Achieve revenge for the Nabisco Cup!

On July 12, in the 2nd Round 2nd match of the Nabisco Cup held at Edogawa Ward Athletic Stadium, Tokyo lost to Kyoto 0-1. Combined with the result of the 1st match (1-1), the total score was 1-2, meaning that last year's semifinalists will be eliminated in the 2nd Round this year.

The 2nd stage, 5th match held on this day will be the fourth encounter with Kyoto this season, and so far the three matches have resulted in one win, one draw, and one loss, making it completely even. Today's match will be a great opportunity for Tokyo as the left-side attacker, Hejis, who troubled them in the Nabisco Cup, will be unable to play due to accumulated warnings. However, Kyoto has many promising young players, and similar to the Nabisco Cup, they will defend tightly with three midfielders centered around Endo, making it difficult for Tokyo's proud two-top to score. Furthermore, on this day, the record-breaking heatwave added to the challenging conditions, and it was certain that the match would be tough. However, the debt from the Nabisco Cup must be repaid in the league, and to extend the ongoing winning streak, we have no choice but to win today! We will approach this with a determination to win!

Super Offensive Formation

The starting members for Tokyo on this day featured a lineup that could be described as extremely offensive. In the left offensive half, Masuda replaced Seigo KOBAYASHI, who had been a regular starter, and in the defensive midfield, KINA replaced Koike, resulting in a more aggressive formation. Notably, KINA's start was a first attempt this season, and it was expected that his performance, being a highly offensive midfielder, would significantly influence the outcome of the match. Additionally, it was the first time that Yukiho (right) and Masuda (left) started together as side attackers, making their combination and performance a point of great interest.

The kickoff whistle blew at 7:04 PM, and although the sun had completely set, the temperature was still over 32°C, creating a harsh environment reminiscent of a mid-summer daytime match. Right from the start, Tokyo's Masuda made a sharp dribble down the left side, and Fujiyama showcased a wonderful combination with a perfectly timed overlap. Masuda and Fujiyama are the same age and have a relationship where they recognize each other's talents, and although they have only been paired for a short time, they have already begun to display a very high level of combination play. Additionally, Masuda himself has been steadily integrating into the team, not only with his sharp dribbling but also by making significant changes in play with outside kicks, hinting at the depth of his talent.

First half without scoring despite pushing forward

In the early stages, Kyoto created rhythm by spreading the ball left and right, starting with the defensive midfielder Endo, and built their attacks around Kaz's hold-up play at the front. The ball dropped by Kaz was picked up by midfielders Park and Atsuta, who either made a through pass for the speedy forward Tomita to break through or utilized the attacking participation of right-back Sato and left-back Nakamura to repeatedly threaten the Tokyo goal with side attacks. In the 25th minute, Park passed to Kaz, who directed the ball to the right side with a one-touch pass. Sato then made a run, cut inside, and unleashed a powerful shot with his left foot. Fortunately, it did not result in a goal, but the side attacks centered around Kaz as the focal point were dangerous.

On the other hand, Tokyo struggled to create rhythm in the early stages with a midfield that was new to them, making it difficult to generate chances. However, in the 20th minute, Masuda cut in from the right side and delivered a superb through pass to TUTO, who then shook off the defender and delivered a cross. From around this play, Tokyo's "ultra-attacking formation" began to show its strength. In the 22nd minute, TUTO rushed towards a ball that had gone into space on the right side. He evaded the defender with a sharp feint and delivered a strong cross, which hit the opposing defender and created a chance that was almost a goal! In the 30th minute, Sandro's header from a right corner kick struck the crossbar, and in the 35th minute, TUTO launched a powerful straight shot from a free kick about 25 meters outside the left side of the penalty area, attacking the Kyoto goal. Additionally, in the 36th minute, Kina advanced to the front line, evaded an opposing defender with wonderful technique, and delivered a soft cross that floated in, which TUTO headed towards the goal. Although no goals were scored, the match was completely in Tokyo's pace, with Amaral hitting the post and Masuda and Yukihiko unleashing powerful shots. Even though TUTO was not in top form, his breakthrough ability, Amaral's hold-up play, Masuda's technique and sharpness, and Kina's game-making in a deeper position all combined to create a sense of synergy in actual matches rather than in practice, allowing Tokyo to unleash a powerful attack that overwhelmed Kyoto's deeply defensive system.

Tokyo defended well, with man-marker Komine hardly allowing Kazu to do any work, and all dangerous balls were cleared by Sandro with his long legs and remarkable height, shutting down Kyoto's attacks. The first half ended with a score of 0-0, despite the situation where it wouldn't have been surprising if Tokyo had scored at any moment.

Komine's overlap creates a priceless opening goal?

Entering the second half, forward Kamino was brought in to replace the underperforming Yukihiko. Tokyo opted for a more aggressive three-top formation. Kamino was positioned at the front, with Amaral, TUTO, and Masuda moving freely nearby. In the 5th minute of the second half, Fujiyama, who had shown sharp attacking participation since the first half, broke through the left side with a dribble and sent in a low cross, which Kamino slid in to shoot! It was one of Kamino's signature shooting patterns, but unfortunately, it missed the target. Conversely, in the 9th minute, Kyoto launched a counterattack with Atsuta racing up the right side, delivering an exquisite cross, and Kazu unleashed a powerful header. For a moment, it was nerve-wracking, but the ball struck the crossbar and resulted in no goal. Indeed, a momentary lapse in concentration can be fatal in J1, and it was once again the dangerous man 'King Kazu'.

The opening goal, which could not be scored no matter how they attacked, was created in an unexpected way. In the 16th minute of the second half, Komine intercepted a pass in his own half and passed the ball to Kamino at the front line, while also making a rare full-speed overlap on the left side! Since it is generally the theory to use the defender when they move up, Kamino dribbled a bit before passing to Komine on the left side. When Komine received the ball, instead of looking for a passing option, he attempted to break through himself. Once he entered the penalty area, he executed Kazu-like 'step-over feints' two or three times, causing the opposing defender to foul him! Komine fell and earned a priceless penalty kick! TUTO calmly converted it, and Tokyo finally took the lead.

In the end, it's definitely TUTO and Amaral!

Kyoto, having unexpectedly allowed the opening goal, brought in the young hope with great technique, Matsui. Matsui was one of those who troubled Tokyo with his high skill in the Nabisco Cup alongside Hejis. As soon as he entered the pitch, Kyoto began to find their attacking rhythm, repeatedly breaking through on the left side. However, Kyoto's offensive push was not necessarily a bad thing for Tokyo. In fact, Kyoto's decision to come forward in search of goals, even at the cost of their defensive balance, created a perfect opportunity for Tokyo's counterattacks to thrive.

In the 30th minute of the second half, Asari participated in the attack after intercepting a pass and broke through with a one-two with Kamino, but unfortunately was offside. Then, in the 34th minute of the second half, Fujiyama also broke through the left side with a one-two with Kamino, and aimed for a shot with a curve using his right foot, but it went well over the bar. Then, in the 38th minute of the second half, when a ball from Amaral went into the space on the right side, he skillfully evaded the approaching opponent's defender with a sharp turn and charged towards the goal. The goalkeeper, who rushed out in a panic, was easily faked out with a single move, and he scored the second goal with ease into the unguarded net.

In the dying moments of stoppage time, substitute Koike sprinted up the left side and delivered a cross to the center, where Jinno jumped and brought it down with his chest. Amaral, who ran in, struck a powerful volley! This magnificent shot that pulled away from Kyoto symbolized Tokyo's current "strength."

The team has achieved five consecutive wins since the 2nd opening. And, TUTO has 14 points, Amaral has 12 points, both are now within reach of the top scorer title. Tokyo's momentum is unstoppable.

[Coach Okuma's Comments]

Kyoto defended as expected. After scoring the first goal, Kyoto lost their defensive balance, allowing us to play the football we wanted. However, I still want to be able to break through defenses even when they are tightly organized, as they were in the first half. In that sense, especially in the first half, there were many mistakes in our passing and other areas, leaving us with some dissatisfaction.

Regarding Kina's performance, I think he showed a good performance, especially considering it was his first time playing close to 90 minutes in a long while. He was also a key link in both offense and defense, and his defensive awareness was high.