<Match Review>
Tokyo, who maintained the momentum of winning the "Tama River Clasico" at the Japan National Stadium where about 56,000 people gathered, entered Kashima Soccer Stadium. The starting lineup remained unchanged from the previous match, and Shuhei TOKUMOTO, who showed a goal and an assist in the Kawasaki match, started as a left back.
The Levain Cup against Cerezo Osaka will be sandwiched in the middle of the week, and then the league will enter a three-game stretch against top teams such as Kashima Antlers, Vissel Kobe, and Yokohama F.Marinos. This game holds great significance in predicting the future of Tokyo's season. First, let's welcome the kickoff of this first game.
1stHALF - Equalized with Diego Taba's penalty kick
Kashima's strength during their 5-game winning streak was indeed real. In the 6th minute of the first half, they were caught off guard on the side and a cross was sent in by left back Yasunishi. The ball found its way to player Kakita, who was free between Yasuki Kimoto and Masato Morishige, and he headed it in to give the opposing team the lead.
However, by taking the lead, Kashima's defensive awareness was heightened and they rarely applied pressure from the front, allowing Tokyo to smoothly enter the enemy's territory. They were also able to win many second balls, prolonging the time they pushed the opponent into their own half.
And in the 21st minute of the first half, Diego OLIVEIRA, who received a pass from Ryoma WATANABE, turned forward and made a final pass to Teruhito NAKAGAWA, who took behind the opponent's defense. Unfortunately, it was cut off by the opponent's defender and did not lead to a scoring opportunity, but it created a way to break down the opponent.
Afterwards, Tokyo continued to play the game in the opponent's half and earned a penalty kick in the 25th minute of the first half. Shuto ABE made a looping pass from near the penalty area corner, and Diego TABA was fouled from behind by Sekigawa. Diego himself calmly converted this chance, and Tokyo equalized before the end of the first half.
After returning the score to the starting point, the game once again became a back-and-forth battle. Despite Kashima's increasing intensity, Tokyo continued to move the ball carefully and progress the game. Although they were unable to shake the net, they ended the first half while maintaining a good rhythm.
2ndHALF - Tsukagawa's volley shot hits the left post
Tokyo was the first to move in the second half. Koki TSUKAGAWA was substituted for Nakagawa, and TSUKAGAWA moved to the left wing while Watanabe slid to the right wing. These two players did not stick to their wide positions, but frequently exchanged positions to draw out passes and activate the attack.
Kashima also put in players Doi and Sano in the early stages of the second half, using the power of fresh players to compete for control of the midfield and aim for a winning goal.
As the game progresses, spaces begin to open up on the pitch, leading to both teams increasing the number of scenes where they quickly switch between attacking and defending to approach the goal. There have also been more set pieces from deep positions, but both defenses have remained highly focused, resulting in no clear-cut chances being created.
Tokyo moves to break through such a close game. In the 29th minute of the second half, Kashif BANGNAGANDE and Kota TAWARATSUMIDA were substituted, with Tsukagawa in the center of the front line, Tawaratsumida on the right wing, and Watanabe on the left wing.
Even with less than 10 minutes remaining, both teams continue to show high levels of energy and intensity in their play, resulting in an intense back-and-forth match. In the 39th minute of the second half, Tokyo gets a big chance. Kashif BANGNAGANDE, from the left side, sends a corner kick to the near post, where Watanabe heads it backwards. Tsukagawa, who was waiting on the far side, takes a direct volley shot. The ball hits the ground and flies towards the opposite corner, but unfortunately hits the left post and deflects away from Kimoto's shot, which was aimed at the top of the goal.
In the 44th minute of the second half, Adailton was sent onto the pitch as a trump card, preparing for a counter-attacking chance to strike in a moment of vulnerability. However, Kashima's defensive strength did not falter until the end, and although they were able to hold onto the ball in the opponent's half, they were unable to create any chances to score and the match ended in a 1-1 draw. The three consecutive matches against top teams resulted in only 1 point earned on enemy territory.
MATCH DETAILS
＜FC Tokyo＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Jakub SLOWIK
DF Yuto NAGATOMO (29th minute of the second half: Kashif BANGNAGANDE)/ Yasuki KIMOTO/ Masato MORISHIGE/ Shuhei TOKUMOTO
MF Kei KOIZUMI/ Keigo HIGASHI/ Shuto ABE
FW Ryoma WATANABE (44th minute of the second half: Adailton)/ Diego OLIVEIRA (29th minute of the second half: Kota TAWARATSUMIDA)/ Teruhito NAKAGAWA (0th minute of the second half: Koki TSUKAGAWA)
SUBS
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
DF Henrique TREVISAN
MF Takuya AOKI
GOAL
28' First Half: Diego OLIVEIRA
＜Kashima Antlers＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Tomoki Hayakawa
DF Rikuto Hirose (30th minute of the second half: Keigo Tsunemoto)/Naomichi Ueda/Ikuma Sekigawa/Koki Anzai
MF Yuta Higuchi (30th minute of the second half: Arthur Caike)/Diego Pituca
FW Shintaro Nago (11th minute of the second half: Kaishu Sano)/Hayato Nakama (11th minute of the second half: Shoma Doi)/Yuki Kakita (19th minute of the second half: Kei Chinen)/Yuma Suzuki
SUBS
GK Yuya OKI
DF Gen SHOJI
GOAL
6th minute of the first half: Yuki KAKITA
[Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Press Conference Comments]
Q: please review the game.
A: I was not satisfied with our play in the first 10 minutes, but our game plan was to start more focused than the opponent and try to score early. On the other hand, I am not satisfied that we conceded. We had anticipated that they would increase their intensity at the start of the match and use a lot of direct play, so our initial game plan was to respond to that.
We conceded early in the game, but I think we were able to get into the game more and more as time passed by, by changing our mindset. We were able to create chances and equalized from that momentum. The game continued to be close, and we didn't allow the opponent to create many clear chances. We were also able to create a chance to turn the game around towards the end. The players fought hard in a close game. Due to some discomfort felt by Teruhito NAKAGAWA and Yuto NAGATOMO during the game, there were two substitutions that were different from the game plan, but I think the players who came on did a good job adapting to the situation.
I am grateful to have been able to play in this amazing stadium and in such a great atmosphere. I would like to thank the supporters of Kashima Antlers and also the fans and supporters who came from Tokyo. As someone who came from Europe, playing in this kind of atmosphere gives me even more motivation.
Q: What was the attacking plan when Koki TSUKAGAWA, who has a different playing style from Teruhito NAKAGAWA, was included?
A: Considering the characteristics of the players, the one who might have been the appropriate substitute for Nakagawa was perhaps Kota TAWARATSUMIDA. However, Kashima's strengths lie in counterattacks and attacks from crosses when pressing the opponent. In that sense, we brought in Koki TSUKAGAWA, who contributes significantly in defense, aiming to counter the opponent's side attacks. At the start of the second half, taking into account the traits of the fullbacks and wingers, Shuhei TOKUMOTO, the left fullback, is good with ball control at his feet, so we placed TSUKAGAWA ahead of him, and on the right side, we put in Ryoma WATANABE, who is even more skilled with the ball at his feet, intending for Yuto NAGATOMO to make forward runs into space. TSUKAGAWA's strength is his runs into space. I think he effectively utilized that today to create chances.
[Player Interview]
<Diego OLIVEIRA player>
Q: Were you feeling rushed after conceding an early goal?
A: We knew that the opposing team would apply a high press, especially at the start of the match, and that they would use high balls as well. However, even knowing this, conceding a goal is something we must reflect on. After conceding, we were able to control the game by keeping possession, so I think the match progressed in a good way. In the second half, there were moments when we were close to scoring, such as hitting the post, but luck also plays a part in those situations. Overall, considering the very strong momentum of the opposing team, I think earning one point away from home is not a bad result.
Q, please look back on the scene of the penalty kick. I think there was also pressure.
A, since it was a goal on the opponent supporters' side, and unfortunately I had missed a penalty kick opportunity in the match against Albirex Niigata, there was certainly pressure. However, I believe that in such situations one must remain even calmer, so I was able to calmly score and contribute to the team.
Q, how do you want to connect this game next?
A, we have matches coming up against top teams Vissel Kobe and Yokohama F.Marinos, and before that, there is also the Levain Cup. Since we have two matches next week, I want to make sure to rest well first to recharge and prepare for the next games.
<Yasuki KIMOTO>
Q, I think that the early conceded goal made the game difficult despite valuing the start.
A, as a team, we entered the match with the intention of scoring the opening goal within the first 10 to 15 minutes of the first half. We were cautious about crosses, but it ended up being a difficult situation to handle. I feel responsible, and I regret that we gave the rhythm of the game to the opponent at that moment.
Q, it was a goal that was cleanly combined with Masato MORISHIGE.
A, I also talked with Morishige, and we had different opinions. Morishige seemed to want me to mark, but I couldn’t see Kakita. I believe we can thoroughly discuss today’s conceded goal and resolve it moving forward, and I think we were able to respond well defensively afterward, so it was good that we limited it to just one goal conceded at minimum.
Q, it means that we were able to catch up in the first half by switching after being scored on.
A, we stayed focused, did not concede any additional goals, equalized with a penalty kick, and there was even a feeling that we could turn the game around. I think it was a match that we can build on going forward.
Q, in the first half there was also time to hold the ball, but in the second half it seemed like there were more long balls.
A, the opponent allowed us to have the ball at times, but they were also aiming for counterattacks, so there were moments when we used long balls to avoid playing into their strategy. I think it would have been better to connect the passes a bit more, but since the team has its own tactics, I believe it’s important for everyone to play with a shared understanding. We definitely need further creativity in our attacking play.
Q, how do you feel about being able to bring back 1 point from the away game against the Kashima Antlers, who are in good form?
A, I think it was good that we at least did not lose. From here, we will continue to face top-ranked teams, so in that sense, the 1 point will lead to the future. Next, we face Vissel Kobe, who are leading the league, and we do not want to lose. Also, the Levain Cup is coming up next Wednesday, so we want to prepare well as a whole team.
<Kei KOIZUMI>
Q, how do you look back on the game?
A, I approached the start of the match thinking it would determine the outcome. Conceding the first goal is something I reflect on, but there were also parts that we managed to improve. It was an away game against a strong and energetic opponent, and there were moments when we seemed to be overwhelmed by the atmosphere, but I believe we achieved the minimum required result. However, the team wants the strength to win matches like this, and personally, I want to show plays that lead to victory going forward.
Q, what was your impression of Kashima Antlers, whom you actually competed against?
A, I felt the expected strength and momentum. Above all, I was overwhelmed by the unity in this stadium. Once again, I thought Kashima is a good team. The Tokyo players played calmly in a good way without being swallowed up by the unique atmosphere. I think it was good that they were able to play without getting impatient.
Q, it was observed that the intensity of the ball's edge became important in this match.
A, we knew in advance that battles would occur in situations involving ball challenges and second-ball recoveries. There were also moments where we could have won more balls or turned them into our possession. Since I play as an inside half, I want to continue building on this consistently.
Q, I think we achieved the minimum result. How do you reflect on this result?
A, we cannot get into the title race without winning consecutive matches, so this was a game we really wanted to win. Next week, we will face back-to-back matches in the Levain Cup and the league. I believe these will be key games for the team moving forward, so I am taking today’s minimum result positively and want to build a momentum of victories.
Q: We have not been able to win when we concede the first goal this season. Please tell us what will be important for the future.
A, we had chances to win today as well. Of course, it is important not to concede the first goal, but even after conceding, we must calmly catch up to equalize and steadily add goals one by one. I believe that unless we develop the ability to come from behind even after conceding the first goal, we absolutely cannot win the championship, so I want to build that up through daily practice.
Q, Kei Koizumi's determination to run until the end was very impressive.
A, the inside half is a position where running is everything. In addition to that, when asked what I was able to do in today’s match, I have to say I couldn’t do anything. It was a frustrating game, but since the matches continue, I want to keep playing properly.
<Koki TSUKAGAWA>
Q, what role were you given to play?
A, I believe there was an intention to score, so I think my role was to score goals.
Q: How did you think about breaking through when you entered the left side, even though your playing style is different from Nakagawa?
A, I myself can't do much by just staying wide. In terms of my playing style, it would have been better to cut inside and break down the defense while coordinating well with those around me, but in terms of the flow of the game, it felt more like pushing forward rather than connecting passes. Since I was a starting point and if I dropped too deep (into midfield), I wouldn't be able to pick up second balls, so I was conscious of that and stayed up front at times.
Q, rather than connecting as a team, did you also consider the balance with the opponent and use long balls to some extent?
A, I think that worked well in the match against Kawasaki Frontale, so I hope we can skillfully use both approaches appropriately.
Q, please look back on the scene of the volley shot.
A, that was a chance I had to finish. The opposing player caught my eye, so rather than swinging through with full force, I aimed more carefully, and I think I should have swung through more decisively. There was an opponent covering the goal on the right, so I thought only the left side was open and aimed there, but the ball hit the post.
Q, it became a game to bring back 1 point.
A, I think that is the minimum, so I definitely want to earn 3 points for the fans and supporters who have come all the way to the away game, and I want to share the victory with them. I am not satisfied at all. I want to make sure to apply this to the next match.
