Maintain the good form and aim for a third consecutive league victory!

　The J1 League Sec. 30 match is an away game against Kashima Antlers. In the recent league matches, the team achieved comeback victories against Tokyo V and G Osaka, and also secured a solid win in the Emperor's Cup 4th Round against Fukuoka, showing the team's momentum and resilience. Particularly in the match against the league leaders G Osaka, although they conceded an early goal, they maintained composure throughout the match, took control, and achieved a comeback victory, overwhelming G Osaka.

　Kashima is currently in second place, one point behind the leader G Osaka, and their determination for today's match is considerable. Due to injury, MF Ricardinho has been adjusting with a different menu, and Ogawa will also start. Coach Hara stated, "MF Ogawa and FW Motoyama can handle the ball even if they are not in top form. If we focus too much on that, left MF Fukai will break through. Right now, Fukai's sharpness, being the best in form at Kashima, is what we need to be most wary of."

　Tokyo will be missing Sasa due to his participation in the Paraguay national team, and the absence of Toda and Kanazawa due to injuries is painful, but on the right side, Kaji makes his starting return since the match against Omiya in Sec. 26. We hope for dynamic side attacks, which are one of our strengths. Additionally, Coach Hara mentioned, "The double pivot of Konno and Kaji is gaining momentum with Baba involved. That is the team's biggest weapon right now." Starting from them, we will challenge the sides with speedy players like Yoshiro ABE and Norio SUZUKI, who are in good form. In particular, while Kashima's center-backs are tall and strong in front, they are weak in the space behind them, and since the full-backs take high positions, if we quickly switch between offense and defense and exploit the space at the back, we should definitely be able to create chances.

　In the home match of Sec. 10, Coach Hara reflects, "There were many injured players, and it was the toughest time, but we were somewhat timid and running away." Today, he speaks about approaching the match aggressively, saying, "No matter who the opponent is, we will showcase our strengths and face them boldly." Although it is an away match at Kashima, which we struggle against, and the situation is unfavorable, we aim to secure 3 points and achieve our first league three consecutive wins this season. The match started at 4:03 PM with Kashima's kickoff.

TOKYO Aim For Hat Trick

F.C. TOKYO made the trip to the Pacific coast to take on Kashima Antlers in the 30th round of the season. TOKYO had managed to come from behind and win the previous two league games, showing admirable tenacity; after conceding in the 2nd minute in the win over league leaders Gamba Osaka, the side had entirely dominated the game.
Opponents Antlers lay in 2nd place behind Gamba at kick-off, and a win was vital for their title challenge. Midfielders Ricardinho and Ogasawara started after training separately from the rest of the squad during the week. "Even if they aren't at their best, Ogasawara and Motoyama can carry possession. If we allow ourselves to be distracted, then Fukai, the left-sided midfielder, can take advantage. He's very sharp and is probably their in-form player right now," commented TOKYO manager Hara.
TOKYO were without Sasa, on international duty with Paraguay, and the injured Toda and Kanazawa. Kaji returned to the starting lineup for the first time since the Omiya Ardija game on October 3rd. His explosive attacking ability along the right flank had been missed. "The double midfield partnership of Konno and Kajiyama, with Baba in front of them, is probably our major weapon at the moment." TOKYO based their game on that solid triangle and the pace of Abe and Suzuki down the flanks. The Antlers center backs have height and strength but can be turned; if TOKYO could get in behind the defense, then chances would appear.
TOKYO had played Antlers at home in the 10th game of the season. "That was the low point of the year for us," commented manager Hara, "we had so many injuries then. Today we're going to be aggressive and take the game to them. We don't care who we're playing, we just want to perform to the best of our ability." Antlers have traditionally proved difficult opponents for TOKYO, and the side has earned little at Kashima Stadium over the years. The game kicked off shortly after 4 PM on a sunny afternoon.

Although we allowed the first goal, we equalized with Konno's goal

　Following the instructions from Coach Hara before the match to "absolutely not be afraid and actively press from the front," the team applied intense pressure on the opponent's ball from the start of the match and launched an attack. In the 3rd minute, Noriyuki Suzuki made a deep run down the left side and delivered a cross. However, it didn't connect well with Lucas in the center. In the 9th minute, they stole the ball from Kashima, and Yoshiro Abe took a bold long-range shot, but it missed the target. In the 11th minute, they regained possession around the halfway line, and Noriyuki Suzuki dribbled towards the goal. Surrounded by defenders, he lost the ball as he entered the area, but they maintained control of the pace with the desired style of play.

　However, the match-savvy Kashima took the lead despite being at a disadvantage. In the 17th minute, a free kick from the right midfield by MF FERNANDEZ sent a fast ball towards the goal with his left foot, which was met by the advancing DF Iwasaki, allowing them to score easily. From then on, they gradually began to dominate possession. In the 25th minute, Kashima's MF Fukai took a mid-range shot that went over the bar. In the 30th minute, they stole the ball from Tokyo and launched a sharp counterattack, culminating in a shot from MF FERNANDEZ who ran in, but it went just outside the right side of the goal. It was a decisive moment, but no additional goals were scored. Even when Tokyo regained possession and attempted to attack, they fell into a vicious cycle of losing the ball to Kashima's intense pressing, making it difficult to establish a rhythm.

　Tokyo, under the direction of Coach Hara, began to avoid passing in the center and focused on competing thoroughly on the left and right sides, finally finding a rhythm in their attack. In the 32nd minute, Abe Yoshi dribbled from the right side to the center and passed to Kajiyama, who then sent a direct pass to Baba in the left area. Baba aimed for a shot but it was weak and went wide to the right. In the 36th minute, Tokyo had a free kick. Suzuki Noriyuki aimed directly from about 23-24 meters on the left side of the goal, but it went over the bar. In the 41st minute, Lucas initiated a challenge in the left area and took a shot. The loose ball was rushed by Suzuki Noriyuki, who appeared to collide with the opposing defender and fall, but was given a warning for a foul. However, the momentum was completely shifting towards Tokyo.

　Then, in the 42nd minute, a left corner kick. Baba received a return pass from Kajiyama during a short corner and took a decisive shot. This was blocked by the DF, but the ball spilled to the opposite side where Konno picked it up, took a touch, and shot with his left foot! It went through the opponent's DF and pierced the net, equalizing the score. After that, they continued to push the game, but the first half ended with a score of 1-1.

TOKYO Concede; Konno Ties It

Before kick off Hiromi Hara urged his players not to be afraid and go forward positively; the team responded well, harrying Antlers right across the field and dominated the opening few minutes. In the 3rd minute Suzuki launched a cross from deep on the left that just evaded Lucas. In the 9th minute TOKYO won the ball in midfield and Abe ran on to shoot wide from distance. TOKYO again won the ball on the halfway line in the 11th minute and this time Suzuki raced forward before losing, then regaining, possession. It was a bright start from the visitors.
As they so frequently do though, Antlers took the lead without having seriously threatened. In the 17th minute Fernando struck a free kick from the right of midfield low and hard towards the near post; Iwamasa flicked the ball past Doi to give his side the lead. Kashima then began to slowly wrestle possession away from TOKYO and the balance of the game shifted. Fukai blazed over the bar from mid-range in the 25th minute and Fernando fired a low drive wide in the 30th minute following a rapid counter attack after TOKYO had lost the ball in midfield. Antlers created chances but couldn't find a decisive finish while TOKYO struggled to retain possession in the face of some fierce pressure.
Manager Hara urged his players to avoid passing the ball around in midfield and use the wings; the team responded and slowly began to make headway along the flanks. Abe raced down the right in the 32nd minute, cut inside and slipped the ball to Kajiyama on the edge of the area. Kajiyama played the ball first time to Baba inside the area on the left but his shot lacked power and dribbled wide of the post. Suzuki hammered a free kick over the bar in the 36th minute, Lucas shot high in the 41st and then Suzuki not only had a decent appeal for a penalty turned down but was booked for simulation. The balance had swung back in the visitors' favour once more.
TOKYO won a corner in the 42nd minute. Kajiyama took it short, passing to Baba who let fly from a tight angle. The low effort clipped a couple of defenders and reached Konno at the far post. Konno deftly trapped the ball, turned and drove the ball inside the post for the equaliser. TOKYO looked to press their advantage as the Antlers wobbled but the home side survived some anxious moments and the score remained 1-1 at half time.

Both teams had a fierce battle, ending in a draw

　The back-and-forth battle continues since the start of the second half. In the 49th minute, Tokyo's Noriyuki Suzuki sends a cross from the left side, but it ultimately reaches Kajiyama who is unable to shoot. In the 53rd minute, Yoshiro Abe rises at the perfect moment to meet a sharp floating pass from Tadashi Baba in front of the goal! However, he is denied by a great save from the goalkeeper, resulting in a corner kick. This time, in the 55th minute, Kashima's Fernando takes a sharp free kick from the right, sending the ball into the goal area, but the defense clears it. In the 59th minute, DF Arai-ba on the left side dribbles and shoots directly, but it goes over the bar. Both teams push their defensive lines up, looking for opportunities with a compact formation.

　However, a happening occurs in Tokyo. In the 64th minute, Miura was brought in to replace the injured Moniwa. Konno entered the DF line, forming the lineup. In the 68th minute, from a counter, Kajiyama passed to Lucas on the left side. He cut in with a dribble and took a shot, but the opposing DF blocked it. Conversely, Kashima also launched a counterattack, with FW Motoyama dribbling through the center, passing to FW Alex Mineiro on the left side, who took a direct shot. He missed just to the right of the goal, but it was a decisive moment.

　Kashima substituted DF Aoki for DF Narahashi and MF Fukai for MF Nozawa, while Tokyo also substituted MF Baba for MF Kurizawa, both teams trying to gain momentum. However, as the evenly matched battle in midfield began to tilt in favor of Kashima with Konno's absence, in the 73rd minute, MF Nozawa took a shot, and in the 75th minute, after a wave of attacks, DF Araiba shot but missed the target. In the 76th minute, from the left area, MF Ogasawara took a decisive shot, but Doihy made a save and deflected it for a corner kick.

　In the 78th minute, Asari was brought on for the fatigued Kajiyama, marking his first appearance since the match against C Osaka in Sec. 13. They aimed to draw the pace with a counter-attack starting from solid defense, but this time, Kashima brought on FW Suzuki for MF Ricardinho in the 81st minute, taking a gamble. Kashima became more aggressive, and although they were on the defensive, everyone, led by Doi, remained focused and did not allow any additional goals.

　Conversely, in the final stages, Tokyo also gathered their last strength to launch an attack. In the 88th minute, from a quick counter, Norio SUZUKI passed to Lucas, and Yoshiro ABE, who broke free in front of the goal, received it but was blocked by the Kashima defense and couldn't shoot. In the 89th minute, on the left side, Norio SUZUKI kept the ball and sent a slightly backward cross, which was met by Asari running in, who executed a direct volley from outside the area, hitting the target but right at the opposing goalkeeper. In the end, the match finished this way. They secured a valuable away point!

　【Player Comments】《Konno》"It was a tough match. We conceded a goal when we were in our rhythm, but I remained calm. I thought we could win if we continued to attack as we have been. During the goal scene, I wondered if it would hit someone... but I was able to calmly shoot with my left foot. I believe it's important to get a shot off in those situations. When Moni got injured, it seemed like our rhythm might break, but everyone stayed focused, and we were able to hold on." 《Doi》"We conceded early, but I think we were able to play our football well afterward. The opponent was kicking the ball forward, so when Lucas stayed up front, it stretched our DF line. At halftime, we discussed whether to push up or drop back as a whole... and made adjustments there. However, when Moni got injured, the DF line changed, and we inevitably lost balance and were pushed back by Kashima. MF Ogasawara and FW Alex Mineiro held the ball, and then FW Motoyama and others broke through, which was tough, but the DF did well to contain them. (Regarding my own fine play) It was because the DF cut off the passing lanes. Not losing in such battles gives us confidence. The accumulation of experiences has been building confidence in each player. I believe that has led to our current (unbeaten) results."

　【Summary of Coach Hara's Press Conference】 "Kashima is a team competing for the championship in second place. And we have only won at Kashima Soccer Stadium in the Nabisco Cup. So we wanted to take all three points today. When playing away, we tend to be on the back foot as Kashima holds the ball, but we talked about being proactive and going forward without fear as we approached the match. There were several good opportunities, but we conceded a goal from a restart, which was the situation we were most cautious about. This created a negative feeling, but everyone remained focused, and we were able to maintain the solid defense that was our aim. From there, I wanted to utilize Lucas and the sides with Noriyuki Suzuki and Yoshiro ABE. We were good until we regained the ball, but when we connected to nearby players, we were dispossessed by Kashima's intense press from the midfield, leading to several dangerous situations. At halftime, I instructed the team to spread the ball to the sides after regaining possession and to exploit the opponent's backline. However, just when I thought we could enter the second half in good shape, there was an accident with Shigeno's injury, and after he went out, we became disorganized. We thought about how to fill the gap left by Shigeno. We knew that Konno was effective in midfield, but with Miura's experience, we aimed to lead the other players while holding on and using the sides, so we moved Konno to the back line. We brought in Kurizawa and Asari for the fatigued Kajiwara and Baba, aiming to defend well while looking for counterattacks. There were several good opportunities, and it would have been great if we had scored there. However, despite the accident with Shigeno, we fought well without losing focus until the end. We wanted three points, but right now, even one point is important. Kashima, aiming for the championship, launched powerful attacks in the final stages to take all three points, but the Tokyo players defended well, putting their bodies on the line, and we were able to earn one point."

　[Summary of Coach Cerezo's Press Conference] "Overall, I think the team's performance was good. However, if you look at the number of shots, you can see that we need to convert those opportunities. I am particularly satisfied with the first half, but not being able to finish in crucial moments affected us in the end. The first half was not perfect either. Especially from the situation where we conceded a goal, we ended up just sending long balls from DF Iwamasa or Oiwa without building up. That needs to be corrected. If we stay calm, we should be fine. It was a problem that MF Fukai's true ability only started to show about 15 minutes into the match. I don't know if it's due to fatigue, but I need to consult with him again. We are using FW Motoyama as an attacking midfielder, and if he drifts too much to the side, there will be no one to support FW Alex MILLER in the center. We need to improve the distance between forwards, passing exchanges, and rhythm. The first 15 minutes of the second half were at Tokyo's pace, but after that period, Shigeno got injured, a defensive player was brought in, and we focused on aiming for a draw. Kashima's substitutes changed the flow, but we couldn't finish strongly in the end. That resulted in a draw. Overall, it wasn't such a bad performance, but we need to improve on 'winning at home.' This season, we have dropped points frequently. I am satisfied that the players who came on as substitutes changed the flow and created chances. I think today's MVP is Tokyo GK Doi. I am satisfied with MF Nozawa's movements. He responded well to the request to get involved with the ball. DF Narahashi is still being used cautiously as he is recovering from an injury. My top priority is to finish the season without injuries, and I hope he gradually regains his match sense and rhythm. I also think FW Suzuki Takashi showed his characteristics in the short time of 10 minutes.

Hard-Fought Battle Ends In Draw

The second half began finely balanced. Suzuki crossed to Kajiyama in the 49th minute but the midfielder failed to muster a shot. In the 53rd minute Baba curled a pin-point cross onto Abe's head but Sogahata produced a fine save to tip the powerful header over the bar. Kashima won a free kick in an identical position to the one they scored from but this time the TOKYO defense cleared the danger. Araiba dribbled forward into shooting range in the 59th minute but fired wide. Both sides pushed their defense lines up the field into a compact formation and created chances.
A piece of ill-luck struck TOKYO in the 64th minute as Moniwa sustained an injury and was replaced by Miura, with Konno moving back into defense. Kajiyama set up Lucas in the 68th minute on a counter attack but the Antlers defense blocked his effort. The Antlers then countered through Motoyama who found Alex Mineiro unmarked on the edge of the area; Mineiro's curled shot clipped the outside of the post to the relief of the visitors.
A flurry of substitutions saw Kashima replace Aoki and Fukai with Narahashi and Nozawa while Kurisawa replaced Baba for TOKYO. Konno's absence from midfield began to tell and the balance shifted back to the home side. Nozawa shot wide in the 73rd minute as did Araiba in the 75th. In the 76th minute Doi palmed a powerful drive from Ogasawara round the post for a corner.
Asari replaced the tiring Kajiyama in the 78th minute, making his first appearance since the 13th game of the season, against Cerezo in July. TOKYO aimed to defend solidly and hit the Antlers on the break. The home side played their final card by sending on striker Suzuki in the 81st minute and throwing everything into attack. The TOKYO defense, marshalled superbly by the dominant Doi, refused to crack, repelling the Antlers and launching counter attacks. Only some desperate last ditch defending foiled Abe in the 88th minute after Suzuki and Lucas had split the home defense. Asari struck a volley from outside the area straight at Sogahata in the last minute of regulation time. Neither side was able to conjure the game-winning effort and the match ended all square. TOKYO had earned a hard-fought away point.


Players' comments 
Konno 
"That was a really hard game. We were playing well and conceded but we kept calm as we knew we could turn the game around. For the goal I felt I had a chance, tried to keep cool and just hit the ball. Chances like that are very important. Moniwa was injured and it looked like we might lose our rhythm but we kept our concentration and defended well". 

Doi
"We conceded early but after that were able to play our own football, I felt. The defense line became slow and was playing too deeply but we fixed it at half time. After Moniwa was injured we had to make changes then lost our balance and that allowed Kashima to push us back. Ogasawara and Alex Mineiro were able to get on the ball and pick out Motoyama's runs; it was difficult but the defense did very well. Not losing a game like that will give us greater confidence and contribute to our unbeaten run".


TOKYO manager Hara
"Antlers are second in the table and pushing for the title while we have never won here except in the Nabisco Cup, so we really wanted the three points today. Whenever we play here we always seem to be chasing the ball so I told the players to go out and be positive, not to be afraid. We put several good moves together but then went and conceded from a set play. That left a bad taste but we maintained our concentration and defended well. We had wanted to use Abe and Suzuki on the wings to bring Lucas into the game but when we tried to pass the ball around in midfield the Kashima pressure was too strong and we ended up losing possession and leaving ourselves open. At half time we focused on getting the ball out to the wings and then using the space behind the Antlers' defence. We looked much better in the second half but then lost Moniwa and started to flap. Replacing him was a worry and although Konno was having a good game in midfield we pulled him back into defence and used Miura's experience and leadership in midfield. Kajiyama and Baba were tiring so we sent on Kurisawa and Asari to strengthen the defence and attempt to strike on the counter attack. We created some chances and obviously would have liked to have scored but considering Moniwa's injury the team kept its concentration and fought well to the end. We wanted the three points but even one is important right now. Kashima are chasing the title and desperately wanted three points but our players were able to deal with everything they threw at us and earn a point".

Antlers manager Cerezo
"Overall it was a good performance today. Considering the number of shots we had though, we should have scored more particularly in the first half where we could have decided the game but didn't and that came back to hurt us. The first half wasn't perfect though; we conceded after Iwamasa and Oiwa played long balls without trying to build up the play. That's something we have to put right. If we can be composed we'll be fine. Also, Fukai was largely invisible for the first 15 minutes and that's a problem. I don't know if he's tired or what but I'll have to talk to him about it. We played Motoyama behind the striker but if he drifts out to the flanks then there's nobody to support Alex Mineiro. We have to work on the forwards' positioning, exchanging passes and their rhythm. TOKYO were on top for the first 15 minutes of the second half but after Moniwa was injured they sent on defensive players and played for a draw. Our substitutes make a difference but were unable to create or finish a decisive move. That's why the game was a draw. Overall we didn't play badly but we have to win at home. We've dropped too many points this season. I'm satisfied with the way the substitutes played and the chances they created. I was pleased with the movement Nozawa showed today. Doi was man of the match, I think. Narahashi is only just returning from injury and we felt it wise to use him sparingly; it's much better for a player to finish a season without an injury. We want him to regain his perception and rhythm. Suzuki only had 10 minutes on the pitch but played to his strengths".