A dynamic style aiming to capture 3 points!

On October 1st (Saturday), FC Tokyo faced Sanfrecce Hiroshima away on the anniversary of its founding.

In the previous match, Tanabe and Kono scored spectacular goals, and Hirayama, who came on as a substitute in the 90th minute, scored the winning goal. However, they conceded a painful third goal in stoppage time, ending the match in a draw. They pressed G Osaka and had long periods of control, marking a tie for the most goals in a league match this season with 3 goals, but they could not stop the opponent's counterattacks, conceding 3 goals for the second consecutive match, resulting in a goal difference of "minus 2".

Coach Shinoda stated ahead of this match, "We need to clearly define our first defender. At the same time, because we were able to create our own time, I want the team to grow so that we can control the game a bit more." He aims to address the issues that arise in each match and increase maturity by shortening the term for corrections.

Coach Shinoda also revealed that "Sota HIRAYAMA and Barnes are in very good condition," and during this week's practice, HIRAYAMA will also be included in the starting lineup. To enhance competition within the team, we want to encourage further improvement.

Hiroshima's 2nd stage is currently in 10th place, and 6th place overall. After Sec. 7 (August 6) against Nagoya and Sec. 8 (August 13) against Shonan, they have not had consecutive wins, including the Levain Cup, and it can be said that they are not quite in form. In the previous match, despite pushing against Urawa, they failed to capitalize on scoring opportunities and suffered a defeat with 3 goals conceded.

However, FW Peter UTAKA has marked 18 goals and is currently at the top of the scoring rankings. His speed, of course, and his ability to break behind the DF are also skillful. Tokyo wants to prevent crises by suppressing the developments from Hiroshima MF Aoyama and the connections with shadow MF Chajima and MF Shibasaki.

Hayama, who scored a goal just before the end of the previous match, makes his first start in the 2nd stage. With a dynamic style, he aims to secure 3 points through a well-assessed battle.

EDION Stadium Hiroshima covered by thick clouds.
In conditions with occasional light rain, it started at 7 PM with a kickoff in Tokyo.

Both teams lacked a decisive factor, and the first half ended scoreless

4 minutes: Kono received a pass from the left side and took a left-footed shot just before the area. However, it went straight to GK Hayashi.
5 minutes: This time, Nakajima received a pass from Higashi and shot from the left inside the area. However, GK Hayashi saved it right in front.
After that, Hiroshima circulated the ball, but Tokyo showed a solid defense with an organized formation, leaving no gaps.

14 minutes: Hiroshima forward Peter UTAKA dribbles up the center and passes to midfielder Shibasaki in the area. Shibasaki turns and takes a shot, but Akimoto calmly catches it.
19 minutes: Responding to a long feed from Hiroshima's DF Shiotani was FW Peter UTAKA. He broke through the defensive line, but Akimoto rushed out and caught the ball while colliding in the area.


28 minutes: Pushing forward, Tokyo crosses from Kajiyama on the right to Higashi on the far side. Higashi heads the ball down, but Hirayama and Nakajima rush in, and the shot does not connect.
30 minutes: MF Aoyama, who stole the ball in the opponent's half, took a shot just outside the area, but Morishige blocked it. Hiroshima picked up the loose ball, and FW Peter UTAKA aimed for the goal with his right foot from near the penalty arc, but the Tokyo defense blocked it with their body.
33 minutes: Higashi keeps the ball on the left side. Higashi passes to Tokunaga, then to Nakajima, who makes a move on the left side of the area and delivers a ground cross, but it just misses Hirayama in front of the goal.

45 minutes: Tokunaga injured his right knee while running alongside MF Mikic. He was carried off on a stretcher and left the pitch.
45 minutes + 1: Hashimoto comes on as a substitute for the injured Tokunaga.
Both teams lacked a decisive factor, and the first half ended scoreless.

Seizing victory with Nakajima's dramatic goal just before the end!

Tokyo has Hashimoto as the right back and Muroya as the left back.
47 minutes: Hiroshima actively sends long feeds aimed at FW Peter UTAKA, but Maruyama and Morishige respond with physical play.

58 minutes: A scene from the right corner kick by kicker Erik. The cross into the goal area is cleared, but Erik picks up the loose ball and takes a bold shot from outside the area. This does not hit the target.
62 minutes: Hiroshima makes their first substitution. FW Miyajima comes in for MF Chajima.
Tokyo aims to attack towards the goal while expanding to the left and right. In contrast, Hiroshima pulls back into their own territory, waiting patiently for a counterattack opportunity.
65 minutes: Hiroshima forward Peter UTAKA takes a powerful shot from about 25 meters in front of the goal. The ball goes wide to the right of the goal.
65 minutes: Tokyo makes their second substitution. Nathan BURNS comes on for Hirayama.
67 minutes: Nathan BURNS receives the ball on the left side and passes to Nakajima. Nakajima takes a powerful shot with his right foot from just outside the area, but it goes just over the crossbar.

73 minutes: Nakajima and Nathan BURNS executed a one-two to advance into the area. Nathan BURNS' shot was blocked by the Hiroshima defender, and Nakajima's follow-up shot went over the crossbar.
77 minutes: Hiroshima makes their second substitution. FW Peter UTAKA is replaced by FW Sato Hisashi.

81 minutes: Tokyo makes their final substitution. Hanyu comes on for Kono.
90 minutes: From a left corner kick by Hiroshima, forward Sato on the far side takes a volley shot. Akimoto reacts well and deflects it, making a good save to avoid danger.
85 minutes: Hiroshima makes their final substitution. MF Shimizu comes in for MF Kashiwa.

90+2 minutes: Nakajima received a pass just outside the area. He outmaneuvered the opposing defender and took a right-footed shot. This pierced the goal net and resulted in a goal. Tokyo takes the lead just before the end of the match!
Nakajima leads the team to victory with a dramatic goal, earning 3 points.

[Player Comments]
《Nakajima》
"I didn't have a complete image of breaking through with a one-two, but in the mindset of heading towards the goal, I was able to naturally execute that kind of play. Sometimes, overthinking can be detrimental, so I believe that focusing on heading towards the goal led to that moment."
It had been a while since I played in a match with Nathan BURNS, but we have built a good combination from our usual practice. He has speed and can receive the ball behind the defense, which makes it easier for me to move forward. I think it worked well against an opponent like today. It was a good goal.

Akimoto
"It was a match like a test of endurance, and the fact that we held on firmly where we needed to led to Shoya's wonderful goal. The entire team was able to defend well, and I'm really glad we won. Today was a match where the tension was palpable, and we had been conceding a lot of goals recently, so I wanted to finish without conceding. I'm glad we were able to achieve that. Recently, we have had some really tough losses and draws, but winning 1-0 today will allow us to approach the match against Urawa with a good atmosphere. The match against Urawa may also be a test of endurance, but first, I want to make sure we prepare well and aim to win at home without conceding."

【Summary of Coach Yoshiyuki SHINODA's Press Conference】
"I am grateful to the fans and supporters who came all the way here to cheer the players until the very end. Hiroshima is truly a well-organized and wonderful team, and we prepared this week on how to suppress them. Regarding how to eliminate the two players in the shadow positions, in the beginning, we allowed Chajima to be free two or three times, which created some dangerous scenes. In response, the whole team created time to close down spaces, and Morishige and Maruyama were able to firmly repel Peter UTAKA's ball holding. I think we were able to proceed with the game positively. The players really did not give up until the end in this endurance-like game and worked earnestly. I feel that the players' and fans' never-give-up attitude led to Nakajima's goal. Lastly, today is Tokyo Citizens' Day, and along with that, it is also the club's founding day, and also TOKYO DOROMPA's birthday. It truly became a very happy day... because the PR team strongly told me so (laughs)."

《Q&A》
Q= Akimoto made several incredible saves, playing in a way that inspires courage in the defense. What about Akimoto today?
"As you said, he held it down well, and during the scene where a middle shot was taken, I think we were all able to apply pressure. The approach from the defensive midfielder could actually be a step closer, but as a team, we were able to block the shooting lanes. The scene where Akimoto caught the volley shot inside the penalty area was really a good reaction, and he helped us out."

Q=About player Tokunaga, who was injured just before the end of the first half.
"Tokunaga seems to have twisted his knee a bit. We won't know until we conduct an examination, but it appears to be serious."
I think it's not a minor injury, but I still don't know.

【Press Conference Summary of Hiroshima's Hajime MORIYASU】
"After losing the recent match against Urawa, I wanted to win in front of our home fans and supporters at EDION Stadium Hiroshima and share smiles and joy. It was truly disappointing. The match progressed to a 0-0 draw, and while we created chances, we couldn't score. This is a challenge we need to address from the Urawa match. The last goal conceded was after missing a decisive opportunity, and I felt we lacked the strength to secure the win. I believe the players fought with the desire to win, but I have not been able to effectively communicate with them regarding the balance of the game, game management, mental control, and tactical aspects. I reflect on that."