Ishikawa, Lee, and Hirayama bring a fresh breeze and dramatically draw the match.

In the second half, Tokyo continued to dominate possession, but struggled to attack, leading to the introduction of Ishikawa and Lee in the 59th minute. Takahashi dropped back to defense, and Hasegawa moved to the holding midfield position. Ishikawa and Higashi switched to the flanks in an attempt to break the deadlock. This change gradually allowed for a more dynamic attacking play.

In the 66th minute, Ota's left cross was contested by Lee and the Iwata DF at the far post, and the ball spilled just behind them, leading to Ishikawa's direct shot. In the 72nd minute, Hasegawa sent a sharp lob pass targeting behind the opponent's DF, and Higashi made a run deep into the left area to meet it, but he couldn't control it with his trap. Shortly after, Hirayama was brought on, and this would prove to be effective immediately.

In the 73rd minute, after a throw-in, Yonemoto made a vertical pass into the area. Hirayama received it in the left area, used his strength to get past the opponent, carried it to the sideline, and made a negative last pass into the central space. Ishikawa, who ran in free, pierced the net with a goal. This was Ishikawa's first goal of the season, closing the gap to one point, and the stands heated up. With the momentum building for a comeback, they launched a fierce attack.

In the 82nd minute, Ota passed to Nao on the left front line, who crossed the ball. Hirayama at the far post headed it but it lacked power and went wide. In the 88th minute, Tokunaga passed to Ishikawa, who ran forward. Ishikawa brought the ball inside and sent a shot-like ball in front of the goal. Lee reacted with one foot but it went wide. They kept pressing Iwata in their own territory, but continued to miss chances just barely.

In the stoppage time that followed, Ota, who made a move on the left front line, was once dispossessed by the opponent but pressed to regain possession. Ishikawa, who followed from behind, delivered a left cross. Hirayama dove in with a header in front of the goal, but the Iwata goalkeeper punched it away in a collision. However, Ota calmly played the loose ball in the left area without stopping, delivering a direct ground pass to the center. Lee then kicked it in for the equalizer.

Dramatically equalized just before the end after being two goals behind, resulting in the first draw of the season. Although we couldn't achieve a comeback, we demonstrated a never-give-up attitude until the end, securing a valuable point.


[Player Comments]
《Ishikawa》
"I received the instruction to 'keep aiming for the space behind' as I stepped onto the pitch, and I tried to utilize the space. While leveraging my own characteristics, I also kept an eye on the ball side and the overall positioning. Everything was with the awareness of connecting to the goal. The goal felt like, 'a good ball has come!' I believe we scored thanks to Hirayama creating a point in front. The goal was my determination, as well as Lee's determination, and the team's determination as well."

"Lee"
"I am conscious of continuing to do what I need to do as a forward. I was thinking of not dropping back too much today and focusing on the final moments to make a decisive play. I believe I was able to showcase my strengths in scoring. However, there were also chances to turn the game around, including my header... I wanted to score one more goal to win. I believe I can do much more, and I cannot be satisfied. It is difficult to achieve results in a limited time, but I want to continue delivering results and contribute to victories."


【Summary of the Coach's Press Conference】
《Ranko POPOVIC》
"It was a game that made my heart ache, but I can appreciate that we were able to catch up after being two goals down. Today was not satisfactory compared to our usual state, but when we moved the ball quickly and made effective switches to the sides, we were able to create chances."

However, we were lacking aggression compared to usual. We couldn't pick up the second balls, and in the first half, we couldn't connect to our attacks. In the situation where we conceded a goal, we created a scenario where everyone was just standing and watching. If that happens, it becomes easy to score, even against a strong opponent like Jubilo.

At halftime, I told the players, 'If we can show our true play, including ball contests, transitions between offense and defense, and play accuracy, we can win this match.' To achieve that, the whole team must fight and increase their work rate. We need to be more aggressive than in the first half. The back line should not drop back but should control the line to stay compact and pick up second balls. In the second half, I don't think the opponent picked up any second balls, and we had the ball for a longer time. There were also moments when we picked up the second ball and created scoring opportunities.

Our players fought without giving up and equalized at the very end. With many people coming to watch during the Golden Week, it is also a message to the children. I really wanted to secure a solid victory, but if you don't give up until the end, you can achieve good results. So, we fight until the end. I think it was very good that we were able to show our fighting spirit.

《Iwata Coach Nagasawa》
"Last week was significant, and I am truly grateful for the supporters who came out and cheered for us until the end. As for the match analysis, it was expected that Tokyo would have some initiative at the away Ajinomoto. In that context, we prepared to draw them into our pace. There was only one training session, but the players did exceptionally well. Although we were caught up at the end due to Tokyo's determination, I am thankful to the players who gave their best away without thinking negatively at all."