lineup, we had to make the most of our few chances. In that sense, I am grateful that Kamiya scored for us. It was also a big help that Doi stopped the penalty kick.

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