Full house at home! Beat the strong Jubilo in a heated game!

　After the previous round's big win, expectations are high for this round. The opponent is the strong Júbilo Iwata, currently in 2nd place. Iwata, who cannot afford to drop any more points in their pursuit of the championship, will face a sold-out crowd of 45,925 at Tokyo Stadium, the second largest in club history. Despite the scorching daytime temperature of over 36 degrees, we will show a fierce battle of Tokyo's attacking football at our home ground, and aim for victory.

　The starting members, as in the previous match, kicked off with a 4-2-3-1 formation with Fukuda as the top striker.

Full House For Visit Of Star-Studded Jubilo

Following the demolition of Sanfecce in the previous game expectations ran high at Tokyo Stadium for the visit of perennial powerhouse Jubilo Iwata, currently lying second in the League and desperate for three points to bolster their title challenge. The mercury topped 36 C in Tokyo at lunchtime but the sweltering heat failed to discourage a bumper 45,925 crowd, the second highest in club history, from turning out to roar on their team.
Tokyo remained unchanged from last week with Fukuda as lone striker in a 4-2-3-1 formation.

Unable to shoot under intense pressure, conceding the first goal.

　A cautious start, carefully watching the opponent's movements. However, in the 3rd minute, Miyazawa chased after a loose ball from deep in the midfield and entered the penalty area. In the 4th minute, Tokyo continued to pressure with two consecutive corner kicks, coming close to Iwata's goal. In the 5th and 6th minutes, Iwata also utilized the space on the right side, sending forwards Takahara and midfielder Fujita to create opportunities.

　In the 8th minute, Fukuda received a pass from Fujiyama and connected with Kelly, who made a through pass in front of the goal. In the 11th minute, Ishikawa chased after a side change pass that seemed to go out, and made a precise through pass after holding onto it. They showed a good form, but unfortunately, Toda, who had jumped out, was offside and missed the chance.

　However, Iwata gradually takes control. They quickly pressure and steal the ball, and calmly connect passes without forcing anything in the heat. The ball they take from the DF line is quickly sent to the front line to players like FW Nagai and Takahara, creating opportunities.

　And in the 16th minute, MF Nagami, who received the ball from a free kick in front of the penalty area, raised a high lob in front of the goal. MF Fukunishi and GK Doi collided while chasing the ball, and as the ball rolled away, it flowed back to Fukunishi on the right side. The cross ball hit a DF and went towards the center of the goal. Takahara, who was waiting for it, neatly pushed it into the goal, allowing the first shot for both teams and conceding the first goal.

　Iwata, who showed brilliance in passing, dominated the game. In the 35th minute, Grau broke through the defense line and faced off against Doi in a one-on-one, but Doi's fine play prevented an additional goal. Then in the 36th minute, Tokyo's Ishikawa broke out with a superb speed from the right side after receiving Kelly's through pass, and charged towards the goal. He then aimed and took a shot from the dribble, but unfortunately the ball crossed the goal.

　Including this, Tokyo only had 2 shots in the first half. Iwata's strong midfield completely shut down Tokyo's attack, and while Tokyo was on the defensive, they went into the second half trailing by one goal.

F.C.TOKYO Pinned Back, Fall Behind

The home side began brightly, Miyazawa finding some space in the Jubilo area after three minutes and winning a pair of corner kicks. Jubilo countered, looking to free forward Takahara and midfielder Fujita down the right. Some sterling work by Ishikawa set up Toda in the 8th. minute but he was given offside.
Slowly, however, Jubilo began to exert a grip in midfield, winning challenges, playing short, simple passes and aiming for front runners Gral and Takahara.
The visitors took the lead in the 16th. minute with a scrappy goal. Nanami lobbed a free kick into the Tokyo area; Fukunishi and Doi leapt for the ball which then ricocheted off various players and fell kindly to Fukunishi who found Takahara, again via a deflection, a yard in front of the goal line for the simplest of tap ins. Jubilo took the lead with the first shot on target by either team.
The visitors were controlling the game, content to retain possession, force F.C.TOKYO to chase the ball, and wait for their opportunities. The best chance of the game fell to Gral in the 36th. minute as a fine through ball sent him clear of the home defence with only Doi to beat. The Tokyo keeper stood his ground and then dived sharply to his right for a superb save to
deny Jubilo a second goal. Tokyo were inches away from an equaliser moments later as a defence splitting pass from Kelly saw Ishikawa outpace the Jubilo backs with a dazzling burst of speed and hammer a shot wide of the left post.
Including that attempt Tokyo managed only two shots during the first half which finished 0-1, due to the stifling Jubilo midfield which had effectively denied them any time and space on the ball.

Caught by the thread of counterattack...

　At this event, "Fireworks Night," held on this day, spectacular fireworks were launched during halftime, which was supposed to boost the team for the second half. Tokyo wanted to use Amaral as a substitute for Fukuda and use him as a starting point for a counterattack, but it was Iwata who controlled the pace in the second half. The Japan national team duo of Fukunishi and Hattori pressed hard and quickly to steal the ball, dominating possession.

　In the 53rd minute, Ishikawa passed to Kelly on the right side and quickly attacked the penalty area, boldly shooting. In the 56th minute, Amaral received a pass from Miyazawa and took a shot. Although there is a conscious effort to move forward, they were unable to score. Toda's speedy runs were well taken care of by the solid 3-back line. Crosses from the side were also anticipated and cleared every time.

　Iwata substituted speedy MF Kawaguchi for Grau in the 57th minute to add speed to their game and put pressure on Tokyo in a speed battle. In the 63rd minute, Tokyo substituted Kina for Shimohira, but in the following 65th minute, Iwata's MF Kawaguchi broke through Tokyo's shallow DF line with incredible speed and took a shot from close range. However, Tsuchi reacted quickly and saved it, resulting in a corner kick.

　However, from the left corner kick obtained here, Takahara, who combined on the near side, headed the shot and scored. Tokyo was dealt an additional point in a way that disrupted their counterattack mode.

Fightback Smothered

The crowd were treated to an explosive fireworks display at half time and anticipated some fireworks on the pitch as Amaral replaced Fukuda for the second half. The expected fightback failed to materialize though as the Japan double defensive half duo of Hattori and Fukunishi battled unremittingly for the ball. Ishikawa played a neat one-two with Kelly in the 53rd. minute but shot wide in Tokyo's first serious attempt of the half.
Three minutes later Amaral seizes on a Miyazawa through ball and managed a shot. TOKYO switched their attention to the wings but the Jubilo backline dealt comfortably with the crosses. Jubilo replaced Gral with the speedy Kawaguchi after 57 minutes; TOKYO responded by introducing the equally fast Kina for Shimotaira a few minutes later. Kawaguchi hared past the TOKYO
defense in the 65th. minute, veered into the area and smashed a shot from point blank range at Doi. Takahara headed home the resultant corner at the near post to kill off TOKYO's nascent fightback.

Unable to break through Iwata's defense, first defeat at home this season, a frustrating loss

　Tokyo, who still wants to strike back, created a chance even while being dominated. In the 72nd minute, Kelly intercepted a pass in the DF line and brought it to the right goal area, but Toda couldn't quite get a touch in front of the goal. In the 74th minute, Amaral perfectly timed a header from Toda's cross on the left side, but it narrowly missed to the left.

　From the 75th minute, Toda was placed at the top, Ishikawa on the left, and Kelly on the right, and in the 76th minute, Toda made a run into the goal area from a perfect cross from Ishikawa on the left, but just missed.

　Ishikawa's hard work utilizing his speed shines, and the game is played at a fast pace. However, Iwata's final line cannot break through the wall due to a lack of concentration. In the 80th minute, Mochinaga is substituted for Fujiyama, and they continue to look for a last chance until the very end, but the cruel time is up. It was a disappointing defeat at home for the first time this season, with no goals scored.

　However, although the difference was shown, it was not a defeat without motivation. I want to use this result as a source of motivation for the upcoming battles without being pessimistic. I will switch my mindset and face the Verdy match in the next round, with only 3 days of rest.

[Summary of Manager's Press Conference] "It was a complete defeat. We wanted to put pressure on them, but Jubilo was one step ahead and were able to connect their passes well, causing confusion in our second line and forwards. Jubilo were able to execute their game plan thoroughly. We wanted to build up from our fullbacks, but when they put pressure on us, we panicked and ended up kicking the ball forward. From there, Jubilo were able to control the rhythm of the game. We had a great crowd today and wanted to be more aggressive, but we were overwhelmed by Jubilo's well-balanced football, especially from players like Fukunishi and Hattori. Honestly, my impression is that they have a good understanding of the game. However, we will do our best to catch up before our next match against them."

[Summary of Coach Suzuki's Press Conference] "In order to win, we needed to get 3 points today = a victory in the 90 minutes, as we discussed in the pre-game meeting. It was a big achievement that we were able to come together as one and win, and it will lead to the next game. There are some small points to reflect on, but it was good that we were able to get through without conceding any goals. We want to use our connection with the GK and the entire defensive line as a big plus for the future."

F.C.TOKYO Fall To Season First Home Loss

TOKYO were down but not out and continued to push forward despite limited possession. Toda was inches away from a spectacular leaping volley after 72 minutes and two minutes later Amaral headed a Toda cross fractionally wide.
With 15 minutes remaining TOKYO reshuffled the attack; Toda up front, Ishikawa on the right and Kelly on the left. The speedy Ishikawa caused problems for the Jubilo backline, now visibly tired, but still a goal wouldn't come. Minowa replaced Fujiyama as a last ditch effort, but Van Zwam stopped the best efforts of the TOKYO eleven and the game ended 0-2.
TOKYO may have suffered their first home defeat of the year, but certainly didn't lack motivation and fought until the end. They hope to bounce back against Verdy in the Tokyo Derby on Wednesday night.

F.C.TOKYO manager Hara:
"A comprehensive defeat. We were hoping to attack them down the flanks but they closed those avenues down and when we came
through the middle we ran into Fukunishi and Hattori, who were outstanding. I was hoping for a more attacking display for the fans; it wasn't to be but we'll learn from this and give them a better game next time".

Jubilo manager Suzuki:
"We really needed a win within the 90 minutes to maintain our title challenge and we achieved it by playing as a team. The
defense and goalkeeper did very well and we were delighted to keep a clean sheet."