An away game against Kawasaki Frontale at the clear Japan National Stadium

After the typhoon, at the Japan National Stadium, this round we face Kawasaki Frontale in an away game. Frontale has struggled with two consecutive losses in the 2nd stage, but they achieved victory against Kashiwa in the Nabisco Cup on the 5th. They will want to win here to make a comeback in the J-League. There is also a strong desire not to lose to another J1 promotion team, especially to Tokyo. Their strength and determination should not be underestimated. Additionally, for the past month, they have been battling not only their opponents but also the heat and the ongoing travel situation. They want to maintain their focus and secure a solid victory.

The starting members include MF Sako, who came on as a substitute for Asari (right foot injury) in the Nabisco Cup match against Kyoto. On the other hand, Kawasaki Frontale had a completely different lineup compared to the last match, featuring Brazilian FW Ijidoro and MF Harada, along with FW Ganaha, MF Oishi, and SB Nakaya, who joined from the 2nd stage.

An outstanding combination leads to Amaral's opening goal!　

Kickoff on a pitch where the temperature rises to 30 degrees. Both teams avoid applying pressure too high up the field and proceed cautiously, watching each other's moves. At 11 minutes, Kawasaki Frontale midfielder Oniki took a shot after a one-two with Isidoro. Meanwhile, at 13 minutes, Tokyo passed to Kobayashi who broke into space on the left side from Fujiyama. Kobayashi timed his cutback perfectly, but it just missed Fujiyama who was overlapping. At 14 minutes, Kobayashi, running into the box, aimed a shot from a pass by TUTO. The ball deflected off a defender and fell loose, which TUTO picked up again, persistently carrying it to the goal line and passing to Amaral who was closing in. However, the shot went off target. At 16 minutes, Kawasaki Frontale launched a quick attack. After Tokyo's defender cleared the ball, Frontale midfielder Otsuka took a long-range shot. At 20 minutes, this time the ball was connected through Amaral and Masuda to Sakoi who took a long-range shot. However, neither team managed to score. The deadlock continued as both sides defended solidly and stayed compact.

　In the 25th minute, Kobayashi received a ball from Fujiyama, who surged up the left side, and passed it after evading the opposing DF. TUTO, who received the pass, accelerated towards the goal, drawing in the opposing DF, and delivered a final pass to Amaral. With a clear shot, Amaral unleashed a powerful strike into the goal! They took the lead with an outstanding combination play from Fujiyama to Amaral.

　Kawasaki Frontale then actively attacked centered around Ijidoro, but Tokyo concentrated on defense and did not allow any decisive chances in front of the goal. In the 36th minute, Frontale aimed for a long-range shot from Harada, but this was saved by Doi. Tokyo also responded in the 38th minute with a precise long-range shot from Sakai that hit the target. Even after Frontale took the initiative, Tokyo never rushed, responding while "maintaining balance" (Coach Okuma) and finished the first half.

Amaral's hat trick leads to three consecutive wins! This is truly a home game!!

As the field gradually became covered in shadows, the match intensified. Kawasaki Frontale's Izidoro dribbled from the right side into the penalty area and took a shot in the 47th minute of the second half. At the 49th minute, Nakatani, who had moved behind Tokyo's defense, aimed for the goal. In response, Tokyo also pressed forward at the 50th minute, where Amaral received a through pass from Sakoi just before the penalty area and was fouled, earning a free kick. TUTO's free kick missed the goal, but the series of plays highlighted Amaral's breakthrough ability and Sakoi's high attacking awareness. At the 54th minute, Tokyo quickly connected after Frontale's clearance, and TUTO took a shot. Frontale then recovered the loose ball and launched a counterattack. However, Tokyo's defenders blocked midfielder Oishi's attack in front of the goal and pushed the ball forward. Kobayashi chased well and, despite being marked, passed to Amaral who ran into the center. Amaral received the ball, turned his body, bypassed center back Okuno with a one-touch move, and faced the goalkeeper one-on-one to shoot! The ball brushed past goalkeeper Urakami's outstretched hand and went into the goal!! At the 55th minute, Tokyo quickly scored their second goal in a rapid exchange of counters.

There’s no way the players we should be taking wouldn’t score and get everyone excited. The score of 2 to 0 became dangerous in the sense that if one point is returned, the momentum could change rapidly, but there was no fear of being away. As the Tokyo supporters sang, "Our National," from here on it was truly a home game.

Thanks to the lack of sharpness in Kawasaki Frontale's attacks, Tokyo does not allow them to create chances. Conversely, if there is space behind Kawasaki Frontale as they push forward, it plays into Tokyo's strategy. In the 64th minute, a goal kick went to TUTO on the right side. TUTO advanced with a dribble, but he carefully assessed the Kawasaki Frontale defense line trying to retreat and sent an early cross aimed between the goalkeeper and the defense. The ball slightly deflected off the defender, but Amaral, who had made a well-timed run into position, easily connected and scored! With a hat trick from the ace, Tokyo crushed Kawasaki Frontale.

The hero is Amaral. However, there are also signs of a strong team effort supporting him.

In the 71st minute, Yukiho replaced the fatigued Masuda, and in the 77th minute, Kina was brought in for Kobayashi. Koike entered the right midfield position. Then, with less than five minutes remaining, Horiike finally came on for goalkeeper Doi! Everyone must have been thrilled to see the return of this player who has supported the team since the JFL days. Horiike stood on the pitch surrounded by the loud cheers of Tokyo supporters. The alternating chants of "Doi" and "Horiike" echoed from the stands. It truly created the atmosphere of a home game. Showing composure in such tactics, the match ended with a score of 3-0. Kawasaki Frontale achieved a resounding victory.

In today's match, while gaining 3 points is a significant achievement, there were also many highlights such as the emergence of new player Sakae and the revival of Horiike. Additionally, the positional battles among Kobayashi, Masuda, and Yukihiko, each with their own unique strengths in midfield, and the corresponding strategies showcased a new challenge for Tokyo. It can be said that this match yielded greater gains than just victory.

[Coach Okuma's Comments]

Today, everyone maintained their focus and balance in this heat until the end, and did very well. The schedule was tough, but the amount of exercise did not decrease. Nakai, who played in the second match of the day, also improved, and it was a match with a lot to gain.

(In response to the question, 'Why has Seigo KOBAYASHI been able to play so well recently?')

This season, Seigo KOBAYASHI has become more resilient against challenges. I believe that has contributed to his confidence.

(In response to the question 'Why did you use Horiike?')

The goalkeeper rarely gets a chance (to be substituted) unless there is a serious injury. I wanted Horiike to gain experience on the J1 stage so that he could be ready whenever his opportunity arises (such as if Doi gets injured). Today, he was given a chance because we happened to be leading by three goals.

(In response to the question, 'Sakai was a defender during his student days, but why is he being used as a defensive midfielder?')

I thought Hakai could be used as a defensive midfielder from the moment he joined. He is a very exciting player, and I have high expectations for him.