Sec. 22 Tama River Clasico, Betting on Determination and Pride

League Sec. 20 will be held. Kawasaki Frontale will face off against each other as the 22nd Tama River Clasico. In the previous round, they were able to determine the flow of the game and turn on the attack switch, resulting in a victory with 2 goals from Watanabe. They ended the past 5 games without a loss, and were able to keep a clean sheet against Shimizu and Oita. This match will be a crucial one as they aim for consecutive wins with a strong defense and the momentum of being "unbeaten".

Kawasaki, on the other hand, is currently in 8th place with 28 points. Although they have suffered consecutive losses against Shonan and Sendai in the last 2 games, their total of 40 goals is the highest in the league. Especially this season, they have only failed to score in one game, the 4/27 Tokyo match at Ajinomoto Stadium, and their attacking power is a threat. FW Yu OKUBO, who is currently in 2nd place in the goal scoring rankings behind Watanabe, along with FW Renato on the side and new addition FW Alan Pinheiro, have already fit into the team. They have been able to score goals through their combination play and individual skills in the front line, utilizing passes from MF Nakamura in the attacking midfield position.

On the other hand, the total number of goals conceded is 36, which is the second worst in the league (tied with 3 teams). However, in order to prevent consecutive losses at home, it will be crucial to press from the front and win the ball in midfield against Kawasaki, who will surely come out attacking. The key will be how many opportunities they can create to turn the game around and attack.

It is not easy to maintain control for 90 minutes in the heat. Even if we concede a goal, we must not be shaken and show perseverance to win throughout the 90 minutes. The Clasico is a traditional battle where our pride and determination clash, but we must calmly fight on both offense and defense to aim for 3 points. In the hottest match of the season, with the sweltering heat continuing even at night, the game started at 7:04 PM with Kawasaki's kickoff.

Allowed the first goal, but equalized with a skillful goal by Watanabe

Concentrating on the game, we showed a strong defense and quickly switched to an aggressive attack. In the 4th minute, Yonemoto took a middle shot. In the 6th minute, from Ota's left throw-in, Ishikawa → Hasegawa pushed forward, and Watari followed through the center and took a middle shot. It was a controlled shot, but it slightly curved to the right. In the 16th minute, Takahashi regained the ball that was taken away and passed it to Yonemoto on the right side, who then took a long cross and Watari headed it towards the goal.

Kawasaki also showed speedy passing work and sharp counters, with both teams utilizing their strengths. In the midst of this, Tokyo gradually took control of the ball and tried to break down Kawasaki. In the 25th minute, they made a move from the left side and Lucas took a shot in the center. In the 30th minute, Ishikawa dropped a side change from Lucas to the right, and Takahashi took a sharp middle shot but it curved to the left.

However, they were unable to make a decision here and in the 33rd minute, Kawasaki's MF Renato and MF Nakamura quickly connected passes and moved forward, with central FW Yu Okubo hitting the right side FW Pigneyro and behind the Tokyo DF. Here, they were connected with a one-two and FW Yu Okubo was able to score. They were unable to contain Kawasaki's skillful fluidity and conceded the first goal.

However, without looking down, they calmly counterattacked. In the 39th minute, they passed the ball and advanced, and Morishige → Yonemoto, who broke through on the right side, sent a perfect lob into the right area. Watanabe controlled it with one touch and stabbed it into the goal with his right foot. As the intense back-and-forth battle continued, they caught up in the first half and the match was carried over to the second half.

Ota's free kick equalizes, intense and heated match ends in a draw

In the second half, Tokyo had their kickoff ball taken away and Kawasaki created a numerical advantage through passing on the right side. From there, they were able to break through the side and send a cross from the right, which was headed by FW Yu OKUBO and saved by Gonda with one hand, but then followed up by MF Nakamura. They allowed a goal in a way that lacked concentration at the start.

In the 49th minute, Mita comes in. Immediately after, Mita's attack earns a left corner kick, and Morishige heads it perfectly, but the GK blocks it... In the 54th minute, Lucas receives a foul on the left front line and earns a free kick from outside the area. Ota's kick is avoided by a throw-in, but in the following 56th minute, Lucas is fouled again and earns a free kick from just outside the right area. Although it was about 25-6m away, Ota's shot is perfectly placed in the top right corner of the goal! From Ota's direct free kick, they successfully equalize once again.

After that, Kawasaki, who aimed to take the lead at home, launched a sharp attack and there were scenes where they were pushed back mainly through dribbling. However, they persevered and tried to connect with the front line. In the 68th minute, Nemanja VUCICEVIC was brought on. Tokyo also aimed to take the lead. Even in the final stages where fatigue became more apparent, they continued to attack with all their might.

In the 87th minute, Kawasaki pushed forward from a wide position and Hasegawa broke through the area from Watanabe's post, but was cut off by the Kawasaki DF just before a big chance. The intense and heated match ended in a draw as neither team gave in until the final whistle.


[Player Comments]
"Ota"
"I scored a free kick in yesterday's practice. Today, the distance was a little further, but it was a similar angle, so I aimed for it. Just as I imagined. I think it was perfect. The coach has given me confidence since our regular practices, and now I am able to take shots like this in games. I'm glad I was able to score. As for the game, it was the toughest one so far. In the first half, we all talked about "defense first" and didn't push up too much. However, we conceded a goal first, so we had to balance between defending and pushing up."

"Hasegawa"
"It was a fierce match. In this heat, I think we both showed our intensity and fought hard. I wanted to win and had chances to score, but I can't be satisfied with just one point. I want to think positively about getting that one point. Today, I played as an attacking midfielder, so I was thinking about playing near Watanabe. I tried to receive the ball as high up the field as possible and make runs behind the defense. I think we were able to push the opponent's line back. When we return home, we want to prepare well to get three points against a top team."


[Coach Popovich's Press Conference Summary]
"Both teams gave it their all under these conditions. The stadium was filled with supporters from both teams, creating an amazing atmosphere, and there were plenty of chances. We fought for the win and to score goals. It was an exciting game. The moment we conceded, we were caught off guard. Our approach to the ball was half-hearted, and we allowed the opponent to create a numerical advantage on the side and break through. That is something we need to reflect on. We also conceded a goal right after the start of the second half, which shows that we are not yet a mature and complete team. We need to grow and improve. However, despite conceding twice, I think ending the game in a draw will lead to positive results in the future."


[Kawasaki Kaze Coach Kazama's Press Conference Summary]
"It was a good game. It was very good in terms of both teams valuing the ball and scoring goals. However, it was a shame to concede 2 goals. We need to improve not only as a team, but also individually in terms of tactics and techniques. However, we were able to score beautiful goals in our attacks. We also created many chances to break down the opponent. If we can increase the number of chances and improve the quality of our decision-making, I believe this was a game where the team could have become even better."