Match Review
Tokyo, which boasts a high winning rate of 4 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss in the league since the appointment of coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI, including two consecutive wins after the break. In the midst of relying on clean sheets and solid defense in the past 5 games, they faced a tough match against Yokohama F.Marinos, who have the most goals and are competing for the championship.
The goal was guarded by 20-year-old Taishi Brandon NOZAWA for the third consecutive game, and Seiji KIMURA was selected as the center back in place of Henrique TREVISAN, who was suspended, forming a partnership with Masato MORISHIGE. In addition, Keigo HIGASHI, who scored a goal in the league match for the first time in 1624 days in the previous match against Kyoto Sanga F.C., replaced Kuryu MATSUKI in the defensive midfield position, and Ryoma WATANABE was selected as the attacking midfielder.
And Teruhito NAKAGAWA, who returned to the starting lineup in the Kyoto match, made his comeback at Nissan Stadium with great anticipation. He returned to his old stomping grounds as the "Blue and Red Teru".
In the upcoming match against Yokohama FM and the following match against Vissel Kobe, we will face off against the top two teams in the standings. This will be a crucial game for Peter Tokyo, as they aim to climb up the rankings. They will approach this match with the desire to avenge their defeat at Ajinomoto Stadium in June.
1stHALF - Equalize with Diego's goal to bring back the flow
After the kick-off, the champion was pushed back by the passing work. The initiative was taken by Yokohama FM, who moved the ball fluidly while players took positions without being bound by the starting position. And in the 12th minute of the first half, they conceded the first goal. Anderson LOPES, the lone striker, created a 1-on-1 situation with Nozawa and Miyachi, who had broken through behind the defense. Nozawa made a save here, and from the quick second action, Nishimura was also not allowed to shoot, but the loose ball was put in by Nagato.
In the league match, Tokyo did not look down even after conceding a goal for the first time in three games. They thoroughly played their game in both attack and defense, regained their rhythm, and increased the scenes of quick transitions from defense to attack. In the flow of the game, they scored an equalizing goal in the 23rd minute of the first half. Teruhito NAKAGAWA, on the right side, dribbled past an opponent and moved towards the left side, where there was space. Kota TAWARATSUMIDA confidently made a vertical run and crossed the ball with his left foot, which was then put in by Diego OLIVEIRA, who had come in near the goal.
After the score returned to even, Tokyo started to increase the number of counterattacks from the midfield. Diego TABA's ball control and Kota TAWARATSUMIDA's dribbling bewildered Yokohama FM. Although they were starting to gain momentum, they were unable to score a comeback goal and ended the first half with a 1-1 draw.
2nd HALF - Created two crossbar hits, but...
The second half saw a rapid increase in game tempo. It became a fierce 45 minutes with intense changes between offense and defense.
In the 5th minute of the second half, Yokohama FM creates a chance. In this match, both teams get their first corner kick, and from a set piece, player Matsubara takes a shot. However, the Tokyo defense blocks it with their bodies.
In the 19th minute of the second half, Tokyo made three substitutions at the same time. Adailton, Jája Silva, and Riki Harakawa, who made his Tokyo debut, were sent onto the pitch. Shortly after, a decisive chance came. Adailton, who received the ball on the left side, made a powerful dribble towards the goal and entered the penalty area to take a shot. Jája, who picked up the blocked rebound, also took a shot. Both were powerful shots, but they were unable to shake the net.
The battle in the hot and humid stadium is entering the final 15 minutes and becoming a war of attrition. Both teams' players are giving it their all to score a second goal.
And in the 39th to 40th minutes of the second half, Tokyo launches a fierce attack. Adailton player bagged the ball with a back head after Haragawa player put the corner kick for the first time in this game on the near side with his right foot, but the ball that flowed to the far side hit the crossbar. One minute later, Watanabe player shows off. He tries to put in a cross from the right side, but it is blocked once, picks up the second ball, cuts in from the center, and swings his left foot from a 45-degree angle to the right. It was a powerful shot that the opponent goalkeeper couldn't move a step, but it was also bounced off the crossbar and did not score.
Unexpected outcome awaited just after entering the 6-minute additional time.
In the second half, at 45+1 minutes, Nakamura scored a low trajectory middle shot into the right corner of the goal. Despite playing an evenly matched game in terms of chances and switching between offense and defense, they were unable to take any points back home against the strength of Yokohama FM.
MATCH DETAILS
＜FC Tokyo＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
DF Kosuke SHIRAI/Masato MORISHIGE/Seiji KIMURA/Yuto NAGATOMO
MF Keigo HIGASHI (19th minute of the second half: Riki HARAKAWA)/Kei KOIZUMI/Ryoma WATANABE (45th minute of the second half: Shuhei TOKUMOTO)
FW Teruhito NAKAGAWA (35th minute of the second half: Koki TSUKAGAWA)/Diego OLIVEIRA (19th minute of the second half: Jája SILVA)/Kota TAWARATSUMIDA (19th minute of the second half: Adailton)
SUBS
GK Jakub SLOWIK
DF Yasuki KIMOTO
GOAL
23' First Half: Diego OLIVEIRA
Yokohama F.Marinos
STARTING XI
GK Hiroki Iikura
DF Ken Matsubara/Shinnosuke Hatanaka (19th minute of the second half: Takumi Kamijima)/Eduardo/Katsuya Nagato (36th minute of the second half: Ryotaro Tsunoda)
MF Kota Watanabe/Takuya Kida/Takuma Nishimura
FW Yan Matheus (0th minute of the second half: Kenta Inoue)/Anderson Lopes (28th minute of the second half: Nam Tae-hee)/Ryo Miyaichi (19th minute of the second half: Kota Mizunuma)
SUBS
GK Powell Obinna OBI
MF Riku YAMANE
GOAL
First Half 12th Minute: Katsuya NAGATO/Second Half 45+1 Minute: Kota WATANABE
[Comments from Head Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI's Press Conference]
Q: please review the game.
A,Both teams played good football and it was a battle to showcase our strengths. It was truly an entertaining football match, and we had our chances and could have won the game. The players fought desperately and dedicatedly to deliver a strong performance. It is unfortunate that we couldn't produce the desired results, but I hope to become stronger and turn this pain into our own strength.
Q, how did you try to stop Yokohama F.Marinos' attack?
A, Overall, we were able to defend as planned. I think Yokohama FM had a good start and played well, moving the ball effectively from the first 20 to 25 minutes. We started to gain control of the game around the end of the first half. We were able to utilize the spaces we wanted and exploit the opponent's weaknesses, and we were able to show good aspects in the second half while confirming those points at halftime. However, our shots hit the post twice and we had a chance to score the second goal, but unfortunately, we lost the winning goal towards the end.
Q, what do you think about Keigo HIGASHI's positioning?
A, We were able to play well while looking at the available space, and I think we were also able to use good spaces. There were also many scenes that could have led to good attacks and goals. I think there were many good points in today's game, so I want to extend the positive aspects and improve the areas that need improvement and move forward.
[Player Interview]
<Teruhito NAKAGAWA>
Q, please review today's game.
A, I think it was a match where the outcome was uncertain. In that context, I felt the difference in the ability to finish decisively and the difference in the ability to attract luck that leads to goals. It was a close match, but in the end, we couldn't win, and I realized that we need to be more strict to produce results and show a stronger attitude in pursuing outcomes.
Q: How was your performance today, playing for about 80 minutes for the first time since your return?
A, I was at about 50 to 60 percent of my best. I want to move more and create plays that generate chances. Honestly, it was fun to be able to start the match. It’s really frustrating to have lost, and to have lost twice to the same opponent. As I mentioned earlier, if we don’t close the gap we felt in today’s game, I don’t think we can reach the “championship” we aim for.
Q, you said before the game that you didn't know what kind of emotions you would feel. Please tell us again what you felt playing at Nissan Stadium.
A, I was able to play today thanks to the warm atmosphere created by the fans and supporters of Yokohama F.Marinos, and the fans and supporters of Tokyo also encouraged me with their support as I faced my former club. Honestly, I wanted to win to respond to their cheers, and I feel sorry that we couldn’t. There are many challenges, but I believe there is still more we can do and room for growth. I want to prepare for the next match to avoid consecutive losses.
Q, the next match against a strong opponent will be an important game to demonstrate progress in order to win. Once again, we ask for your enthusiasm.
A, we cannot move up unless we defeat the top teams, and we absolutely do not want to lose at the Japan National Stadium, where our winning percentage is good. I want to turn today's defeat into strength and fight united with all the fans and supporters. Please create the best atmosphere. Thank you very much.
<Diego OLIVEIRA player>
Q: please review the game.
A, of course, since the opponent is competing for the championship, I knew it would be a difficult match, and it turned out to be just that, with a challenging result. The content of the match was not something to be pessimistic about, but I felt very frustrated that the final result did not come through. Since what’s done is done, we have no choice but to move forward. The next match will also be against a tough opponent, but I want to rest well and prepare thoroughly.
Q, I scored the equalizing goal from a short counterattack. Please reflect on the goal scene.
A, from a good counterattack, Kota TAWARATSUMIDA delivered a good cross, and I was able to score a goal. I am happy to have scored, but I am sad because the team lost.
Q, the next game at the Japan National Stadium will be a very important match for Tokyo. Please tell us your enthusiasm.
A, the next match will also be a difficult one. Our next opponent, Vissel Kobe, is also a team competing for the championship, so although it is a home game, we expect it to be a tough match. We will thoroughly correct the mistakes made in today’s game and prepare well to perform a good match.
<Seiji KIMURA>
Q, it was my first full-time appearance in the league match in a while. Please give us a review of the game.
A, we conceded the first goal due to some misalignment and misunderstandings among us, but we managed to equalize within the first half and regroup during the match. However, in the final moments during additional time, we conceded again, which was a moment that showed both the resilience of Yokohama F.Marinos and our own vulnerabilities. I believe these are points we need to correct and improve on.
Q, what did you particularly focus on in terms of defense against Yokohama FM, who puts pressure on the attack?
A, since Anderson LOPES, who is physically strong, was positioned at the apex, we focused on not allowing him to receive the ball easily. Even during periods when we were being pressed, we avoided rushing at the opponent's ball holder and instead solidified our central positions. As a team, we were conscious of using our bodies to block and prevent them from advancing in the final moments. I think we did well in that regard.
Q: Although we conceded a goal and lost in the final stages of the match, did you feel any sense of accomplishment in the overall performance throughout the 90 minutes?
A, the match has just ended and we lost, so I can only think of the negative aspects of my play, but I was able to approach the game in good physical condition. I believe I was able to perform the minimum required plays, but I was told by the staff that some of my build-up passes were off or floated, and my defensive responses to the opponent were slightly delayed. I want to have a thorough discussion to determine whether the position I believe is correct is actually wrong, or if it is correct but my reactions were slow, and make corrections accordingly. When I get another chance, I want to win next time for sure.
<Riki HARAKAWA>
Q: This was your first official match after joining. In the difficult situation of a 1-1 score, what were you conscious of when approaching the game?
A: Watching the flow of the match, I first focused on defense. Both teams were playing an open game, often bypassing the midfield. The attackers entered the pitch at the same timing while I was involved well with the ball, so I concentrated on attacks that could capitalize on their strengths and finish off counterattacks. There were chances, and I believe that if I had been able to play while watching the opponents during counterattacks, even more opportunities would have been created.
Q: There were also plays that led to scoring opportunities from accurate kicks that you are good at. How would you rate today's performance?
A: Having been able to play the full 90 minutes in last week's practice match, I feel confident about my condition and rhythm on the field. From here, I believe that by accumulating more match appearances, I will continue to improve. Since there were many opportunities to launch counterattacks, I was always looking for chances such as receiving the ball on the back pass after pressing in the opponent's territory or taking a mid-range shot. I want to increase the number of plays where I receive and request the ball.
Q, please tell us your enthusiasm for the next match.
A: Even watching the match, I believe that defensive intensity is what is first required. I am a player who can make a difference in attack, so I want to improve through practice and matches, including coordination aspects such as the timing of when I want the ball, so that I can show the difference from other players when receiving the ball.
