Match Review
The first home game after the break is against Kyoto Sanga F.C. We lost 0-2 to Kyoto in the first half of the season, both in terms of the game and the content, and we couldn't show our strengths at all. On the other hand, we won 3-1 away in the final match of the Levain Cup group stage, and we want to replicate that and achieve a consecutive league victory.
The starting lineup remained the same as the previous match against Cerezo Osaka, and player Taishi Brandon NOZAWA made his first appearance in a J1 League match at Ajinomoto Stadium.
1stHALF—Watanabe's opening goal & Nozawa Daishi's big save
The game is progressing at Tokyo's pace. In the 7th minute of the first half, Diego OLIVEIRA player passed a clear ball from Masato MORISHIGE player to Keigo HIGASHI player with one touch. Diego player received the return and carried the ball, then returned it with a one-two pass to Kusei MATSUKI player near the penalty area. He brought the ball into the left position inside the penalty area and swung his left foot, but couldn't hit the target.
In the 14th minute of the first half, Diego Taba received a throw-in and made a through pass, but Matsuki was caught by the opposing goalkeeper who came out to catch it.
As the first half approaches the middle stage, Kyoto gains more possession of the ball, resulting in a slightly open game.
Tokyo's Kei Koizumi received a vertical pass from Morishige in the 36th minute of the first half, sending Kosuke Shirai on the right side. Shirai crossed the ball with his right foot, slightly negative, and although it was touched by the opponent's defender, Ryoma Watanabe reacted to the loose ball and calmly dropped it backwards. Ryoma Watanabe was waiting there and slotted it in with his right foot, giving Tokyo the lead.
After taking the initiative, Tokyo's momentum did not stop, and in the 38th minute of the first half, Matsuki received a throw-in and expanded to the opposite side. Yuto Nagatomo passed directly to Kota Tawaratsumida. Tawaratsumida, who cut in the center with a dribble, swung his right foot, but the opposing goalkeeper made a sharp reaction and was unable to break the goal.
Just before the end of the first half, there was a momentary gap and Yamasaki took advantage of it, breaking through into the penalty area. It was a decisive 1-on-1 situation, but Taishi Nozawa calmly closed the distance and blocked the shot, successfully overcoming a big threat just before the end of the first half with a big play.
2ndHALF—Tokyo player's spectacular volley shot secures victory
As the second half begins, Kyoto also comes forward with momentum, but Tokyo is conscious of switching from attack to defense and quickly solidifies the goal area, not giving any opportunity for a counterattack.
On the other hand, Tokyo launches a counterattack by taking advantage of Kyoto's forward position. Then, in the 13th minute of the second half, a spectacular goal is scored.
Henrique, who was waiting outside the penalty area, avoids the crowded goal area in the flow of the set play and puts a soft ball into the space on the right side of the penalty area. Gabriel HENRIQUE heads the ball towards the goal, and Tokyo player, who was marking near side, spectacularly swings his right foot from a chest trap and smashes it into the bottom left corner of the goal on the diagonal line, expanding the lead to two points.
After widening the lead, there were times when Kyoto pushed us back, but we controlled the game with fresh firepower, making player substitutions. In the 38th minute of the second half, Jája Silva, who made his home debut, unleashed a powerful shot just outside the penalty area, but he couldn't break the goal in front of the desperate saving by the opponent's goalkeeper.
After that, without giving Kyoto any decisive opportunities, including the additional 5 minutes of injury time, they calmly dealt with the attacking style that relied on vertical speed and height, which came out somewhat powerfully. They sealed the game with a 2-0 victory, achieving consecutive wins in the league.
MATCH DETAILS
＜FC Tokyo＞
STARTING XI
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
DF Kosuke SHIRAI/Masato MORISHIGE/Henrique TREVISAN/Yuto NAGATOMO
MF Kuryu MATSUKI (30th minute of the second half: Koki TSUKAGAWA)/Kei KOIZUMI/Keigo HIGASHI (30th minute of the second half: Jája Silva)
FW Ryoma WATANABE (22nd minute of the second half: Teruhito NAKAGAWA)/Diego OLIVEIRA (37th minute of the second half: Yasuki KIMOTO)/Kota TAWARATSUMIDA (22nd minute of the second half: Adailton)
SUBS
GK Jakub SLOWIK
DF Shuhei TOKUMOTO
GOAL
First half 36th minute: Ryoma WATANABE / Second half 13th minute: Keigo HIGASHI
＜Kyoto Sanga F.C.＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK KSONG Yoon
DF Shogo ASADA/Rikito INOUE (34th minute of the second half: Hisashi APPIAH TAWIAH)/Shinnosuke FUKUDA
MF Sota KAWASAKI/Daiki KANEKO/Teppei YACHIDA/Fuki YAMADA (17th minute of the second half: Taichi HARA)/Kyo SATO (24th minute of the second half: Yuto MISAO)
FW Ryogo YAMASAKI (24th minute of the second half: PATRIC)/Yuta TOYOKAWA (17th minute of the second half: Kosuke KINOSHITA)
SUBS
GK Gakuji OTA
MF Temma MATSUDA
GOAL
ー
[Comments from Head Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI's Press Conference]
Q: please review the game.
I think we were able to deliver a good performance. Within that, we were able to play in a way that deserves to win. There were many aspects where we performed well, and I believe the team is growing in a good direction. I am proud that the players fought with their beliefs and gave their all. I hope we can extend the good moments for as long as possible, and ultimately be able to maintain that for 90 minutes. Today, we really delivered a good overall performance. The energy, dedication, and passion that the players showed while fighting were a great inspiration for me as a coach. We were able to play in a way that deserves to win, but I believe there are still areas where we can grow and improve, so as a team, I want to take further steps to deliver even better performances.
Q, was it unexpected that the game turned out to be a relaxed match rather than the hard work that the opponent had anticipated?
A, we anticipated everything and prepared accordingly, practicing so that we could respond no matter what the opponent did. Within that, for us, it was simply about being able to play our football properly and controlling the game ourselves while delivering our maximum performance. Today, the players’ performance was truly good and worthy of a win. They fought through firmly. For the fans and supporters, I wish we could have shown a few more goals. I am truly grateful to the fans and supporters. They created an amazing atmosphere and strongly supported the players from behind. And the players were also very happy to be able to send them home with smiles.
Q, were the players able to carry the ball with dribbling without fear of making mistakes, and was that also one of the good points?
A, I absolutely think so. Within that, I believe we were able to play good football, effectively using the spaces we wanted to exploit and successfully getting behind Kyoto’s defense to become a threat. In the moments when those good aspects appeared, there were scenes where the fans and supporters stood up and got excited. I think it was great that the players were able to give their all until the very end.
Q, Jája Silva's speed and the return of injured players have increased options.
A, we are building a team that can overcome anything and any situation together. I think we delivered a good performance, but I also believe there are still areas in every aspect where we can improve. It would be great if we can grow step by step, and tonight we were able to do that. I think the players now clearly understand how to fight as they compete. Following our own rules and fighting accordingly is the foundation for us. Within those rules, it is important for individuals to shine. Today was a good example of that, but I believe there is still much more to do.
[Player Interview]
<Keigo HIGASHI>
Q, I assisted Ryoma WATANABE's goal with a split-second decision.
A, I always keep the probabilities in mind while playing. In that scene, when considering the likelihood of scoring a goal, I judged that passing to Watanabe would more likely lead to a goal. I stayed calm and think I was able to choose the play with the higher probability.
Q, East player's goal after a long time greatly pulled victory closer.
A, when the ball was passed to Henrique TREVISAN, I sensed that a cut-back would come. After a calm trap, I switched positions with the opponent and was able to skillfully strike the ball with my foot. In daily training, Tsuyoshi KODAMA helps me with shooting practice. I have been getting more opportunities to play in the attacking midfielder position, and the parts I have practiced have led to calmly taking shots. I want to continue this going forward.
Q, how did you contribute to the attack as a playmaker and analyze the opponent's defense?
A, I focused on three things: moving skillfully to positions that are hard for the opponent to mark, building up play as a linking player in the attack, and making runs into the box. Defensively, I worked together with Diego OLIVEIRA to initiate the defensive press from the front line and deny the opponent any freedom. Although I was able to score a goal, I felt that we spent a bit too much time playing in our own half throughout the match. Moving forward, I want to consciously work on increasing the players' positive plays.
<Ryoma WATANABE>
Q: please review the game.
A, there were times during the match when the momentum was against us, but I believe that being able to stay focused and not concede goals during those moments ultimately led to today's victory.
Q, it has been 4 months since your last goal. Please reflect on the goal-scoring scene.
A, it was my first goal in four months, so I was honestly very happy. Keigo HIGASHI gave me a good pass in the scoring scene, so I just had to slot it into the goal. I’m glad I was able to accurately target the frame and convert it into a goal.
Q, I think the role in the attack has also been changing in recent matches.
A, playing the role assigned by Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI is a given, but I want to increase what I can do and be more involved in scoring goals. I will continue to work hard in training to grow day by day.
Q, please share your enthusiasm for the next match.
A, next we face a strong team in good form, Yokohama F.Marinos, but just like today, we want to proceed with the match without conceding goals first, and if we get a chance, we want to finish it decisively and win. Although it is an away game, we want to prepare well over the week to secure a victory.
<Kosuke SHIRAI>
Q: Please give us a review of today's match, which was a match against your former team.
A, it was 90 minutes mixed with difficulty and enjoyment. I think there were many crosses sent in front of the goal, and we were able to create good attacking shapes. I am most happy that we were able to win, and I believe I was able to play many times as I had imagined.
Q, how did you analyze Kyoto Sanga F.C., which was a member until the middle of this season, as an opposing team?
A, I thought they would press aggressively when I had the ball. I believe I was able to execute the play of peeling away with one-two passes after receiving the ball, as well as taking a deep position on the right side, just as planned.
Q, it was the first home game in the third official match. What was your impression when you stepped onto the pitch?
A, I am happy to have been able to play in front of many fans and supporters at our home Ajinomoto Stadium, and above all, to have finished with a victory. I want to make this first home game the best possible start. The support from the fans and supporters was very powerful and gave me strength.
Q: How do you want to contribute from here by utilizing Shiroi's own characteristics?
A, I want to make use of my greatest strength, my sprinting ability, and show many crosses and plays leading to goals from the right side, just like in today's match.
