Victory at Home!

　In the 2nd stage, although they lost to Shimizu S-Pulse in Sec. 3, Tokyo has been performing well with 2 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss so far. In the last match, they defeated the tough opponent Gamba Osaka for the first time, and they want to build momentum with consecutive wins here.

　Hiroshima has suffered back-to-back comeback losses in the last two matches, but they have not had any scoreless games, boasting their scoring ability with an attacking 4-3-3 formation. Tokyo lost to Hiroshima 0-3 in the 1st stage this season and has yet to secure a win against them, with one draw and one loss in the Nabisco Cup. They are certainly not an easy opponent, but we want to somehow snatch a victory in this home game! There have been two victories at home, Tokyo Stadium, so far. Everyone understands how important home victories are. Both the team and the front office approached this match with various strategies and determination. The team, hungry for a home victory, deployed the newly transferred secret weapon, Fukuda, as a left MF, continuing from the previous match. The game kicked off after a minute of silence to mourn the victims of the tragic terrorist attacks that occurred in America on the 11th of this month.

Although we allowed an early goal, we launched a counterattack.

　Tokyo is focusing on wing attacks today as well, trying to shake up the Hiroshima DF with significant side changes from the start. In the 2nd minute, Sato delivers consecutive crosses from the right, but they do not lead to a shot. Hiroshima also shows a strong intent to move forward, demonstrating their determination to keep possession of the ball even under severe pressure. Then, in the 4th minute, Hiroshima advances the ball quickly towards the goal from a counterattack with FW Fujimoto to Kubo, using FW Oki as a decoy. Fujimoto, attacking from behind, takes a skillful shot aiming for the bottom right corner of the goal from outside the penalty area. Although Tokyo DF had enough players, they were unable to apply pressure, and the ball pierced the net, allowing Tokyo to concede the opening goal early on.

　Tokyo, launching a counterattack, sees Amaral sometimes dropping back and sometimes drifting to the side to create chances. In the 13th minute, Kelly is fouled and earns a free kick near the penalty arc, but Sato's shot goes over the bar. In the 17th minute, from a throw-in, Kelly receives a pass from the advancing Fujiyama and unleashes a powerful shot, but goalkeeper Shimoda catches it. Hiroshima also builds up play in midfield and sends passes forward, but they cannot create any decisive chances. Oki's long-range shot in the 20th minute also goes well wide of the goal.

　After that, in the 26th minute, Tokyo started with Amaral, and Fujiyama, who advanced on the left side, sent a final pass into the penalty area, where MF Fukuda took a shot. However, the powerful ball was blocked by a great save from the GK. In the 29th minute, they picked up a loose ball in midfield and launched a counterattack. Following their usual pattern, Sato sent a ground cross from the right in front of the goal, but Amaral's shot was once again saved by the GK. In the 37th minute, Amaral made a powerful header from a long free kick from the back, but this too was barely deflected by the GK, resulting in a corner kick. Despite pushing the game forward, they could not break the deadlock and ended the first half still trailing.

Fukuda scores the equalizer with his first goal after the transfer! However…

　In the second half, Hiroshima tries to connect well in the midfield and develop plays from the defensive midfielder Morisaki. On the other hand, Tokyo aims to create chances through Sato, just like in the first half. The back-and-forth battle continued until just past the 10-minute mark of the second half, but the game changed after that. In the 13th minute, Kelly dribbled from the midfield into the penalty area alone, and after a quick fake, he took a sharp shot! Although the goalkeeper deflected it, the ball rolled in front of Fukuda, who calmly evaded one defender and took a powerful shot. The ball spectacularly pierced the net for a goal!! Although Fukuda had been involved in few chances until now, he showcased his decisive ability at the crucial moment.

　Tokyo wants to gain momentum after equalizing, but in the 64th minute, Hiroshima's MF Morisaki passes from the left midfield to the space in the front line. FW Oki catches up and Korika shoots the ball that was crossed back. In the 66th minute, Tokyo's Sato breaks through the right side from a fast-paced play and delivers a cross, but it doesn't reach Fukuda in front of the goal. In the 69th minute, Amaral runs up the right side from a counter and takes a shot, but it goes across the goal. In the 74th minute, Hiroshima's corner kick leads to a quick attack, but they end up being caught offside, gradually pushing Hiroshima back.

　However, due to the fast pace and humidity, both teams lost pressure in the midfield, leading to more battles in the DF line. Then, in the 77th minute, DF Komine committed a foul near the penalty arc in front of the goal, and from the resulting FK, MF Korika took a long shot. The ball hit the left corner of the goalpost and bounced back into the goal. Tokyo quickly found themselves behind once again.

Amaral and Kagami! A dramatic comeback in the last 5 minutes

　However, in the 79th minute, Kagawa was substituted for Fukuda, and Kina was brought in for Asari. Then, in the 85th minute, Yamau was brought in for Komine. Tokyo, trying to defend and regain possession at the final line, attempted to connect the ball forward for a counterattack. In the 86th minute, midfielder Miura, who had surged up the left side, passed to Kagawa, who had moved up to support. Kagawa sent a perfectly aimed cross in front of the goal, and Amaral, who was free and waiting, executed a header shot! The ball shook the net, and once again, following the previous match, the combination of Amaral and Kagawa capitalized on a one-chance opportunity to equalize again!

　With less than five minutes remaining, Tokyo shows resilience. In the 89th minute, Hiroshima, perhaps anticipating extra time, substitutes Fujimoto for fresh forward Takahashi. It was at that moment. In front of the penalty area, Kagami passes to Sato on the right side, who calmly delivers a direct through pass behind the defensive line. Kelly, seeing the Hiroshima defender closing in, quickly returns a precise pass in front of the goal, and Kagami, diving in, effortlessly connects with a right-footed volley to score!! With a flowing direct pass and Kagami's second consecutive goal, they finally take the lead at this late stage of the match.

　Hiroshima took the lead twice, but perhaps discouraged by this goal, their counterattack ended here. Tokyo endured a long stoppage time of five minutes and, in the end, secured the victory. On this day, Tokyo approached the victory at Tokyo Stadium with extraordinary determination, ingenuity, and preparation, fighting together as one without giving up until the very end. Tokyo believed in victory, demonstrating resilience and the difference in finishing ability shown by Kagami's consecutive final goals, and celebrated their victory at home, rising to fourth place.

[Coach Okuma's Comments]

Kagami and other substitute players like Kina are definitely changing the flow of the game, and their performance is having a positive impact on the team. Results have been showing since the last match, and both the team and individuals are gaining confidence, so I believe we will head in a better direction from here. I want to do my best in the remaining league matches with this momentum.