GAME RESULTGame Result

Sec. 26 2005/10/01 (Sat)
Attendance 9,434 
Weather: Clear, Light; Temperature: 26.5 degrees; Humidity: 48% 
Referee: Masaaki IEMOTO Assistant Referees: Yoshihisa TAKAHASHI / Satoru ISHIZAWA Fourth Official: Kenji OGIYA

J1 Sec. 26

Komaba

HOME

Omiya Ardija

0-1

Match Ended

First Half0-0

Second Half0-1

AWAY

FC Tokyo

Omiya Ardija FC Tokyo
Scorer 60' Masashi MIYAZAWA
63' Kanazawa Shin → Saito Masato
69' Davidson Jun Marcus → Shimada Yusuke
76' Fujimoto Chikara → Morita Koji
Player Substitution 73' Masashi MIYAZAWA → Yohei KAJIYAMA
80' Lucas → Yoshiro ABE
89' Ryoichi KURISAWA → Fumitake MIURA
7 Shoot 7
9 CK 1
17 FK 23
26' Fujimoto Chikara
57' Tomita Daisuke
Warning 89' Yohei KAJIYAMA
89' Fumitake MIURA
Ejection 54' Mitsuhiro TODA
Omiya Ardija Starting XI
GK 1 Tomoyasu Ando
DF 18 Takuhiro Nishimura
DF 4 Toninho
DF 2 Seiichiro Okuno
DF 5 Daisuke Tomita
MF 6 Davidson Jun Marcus
MF 7 Shin Kanazawa
MF 10 TUTO
MF 11 Chikara Fujimoto
FW 30 Naoto Sakurai
FW 31 Yoshiki Yamashita
Omiya Ardija Bench
GK 20 Hiroki TANI
MF 15 Masato Saito
MF 17 Yusuke Shimada
FW 14 Hiroshi Morita
FW 32 Leandro
FC Tokyo Starting Lineup
GK 1 Yoichi DOI
DF 20 Akira KAJI
DF 3 Jean
DF 2 Teruyuki MONIWA
DF 8 Ryuji FUJIYAMA
MF 6 Yasuyuki KONNO
MF 16 Masashi MIYAZAWA
MF 27 Ryoichi KURISAWA
MF 14 Yuta BABA
FW 13 Mitsuhiro TODA
FW 9 Lucas
FC Tokyo Bench
MF 10 Fumitake MIURA
MF 15 Norio SUZUKI
MF 23 Yohei KAJIYAMA
FW 11 Yoshiro ABE
FW 38 Sasa SALCEDO

[Player and Coach Comments]

Aiming for 3 points with a new formation!


 In Sec. 26 of the J1 League, we will face Omiya Ardija away. In the previous match against Oita, we struggled to attack rhythmically in the first half, but by changing to a two-top formation with Toda and Sasa in the second half, our ball retention rate improved, and several decisive chances were created from both flanks. However, the result was a scoreless draw for the second consecutive match. We have kept a clean sheet in the last three matches, and the defensive balance has improved for the team as a whole, but we have not seen results in the attacking aspect.

 Omiya currently has the same 28 points as Tokyo but is placed 14th due to goal difference. In August, FW Cristiano (6 goals) transferred out, and since then, in the following 7 matches, they have recorded 1 win, 1 draw, and 5 losses. Especially in the last 4 games, they have suffered consecutive defeats, causing their ranking to drop. Although the overall performance has not been bad, they have not been able to get results. In the previous match against Kawasaki, they lined up in a 4-1-4-1 formation with FW Yamashita as the lone striker. If they had scored even one goal during the first half chances, the outcome might have been different, but they ultimately conceded 2 goals and lost 1-2. For this match, they have changed the lineup. The system features Sakurai and Yamashita as a two-striker formation, with MF Fujimoto and Tutto on the left and right sides, aiming to score through quick counterattacks after regaining possession. Defensively, Davidson Jun Marcus, who was suspended for 2 matches, has returned, stabilizing the defense from the midfield.

 Tokyo has also changed its members. Baba is in the attacking midfielder position, and in place of Kajiyama, the well-performing Miyazawa has been included as a defensive midfielder. It is certain that the inclusion of these two will increase the attacking accents and variations, especially since the attack has tended to be one-dimensional in the previous match. Additionally, given the data that Omiya has conceded many goals from set pieces, there are expectations for these two as set-piece kickers. Remarkably, despite only a few days having passed since the match against Yokohama FM on 9/17, Lucas makes a return with an astonishing recovery. Furthermore, although his right ankle is not fully healed, Kaji has been included in the starting lineup due to the importance of this match and his strong desire to play.

 In the previous home match in May, we were equalized by our opponent just before the end. As Coach Hara said, 'It felt like a loss at that time,' we must secure a solid '3' points to take revenge on that opponent and to win this direct confrontation against a team with the same points. Including this match, there are 9 matches left, and it will be a tough battle where 'we absolutely cannot lose,' but I want everyone to believe in themselves and their teammates, and to fight for victory with all their might without fear. Despite being October, the sun is still strong at Komaba Stadium, and the match started with a kickoff in Tokyo at 15:04.



New Line-Up Aims To Nut Squirrels

F.C.TOKYO made the short trip north to Saitama to take on Omiya Ardija in the 26th round of games. The previous fixture, against Oita Trinita, had been the proverbial game of two halves: a rather uncomfortable first half followed by a change of formation to 4-4-2 and a vastly improved second half performance that saw TOKYO find their rhythm and create a hatful of chances from the wings. Nobody took them though, and a second consecutive 0-0 draw was the result. Three consecutive clean sheets showed the strength of the defence but goalscoring remained the most urgent problem.
Opponents Ardija were in freefall following the transfer of leading scorer Christian in August. In the seven games since his departure they had a W1 D1 L5 record and were mired in a four game losing streak. The team wasn't playing particularly badly; they just couldn't get the results. The previous game against Frontale was an even affair which Kawasaki had edged 2-1. In that game manager Miura had fielded a 4-1-4-1 system with Yamashita as lone striker; for the visit of TOKYO he played Sakurai and Yamashita as forwards with midfielders Hashimoto and Tuto on the flanks in a formation designed for counter attacking at speed. Defensive midfielder Davidson Jun Marques returned from a two match suspension to add some stability to the defence.
TOKYO had made some changes as well; Baba played behind the striker and the in-form Miyazawa replaced Kajiyama in midfield. Their inclusion was an attempt to vary the options in attack. Also, data showed Ardija had conceded several goals from set plays and both are skilled free kick takers. TOKYO welcomed back Lucas in a miraculous return following his hospitalization for concussion and Kaji, determined to play in such an important match, appeared despite an ankle injury.
Ardija had grabbed a dramatic late equaliser in the reverse fixture in May in a game that TOKYO manager Hara described as, "Shocking. It felt like we had lost". Revenge for that and an opportunity to defeat a side on the same number of points raised the intensity among the TOKYO players. Ardija kicked off shortly after 3pm on an unseasonably hot afternoon.

Created decisive chances but no goals in the first half


 As expected, Omiya fortified their defense and came with a counter-attacking strategy. In the 3rd minute, they regained possession in midfield, and MF TUTO attempted to break through with a dribble. Immediately after, a through pass reached TUTO, who advanced on the right side of the area and took a shot while free. It was a decisive moment, but it resulted in a corner kick. Tokyo struggled with Omiya's quick return, leading to attacks that took too long to develop, resulting in losing the ball in midfield and facing sharp counter-attacks.

 Although they couldn't attack as they wanted, Tokyo finally created a chance after 10 minutes. Konno intercepted in midfield and passed to Baba on the left side. The ball was timed perfectly to Lucas in the center, who took a bold shot from outside the area, but it went over the bar. In the 16th minute, Jean's clearance went to Baba, who launched a counterattack from the left side, but Kurizawa's shot was blocked by the opposing defender. In the 18th minute, Miyazawa took a quick corner kick to the near post, where Jean competed for the ball, causing it to deflect off the opposing defender, but it was caught by the goalkeeper.

 Tokyo, having seized the momentum, continues to attack. In the 20th minute, a counter from Omiya's corner kick. On the left side, Kurisawa passes to Baba, who makes a big switch to Miyazawa, and although Kaji follows up and the cross couldn't be delivered, it creates a good shape. In the 25th minute, Miyazawa's ball from a central free kick is too long and goes directly to the opposing GK. In the 28th minute, from Lucas's hold-up play to Miyazawa. He aims for a lobbed pass to Toda, who runs behind the opposing DF, but the opposing GK catches it. In the 30th minute, Kurisawa dribbles up the center, drawing in the DF, and passes to Kaji on the right side. Lucas heads the cross, but it doesn't go on target.

 In the 37th minute, Fujiyama dribbled into the area from the left side, and Lucas made a one-touch shot after a central pass, but it went over the bar. It was a regrettable moment as Miyazawa was free beside him. In the 38th minute, Lucas skillfully used his body to keep a clearance ball from Shigeno in his own half. He then dribbled towards the goal, surrounded by three opposing defenders, and took a shot in the area, but it was saved by the opposing goalkeeper. Both were decisive chances, but they could not capitalize on them.

 Omiya also launched a counterattack in the 41st minute, with TUTO shaking off Fujiyama on the right side and advancing into the penalty area, delivering a cross from just inside the end line, which Jean managed to deflect for a corner kick. Even under pressure, forwards Sakurai, Yamashita, and midfielders Fujimoto and TUTO remained up front, aiming for a counterattack. However, Tokyo struggled to mount a decisive and robust attack. The first half ended with both teams scoreless.


Chances Made But Not Taken

As predicted Ardija looked to defend in depth and hit TOKYO on the counter attack. In the 3rd minute Tuto attempted to break forward from midfield and shortly after had a free shot turned around the post after running onto a through ball inside the area. Ardija were very quick to pull men back behind the ball and were aided by some reckless midfield play from TOKYO that allowed the home side opportunities to counter attack.
The visitors had to wait until the 10th minute for their first chance of the game; Konno intercepted a pass in midfield and fed Baba on the left. Baba neatly moved the ball on to Lucas who shot just over the bar from outside the area. In the 16th minute Jean's clearance sparked a break led by Baba that finished with a defender blocking Kurisawa's shot. Jean made a connection with Miyazawa's firmly struck corner in the 18th minute but a defender took the pace off the ball and it bobbled to Ando in the Ardija goal.
TOKYO began to dominate play. A sweeping move following an Ardija corner in the 20th minute came to nothing but showed that the visitors were finding their attacking rhythm. Miyazawa slightly overhit a free kick in the 25th minute then flighted a pass over the Ardija backline for Toda to run on to; Ando raced off his line to snatch the ball away. Kurisawa dribbled forward in the 30th minute, drawing defenders to him before slipping the ball out to Kaji. Lucas met Kaji's cross with a firm header but failed to hit the target.
Defender Fujiyama made a rare foray forward in the 37th minute before cutting the ball back to Lucas in the area. Lucas deftly trapped the ball but shot high with Miyazawa completely unmarked alongside him. Lucas bulled his way forward in the 38th minute and drew a save from Ando with a well struck effort despite the attention of three defenders. The chances continued at both ends. In the 41st minute Tuto evaded Fujiyama and played a low cross into the TOKYO area that Jean cleared for a corner. The counter attacking threat from Ardija prevented TOKYO getting forward in numbers to bolster the attack and the first half ended 0-0.

Despite being at a disadvantage due to Toda's expulsion, everyone worked together to defend Miyazawa's single point.


 After Coach Hara sent the players off with the words, "We cannot end like this," the second half begins. Just like the first half, both teams initially focus on solid defense, but an incident occurs for Tokyo. In the 54th minute, Baba is fouled and earns a free kick. From the quick restart by Baba, Toda breaks into the area and collides with the opposing goalkeeper. This play results in a red card decision, and Toda is sent off. With one less player, Tokyo adjusts their formation, moving Miyazawa to the left side and shifting Konno to a single defensive midfielder role.

 Although they were at a disadvantage, Tokyo's determination not to give up on the match took advantage of a momentary lapse from Omiya to score the long-awaited opening goal. In the 60th minute, Miyazawa kept the ball in the center and passed it to Baba. Baba then sent a superb through ball directly behind the opponent's DF, allowing Lucas to break free and shoot while competing with the DF. Although he was initially blocked by the advancing GK, Miyazawa, who rushed in fiercely for the loose ball, skillfully kicked it into the unguarded goal to take the lead.

 Omiya launches a fierce counterattack. First, substitutions: at 63 minutes MF Kanazawa → MF Saito, at 69 minutes MF Davidson Jun Marcus → MF Shimada, whose left foot is especially effective on set pieces. Later, FW Sakurai, who was free in the center, fired a powerful shot from outside the area, but Doihi managed to save and deflect it to a corner kick. At 71 minutes, Doihi caught a ball kicked by Shimada from a right free kick. Tokyo also made a substitution at 73 minutes, replacing the fatigued Miyazawa with Kajiyama, but could not stop Omiya's momentum. At 76 minutes, on the right side, FW Sakurai passed to MF Fujimoto, who delivered a grounded cross. TUTO jumped in but was prevented from shooting. Immediately after, Omiya replaced Fujimoto with FW Morita, launching a power play. At 80 minutes, FW Sakurai sent a cross from the right side, and MF TUTO, running back slightly, made a perfect header that missed to the right of the goal, a scene that made him hold his head in frustration.

 Tokyo substituted Yoshiro ABE for Lucas, bringing in an attacking player to instill a fighting spirit in the team. In the 85th and 89th minutes, they conceded free kicks to Omiya from about 20 to 25 meters in front of the goal, but in the end, with determination, everyone defended the goal and the match ended 1-0. Tokyo was reduced to 10 men and after taking the lead, they were on the defensive, but the team fought together and achieved victory since the match against Shimizu in Sec. 23.

 【Player Comments】《Miyazawa》"It was a difficult match. The pitch conditions were not very good, and in the first half, the opponent immediately retreated, so we couldn't circulate the ball and couldn't establish a rhythm. Even when I tried to receive the ball in between, it often went over my head, and there were few chances to pass to Lucas or Yuta at their feet. After we were down to 10 men, we managed to pass well in attack and focused solely on marking the opponent in defense. The ball rolled right in front of me for the goal, so I just calmly kicked it. It was a simple goal, but a goal is a goal no matter how it comes. I'm happy we got the result. Everyone was fired up, and I immediately thought we had to defend, so I didn't have the chance to do the "cradle" celebration. I'll apologize to Asari-san and Jyo-san later (laughs). The play leading to the goal—from the long ball, Yuta received it in between, and Lucas made a forward run—is the key to Tokyo's soccer. To create that chance, it's inevitable that the ball sometimes flies over my head. Even when I wasn't playing, I kept the supporters' cheers in my heart and practiced hard. I want to keep aiming for victory so we can celebrate even more together."《Baba》"It was my first start in a while, and I was full of determination to perform. The defenders have been working hard, so I thought the attacking players just needed to score. Miyasan and I talked about 'changing the bad flow of the team.' In the first half, we faced a headwind, so passes didn't connect well, but Lucas was at his feet, and Toda-san ran behind, so there were many options. It was easy to play. I saw Lucas running during his shooting scene, so I passed directly. I think that's 'my style of play.' I want to keep winning from now on."《Lucas》"It was my first match since the injury, but I didn't feel any pain. I'm very glad we won the match. (Were you worried about your play?) I was concerned about aerial duels, but once the match started, I forgot about it. There were several such moments, but there were no problems. Thank you to all the supporters for your concern. I will keep doing my best, so please continue to support us."

 [Summary of Coach Hara's Press Conference] "In the previous match against Oita, despite being at home, we couldn't score. Recently, our defense has been solid, and we haven't conceded goals, but our attacking rhythm hasn't been there. Perhaps we were too focused on defense, but we couldn't score and lacked decisiveness. Therefore, today we changed the lineup slightly. The defensive balance might be disrupted, but we deliberately included Baba, Miyazawa, and Lucas, who showed an incredible recovery, to face the match. Normally, we would include a goalkeeper on the bench, but to send the message 'We want to win, not draw,' we put five field players on the bench, preparing to respond to any situation. As expected, Omiya defended quickly and solidly in front of the goal. Also, since it was Miyazawa and Baba's first appearance in a while, they seemed somewhat uncomfortable in the early stages. However, they gradually got involved in the attack and started creating good opportunities. We talked about being careful with counters because Omiya has fast players like FW Sakurai, Yamashita, and MF TUTO, especially if we lose the ball badly. When things were shaping up well and I thought Toda might score, he was sent off. From the bench, we couldn't fully understand the reason for that scene, but reducing the number of forwards would have allowed Omiya to press us, so we moved Miyazawa to the left, made the midfield three players, and kept Lucas and Baba up front to fight. We hadn't had momentum recently, but like in last season's Nabisco Cup Final Round, after going down to 10 men, our strengths and fighting spirit emerged. I think the ball started moving after we regained possession. Maybe we had forgotten this attitude and had become too cautious to avoid conceding. Today, many supporters came early to cheer us on, and the desire to get 3 points kept the players focused. We actually fought better after going down to 10 men, but we must continue to fight without forgetting this feeling."

 [Summary of Omiya Manager Miura's Press Conference] "It was a match we had to win. I felt encouraged by the supporters cheering for us before the game. Because of that, I wanted to deliver a result, but I couldn't, and I feel sorry to the supporters. In the first half, Tokyo played long balls to Lucas and aimed to pick up second balls. We hoped to execute good counterattacks through organized defense. However, good balls rarely reached our strikers. Still, I have the impression we created several chances on the counter. In the second half, everything changed after Toda's sending off. We knew Tokyo excels in 10 vs 11 situations. While thinking about how to break them down, we conceded a goal, and Tokyo's intentions became clear, making our situation extremely difficult. After that, it was about how to play our cards and attack. We had to rely on the flanks and gradually shift to a power play as time went on. We had several clear chances but ultimately couldn't score. (It seemed the buildup from the fullbacks was passive?) The key was to exploit the space left by Tokyo's advancing fullbacks, but Yamashita and Sakurai couldn't run enough into those spaces. Sakurai often received the ball with Jean marking him closely. Due to physical disadvantages, in the second half I emphasized that Sakurai should receive the ball between the defenders and midfielders, while Yamashita should focus on running or switching positions. Yamashita became more aware of this, and Sakurai was able to move and play from the second line. Just then, the sending off happened. The opponent completely retreated to defend, creating a very clear situation."


Toda's Expulsion Sparks TOKYO

TOKYO manager sent his players out for the second half with the injunction, "Don't let it end like this." Both sides remained heavily committed to defense but the balance seemed to tip to Ardija following Toda's sending off in the 54th minute. Baba was fouled in midfield, picked himself up and played a quick free kick towards Toda in the Ardija area. Ando raced out and flung himself at Toda's feet; the referee brandished the red card and Toda trudged disconsolately from the field. Miyazawa then moved to the left and Konno played as a lone defensive midfielder.
TOKYO didn't retreat into a defensive shell but maintained their attacking posture and were rewarded for their positive endeavor in the 60th minute. Miyazawa held the ball up in midfield and played it to Baba. Baba looked up and threaded a superb pass through the Ardija backline which was momentarily playing too high up the field. Lucas battled a defender as he bore down on goal and shot. Ando raced off his line and blocked the effort but was helpless as the rebound fell to Miyazawa who calmly drove the ball into the empty net.
Ardija replaced Kanazawa with Saito and Davidson Jun Marques with midfielder Shimada, a free kick specialist. In the 70th minute Sakurai produced a fizzing shot from the edge of the area that Doi turned around the post for a corner. Doi safely held a free kick from Shimada in the 71st minute. Kajiyama replaced a tiring Miyazawa in the 73rd minute but TOKYO were unable to stem the tide of Ardija's attacks. In the 76th minute Tuto fractionally failed to make contact with Fujimoto's low cross into the area. Ardija then replaced Fujimoto with forward Morita and flung everything at TOKYO. In the 80th minute Tuto had a great chance to tie the game but headed Sakurai's cross wide from a good position. TOKYO replaced Lucas with Abe in an attempt to relieve some of the pressure. As full time approached Ardija won a pair of free kicks in good positions but were unable to make them count and the final whistle blew on a 1-0 win for the visitors.
The ten men of TOKYO had defended heroically and earned their first victory in four games.


Players' comments 
Miyazawa 
"That was a very tough game. The pitch condition wasn't good and our opponents dropped back quickly in the first half so we couldn't find our passing rhythm. The ball was flying over my head quite a lot and we couldn't get it into Baba or Lucas' feet. When we went down to ten men I was concentrating on moving the ball around accurately and sticking to the Ardija players. It was an easy goal; the ball bobbled up in front of me and I just had to hit the target. But a goal's a goal though, no matter how you score it. We were pleased to get the result today. The goal was a real TOKYO style move; a long ball to Baba and a neat through ball on to Lucas. It was worth seeing the ball sail over my head for the end result. While I was out of the first team the fans' words of encouragement really kept me going in training. I'd like to repay that by winning games in the future". 

Baba
"It was the first time I had started a game for some time so I was extra determined to play a good game. The defense has played well recently so we attackers felt it was about time we got amongst the goals. The first half was difficult but I had so many options for passes; for example into Lucas' feet or through the defense for Toda to race on to. For the goal, I had seen Lucas' run and decided to play the ball first time; I think that's my specialty. We really want to put a winning run together from here".

Lucas 
"It's my first game since the injury but I didn't feel any pain at all today. I'm very pleased with the win. I was a little worried about going up for high balls before the game but once we started I forgot about it. There were no problems with that. I'd like to thank all the supporters for their concern. I'll do my best from now on".


F.C.TOKYO manager Hara 
"The defense has been playing well recently but we haven't been able to score, not even at home. Maybe we've been focusing too much on defense and that has taken the edge off us in attack. I changed the starting lineup today to try and shake things up a little. What we might lose in defensive balance we could make up for through Baba, Miyazawa and Lucas, back after his miraculous and happy recovery. The players were adamant they wouldn't play for a draw today so we didn't name a goalkeeper to the subs' bench and prepared for any eventuality this week in training. As we expected Ardija pulled every player behind the ball very quickly when they lost possession and we seemed rather sluggish in midfield. But as the game went on we got the attack going and began to put some good moves together. We were losing the ball in bad positions though, and the Omiya front line is very fast. We put some pressure on ourselves. We were improving and I half expected Toda to decide it for us but then he was sent off. We couldn't see what happened from the bench but we knew that if we pulled a forward player back then we would be in trouble so we left Lucas and Baba up front and moved Miyazawa out to the left. After we were reduced to ten men the strengths of the team shone through; we were winning the ball and moving it around. Maybe we had forgotten how to play like that from focusing on not conceding so much. The players were determined to win for all the fans who came to support us and the ten men managed to maintain their concentration throughout the rest of the game. We can't afford to forget that spirit when we play".

Ardija manager Miura
"That was a game we had to win and I have to apologize to the supporters for not being able to do so. In the first half TOKYO played a lot of long balls to Lucas looking for the knock downs but we were able to defend systematically and counter attack well. We couldn't get good balls into our strikers though, but I felt we made several chances. In the second half Toda was sent off and then many things changed. We were debating how to respond as we know TOKYO are very strong in that situation when we conceded a goal and things suddenly became more difficult for us. After that it was a case of how to make the most of our man advantage and when to send on the substitutes. We had some chances but couldn't get the ball in the net. The side backs seemed passive? Well, the point was that Sakurai and Yamashita couldn't run into the space left by the TOKYO side backs when they moved forward. Also, Jean was all over Sakurai every time the ball was played up to him. In the second half we pulled Sakurai back into a position between midfield and the forward line and left the running to Yamashita. They responded well but then there was the sending off and the game changed. TOKYO pulled every player behind the ball and just defended after that."