The only goal is victory, bounce back from the pressure and advance past the qualifiers!

　In the final match of the Nabisco qualifiers, we faced Verdy at the Japan National Stadium. In the previous match against Shimizu, we lost points by conceding a late equalizer. As a result, we found ourselves in a situation where we had to "win this match" to advance to the Final Round. Moreover, due to the tough circumstances involving points, goal difference, and total goals from other groups, a victory with a significant margin was required in this match.

　Unfortunately, Shiota has a fever, and Ogih will make his first start this match. Additionally, Sahara is suspended, so Mukuhara will be used as the right side back, continuing from the May 25th qualifying Sec. 4 match against Verdy. On the left is Tokunaga, and the center backs are Fujiyama and Nobi, who will start for the first time since Sec. 12. Meanwhile, Kajiyama has returned energetically from the Olympic team activities, and the formation will feature him partnering with the in-form Bruno Quadros in the midfield.

　On the other hand, Verdy has already been eliminated from the group stage. In the two "Tokyo Battles" this season, both teams failed to showcase their strengths and lost. The situations are contrasting, but Coach Jofuku stated, "Since Verdy's chances of advancing have disappeared, they will likely approach the match more freely. On the other hand, we must absolutely win, so the pressure on us is significant. I think it will be a difficult match, but we will forget about our two victories and aim for the win." Although MF Diego has left the team, Coach Jofuku warned, "We are compensating for the absence of MF Diego by utilizing the strengths of our Japanese players." It is essential to not only contain FW Hulk and Leandro but also to provide adequate care for the midfield players.

　As for the attack, the key point is whether Verdy can break through before the defense creates a block, just like before. Starting with Emerson and Hanyu, we want to utilize Cabore's speed and Bruno QUADROS's offensive runs to launch quick attacks. If we can take the lead, proceed without rushing, and maintain our rhythm, the results will naturally follow. With passion and calmness, let's bounce back from the tough pressure and achieve victory!

　Although it is not raining, the weather is gloomy at the National. It is an away game, but many "blue and red" fans have gathered in the stands, creating an atmosphere to support the victory, and the match started at exactly 15:00 with a kickoff in Tokyo.

In a back-and-forth match, Hirayama scored a valuable equalizer just before the end of the first half.

　The first chance was created by Verdy. In the 2nd minute, FW Leandro ran a long distance in Tokyo's territory, evading a one-two with FW Hulk in front of the goal and advancing into the left area. A shot was taken, but it was defended well, and Tokyo also launched an aggressive attack, exploiting the gaps behind Verdy's defense. In the 3rd minute, Hanyu followed up on a flowing cross, and Bruno QUADROS delivered a heel pass into the area. Emerson ran into that space. In the 10th minute, Hirayama passed to Emerson, who cut deep into the right area and delivered a backward pass in front of the goal. Cabore aimed from close range with a direct shot. Both were excellent chances, but were thwarted by the opposing GK's great saves.

　After missing a chance, in the 11th minute, Verdy FW Hukki broke through the Tokyo DF, allowing a dribble from the right to the goal. Although Ogi made a quick save initially, the rebound was followed up by MF Hiroyama, resulting in a goal. They allowed the first score. However, without panicking, they switched their mindset, and in the 16th minute, Kajiyama sent a long pass behind the Verdy DF. Cabore, who ran in, scored with a loop over the head of the opposing GK!

　However, it was only a moment before they equalized. Just after that, in the 19th minute, a free kick was awarded in Tokyo's territory, and Verdy's forward, Fukki, aimed directly from about 35 meters away. The ball dropped in front of the goal and shook the net, allowing them to take the lead again. It became a fierce exchange of goals, but Tokyo, chasing a goal, earned a corner kick in the 22nd minute from a cross by Kajiyama to Mukuhara. Kajiyama aimed for a volley from the cleared right corner kick, but it went over the bar. In the 30th minute, Cabore, marked by the opponent, utilized his speed to dribble from the right side to the center. He shot as he entered the right area, but it lacked power and was caught by the GK.

　Verdy also utilized their front-line speed to respond, and in the 36th minute, FW Hulk broke through Tokyo's defense and advanced deep into the left area. However, the negative last pass did not connect, and the situation was resolved without incident. In a rapidly changing game of offense and defense, Mukuara also boldly overlapped, and in the 42nd minute, he won a corner kick from a cross. Then came the 43rd minute. Hirayama connected with Hanyu's right corner kick and headed the ball into the goal! Just before the end of the first half, Hirayama scored the long-awaited goal, bringing the match back to square one as they headed into the second half.

Hirayama scores a hat-trick! Secures 4 goals and advances to the Final Round!

　With this rhythm, Tokyo, just after the start of the second half at the 45th minute, saw Cabore break through on the right side. Despite being marked by the opponent, he persistently sent a low cross. Hirayama, while losing his balance, slid in to push it into the goal! They successfully took the lead early in the second half. In the 51st minute, as Verdy tried to connect passes, Bruno QUADROS applied intense pressure in midfield, stole the ball, and Emerson advanced with a dribble, sending a through pass to the front line. Cabore broke free here, but the Verdy goalkeeper rushed out a step early and cleared the ball.

　After that, both teams continued to clash fiercely, and the intense development continued, but Tokyo did not lose their energy or attacking stance. In the 67th minute, Kajiyama sent a long pass to the left front line, where Hanyu made a sprint to catch up and crossed it into the middle. Cabore timed his shot well, but could not complete the shot. In contrast to Verdy, who had already made two substitutions, Tokyo brought in Ishikawa for Hanyu in the 69th minute. In the 70th minute, Mukuhara sent a lofted vertical pass to the front line, and Ishikawa trapped it in the right area and immediately shot with his left foot. Although it missed the target, they did not lose their determination to score another goal.

　Then, in the 76th minute, after Cabore's breakthrough on the side, a corner kick was earned, and the kicker for the right corner was Ishikawa. Ishikawa's kick was perfectly sent to Hirayama at the near post, who headed it in to score the fourth goal! Hirayama's first professional hat-trick pulled Verdy ahead.

　In the 81st minute, Hirayama sprinted up the left flank at full speed and delivered a low cross in front of the goal. The ball slipped past Ishikawa, who had dived in, but Bruno QUADROS was there to take a shot. However, it was blocked by the defender. In the closing stages, there were moments when Verdy pressed with set plays, but the team's defensive awareness was high, and they held on stubbornly until the time was up. They secured a comeback victory, scoring four goals including Hirayama's hat-trick. As a result, they advanced past the qualifying round in second place in Group B. The quarterfinals will be held at home on July 2 and away on August 6, where they will face Oita Trinita.

　【Player Comments】<Hirayama> "We absolutely wanted to win to advance to the Final Round. I also wanted to increase the goal difference, and I'm glad the team was able to score 4 goals. This was my first professional hat-trick, and all three goals were assisted well by my teammates. I was happy to score goals that helped us advance from the qualifiers. Tokyo's supporters cheer us on tremendously, so right now, I'm focused only on delivering results with the team." <Ogi> "I think we were tense in the first half. We needed to perform like we did in the second half throughout the entire 90 minutes. The second half performance is my strength. I think I was able to play boldly without fear of failure and push forward! However, calming down or getting reckless after making a mistake is too late. There are no do-overs in a match. Instead of showing strength only when under pressure, we must be able to give our all in any situation. But Tokyo is a team that fights together. Everyone has a chance, and there are no reserved spots. Since there is always a competitive spirit, I want to work hard in daily practice to close the gap."

　[Summary of Coach Shirofuku's Press Conference] "First, I want to thank the fans who created a home-like atmosphere despite being away. It was truly encouraging to be able to play in a completely home-like environment. We had a strong desire to advance to the Final Round, but Verdy also launched attacks targeting behind our defenders in the first half, making it a tough situation with threats both behind and at our feet compared to previous matches. At halftime, we adjusted our care for the space behind, our response to attacks at our feet, and the defensive coverage in the defensive midfield area before entering the second half. In the first half, Verdy had FW Hulk as the lone forward and FW Leandro dropping back to a 1.5 line, and we couldn’t fully grasp that. When the ball went to those two, it took time to double-team and defend, giving them time on the ball. Therefore, we made Kajiyama aware of that role. In the first half, Bruno QUADROS and Kajiyama were parallel, but we pulled Kajiyama back a bit to a position closer to the defensive line, like a single defensive midfielder. I think we were able to play to our own rhythm in the second half. Regarding Hirayama, he started the last two matches and although he didn’t score, his play in front of goal was good. Given his good performance at the Kodaira training ground as well, we had expectations that he would score eventually. However, the goals were scored by everyone. We were also able to reorganize our defense in the second half, making this a very valuable victory."

　[Tokyo V Coach Hashiratani's Press Conference Summary] "We were able to take the lead in a good way at the start, and I thought the first half would progress well, but we were caught off guard by a lack of concentration and conceded a goal, which led to further goals against us. This aspect has been the theme for this past week, and I have been saying it repeatedly, but it was shocking that we couldn't achieve it. We couldn't push ourselves when it mattered, we couldn't run, and we couldn't win the running battles. I also felt a decline in our physical condition. (Regarding Hayama's hat trick) His performance today was wonderful, and I think it was the best in the last few matches. There was also a looseness in our defense marking, but still, scoring three goals is a testament to Hayama's own ability. We have played three matches against FC Tokyo and have not been able to win any. To be frank, I feel a difference in strength. I want to close that gap through training."