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."

And so the 2000 Nabisco Cup arrived. Tokyo, having reached the semifinals in the 1999 tournament, was a seeded team and faced Kyoto, who had defeated J2's Niigata in the 1st Round, starting from the 2nd Round. The first match of the day took place at the enemy's ground, Nishikyogoku, where Tokyo had previously faced Kyoto twice (in the JFL era in 1993 and 1994) and lost both times on penalties (Tokyo Gas's record against them in the JFL from 1993 to 1995 was 2 wins and 4 losses). In the 1st Stage of J1, 9th round (April 29, at Kamoike), they achieved a significant victory of 3-0 with a hat-trick from TUTO, but there were notable moments where they were outplayed by Kyoto's technique, making them a team not to be underestimated. After finishing last in the 1st Stage, Coach Kamo was dismissed, and the head coach Engels took over, changing the system from 3-5-2 to 4-4-2 (or 4-3-3). If they can successfully combine the veteran group led by the absolute ace, Kazu, with the promising young talents like Atsuta and Matsui, there is a possibility for the team, which already possesses high technical skills, to 'transform' and become a formidable presence. In any case, Tokyo will play three matches against Kyoto in cup and league competitions this July, so they want to secure a solid victory in this match to build momentum for the future.

Creating chances from Kamino's hold-up play

On this day, although it was a cup match, Tokyo approached it with almost the same best lineup as in the league, while Kyoto boldly deployed a lineup using young players. Tokyo started with the in-form Kamino instead of Amaral, building their attack around Kamino's hold-up play. The intention was clear: first, to play the ball to Kamino's feet, then either to spread it to the sides or to break down the opponent's defense with wall passes involving TUTO, Seigo KOBAYASHI, and Yukihiko. Initially, Kamino seemed to struggle with the speed of an official match after a long time, losing the ball a few times, but as time passed, he regained his natural sense and began to show stable hold-up play. In the 10th minute, Kamino's hold-up play led to a right-side attack, where Yukihiko made a vertical run to create a chance. In the 12th minute, from a counterattack on the right side, the ball moved from TUTO to Kamino and back to TUTO, creating a decisive chance, although it did not result in a goal. In the 22nd minute, TUTO broke through again with the same combination from the right side, seizing a scoring opportunity, but the cross was cleared by Kyoto's defense, preventing a goal.

First goal with a skillful shot from TUTO!

On the other hand, Kyoto's ace, Kazu, positioned himself as a lone striker, while Hejis broke through on the left side with dribbling. In the center, Matsui utilized his technique to create plays, and on the right side, Park attempted to break through using his speed, showcasing a variety of attacks. In midfield, Endo and Matsukawa persistently defended to win the ball and quickly spread it to the left side, where Hejis either initiated a dribble himself or connected with Kazu or Matsui for a series of short passes to attempt a breakthrough. In the 20th, 23rd, 26th, and 28th minutes, Hejis consecutively broke through the left side with individual skill, creating decisive chances. Although Tokyo managed to avoid conceding a goal thanks to a fine play by goalkeeper Doi, they continued to endure a tough period. Furthermore, when Asari left the field due to right calf pain in the 29th minute, Tokyo's marking in midfield became vague, and in the 31st minute, Hejis again broke through the center, allowing another critical opportunity.

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.