GAME RESULTGame Result

Sec. 3 2019/3/10 (Sun)
Audience 27,937 people 
Weather cloudy, weak 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 Finished

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 → Isaac Cuenca
67' Zhao Dongjian → Akito FUKUTA
90'+4 Genki HARA → Yohei TOYODA
13 Shoot 3
6 CK 5
14 FK 12
83' Sei MUROYA
Warning 57' Hideto TAKAHASHI
61' Hideto TAKAHASHI
67' FERNANDO TORRES
Exit 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 TokyoSubstitute
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 TosuStarting Lineup
GK 1 Yu OKUBO
DF 22 Genki Ki
DF 35 Yu Fujita
DF 3 Yuji TAKAHASHI
DF 2 Hiromu MITSUMARU
MF 36 Hideto TAKAHASHI
MF 14 Yoshiki Takahashi
MF 41 Matsuoka Daiki
FW 44 Mu KANAZAKI
FW 9 FERNANDO TORRES
FW 19 Zhao Dongjian
Sagan TosuSubstitute
GK 18 Takao Yohhei
DF 20 Karuro Burushicchi
DF 8 Keisuke Iwashita
MF 6 Akito FUKUTA
MF 25 Yasuhiro Yasuyu
MF 7 Isaac Cuenca
FW 11 Yohei TOYODA

[Highlight Video]

[Player/Coach Comments]

"Ryoya OGAWA"
"We were unable to create our own time in the first half, but in the second half we were able to pull the flow towards our own pace, which led to the last two goals. It was good to be able to secure the victory."

(Throughout the game, we saw a lot of attacks from the side. The first goal was also a result of Ogawa's shot, which led to the goal.)
"During that time, we felt like the momentum was on our side. Of course, we were conscious of finishing with a shot, but we also made sure to aim for the frame and prepare for it."

(I was repeatedly blocked by Tokyo's chances by GK Takuo OKUBO, who was my teammate until last season)
"I think he is a player who understands our playing style and characteristics well. It is very pleasing for the team to have scored two goals against a talented player like him."

(He has been a starter for three consecutive games since the opening. I think he is aware of Ota's presence, who plays in the same position.)
"Of course, I am aware of him, but just because we are rivals doesn't mean we have to be enemies. Even when I am playing in a game, Ota gives me advice, so I am able to learn a lot."

(After finishing today's match, we are in 2nd place. Next week, we will be competing for the top spot against Nagoya.)
"Nagoya is a very strong team with 3 consecutive wins, but we want to do what we need to do and win."

(There were strong attackers like Fernando Torres on the opponent's side, but were there any difficult parts in terms of defense?)
"I felt a great strength and high level of technique in their play. However, since we were able to defend as a team, I didn't particularly feel any difficulty."

(Were there any instructions from Coach Hasegawa after the opponent's player was sent off in the 16th minute of the second half?)
"There weren't any specific instructions during the scene where the player was sent off, but at halftime, we were reminded to be aware that it was our opening game and to challenge ourselves more. In the end, we were able to change the flow of the game in the second half and I think that led to the result of 3 points."

"Jael"
"I am very happy to have scored. Today's game was our home opener, so I thought it was an important game. I am really glad we were able to win that game."

(I have 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 training since my time in Brazil. Coming to Japan, I feel that it is important to quickly adapt to Japanese football, which is very different from Brazilian football. In addition, I hope to contribute to the team by showcasing my strengths."

(Getting used to it)
「Little by little」

(Comment for next week)
"The next league match will be against Nagoya, who are currently in first place. If we don't win here, we won't be able to move up. Today's match was important, but the next one will be even more crucial. We will have practice again starting tomorrow, but I want to prepare well and face the next match with determination."

"Tokyo - Manager Masaru HASEGAWA Press Conference Summary"
"It was great to be able to win somehow. We were able to give the victory as a present to the many supporters who came. However, the content was not praiseworthy and we should reflect on the fact that we were not able to effectively attack against 10-man Tosu. But the desire to win at the home opener as a team led to the opponent's own goal, and the second goal was a fantastic one. Still, it was a big deal to score and grab three points at home against Tosu, who we couldn't score against in two draws last season. We have back-to-back games coming up, so we want to switch our minds and fight."

(It took more than 30 minutes to score a goal after the opponent was reduced to 10 players)
"(Kyosuke) TAGAWA had concerns about his physical condition after returning from injury. In this case, (Kensuke) NAGAI was substituted early, so his playing time was limited. We couldn't score against the defensive block of Tosu and couldn't find an effective way to break through, so we brought in new player Jael. In the end, we put (Takefusa) KUBO in the attacking midfield position to receive the ball in areas that the opponent didn't like, and that brought a change. We were able to break down the opponent and get a cross in, leading to an own goal."

(How did Kubo perform?)
"In the first half, the opponent was also cautious, and there was no freedom as Matsumura on the left side and Takahashi in the midfield were also taking care of it. The opponent's movements slowed down a bit, and he was able to play his usual game after entering as a top. There was a great shot and a good assist. First of all, I was able to produce an assist, so I hope to score next time."

(The status of player Nagai's injury and the impact it had on the team without him)
"I don't know the details yet, but I don't think it's a serious injury. There was a sign from the player himself that he couldn't continue. Kyosuke TAGAWA did well, but we couldn't switch to defense."

"Sagan Tosu - Lluis CARRERAS Press Conference Summary"
"It is very difficult to talk about right after this defeat, but we fought against a strong opponent, Tokyo, and first of all, we respect our opponent. I think the impact of the ejection on the team was very significant. Everyone, including myself and the players, can make mistakes. There were many fans who came from far away, but we made them feel sad. However, if we continue this, I believe we will definitely achieve victory, so I hope you will wait for it."

(Reduced to one player from the second half. What instructions did you give?)
"The plan remains the same, to form a compact defense and attack. Of course, with one less player, the midfield had to work even harder. There was a change there. Of course, it's disappointing to lose, but their fighting spirit was very good today. It's important to continue this in the future. Tokyo is a strong team, but I don't think they were able to play comfortably on the pitch. They had one win and one draw in two games. It's because of their strength that they achieved those results. But I don't think they deserved to win today."