A tough match against Kashima away, aiming for victory from a solid defense

As we welcome the last weekend of August, the league's Sec. 22 will be held. We will face Kashima Antlers away. The previous match against Urawa ended in a shootout, with a fierce battle resulting in a 4-4 draw. It can be said that we drew a match that we should have won, but coach Massimo praised the team for their performance, stating, "Even when pressed by Urawa, we took advantage of the gaps and fought with the determination to win until the end." This marks nine consecutive matches without a loss in the league, building a resilience that is hard to break, and we want to connect this to our next battle to "seize three points."

However, in this match against Urawa, Hirayama suffered a fracture and was forced to take a long-term leave. This is a significant blow to the team, but on the other hand, Shoya NAKAJIMA has returned to the team after a loan spell at Toyama and has already made the squad for this match. Additionally, Watanabe will start and will play as one of the two forwards.

Kashima currently sits in 3rd place with 39 points. They are in excellent form, unbeaten in their last 8 league matches and on a 4-game winning streak, making them the team with the most momentum. Their total of 41 goals is the highest in the league. In addition to being skilled in matches, they have increased their ability to finish in crucial moments, aiming for further ascension. This round, MF Ogasawara, MF Endo, and DF Ueda are suspended, but MF JORGINHO Wagner, who joined this summer, will make his first start. FW Davi will play at the top, with MF Doi in the attacking midfield position. On the right side of the second line is MF Caio, and on the left is JORGINHO Wagner. The double pivot will consist of MF Shibasaki and Umebachi. The center backs will be Yamamura and Masako, forming the lineup.

In order to suppress Kashima's attacking power, we want to demonstrate aggression and perseverance, and aim to break free from the "games we can't win." This match started at 19:04 with Kashima's kickoff in a climate where the temperature was 22.2 degrees, feeling a bit chilly.

Unable to create rhythm, conceded 2 goals from mistakes under pressure...

From the very beginning, Kashima took control of the pace. In the 5th minute, they quickly connected the second ball, and from a through pass by MF Kaio, FW Dawhan broke through behind the DF and got into a shooting position. This avoided being offside, but in the 6th and 8th minutes, they were continuously attacked from the sides, and a cross was delivered to FW Dawhan. In the following 10th minute, the ball was quickly transitioned from their own half to MF Kaio, and DF Nishi, who advanced up the right side, made a long pass switching to the left front line. Tokyo was unable to respond to MF Doi, who controlled it with one touch and took a shot aimed at Gonda's legs... Just like in the previous match, they conceded a goal early on.

After that, Tokyo continued to struggle with their offense and defense not working together. In the 26th minute, from a pass by Hanyu on the right side, Muto utilized his speed to enter the left area. He managed to get a shot off, but it was not strong enough and was caught by the Kashima goalkeeper. During this period, Takahashi was trying to adjust by taking care of the defensive line against Kashima's attacks, but immediately after, Kashima's goalkeeper Sogahata sent a kick forward that was not handled properly, allowing forward Davi to break free. Takahashi chased after him, but Davi skillfully sent a floated ball forward and charged towards the sideline. Even while losing his balance, he extended his right foot to take a shot that found the back of the net... They displayed strength and conceded the second goal.

Still, Tokyo began to create scenes to gradually move forward in an attempt to score a point. However, they were dispossessed by Kashima in a half-hearted manner and ended up suffering from counterattacks, concluding the first half in that situation.

Rebuilding efforts led to Edu's penalty kick and Muto's consecutive goals, securing 1 point.

In the second half, Tokyo brought in Mita for Kono and EDU for Hanyu. Mita moved to the inside half, and EDU took the top position. They attempted to reorganize with a three-top formation, with Watanabe and Muto on both sides. This immediately paid off, as in the 47th minute, Ota's left cross was cleared, but the ball spilled to the left side where Yonemoto picked it up and sent a floating ball into the area. Muto, who ran in, was fouled and awarded a penalty kick. In the 49th minute, EDU kicked the penalty kick into the center of the goal! They narrowed the gap to one goal and raised the banner for a counterattack.

In the 54th minute, a loose ball in the defensive line was taken by Kashima midfielder Kaio, creating a one-on-one situation with Gonda, but Gonda made the save! The back-and-forth battle continued, but Tokyo regained their defensive focus and began to find their rhythm.

In the 70th minute, a harsh foul on Edu resulted in Kashima DF Aoki receiving a red card and being sent off. Kashima was forced to fight with 10 men, and from here, Tokyo launched an offensive. In the 78th minute, Nakajima was brought on as an attacking midfielder in place of Yoshimoto. Takahashi moved to center-back, and with a double pivot of Yonemoto and Mita, they aimed to create chances from the fluidity in the front line.

In front of Kashima's intense pressure, there were moments when it was difficult to play in front of the goal, but in the 87th minute, Tokunaga sent a floating pass to the right flank, and Nakajima, who had made a run from the opposite side, passed it with his heel into the area. The ball spilled from the Kashima defender and the opposing goalkeeper, and Watanabe rushed in, but Muuto did not miss the further spilled ball, charging into the area and driving it into the goal.

With a fierce battle, Muto scored in consecutive matches! They fought hard until the end of a tough match, managing to secure a draw and earn 1 point.

[Player Comments]
《Muto》
"In the first half, we were influenced by the atmosphere of Kashima, and it became difficult for us to play our game. Personally, there were moments when I could have broken through, and I regret not being able to capitalize on the few chances we had... However, as a team, no one gave up, and we were able to make adjustments in the second half. We focused on the spacing and coordination in the front line, and we were able to execute plays that the opponent found uncomfortable. For the second goal, I was thinking, 'I hope it spills out.' Physically, I felt good, and it would have been great if we could have turned that into a comeback... We ended in a draw, and there are still many issues and reflections, but I want to do my best even when I go to the national team."

《Nakajima》
"I have practiced several times, and everyone understands my characteristics. I think the coordination with those around me was good. Regarding my participation, I received instructions from Coach Massimo saying, 'You must move; after that, play freely.' I played while looking for where there was space in Kashima. In the future, I want to gain trust and be recognized amidst the competition. To win the competition, I want to continue showcasing my play and help the team win."

【Summary of Coach Massimo FICCADENTI's Press Conference】
"We started the first half a bit passively and gifted two goals to a strong Kashima due to our two mistakes. In the second half, we reassessed our approach to the game from scratch, fought more aggressively, and changed the flow by forming a three-top front line. Even after equalizing, there was a decisive shot from Watanabe, and I think we got close to turning the game around. Kashima is on a four-game winning streak and is a very strong team that everyone knows. Being able to play a game like this against such a team gives us great confidence, and I believe it was a draw that can lead to the next step. I was impressed that Kashima's Toninho CEREZO is indeed doing a wonderful job."

【Kashima - Summary of the Press Conference by Coach Toninho CEREZO】
"In the first half and the second half, we became two different teams. Tokyo, of course, made system changes and brought in attacking players at the start of the second half, taking risks as they had nothing to lose. What I communicated to the players at halftime was that a score of 2-0 is dangerous. The opponent would come back from halftime, motivated by the coach's instructions, aiming to score early in the second half and create momentum. Therefore, I told them they must enter the second half with heightened concentration, awareness, and a fighting spirit."