Switching gears for a fresh start

　In the previous match, Tokyo faced Júbilo Iwata, the reigning champions, in a crucial battle for survival in the championship race. Despite a fierce contest that remained even until the last 10 minutes, Tokyo ultimately succumbed to a heavy defeat, conceding five goals. Therefore, the match against Fukuoka on this day is a vital one that will determine their future. While the chances of winning the championship have become realistically difficult, they are not zero. It is essential for the team to not 'break' here in order to grow, and it was important to approach this match with a mindset of starting anew. Only three days have passed since the grueling battle against Iwata, and the physical and mental fatigue of the players is immeasurable. However, it is necessary to switch their mindset and fight, ensuring they do not crumble here. To secure a better ranking than last year and for the future of Tokyo, they must find a way to overcome this challenging situation.

　On the other hand, for Fukuoka, this match was also a very important battle. In the previous match, Fukuoka drew against Urawa, who are also facing the threat of relegation, and their annual ranking dropped to 14th place, putting them in a critical situation just above the relegation line. The point difference with 15th place Verdy below them is 7, and winning this match would significantly advance their chances of "staying up," but conversely, losing would bring the threat of "relegation" closer. It is clear that Fukuoka will come at them with everything they have. Furthermore, the venue for this match is their home ground in Hakata. Given that they are a team known for their intense play, it is easy to imagine that they will approach this fierce battle with a "do whatever it takes" attitude.

　An important match that will greatly influence the future for both sides kicked off at 3 PM in the refreshing autumn weather at Hakata no Mori Stadium.

Overwhelmed by Fukuoka's momentum, we conceded the first goal just 2 minutes into the match.

　Fukuoka's start was fierce, driven by a "desperate" determination. As the unique rhythm of Hakata no Mori enveloped the stadium, supported by the overly passionate cheers of the supporters, the Fukuoka eleven aggressively invaded Tokyo's territory right from the beginning. As Coach Okuma pointed out in the pre-match meeting, Fukuoka came out completely on the attack from the start, aiming to score the first goal, applying pressure from the front line and quickly sending passes forward, not giving Tokyo any room to breathe.

　Tokyo was bewildered by the unique rhythm that enveloped the stadium, which immediately began with "Yoisho! Tottto, Yoisho! Tottto..." as Fukuoka launched an attack. Just two minutes in, a right corner kick led to a shot that was deflected, and the ball was powerfully kicked in by MF Hirashima from a tight angle, allowing an early goal. While one could say they were overwhelmed by the away atmosphere, the failure to implement strategies such as "kicking long to stop the opponent's momentum right after the start" despite knowing Fukuoka would come out aggressively led to the conceded goal. It is true that Fukuoka's start was sharp, but it is also true that Tokyo's start was slow.

Kelly injured and Tokyo falters

　It was a momentary nightmare, but with this, Tokyo quickly turned to counterattack. Now, as a side attacker, Yukihiko, who boasts one of the best breakthrough abilities in J-League, began to show his speed and dribbling on the right side, stopping Fukuoka's aggressive momentum. Conversely, Tokyo started to launch attacks with Miura's calm ball handling and distribution from deep in the midfield. With Kelly and Amaral providing stable holds, they became the focal point in the front line, and the flow of the game quickly tilted towards Tokyo.

　In the 9th minute, Fujiyama joined the attack and delivered a cross from the left side. Amaral, who contested near the penalty area, headed the ball forward, and Kelly, reacting sharply, broke free and took a left-footed shot, but unfortunately it went just to the right of the goal. In the 2nd stage, Tokyo, gaining confidence that they could always equalize even after falling behind, gradually began to dominate the midfield and pressed towards the Fukuoka goal. However, in the 14th minute, as Tokyo was starting to take control, Kelly attempted to break through in the midfield when Fukuoka's midfielder Nakabarai, in a move akin to a forbidden technique in judo, wrapped his arms around Kelly's right arm, causing both to fall. In the next moment, Kelly screamed and struggled while holding his right arm. The play was interrupted, and Kelly had to receive treatment off the pitch, but the Tokyo players expressed their anger at what was a very dangerous play that could jeopardize a player's career and protested vigorously. Ultimately, this series of events triggered a chaotic match, leaving a bitter aftertaste and making the game uninteresting.

　Tokyo has truly lost its core, Kelly, just as it was about to take off, and although Amaral is fighting alone on the front line, there is no development to the sides, leading to a complete tone down. A few minutes later, when Kelly returned to the pitch with his right arm wrapped in tape, the rhythm was somewhat regained, but Kelly's play, with his right arm immobile, lacked speed and was not enough to completely break down Fukuoka. Still, in the 23rd minute, with a brilliant wall pass from the center, Kelly → Amaral → Kelly, they broke through the Fukuoka defense, and finally, a superb pass from Kelly found Fukuda in the center, who unleashed a powerful volley with his left foot, but it went straight to the goalkeeper. In the end, Kelly gave up playing and was substituted for Kagami in the 31st minute.

Game break due to rough play...

　Tokyo, having lost Kelly, implemented a two-top system with Fukuda and Amaral for the first time here. With Kagawa on the left and Yukihiko on the right, they aimed for the Fukuoka goal with renewed determination. However, what awaited them was yet another 'dirty foul.' In the 32nd minute, a ball kicked by the opposing goalkeeper flowed to Tokyo's left side, where Komine kept possession after being challenged from behind by Fukuoka forward Yamashita, who kicked his leg and brought him down. Yamashita then delivered a cross, which Nakahari volleyed. The ball bounced high and went over Dohi's head, but struck the bar and did not result in a goal. Immediately after, in the 34th minute, Tetsuya ITO, known for committing few fouls, brought down Fukuoka forward Yamashita during a fierce chase and received a yellow card. In the following 36th minute, Sandro was struck in the face with an elbow while competing in the air against Fukuoka forward Hattori, causing him to bleed. Sandro protested vehemently. He had never shown such rage before, but ultimately had to bear the cost of five stitches above his lip. Immediately after, in the 37th minute, Amaral and Fukuoka midfielder Ro got into an argument, resulting in both receiving yellow cards for mutual fighting?

　The game has taken on a chaotic appearance, but both teams remain focused on winning the match and continued to play with concentration. Amidst the fierce battle for the ball in midfield, Tokyo received a pass from Kagami on the left side in the 42nd minute, and with an attack-focused mindset, sent a through ball behind the shallow Fukuoka defense. Fukuda then made a diving sliding shot! The unexpected shot had a good trajectory, but unfortunately, it was deflected by the goalkeeper for a corner kick. Both teams began to create chances with their quick transitions between offense and defense, but once again, the match was interrupted due to unnecessary rough play. In stoppage time just before the end, Fukuoka midfielder Nakahari clashed with Tetsuya ITO for the ball, and once again, both fell to the ground due to the same technique used against Kelly (i.e., wrapping the arm). Tetsuya ITO, like Kelly, writhed in pain on the pitch; although his left elbow was only lightly sprained, he suffered a bruise on his right shoulder and further aggravated a fracture in his left hand. It is clear that this is an extremely dangerous act, and the match intensified in its chaotic nature.

A cost greater than defeat...

At halftime, Coach Okuma instructed the players to "focus on the match," and the players vowed to give their all on the pitch to achieve victory with the current squad.

　Right from the start, Kagami sent a cross from the left side, and Fukuda jumped in the center but was just a step short. Immediately after that, Miura broke through deep on the right side and returned a low pass to the center, but it was cleared by a marker just in front of Amaral. Tokyo's in-form Kagami showed significant movement from the left to the right side, gradually creating rhythm. In the 4th minute, Miura headed a cross from Yukihiko on the right, but it went over the bar. In the 8th minute, after a cross from Tetsuya ITO was deflected by the opposing defender, Kagami unleashed a powerful volley, but this also went over the bar. In the 16th minute, with the introduction of Kina, they took a gamble, significantly increasing ball possession in midfield and creating more chances.

　On the other hand, Fukuoka is playing defensively, having a one-goal lead, focusing on counterattacks. They regain possession and pass the ball to Bader, who then distributes it to Yamashita and Nakahara up front. They further break down the sides and deliver crosses, with the strong header of Hattori waiting in front of the goal. There is no room for complacency. Tokyo, understanding the risks involved, is pushing forward to score a goal, which leaves their defense thin during counterattacks, leading to many dangerous situations. In the 21st and 24th minutes, Yamashita took shots from close range, both narrowly missing the goal. The intricate passing exchanges between Yamashita and Nakahara in front of the goal are a threat, and Tokyo's defense, led by Komine, maintained high concentration to defend.

　In the 29th minute, FW Toda was brought on to replace the injured Tetsuya ITO. With an ultra-offensive formation of three forwards, they pressed towards the goal. In the 31st minute, Fukuda headed a cross from Kina, but unfortunately it went straight to the GK. Conversely, just after that, in the 32nd minute, they were countered and breached on the left side, leading to a cross that went across the front of the goal. Hattori shot from close range on the opposite side, but it went well over the bar. Furthermore, in the 34th minute, they were again countered and breached on the right side, leading to a cross that was perfectly headed by Hattori, who was waiting right in front of the goal, but Dohi made a fine save to deflect it. The loose ball was then pounced on by Yamashita, but Dohi caught it. Although Tokyo reduced their number of defenders and increased their attacking players, they could not create a focal point in the front line aside from Amaral against Fukuoka, who defended tightly. Their attacks from the sides lacked the incisiveness to break through the opponent's defense, resulting in no decisive chances. Occasionally, Kina and Miura sent loop passes to Fukuda's runs towards the goal, but these were predictable and either caught by the GK or cleared by the DF. In stoppage time just before the end of the match, Kagawa sent in a cross from the left, and Yukihiko unleashed a powerful volley from the opposite side, but it was deflected by a fine save from the GK, sealing their fate. Ultimately, the match ended with a score of 0 to 1. It is undeniable that Kelly's exit in that manner had a significant impact, but it is also true that they did not play a style of football capable of breaking down the opponent. On this day, Tokyo completely lost their composure. In the latter stages, they became anxious in their attacks, and against Fukuoka's time-wasting tactics from early on, Tokyo tightened the noose around their own necks with unnecessary fouls. In the end, they had fallen into Fukuoka's 'trap' from the very beginning. However, it cannot simply be dismissed as a lack of experience. The malicious rough play against Kelly, Tetsuya ITO, and Sandro is absolutely unacceptable, and it is unreasonable to expect them to remain composed in response to such actions. Normally, after a match, there is a beautiful scene where players from both teams commend each other's efforts, but that day showed a completely different development. It turned into a brawl with both teams mixed up, and staff had to intervene to stop it... Can this really be called a sport? The J-League was established with a wonderful philosophy, but we must not forget that before being football, it is a healthy sport.

　On this day, Tokyo paid a greater price than just a defeat. Although not mentioned in the text, Miura also fell during the game due to a malicious tackle and sprained his right knee. Players are the team's, and the fans' precious treasures. In that sense, it can only be said that it was a disappointing match. In the next match against Marinos, we want to have a wonderful good game.

[Coach Okuma's Comment] Soccer is a sport, and establishing it as a sport is a fundamental premise. In that sense, it was disappointing today as we were not able to act as "partners to do it together." Before the outcome of the match, it is necessary to understand such things together. Everyone should confirm that the players are treasures. Regarding the content of the match, a point of reflection is that after Kelly left, we did not establish a focal point in the front line. When the opponent pulled back, there were no runs behind. Moving forward, I want to think about creating a focal point when Kelly is not present. Next, I want to switch our mindset and fight. *As the official site, there were parts that were written a bit too emotionally, so I have made some corrections today. (2001.10.22)