GAME RESULTGame Result

Sec. 3 2019/3/10 (Sun)
Attendance 27,937 
Weather: Cloudy, Light; Temperature: 18.8 degrees; Humidity: 39% 
Referee: Minoru TOJO Assistant Referees: Yuki TSUKAKOSHI / Toshiyuki TANAKA Fourth Official: Hayato SHIMIZU

J1 Sec. 3

Ajinomoto

HOME

FC Tokyo

2-0

Match Ended

First Half0-0

Second Half2-0

AWAY

Sagan Tosu

FC Tokyo Sagan Tosu
88' Own Goal
90'+3 Jael
Scorer
16' Kensuke NAGAI → Kyosuke TAGAWA
65' Kyosuke TAGAWA → Jael
81' Yojiro TAKAHAGI → Kota MORI
Player Substitution 60' Mu KANAZAKI → Isaku Kuenka
67' Cho Dong-kyun → Akito FUKUTA
90'+4 Hara Teruki → Yohei TOYODA
13 Shoot 3
6 CK 5
14 FK 12
83' Sei MUROYA
Warning 57' Hideto TAKAHASHI
61' Hideto TAKAHASHI
67' FERNANDO TORRES
Ejection 61' Hideto TAKAHASHI
FC Tokyo Starting Lineup
GK 33 Akihiro HAYASHI
DF 2 Sei MUROYA
DF 20 Hyun Soo JANG
DF 3 Masato MORISHIGE
DF 25 Ryoya OGAWA
MF 15 Takefusa KUBO
MF 8 Yojiro Takahagi
MF 18 Kento HASHIMOTO
MF 10 Keigo HIGASHI
FW 9 Diego OLIVEIRA
FW 11 Kensuke NAGAI
FC Tokyo Bench
GK 13 Go HATANO
DF 6 Kosuke OTA
DF 32 Tsuyoshi WATANABE
MF 17 Na SANGHO
MF 39 Kota MORI
FW 16 Jael
FW 27 Kyosuke TAGAWA
Sagan Tosu Starting Lineup
GK 1 Takuo OKUBO
DF 22 Hikari Hara
DF 35 Yu FUJITA
DF 3 Yuji TAKAHASHI
DF 2 Hiromu MITSUMARU
MF 36 Hideto TAKAHASHI
MF 14 Yoshiki Takahashi
MF 41 Daiki Matsuoka
FW 44 Mu KANAZAKI
FW 9 FERNANDO TORRES
FW 19 Zhao Dongjian
Sagan Tosu Bench
GK 18 Yohei Takakuwa
DF 20 Carlo Bruschi
DF 8 Keisuke Iwashita
MF 6 Akito FUKUTA
MF 25 An Yong-Soo
MF 7 Issac Cuenca
FW 11 Yohei TOYODA

[Highlight Video]

[Player and Coach Comments]

《Ryoya OGAWA》
We couldn't create our own time in the first half, but in the second half, we were able to bring the flow to our pace, which led to the last two goals. I'm glad we were able to achieve victory.

(Throughout the match, there were breakdowns from the sides. The first goal was also triggered by a shot-like ball from player Ogawa)
"At that moment, I felt that the momentum was on our side. Of course, I was aware that we had to finish with a shot, but I was also focused on preparing to strike accurately within the frame."

(Until last season, we were repeatedly blocked by our former teammate, GK Takuo OKUBO, from opportunities in Tokyo)
"I think he is a player who understands our playing style and characteristics well. He is one of the capable players, so I am very happy that we were able to score 2 goals as a team."

(He has been a starter for three consecutive matches since the opening. I think he is aware of player Ota, who plays the same position)
"Of course, I can't say that I'm not aware of him, but just because he is a rival doesn't mean we have a bad relationship or anything negative. Even when I am playing in the match, player Ota gives me advice, so there is a lot to learn from him."

(After today's match, we are in 2nd place. Next week, we will be competing for the top spot against Nagoya)
"Nagoya is a team that has won three consecutive matches and is very strong, but we want to do what we need to do and win."

(The opponent had strong attackers like FERNANDEZ, but were there any difficulties in defense?)
"I felt a lot of strength and high skill during the play. However, since we were able to defend as a unit, I didn't particularly feel any difficulties."

(After the opponent had a player sent off in the 16th minute of the second half, did you receive any instructions from Coach Hasegawa?)
"There were no special instructions during the sending-off scene, but at halftime, we were reminded that this was our opening match and were told to challenge more. In fact, we were able to change the flow to our advantage in the second half, which I believe led to the result of 3 points."

Jael
"I am very happy that we were able to score. Today's match was the home opener, and I thought it was an important game. I am really glad that we were able to win that match."

(I played for a long time in the Levain Cup, but this was my first time playing in the league. I think my condition is gradually improving)
"My condition is good because I have been building up through training camps since my time in Brazil. Coming to Japan, I feel it is important to quickly adapt to Japanese football, which is very different from Brazilian football. On top of that, I hope to contribute to the team by showcasing my characteristics."

(Getting used to it)
"Little by little"

(Comments for next week)
"The next league match is against Nagoya, who are currently in first place, and we cannot move up unless we win here. Today was an important match, but the next match will be even more crucial. We will start practicing again tomorrow, and I want to prepare thoroughly for the next match."

《Tokyo - Summary of the Press Conference with Director Kenta HASEGAWA》
"I'm glad we were able to win somehow. Many supporters came to watch, and we were able to gift them a victory. However, the performance itself was not commendable, and we struggled to mount effective attacks even against Tosu, who were down to ten men, which is something we need to reflect on. Still, the desire of the entire team to secure a victory in our home opener led to the opponent's own goal, and the second goal was truly wonderful. Even so, scoring at home against Tosu, who we drew with twice last season and couldn't score against, and securing three points is a significant achievement. With another match coming up soon, I want to switch gears and keep fighting."

(It took more than 30 minutes to score after the opponent was reduced to 10 players)
"(Kyosuke) TAGAWA was returning from injury and had concerns about his physical condition. In this case, (Kensuke) NAGAI was substituted early, so that was about the limit for his playing time. We struggled to score against a well-organized defense from Tosu, so we brought in the new player Jael. In the end, we placed (Takefusa) KUBO in the attacking midfield to receive the ball in areas that would trouble the opponent, which created a change. We were able to deliver a cross that broke through the opponent's defense, leading to an own goal."

(What is Kubo's evaluation?)
"In the first half, the opponent was cautious, and Matsumoto on the left side and Takahashi in the midfield were also marking him, so he had no freedom. As the opponent's movement slowed down a bit, he was able to play his natural game after moving to the top. There were some wonderful shots and good assists. First of all, he was able to achieve an assist, so I hope to see a goal next time."

(The situation regarding Nagai's injury and the impact it has had on the team in his absence)
"I don't know the details yet, but I don't think it's a serious injury. There were signs from him that he couldn't continue. Kyosuke TAGAWA did well, but the defensive switch was hard to engage."

《Tosu - Lluis CARRERAS Manager Press Conference Summary》
"It is very difficult to talk about this right after the defeat, but we fought against a strong opponent in Tokyo, and we respect them. I believe the impact of the red card on the team was very significant. Everyone, including myself and the players, can make mistakes. There were many fans who came from far away, and I feel sorry for making them sad. However, if we continue like this, I believe we will definitely achieve victory, so I hope you will wait for that."

(In the second half, we were in a situation with one less player. What instructions were given?)
"What we need to do hasn't changed; we need to maintain a compact defense and attack. Of course, with one less player, the midfield has to work even harder. There was a change in that regard. While the loss is disappointing, their fighting spirit today was very good. It's important to continue that going forward. Tokyo is a strong team, but I don't think they were comfortable playing on the pitch. They had one win and one draw over the two matches. Their strength is what led to those results. However, I don't believe they deserved to win today."