Facing the cup competition for the first time this season

In the 1999 Nabisco Cup, FC Tokyo created a huge sensation. As a J2 club and a first-time participant in the tournament, they achieved the remarkable feat of defeating higher-ranked J1 clubs such as Kobe, Ichihara, and Yokohama in succession, advancing to the Semifinal Round. In the Semifinal Round, they fought fiercely against Kashima but lost by a narrow margin, ultimately finishing in the top four. However, it was a tournament with many achievements, as midfielder Yukihiko SATO was honored with the prestigious "New Hero Award."

Then came the 2000 Nabisco Cup. Since Tokyo reached the best 4 in the 1999 tournament, they were seeded and started from the 2nd Round, facing Kyoto (who defeated J2 Niigata in the 1st Round). The first leg on this day was held away at Nishikyogoku Stadium, where they had previously faced each other twice during the JFL era (1993 and 1994), losing both times on penalties (Tokyo Gas's JFL record from 1993 to 1995 against Kyoto was 2 wins and 4 losses). In the J1 1st Stage Round 9 match five years later (4/29, Kamoike), Tokyo won decisively 3-0 with a hat trick from TUTO, but Kyoto’s technical skills still caused problems, so they could not be underestimated. After finishing last in the 1st Stage and the dismissal of coach Kamo, head coach WENGER took over and changed the system from 3-5-2 to 4-4-2 (or 4-3-3). Combining the veteran group led by the absolute ace Kazu with the rapidly developing young players like Atsuta and Matsui, the team—already highly skilled technically—had the potential to “transform” and become a formidable presence. In any case, Tokyo was set to play Kyoto three times in July across the cup and league matches, so they wanted to secure a solid win in this game to build momentum going forward.

Creating chances from Kamino's hold-up play

On this day, although it was a cup match, Tokyo faced Kyoto with almost the same best lineup as in the league matches, while Kyoto boldly fielded a young squad. Tokyo started with Kamino, who was in good form, replacing Amaral, and built their attack around Kamino's hold-up play. The intention was clear: first, to get the ball to Kamino's feet, then either spread it to the sides or break down the opposing defense with wall passes involving TUTO, Kobayashi, and Yukihiko. Kamino initially lost the ball a few times, perhaps due to adjusting to the speed of an official match after a long time, but as time passed, he regained his usual sense and showed stable hold-up play. At the 10th minute, from Kamino's hold-up play, the ball was spread to the right side where Yukihiko challenged vertically and created a chance. At the 12th minute, during a counterattack on the right side, the ball passed from TUTO to Kamino and back to TUTO, creating a decisive chance though it did not result in a goal. At the 22nd minute, TUTO broke free again from the right side with the same combination and seized a scoring opportunity, but the cross was cleared by Kyoto's defenders and did not lead to a goal.

First goal with a skillful shot from TUTO!

Meanwhile, Kyoto launched a variety of attacks with their ace Kazu playing as a lone forward holding up the ball, Hejis breaking down defenses with dribbling from the left side, Matsui orchestrating the game with his technique in the center, and Park attempting breakthroughs using his speed on the right side. In midfield, Endo and Matsukawa aggressively defended to regain possession, quickly switching play to the left side, where Hejis either dribbled himself or connected intricate passes with Kazu or Matsui to attempt breakthroughs. At the 20th, 23rd, 26th, and 28th minutes, Hejis repeatedly broke through the left side with individual skill, creating decisive chances. Tokyo struggled but managed to keep the scoreless thanks to fine saves by goalkeeper Doi. Furthermore, when Asari left the field at the 29th minute due to right calf pain, Tokyo’s marking in midfield became unclear, and at the 31st minute, Hejis again broke through the center, allowing another clear chance.

Tokyo, led by goalkeeper Doi, withstood Kyoto's fierce attack as they seized an opportunity in the 34th minute to launch a counterattack. Koike received the ball in his own half and passed it to Kamino, who was positioned up front. Kamino deftly evaded a tough challenge from the opposing defender with a one-touch pass to Seigo KOBAYASHI in the center. Seigo KOBAYASHI then delivered a direct lob pass to TUTO, who controlled the ball with his chest and slipped through the opposing defenders at top speed, evading the advancing goalkeeper to score a crucial opening goal. It was a momentary event. Until then, Tokyo had been enduring Kyoto's relentless assault, but they capitalized on a brief moment of vulnerability as Kyoto focused on their attack, securing a valuable first goal from a quick counterattack.

Allowed an equalizing goal in a dangerous time, resulting in a draw

Tokyo, having finished the first half at 1-0, allowed Kyoto to equalize shortly after the start of the second half. There is a theory in soccer that says, "Be especially careful during the moments right after the match starts and just before it ends," but Kaz did not miss the moment when Tokyo's defense momentarily stopped on the left side just five minutes into the second half. Kaz took advantage of that brief opening and unleashed a powerful shot with his right foot, which hit the goalpost. The ball rebounded, and the in-form Hejis capitalized on it, easily equalizing the score.

With this, Kyoto regained momentum and, like in the first half, launched a variety of attacks again starting from Hejis and Matsui. In response, Tokyo brought in "Tokyo's King" Amaral in the 11th minute of the second half and Masuda in the 18th minute to counterattack.

Fujiyama, who had been holding back in the first half, actively participated in the attack, showing a sharp interception and a well-timed overlap. In the 19th minute, he broke through the left side with a one-two with TUTO and delivered an exquisite cross. In the 28th minute, TUTO dribbled past a defender and took a shot, and in the 31st minute, Amaral stopped a cross from Seigo KOBAYASHI on his chest and took a volley shot. Although there were chances, they did not lead to additional goals.

On the other hand, Kyoto launched a counterattack by exploiting the gaps left by Tokyo's offensive, but in that critical moment, DF Komine and Sandro displayed exceptional strength in a one-on-one situation, bravely defending with their bodies. GK Doi also made a sharp move and judgment, courageously rushing out to prevent a goal.

In the end, the match ended in a draw at 1-1, and it was decided that the outcome would be determined in the second match. However, for Tokyo, being able to draw in a situation where they have been away and are fatigued is significant. The second match next week (7/12, Edogawa) will be held at home, and we aim for a decisive victory to advance to the Semifinal Round!

[Manager's Comment]

Regardless of the content, they did well to keep fighting during the away matches. However, it's unfortunate that the timing of the goals conceded was not good. I want to make use of this experience in the future, including in the league matches. I want to do my best to play as many matches as possible in the Nabisco Cup.