Match Review
After a defeat against Kawasaki Frontale in the "Tama River Clasico" three days ago, the stage moved to Japan National Stadium, where Tokyo welcomed Urawa Reds for a home game.
Considering the consecutive games, the starting members have changed six players from the previous round. In the goal, Go HATANO was suspended and Taishi Brandon NOZAWA took over, and Hotaka NAKAMURA returned to the starting lineup for the first time in about 11 months as the right back. The center back also formed a combination of Henrique TREVISAN and Kanta DOI, which was the first time since the opening game. And, fresh players were also used on both wings. Kota TAWARATSUMIDA was placed on the left and Soma ANZAI on the right. The average age of the starting members on this day was 22.73 years old, and "young 11 players" lined up on the pitch.
At the new Japan National Stadium, which is known as "our national stadium" with a good omen of never losing in 5 matches, losing streaks are not allowed. In order to achieve the first home victory of the season, the kickoff was greeted in the pouring rain.
1stHALF - Despite pushing, we fell just short
The blue and red players entered the game with high tension from the beginning. Just 30 seconds after kickoff, the first shot was created. Ryotaro ARAKI, who had the ball in the enemy's territory, took the shot. Futoshi NAKAMURA also reacted to the loose ball, but the shot missed the goal. Later, in the 5th minute of the first half, there was a close call, but Daishi NOZAWA timed his jump perfectly to block Thiago SANTANA's shot and avoid danger.
The moment of joy came in the 12th minute of the first half in Tokyo, as they pushed forward while connecting the ball on the left side and conquered the pockets (sides of the penalty area). Nakamura took a deep position, passed it to Tawara, and then Takahiro KO took a middle shot. It pierced the side net. However, with the support of VAR, a foul was judged to have occurred just before this play, and the goal was disallowed.
However, Tokyo continued to attack relentlessly, but in the 24th minute of the first half, they were sunk by an unreasonable blow. Thiago SANTANA, who picked up the ball in his own half, carried it and swung his left foot near the halfway line. The ball went over the head of Naoshi NOZAWA, who was in position in front, and was sucked into the goal.
Furthermore, the accidents continued and player Nakamura, who was showing great plays, was substituted due to injury. In his place, Kosuke SHIRAI was brought in to try and turn things around, but as a team, they were unable to capitalize on their chances and went into halftime trailing by one point.
2ndHALF—Taro's goal and Kryu's first home goal lead to a comeback
"At our National Stadium," Tokyo, which cannot end like this, will challenge the second half with a fresh start. The opportunity comes early. At about 45 seconds into the game, player Tawara Tsumeta cuts in and signals the start of the attack by swinging his right foot.
And in the 5th minute of the second half, the equalizing goal is scored. Araki, who received a cross from Kashif BANGNAGANDE on the left side, collected the ball at his feet and took a shot with his right foot from just outside the penalty area. The ball flew into the bottom left corner of the goal, shaking the net.
In the 13th minute of the second half, a comeback goal was born. Kota TAWARATSUMIDA, who had the ball on the left side, crossed it with his right foot and Kuryu MATSUKI, wearing the captain's armband, met it in front of the goal. His left-footed direct volley was deflected by Nishikawa and sucked into the goal.
In the 29th minute of the second half, which began to open up, both Teruhito NAKAGAWA and Keita ENDO, attackers, were simultaneously substituted. They increased the pressure from the front and maintained their energy. Although they were pushed back more often, they defended their one-point lead with persistent responses centered around both center backs. They patiently advanced the clock.
In the second half, at the 45th minute, the opponent's build-up turned the situation around and they quickly brought the ball to the front of the goal. However, player Takashi blocked the shot from player Watanabe by throwing his body. This was the biggest pinch of the game. In the additional time shown as 5 minutes, players Riki HARAKAWA and Jája SILVA were substituted. They made their final move and set up a defensive formation to hold on until the end.
The climax came in the 45+4 minute of the second half. Nishizawa Daishi made a big save to stop Ito's shot that flew to the right corner of the goal. Tokyo, who never lost focus until the end, secured their second win of the season at "Our National Stadium". After the game, the stadium was filled with the sound of "The City That Never Sleeps".
MATCH DETAILS
＜FC Tokyo＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
DF Hotaka NAKAMURA (32nd minute: Kosuke SHIRAI)/Kanta DOI/Henrique TREVISAN/Kashif BANGNAGANDE
MF Kuryu MATSUKI (45+2nd minute: Jája Silva)/Takahiro KO (45+2nd minute: Riki HARAKAWA)/Kei KOIZUMI
FW Kota TAWARATSUMIDA (29th minute: Keita ENDO)/Soma ANZAI/Ryotaro ARAKI (29th minute: Teruhito NAKAGAWA)
SUBS
GK Tsuyoshi KODAMA
DF Masato MORISHIGE
GOAL
5 minutes into the second half: Ryotaro ARAKI/13 minutes into the second half: Kuryu MATSUKI
Urawa Reds
STARTING XI
GK Shusaku NISHIKAWA
DF Hiroki SAKAI (Substitute: Yusuke MATSUO)/Yota SATO/Marius HOIBRATEN/Ayumu OHATA (Substitute: Hirokazu ISHIHARA)
MF Atsuki ITO/Samuel Gustafson/Ken IWAO (Substitute: Shoya NAKAJIMA)
FW Naoki YAMADA (Substitute: Tomoaki OKUBO)/Thiago SANTANA (Substitute: Shinzo KOROKI)/Ryoma WATANABE
SUBS
GK Ayumi NIEKAWA
MF Yoshio KOIZUMI
GOAL
24th minute of the first half: Thiago SANTANA
[Interview with Peter CKLAMOVSKI, Manager]
Q: please review the game.
A: I think it was an exciting football match. I believe it was a game where two good teams gave their all. We were able to deliver a good team performance. At halftime, the game situation did not reflect the result. We played good football in the first half, and although a goal was disallowed, there were scenes where we broke through well and headed towards the goal. I think the players were able to turn the game around because they fought with belief in their style of football. The key to today's victory was believing in our football, trusting our teammates, and playing with conviction. I am also happy that we stuck to our principles, scored goals, and were able to send our fans and supporters home with smiles on their faces.
Q, Have there been any modifications or changes since the Kawasaki Frontale match?
A, In the Kawasaki match, we lacked sharpness in front of the goal. In that situation, we had a player sent off and were reduced to 10 men, which made the match difficult as we had to chase the game. We analyzed the performance from the previous match and practiced more on attacking the goal and posing a threat to the opponent. We were able to demonstrate that in today's game. Without making any major changes, the players gave their all in their performance, which led to the result. I am proud that all the players are working hard every day to advance our football. There are still areas where we need to build up our hard work. I believe we are moving in the right direction, so we will continue to work hard humbly.
[Player Interview]
<Kuryu MATSUKI>
Q, please review the game.
A, the opponent player scored a superb shot, making it quite a difficult situation, but I think being able to turn the game around was a positive for the team. Regarding today's match, I believe our pressing from the front and the short counters after winning the ball were also threats to the opponent.
Q, Overall, there were few major pinches and we were able to defend tightly, but how did you feel about the defense?
A, the defensive aspect is gradually improving, and today we were able to execute coordinated pressing from the front line. Moreover, Henrique TREVISAN and Kanta DOI were able to win the ball up front, which allowed our attacks to flow smoothly. I believe our next opponent will be a team that uses long balls, so we want to prepare solid countermeasures for that as well.
Q, what was the factor that activated the attack after entering the second half?
A, I think the opponent dropped back a little, but today we were able to build up the thickness of the attack after the ball came to me and Araki. Especially today, we were able to receive the ball a lot, so I think that led to a smooth attack.
Q, it seems that the combination of players Matsuki and Araki has also improved.
A, Araki also understands my strengths and always positions himself so that I can see him when I lift my head, and conversely, I think it would be even better if I can get involved effectively when Araki has the ball.
<Ryotaro ARAKI>
Q: please review the game.
A, we conceded an unlucky goal in the first half, and I think the team was faced with the challenge of how to recover from that situation. We properly reorganized ourselves, and being able to fully express our style of soccer in the second half was the main factor that led to the victory.
Q, including the equalizing goal, it seemed that the attacking side was organized and activated in the second half.
A, at halftime, Kuryu MATSUKI and I confirmed that we would slightly lower our distance and playing areas to be more involved with the ball and build the game better than in the first half. I believe what we shared was expressed on the pitch, and I felt we were able to play in good harmony. I also sensed that the team's build-up was revitalized.
Q, today's goal marked the 5th goal in the league. The sense of play and shooting towards the goal also seems to have been sharpened.
A, I always play with the awareness to stay calm right in front of the goal. I believe that mindset led to the goal today as well.
Q, He said he didn't have any good memories at the Japan National Stadium.
A, I was able to dispel those feelings with today's goal and the team's victory.
Q, How will you improve from here, as you will not be able to participate in the next match against Kashima Antlers due to contractual reasons?
A, I believe it is important to continue playing without deviating from our style. When selected for the U-23 Japan national team, I want to play with the awareness of contributing to the team.
<Soma ANZAI>
Q: It was a game appearance in the starting lineup after a long time, but I think it was a 90-minute match where I was able to show the strengths and good plays of player Yasuaki. How was the game when you look back on it?
A, I was really frustrated not being able to get involved in the last five matches, and seeing players who hadn’t been playing perform well made me feel that I had to do my part as well. Given the team’s situation of not winning, I’m glad I was able to clear my frustration on the pitch.
Q, please tell us about what you were conscious of on the attacking side when facing opponents who were quick to set up defensive blocks and were involved in many chances.
A: I was conscious in this match as well of positioning myself at the far post when crosses were delivered, something I had been working on since the camp. There were many chances, but I couldn’t finish any, so I’m reflecting on that. I want to keep working so that I can score in such opportunities and perform well in crucial moments of the game.
Q, Have you been working towards playing in the game during the period when you couldn't play?
A, I have been working regularly to maintain the same intensity as the players who are playing in matches, not lowering the intensity during practice, and keeping my stamina up so that I am ready whenever I get to play. I believe that contributed to my performance in today’s game, so I want to continue doing this.
Q: There will be games such as Kashima Antlers this weekend and Verdy next week in April, but please tell us your enthusiasm for the upcoming games.
A, We were able to win today, but it’s meaningless unless we keep winning, including the next match against Kashima. It’s important to celebrate today’s victory, but I want to switch my mindset, prepare thoroughly for the next game, and do my best to support the team during this tough stretch of consecutive matches.
<Kota TAWARATSUMIDA>
Q, please review the game.
A, There were times in the first half when we controlled the ball, and even after conceding a goal in the first half, we immediately gathered as a team and discussed. There were also many conversations among players in the locker room at halftime. Although I have no concrete reason to put into words, even after conceding, I felt that we could still win.
Q, Many attacks were seen from the left side in today's match.
A, I communicated with Kashif BANGNAGANDE and Takahiro KO both the day before and before the match. I was able to receive passes at the timing I wanted, so I think I was able to create many opportunities to make moves. I enjoyed playing today, and although there was a period when I couldn't participate in matches, I was able to unleash what had been building up during that time.
Q: Please review the scene of today's assist.
A, I have also practiced a lot on moves like that kind of cut-in. I think I was able to deliver the ball at a good speed, but I wish I could have delivered a ball of even higher quality. As a result, I believe this scene showed the fruits of our practice.
Q, There will be a match against Kashima Antlers at the Japan National Stadium soon. Please give us your enthusiasm.
A, No matter who the opponent is, I believe what we do does not change. By properly recovering and preparing to bring out my own play, I want to score and lead the team to victory in the next match.
