Approaching the final match of the three-game series with full force

In Sec. 24 of the league, we will face Sanfrecce Hiroshima away. In the previous match against Tosu, we managed to equalize after trailing by two goals, but allowed a late winner, resulting in two draws and two losses in the last four matches, leading to a heavy defeat. However, in the second half, we launched a powerful attack, with Hirayama and Watanabe scoring goals, which was a positive outcome. Although it is a match just two days later, we aim to improve on our shortcomings, enhance our strengths as a team, and approach the final match of this three-game stretch with full force. Even though it is an away game, we are determined to focus on the competition and bring home three points.

Hiroshima, currently in second place with 44 points, has consistently maintained a top position. However, they have not won in the last three matches, losing their lead. In particular, the previous match against Kofu ended in a scoreless defeat, partly due to injuries to MF Mikic and changes in the lineup due to consecutive matches. It is crucial to remain highly vigilant against Hiroshima's well-developed style, especially against the movements of FW Sato, who synchronizes perfectly with crosses from the sides and passes from MF Takahagi. We must maintain concentration for the full 90 minutes and thoroughly execute challenges and cover.

Tokyo will see the return of Yamamoto from suspension, along with Lucas, who came on as a substitute in the previous match, back in the starting lineup. The team will also change their formation to a 3-4-2-1 setup. A key point will be to prevent the opponent's midfield from creating opportunities with quick starts against their attacks. In particular, applying pressure on the opponent's holding midfielder, Aoyama, will likely influence the outcome of the match by not allowing them to play freely. In attack, the team aims to learn from the previous match, actively initiating plays, and demonstrating decisiveness at crucial moments, showing a strong desire to score and achieve victory.

The match started at 19:06 with Hiroshima's kickoff at EDION Stadium Hiroshima.

Capitalizing on the opponent's mistake, we take the lead with Watanabe's goal

Tokyo raised their defensive awareness and showed a cautious start. However, Hiroshima dominated possession. In the 3rd minute, Hiroshima forward Sato cut into the area from the right side. Ota's intercepted ball grazed Sato, and Morishige's clearance went behind and hit the post. In the 13th minute, Hiroshima defender Chiba aimed for a ball over the defensive line. Midfielder Ishihara broke through, creating a decisive moment, but Hyun Soo JANG chased back and closed in, and the shot was saved well by Gonda.

Although there was a period of being pushed back by Hiroshima, in the 16th minute, from a goal kick, DF Chiba attempted to connect a ball in their own half, but Watanabe applied pressure and stole the ball, shaking off the pursuing DF and sliding in to score with his left foot into the left corner of the goal. Seizing the opponent's mistake, they took the lead. Gradually, Tokyo began to create chances from counterattacks. In the 24th minute, Higashi, who had drifted to the right front line, connected with Watanabe in the center, received a return pass, and shot from the center of the area. Although it was blocked by a great save from the GK, Ota picked up the rebound and made a shot from the left side, but it went straight to the GK.

Hiroshima had more time with the ball, but Tokyo remained calm in defense and, after regaining possession, held the ball steadily while looking for chances. In particular, Morishige actively became a starting point on the left side and repeatedly joined the attack. In the 34th minute, Ota crossed from the left side. Although it was cleared once, Lucas picked up the loose ball and aimed for a long shot from the center, but it went wide. In the 44th minute, Lucas ran to the right front line, and from a backward pass to the center, Watanabe took a shot, but it was saved by the goalkeeper. They ended the first half with a one-goal lead.

Although they were equalized, they secured victory with Yonemoto's goal, the first since 2009.

Even after entering the second half, the development remains unchanged. In the 50th minute, Morishige quickly switched to the right front line. Watanabe caught up and brought the ball into the right area, waiting for his teammates to advance before making a backward pass. Hasegawa connected with it directly, but it went over the goal. In the 59th minute, Hiroshima capitalized on a chance from a free kick, trying to break through with forward Sato. Takahashi tightly marked him, but from this rebound, they connected with a one-touch pass to midfielder Ishihara in the right area, who took a shot, but Gonda saved it with his body, avoiding the crisis.

However, in the 62nd minute, from a right corner kick by Hiroshima, substitute MF Park Hyun-jin's kick was sent into the middle by right-side MF Fan Soko, and it was deflected by FW Sato just before the goal, resulting in a conceded goal and the score being equalized. However, even after being equalized, Tokyo remained calm and continued to play as usual. In the 65th minute, Yonemoto evaded an opponent on the left side and delivered a cross. Higashi at the far post made a perfect header, but it was saved well by the goalkeeper, resulting in a corner kick. Conversely, in the 71st minute, Hiroshima's MF Ishihara took a shot just outside the area, but Gonda caught it.

After that, the stalemate continued, and they were often pushed back by Hiroshima's vigorous counterattacks. In the 77th minute, Ishikawa was brought on for Lucas. However, the situation did not change, and they continued to be pressed. But in the 81st minute, Morishige intercepted the opponent's ball in the center of his own half. He carried it forward and passed to Higashi on the right flank. Although it barely missed Watanabe, who was making a run, Yonemoto, who was free on the left side of the area, calmly scored with a precise shot to take the lead. From there, they faced a fierce counterattack from Hiroshima, but thanks to Gonda's super saves, the match ended as is.

They fought tenaciously throughout and secured 3 points for the first time in 5 matches (since the match against Oita on August 3).



[Player Comments]
《Yamamoto》
"We fought patiently. Although we were equalized, we managed to take the lead, and I believe it was a victory earned by the whole team. During the scoring scene, everyone’s feet had started to slow down a bit, and it turned into a counterattack at that moment. Before that, I had been talking with Mr. Aria and Mr. Hide about how 'if one of the defensive midfielders doesn’t push forward, we can’t create chances.' So, I boldly moved forward in that situation. Keigo probably made a mistake with the pass (laughs), but I’m glad we were able to score."

《Watanabe》
"We were able to steal the ball in good shape and launch counterattacks, and we were able to finish with shots. It was a tough match, but in such situations, I believed that one chance could decide the outcome. I think it was good that we didn't miss the opponent's mistakes and were able to capitalize on them. There were a few times we were broken down by Hiroshima, but we managed to defend together. Even after conceding a goal, we were able to stay calm and fight. I believe we were able to show our strength even with the formation changes, and we achieved results because of that. Above all, the team's victory is the most important. Until now, even if I scored, I couldn't be happy if the team lost, but I want to always strive to score goals for the team to win."


[Summary of Coach Ranko POPOVIC's Press Conference]
"I believe we were able to firmly grasp the victory we were hoping for. Both teams had chances, and it was a closely contested match, but I think we showed plays that were closer to winning. Today's victory was necessary and important. Scoring first against Hiroshima was indeed a significant achievement. If we had conceded the first goal, we would have been forced into a defensive position and could have fallen into their preferred counterattack style."

There were times when our intensity dropped during the flow of the game, and Hiroshima had control of the match, but Gonda showed his true self during those crucial moments. He made two big saves, which impacted the result. Of course, it's not just him; I believe it was the result of all the players fighting hard. It was a match that could have gone either way, but the reason the result came our way is that the players gave everything they had.


【Summary of Coach Moriyasu's Press Conference in Hiroshima】
"In preparing for today's match, I believe the players did their best to meet my expectations. They ran with high intensity, fought aggressively, actively reclaimed the ball, and attacked when opportunities arose. I think they worked hard for 90 minutes to fulfill these demands. It's just unfortunate that we couldn't achieve a positive result. From the first half, we were able to move the ball well and create dangerous attacks, and defensively, we challenged for the ball aggressively, which led to our attacks.

Although it turned into a chasing game, I believe the players executed what they needed to do in the second half. To secure victory, it is essential to make the right decisions at crucial moments and minimize mistakes. If we don't tighten up just a little bit, we won't be able to achieve victory. As I mentioned earlier, I am not at all pessimistic about the match content, and I believe we played the soccer we aimed to play. We couldn't present the three points to our supporters this time, but next time, I want to work hard to respond to everyone's cheers and present the three points to bring them joy.