A crucial match where we want to secure 3 points in a difficult away game

　League Sec. 3, which was postponed due to the impact of the Great East Japan Earthquake, was held. We faced FC Gifu away. In the previous match against Kitakyushu, we stopped the opponent's counterattack and kept a clean sheet for the first time in 5 matches. However, we also failed to score and suffered our first defeat in 12 matches. Manager Okuma said, "We need to be able to determine the crucial moments." He also mentioned the need to improve the coordination between pressing and covering in defense, and to break down the opponent's defense by sacrificing our bodies in order to overcome our lack of finishing in attack.

　Gifu, who are currently in last place with 8 points, will be facing off against them. They had a great victory of 4-0 in their home game on July 17th, but this time it will be an away game. As Shioda mentioned in the match against Kitakyushu, it will be important not to get caught up in the overall atmosphere of "expecting an upset" at the stadium. They will need to carefully defend against counterattacks led by MF Oshigai and quickly transition to their own attacks.

　Tokyo, now that Konno and Gonda have joined the team for the activities of the Japan national team, and Nakamura, who was absent due to injury, has returned. Ishikawa has also fully joined and made the roster. Takahashi aims to "focus on running even more after a loss, and wants to grasp the rhythm" and wants to maintain his physical activity even in the heat, and wants to add a sense of rhythm at the right time.

　Even in a situation where we cannot score, we want to continue attacking by not only passing in the center, but also being aware of the width and depth of the pitch and attacking the opponent's back. Ishikawa has strong breakthrough ability, and Lucas has also improved his condition, making him a strong force in the front line. With their inclusion, we hope to see an activation of our attack and an increase in scoring power. The match started at 6:04 PM in Tokyo, at the Gifu Nagaragawa Stadium, where the hot and humid weather still lingers.

Tokyo Aim For The Points In Tricky Away Fixture

Tokyo took on FC Gifu in a game that should have been the 3rd of the year but was postponed due to the Tohoku Earthquake. In the previous outing, a Kitakyushu goal on the counter attack saw Tokyo's consecutive clean sheet run stopped at five as the side lost for the first time in 12 games. Manager Kiyoshi Okuma demanded his side to be "More clinical in the key moments," as the team sought improvements in defensive pressing and covering, finishing, and how to open up opponents who defend deeply.
Opponents Gifu propped up the table at kick off with a meagre 8 points. Tokyo had won the first encounter 4-0 on July 17th, but that had been at home and, as Shiota had commented on the Kitakyushu match, it was important that Tokyo weren't overwhelmed by the home support's expectations of an upset win. Tokyo would need to pay attention to Gifu's counter attacks, led by midfielder Oshitani, and to smoothly switch between defense and attack.
For Tokyo, Konno and Gonda had rejoined the team following Japan National Team duty, while Nakamura had shrugged off an injury to return to the starting eleven. Ishikawa also made a welcome return to the squad. Takahashi commented, "It's an away game after a defeat, so we have to run even harder than usual and find our rhythm," pinpointing Tokyo's need to maintain a high tempo despite the oppressive humidity and show variety in attack.
If the goals failed to materialize, then patience would be vital, using the full width and depth of the pitch to find space behind the Gifu defense. Ishikawa's penetrative ability and Lucas' improving fitness and match sharpness added an extra layer to the Tokyo attack.
The humidity of the day lingered in the Gifu Nagaragawa Stadium as Tokyo kicked off shortly after 6pm.

Tokunaga and Tanihara's goals give us the lead as we head into halftime.

　In the early stages, the pace was not grasped. There were scenes where Gifu was able to rotate the ball, and the development was back and forth. However, after 15 minutes, Robert Cesar broke through the left side. The cross flows to the far side, but Tanabe chases and connects. From here, Tokunaga makes an overlap and hits Takahashi, who has moved up to the front line. He then receives a return pass and swings his left foot without hesitation from just outside the right area. The well-controlled shot goes into the bottom right corner! Without missing the opportunity, they took the lead.

　Gradually grasping the rhythm, in the 26th minute, Kajiyama took advantage of his strength in the ball and Tanabe snatched it, and passed it to Hayashi who ran to the right front line. Hayashi tried to shoot after dodging the opponent's DF in the right area, but it was blocked. In the 30th minute, Roberto CESAR made a move from a throw-in in the area, and Taniyama followed and was knocked down, earning a PK. However, Roberto CESAR's PK was blocked by the GK... They were unable to take advantage of the PK opportunity for the second consecutive game.

　However, without getting discouraged, Roberto CESAR started to create more chances from Kajiyama's passing. In the 42nd minute, Roberto CESAR made a powerful dribble and took a shot from the left area. Although it was saved by the goalkeeper, Taniyama was able to secure the ball in the center and score a goal! They continued to attack without letting up, and in stoppage time, Kajiyama made a move from the right and passed to the left front line. Roberto CESAR took a shot from the left area, but it curved to the left without an angle. In the end, they finished the first half with a 2-point lead.

Tokunaga, Yazawa Give Tokyo First-Half Lead

Tokyo struggled to force the pace in the opening minutes and it was Gifu who played the ball around as the game ebbed and flowed. Then, in the 14th minute Roberto Cesar burst down the left and crossed beyond the far post where Tanabe picked up the ball, before slipping it to the overlapping Tokunaga. Tokunaga spotted Takahashi's forward movement and played the ball infield before cutting inside himself. Takahashi laid the ball back and Tokunaga let fly first-time with a left-footed effort that beat Noda at his right post to give Tokyo the early breakthrough.
With the goal advantage Tokyo slowly began to find their rhythm. In the 26th minute Kajiyama showed his strength on the ball in midfield and Tanabe stroked a defence-splitting pass forward to Hanyu. Hanyu rounded a defender on the right of the area and shot but his effort was blocked away. In the 30th minute Roberto Cesar received the ball from a throw in and set off on a run, supported by Yazawa. Yazawa took the ball into the Gifu area and was promptly fouled, earning Tokyo a penalty. Roberto Cesar stepped up but Noda anticipated his intentions and blocked the spot kick, the second consecutive game in which Tokyo had failed to convert from 12 yards.
Tokyo remained unaffected by the miss and Kajiyama continued to show his range of passing with Roberto Cesar frequently the recipient. In the 42nd minute Cesar bulled his way through the Gifu defence on the left, burst into the penalty area and hammered a shot on target. Noda saved but was unable to prevent Yazawa pouncing on the loose ball and doubling the lead from close range. Tokyo continued to press forward and in injury time a crossfield ball from Kajiyama played in Roberto Cesar on the left; Cesar took the ball on and shot but the angle was too tight and his effort hit the side-netting. The half time whistle blew with Tokyo two goals ahead.

Shiota kept the opponent's attack at bay and led the team to victory.

　In the second half, Gifu, who had been gaining momentum from the start, was pushed back. In the 46th and 50th minutes, they attempted to break through the center from a through pass, and MF Someya and FW Shimada skillfully brought the ball to a shot. In the 47th minute, they allowed FW Nishikawa to be left free from a cross and he took a header. Thanks to some missed shots, they avoided conceding a goal, but they were constantly put in dangerous situations.

　Tokyo responded by putting Lucas at the top. Ishikawa, who made his first appearance since June 29, and Suzuki were also brought in. They tried to counter by increasing their movement up front. However, Gifu continued to attack, but Tokyo was able to create chances on the counter. In the 74th minute, Nakamura's cross found Ishikawa at the far post, who then took a direct shot but it narrowly missed to the left.

　In the final stages, Lucas and Ishikawa created consecutive opportunities, but in the 83rd and 86th minutes, Lucas' shots missed the target... In stoppage time, Ishikawa ran to the right area and cut back the opposing defender to take a decisive shot, but it did not result in a goal in front of the goalkeeper. They were unable to score a third goal, but they defended without conceding and the time was up. They took 3 points away and returned to the top of the standings.

　【Player Comments】《Tokunaga》"I had an image of scoring from the one-two play, so I was able to calmly take the shot when I saw an open space. It was the first time I was able to shoot exactly where I aimed (bitter laugh). Lately, I've been able to have a clear image of where I want to shoot instead of just shooting "somehow". Before, when I missed, everyone around me would say "hey~!" and it felt like they were telling me not to shoot, but now they're telling me to keep shooting. I also feel like my confidence has grown. (We're halfway through the schedule and currently in first place?) Looking back from the start, I'm amazed that we've made it this far, but I want to continue to stay in first place. I'll do my best to keep accumulating points from here on out."

　"Ishikawa" There were many chances, but we have to score the "last one". I wanted to score there and make the team easier. My body moved and it was as I imagined. I was able to pull out the ball until then. (How is your foot condition?) At first, I was thinking a little, but once I got into the game... (laughs). However, I think I was able to control the cutback and shot well, including the condition of my foot. I want to continue to express each one and make it into a shape by imagining various things such as whether to send a cross or cut back based on the opponent's situation. (How is the combination with Lucas?) We couldn't score today, but I want to assist and be assisted quickly (laughs). I want to continue to be a nuisance to the opponent."

　[Coach Oikuma's Press Conference Summary] "I think our bodies were a bit heavy overall. The temperature was also high and it was quite difficult, but we made a lot of mistakes when our bodies were heavy. In addition, in the second half, there were a lot of technical mistakes in the part where the opponent was getting tired and we were trying to finish it off, which was a concern. In the various environments of home and away, we need to continue to have a strong mentality and play well until the end, otherwise we will create openings and our defensive approach will be too weak. However, we were able to keep a clean sheet and there were also players who showed good performances in this environment, so we will review the good and bad points and fight hard in the next game."

　(After taking the lead, did the opponent drop back and use more dribbling?) I think it was probably over 30℃, so it would be difficult for them to keep it up for 90 minutes. They have been playing a very connected and attacking style of soccer, including making substitutions, and I think there were times when we couldn't get to the ball. They also used the vital areas quite a bit and we didn't mark the players running diagonally. There were scenes where we were on the back foot. I think there was a deliberate strategy in the beginning to not let the opponent get a hold of us. We had a lot of reflections on the fact that if we don't firmly grasp the opponent, we will concede goals throughout the 90 minutes."

　[Summary of Gifu Kimura's press conference] "We knew it would be a tough game since the opponent is a stronger team. We aimed to keep it to one goal in the first half and take advantage of the opponent's fatigue in the second half. However, we ended up conceding two goals and although we said at halftime that if we could score one goal, the momentum would change, we were unable to do so. That was the biggest area where we fell short. It's a disappointing result for us."

　(Regarding today's performance of the DF) After analyzing the DF's performance so far, we need to be more aggressive towards the ball. I think the players did their best in that aspect. Unfortunately, there were a few instances where we committed fouls, but if we can do better, it could lead to bigger opportunities by disrupting the opponent's attacking rhythm. However, as time passes and fatigue sets in, the distance between players gradually increases and their reactions become slower. It's also difficult due to the size of our players. We need to surpass the opponent in that aspect in order to win the ball and turn the game around. We want to continue improving in these areas in the future."

Shiota Dominant As Tokyo Hold Off Gifu

The hosts flew at Tokyo as the second half began, pushing the visitors back and creating a series of chances. In the 46th and 50th minutes through passes led to shooting opportunities for midfielder Someya and forward Shimada while forward Nishikawa was presented with a free header in the 47th minute. Wayward finishing helped Tokyo but Gifu were threatening and Tokyo responded by introducing Lucas in the 61st minute. Ishikawa made his first appearance since June 29th and Suzuki was also a late substitute as Tokyo sought to inject some extra movement into the front line. Despite the changes Gifu continued to push forward, leaving themselves open to the counter attack. In the 74th minute Nakamura played a deep cross to the far post where Ishikawa smashed the dropping ball narrowly wide of the left post.
As the game entered the final stages Lucas and Ishikawa created decent opportunities with the big Brazilian shooting wide of the goal in the 83rd and 86th minutes. In additional time Ishikawa raced down the right, turned a defender inside out and shot but was unable to beat Noda. The final whistle blew on a 2-0 victory. Tokyo had earned another clean sheet and the three points took the side back to the top of the table.


Players' comments
Tokunaga
"I had an image of the movement that led to the first goal in my head as I made the move - play the one-two, cut inside and shoot. The space opened up, I kept calm and hit the ball. It's the first time the ball's gone just where I aimed! Recently I've been all about having a focused image rather than just a vague hit and hope approach. Before if I shot and missed I felt that the players around me weren't over-impressed and that I shouldn't be shooting but now I'm being encouraged to have a go. I feel much more confident about it now.
How does it feel to be top at the halfway point? Well, if you consider the start we had then we've done well so far and we want to stay at the top. We want to continue to rack up the points from here".

Ishikawa
"We had a lot of chances and really needed to put away one more as another goal would have made the game far easier for the team. When the chance came late on my body movement was good and I had a clear image of what I was doing in my mind. How's my leg? Well, I was a little conscious of it at first but as soon as I got on the field it was fine and I had no problems with shooting or cutting back. Looking at the shape of the opposition I could cross or cut inside; I had various options and clear images of all of them. How is it playing with Lucas? We couldn't score today but I want to assist his goal quickly and I want him to assist me as well. We want to carry on giving opponents a hard time".


FC Tokyo manager Kiyoshi Okuma
"I thought we looked a little heavy out there. When it's hot and you're feeling heavy then mistakes happen. I was a little worried by the way we made technical mistakes in the second half when our opponents were tiring and we had chances to wrap up the game. Home and away are very different environments but we have to be clinical throughout the game; they created some chances and our defending was a little naive at times. We kept a clean sheet and given the circumstances some of the players, including the substitutes, showed their strengths; we have to look at the good points and the bad and put in a solid performance in the next game.
After the first goal our opponents sat back and dribbled more? It was over 30C out there I think and it was hard for them to continue for the full 90 minutes as well. Including the substitutes we played very smooth attacking football but also suffered, letting them attack us in the key areas and not picking up runners when they played diagonal balls. We lost the initiative at times. I think that was part of their game plan. We have to reflect that if we don't pick up opposition players then we're going to concede goals".

FC Gifu manager Takahiro Kimura
"Since our opponents are higher-ranked we knew it wasn't going to be easy to win. We were thinking that if we could hold them to just a single goal in the first half they might run out of steam in the second. In fact we conceded twice but I told the players at half time that if we could pull one back then the game might turn in our favour; not being able to score that first goal was our biggest weakness, I believe. It's a very disappointing result for us.
What about our defence? The results of our defensive analysis were that we needed to be more aggressive towards the ball and the players worked hard on that today, I felt. Unfortunately we conceded a lot of fouls but if things had gone better we could have created more chances from the way we won the ball. I also felt we isolated their attack better than in previous games. However as the game progressed we tired a little and the distance between the players was stretched; our reactions slowed down. Our lack of size also caused problems. If the opponents are bigger then it's difficult to win the ball and you have to pick up the rebounds. We have to improve in all those areas I think".