Match Review
Tokyo, who advanced to the semifinals for the first time in 2 years and is aiming for their first victory in 3 years, faced the second match with a one-win advantage. In the midst of consecutive matches including league games, four starting members were replaced from the first match, with Yasuki KIMOTO, Kashif BANGNAGANDE, Ryoma WATANABE, and Teruhito NAKAGAWA starting on the pitch. As they entered the kickoff for the second half of the 90 minutes in the Levain Cup Prime Stage quarterfinals.
1stHALF - Despite enduring, 2 goals were lost in the end.
The system chosen by coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI was the same 3-back as in the first match four days ago. They created a game plan that matched Avispa Fukuoka's system and faced Fukuoka in the Miller game.
The time continues when the momentum of Fukuoka, which receives a great cheer from the home, is taken. The time continued to spend in their own territory without being able to push up the line by picking up the second ball. However, when right wing back Kosuke Shirai and left wing back Kashif BANGNAGANDE took off their opponents on the touchline, they created a scene where they carried the ball deep into the opponent's territory and threatened the goal from a cross.
Tokyo had gradually started to find their pace, but just before the end of the first half, they suddenly lost their rhythm. In the 38th minute of the first half, Fukuoka's Inoue player kicked a sharp feed from the right side to the opposite corner, which was then dropped by Odas player with his chest inside the penalty area, and Yamagishi player jumped in to score the equalizing goal in the two-game total.
In additional time, two goals were conceded in the 45+3 minute after continuously giving away corner kicks. Former player put the ball in near side and Oda player headed it, Jakub SLOWIK made a sharp reaction and managed to clear the ball once, but it was determined to have crossed the goal line with the support of VAR.
2ndHALF - No fruit from the late power play
Tokyo, who wants to turn the score around in the first half, is unable to build up their attack as they did in the first half. In the 11th minute of the second half, they bring in their trump card, Adailton, but he is unable to find space to use his dribbling skills and the team struggles to create chances. In the 20th minute, they send in three players, Koki TSUKAGAWA, Keigo HIGASHI, and Shuhei TOKUMOTO, at the same time, but it does not prove to be an effective solution and time continues to pass.
In the 30th minute of the second half, Insoo YU was able to take advantage of the defense line from a counter and shake the goal net, but with the support of VAR, the offside was judged. This kept the game alive until the end.
In the final stage, Tokyo tried to send the ball quickly to the front line and open up the goal with a power play, but their accuracy was not enough to break through Fukuoka's defense, which has height and strength. As a result, they entered additional time without being able to break through. In the end, even strengthening the power play by placing center back Henrique TREVISAN in the front line did not lead to a goal. The total score of the two matches ended in 1-2, resulting in elimination in the quarterfinals.
MATCH DETAILS
＜FC Tokyo＞
STARTING XI
GK Jakub SLOWIK
DF Yasuki KIMOTO / Henrique TREVISAN / Yuto NAGATOMO (20th minute of the second half: Shuhei TOKUMOTO)
MF Kosuke SHIRAI / Kei KOIZUMI / Riki HARAKAWA / Ryoma WATANABE (20th minute of the second half: Keigo HIGASHI) / Kashif BANGNAGANDE (35th minute of the second half: Tsubasa TERAYAMA)
FW Teruhito NAKAGAWA (20th minute of the second half: Koki TSUKAGAWA) / Naoki KUMATA (11th minute of the second half: Adailton)
SUBS
GK Tsuyoshi KODAMA
DF Kanta DOI
GOAL
―
＜Avispa Fukuoka＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Takumi NAGAISHI
DF Seiya INOUE (46': Kennedyegbus MIKUNI)/Tatsuki NARA/Douglas GROLLI
MF Yota MAEJIMA/Hiroyuki MAE/Yuya YAMAGISHI/Kimiya MORIYAMA (45': Takeshi KANAMORI)/Itsuki ODA
FW Kazuya KONNO (49': Wellington)/Lins (17': Yosuke IDEGUCHI)
SUBS
GK Masaaki MURAKAMI
DF Masato YUZAWA
FW Reiju TSURUNO
GOAL
First Half 38th Minute: Yuya YAMAGISHI/First Half 45+3rd Minute: Itsuki ODA
[Comments from Head Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI's Press Conference]
Q: please review the game.
A: It was an unfortunate result. I think we were able to control the game and play with good balance in the first half. However, the opponent created a chance just before the end of the first half and successfully converted it. In the second half, I believe the players gave everything they had and fought hard. They desperately fought to score a goal. I am proud of the players' efforts and attitude. Nevertheless, it turned out to be a tough challenge, and the result was disappointing.
Q: Please tell us the intention and aim of playing with a 3-back formation today, following the first match.
A, there were positive elements from the match on Wednesday. We fought with the idea of utilizing those strengths. As I mentioned before, considering our current situation and the players we could deploy, we decided on our approach. Given that we had three matches in eight days, we made that choice taking the team’s condition into account. Through this, I believe we have grasped what is necessary for us to evolve and develop, so we want to continue becoming a stronger team.
Q, how did you plan to break through in the second half when a goal became necessary?
A, both in my mentality and the team's mentality, we had the attitude from the first half to go for the next goal. Even when the score became 0-2, that did not change, and we had to fight to deliver a strong performance. I think there were parts in the first half where we were able to control the game while playing. However, the opponent effectively used the time just before halftime. Although it was a significant setback in an away match, I believe that for us to become a team that wins trophies, we must instead seize such moments ourselves.
[Player Interview]
<Keigo HIGASHI>
Q, what kind of mindset did you have when entering the game knowing that you had to score?
A, first of all, I was focused solely on capitalizing on the few chances we had and scoring one goal. Conceding two goals in the first half made the match situation difficult.
Q, I think the start of the game was offensive rather than defensive.
A, I think the start was very good, but after conceding goals, we were overwhelmed by the opponent’s pace and atmosphere. The consecutive set pieces we gave away, although it’s easy to say 'if only,' needed to be defended properly. By allowing the 0-2 situation, the opponent’s play and style of fighting became very clear. We were unable to manage the game well like we did in the first leg at home.
Q: I think there was also difficulty in bringing the game to the final stages due to the opponent's very solid defense.
A, we were matched up in similar formations, and towards the end of the game, it felt like we were playing a power play. The root cause was that we couldn't decide the outcome in the first half. As a team, we must become more tactically savvy, and unless we correct our lack of sharpness and address our issues, I strongly feel we cannot move any higher from here. Although I came on as a substitute, even watching from the bench, I felt the same way, and it is very frustrating.
Q, Avispa Fukuoka played three consecutive matches in a short period of time. Looking back at the overall experience, what challenges and responses did you feel?
A, it is rare to experience such a three-match series, and there were always tactical battles. I believe there was especially a tactical battle between both teams, and we really wanted to win and advance to the next stage. We want to switch gears and move forward from here.
Q, only the league matches remain. How will you proceed from here?
A, I want to show my determination in each match and demonstrate it through my play so that we can achieve a higher position in the league standings.
<Kashif BANGNAGANDE>
Q, it was a frustrating game.
A, I delivered several crosses in the attack, but none led to a goal. Fundamentally, the number of crosses and my involvement in the attack were low, which is frustrating.
Q, it was my first start since May. Please tell me about your intention to use me as a wing back.
A, since it was my first start in a while and I was playing as a wing back, I focused on playing offensively, but in the end, I couldn't make plays that led to goals. I am reflecting on my own performance.
Q: What did the team discuss in the locker room when entering the second half after conceding two points?
A, it was an unfortunate goal conceded, but everyone was confident that we could do better, and Coach CKLAMOVSKI also encouraged us by saying, "We are not just this!" so we approached the game with a strong determination to come back. It is very frustrating that we did not get a good result.
Q, there was a unique atmosphere in the stadium. How did you feel on the pitch?
A, on the pitch, especially in the first half, I felt we were playing well, but the way and timing of conceding goals were poor, which allowed the opponent to gain momentum. I believe this is something the team needs to correct.
Q: As Kashif BANGNAGANDE, after returning from injury, you played in a match for a long time. How do you plan to approach the future?
A: Once I am playing in a match, I have to deliver results. I believe results are the most important thing. Since I couldn’t achieve that this time, I want to focus on getting results the next time I play. I felt really frustrated today, so I don’t want to experience this feeling again. With only the league matches remaining, I want to switch my mindset and concentrate fully on the league.
<Tsubasa TERAYAMA>
Q: What were you conscious of when entering the game in a behind situation?
A: We were in a losing situation, but since scoring one goal would allow us to catch up on aggregate over the two matches, I entered the game with the mindset of scoring that first goal. The coach also instructed me to play in the wing-back position and make movements aimed at scoring, so I was always conscious of that.
Q, it was a participation in the midst of improving the condition, including practice. How do you feel about your individual performance?
A: Right now, I personally feel a sense of sharpness in my body. However, if I cannot produce results or leave an impression when participating in official matches like this, it means nothing. Even so, I won’t just let it end as meaningless; I have to reflect and keep going. When I get the chance while continuing to work hard, I want to have the mindset to deliver even better results.
Q: How do you feel about participating in the Levain Cup quarterfinals through two matches?
A: I have been especially conscious of winning the battles for the ball, which I consider to be my strength, and although it may have been just a little, I believe I was able to show that in these two matches. Because there are moments where I can demonstrate my characteristics, I also feel that a rhythm is created within myself, so I want to further refine that aspect.
Q: Based on today's result, what kind of play do you want to show from here?
A, it is very frustrating to end with an unfulfilled feeling, and I am also frustrated by the limited playing time. I believe that reflects my current ability, so I want to focus on what I can express in the short time given to me by directing the arrow at myself, and I want to be more particular about quality starting from training. Also, I want to be more conscious of always producing results.
