<Previous Match Review: Urawa Reds>
The average age of the starting lineup is 22.73 years old, and the blue and red army achieved a brilliant comeback victory against Urawa Reds with an aggressive style. They stirred up excitement at the still undefeated "new" Japan National Stadium.
Young Tokyo Eleven, who changed six starters after tasting the bitter cup in the Tama River Clasico three days ago, are now showing their energy on the national PITA pitch.
At the center of it all was Kuryu MATSUKI, wearing the captain's armband.
12 minutes into the first half, Takahiro KO skillfully breaks through the left side with a brilliant pass and scores a skillful middle shot. It seemed like a good start with the opening goal, but unfortunately, a foul was called on player Matsuki right before the play, resulting in a no goal decision.
At the 24th minute of the first half, while attacking the enemy's territory, they were hit by a counter and conceded a super long shot from about 50 meters near the halfway line. They had no choice but to praise the opponent's super goal and conceded the first goal, ending the first half with a score of 0-1.
The second half was dominated by Tokyo. Everyone continued to work hard and overwhelm Urawa. They took control with coordinated aggressive pressing and quick second ball movements.
First, in the 5th minute of the second half, Kashif BANGNAGANDE, who had moved up the left side, crossed the ball back towards the negative direction. Ryotaro ARAKI, who was playing the role of "false nine", ran in from behind and took a one-touch shot with his right foot, scoring a beautiful goal near the goal to equalize.
The national stadium is buzzing with excitement as the game is tied. The team's mood is also heating up in the energetic atmosphere. Then, in the 13th minute of the second half, the captain's strike ignites the already fervent stadium even more.
Matsumaki, who made a big side change in the center, went straight into the penalty area. Tawaratsumida, who received this ball, turned around on the front line and crossed the ball with his right foot. Matsumaki skillfully held off the opposing defender while moving his body forward and scored a brilliant direct volley with his left foot.
The long-awaited first goal of the season was a brilliant strike that led the team to a comeback victory. After scoring a heroic goal on the national stage, he ran straight to the goal end while letting out a roar.
"I think I was waiting for my own goal, and first of all, I wanted to go to the fans and supporters."
Running towards the stands, swaying with cheers while performing a throwing kiss and pointing to the sky with both hands. Crushed by the gathered teammates, a mountain of joy was created in front of the goal stand. "I don't remember being crushed because I was too happy," shared with the large crowd at the National Stadium.
It was truly a fierce and powerful performance. He repaid the debt of the "phantom opening goal" and not only pressed from the front line, but also showed his defensive skills by returning to his own goal. While being the starting point of the attack, the reliable captain led the team to a come-from-behind victory with a spectacular finish.
<Match Preview>
The Japan National Stadium transformed into the "ultimate football theater." In the previous match, they came from behind to win 2-1 against the Urawa Reds. Although Urawa scored first in the first half, in the second half Ryotaro ARAKI’s brilliant long-range shot and Kuryu MATSUKI’s powerful volley turned the game around. In the end, they held onto the lead with committed defense, and "You’ll Never Walk Alone" echoed throughout the sacred ground of football.
Araki player verbalized the winning factor as "The average age was really young (laughs). Everyone was fresh, so we talked about "Let's win by running today." In addition, Matsuki player, who scored the long-awaited first goal of the season, said, "I wanted to go to the fans and supporters first because I was able to score a goal." He also talked about the joy of the victory that the team and the fans and supporters achieved together.
This round, we will welcome Kashima Antlers in just 3 days. The coach leading Kashima, Ranko POPOVIC, has a history of commanding Tokyo and sticking to attacking football, so a fierce battle is inevitable this round. Player Matsuki says, "I'm getting back my feeling in front of the goal. I have a feeling I can score again in the next game," raising expectations for scoring in two consecutive games. Once again at the Japan National Stadium, the curtain will rise on the "ultimate football theater."
This week's matchday program is here
[Interview with Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q, Please tell us about the adjustments made from the Kawasaki Frontale match in Sec. 5 to the previous match against Urawa Reds.
A, there were more threatening attacks against the opponent in the Urawa match than in the Kawasaki match. We did not make any major changes within our football. The increase in good plays, good moments, and threatening plays toward the goal led to the victory. While following the same process, we want to encourage the team’s growth so that we can perform even better in the match against Kashima Antlers.
Q, this week's match is against Kashima.
A, I always say this, but it is important to focus on our own style of play and to consistently express the football we aim for, regardless of the opponent. Of course, we have respect for our opponents, but we want to become a team that makes them fear our football.
Q, Ryotaro ARAKI will not be able to play in this match. In the previous match against Urawa, Teruhito NAKAGAWA came on in the second half to take his place.
A, it is one of the options in our fight. I have seen Nakagawa play in that position before, and I know he can play dynamically. I also believe he can pose a threat to the opponent in a different way. Considering his abilities, his runs from the center are also a major weapon. In the Urawa match, he was able to show his strengths and contributed to finishing the game well. Whoever plays, I believe they will show performances that firmly contribute to our style of play.
[Player Interview]
Kota TAWARATSUMIDA
Q, Urawa Reds game was the first starting lineup since the opening game against Cerezo Osaka.
A, I was on the bench for the Tamagawa Clasico against Kawasaki Frontale but did not get to play, so I wanted to channel that frustration into the match against Urawa. It had been a while since I was in the starting lineup, and with that strong feeling, I think I was able to start the match in a good way.
Q, the team achieved a come-from-behind victory, with Kuryu MATSUKI's goal coming from an assist by Tawara Tsumita.
A, I think it was good to have some statistics to show, but I was not able to score a goal. As a forward player, I want to demonstrate play aimed at scoring goals. (Regarding the assist scene) The opposing defender I faced was probably wary of my dribbling, so their approach was lax, and I chose to cross. I vaguely saw that Matsuki was there in my peripheral vision. I also saw 2 to 3 teammates inside the area, so I aimed the cross ball toward them.
Q, Does the quality of the cross ball expand the options for play?
A, I think so. If they are wary of the supply of crosses, I can take other options such as shooting from a cut-in or switching to a vertical dribble breakthrough. I believe that increasing the options will lead to more good plays, and I can become a player who is feared by the opponent. I want to continue showing aggressive plays.
Q, there were many times when the ball entered both wings in a good shape in the Urawa match.
A, I believe that if the ball reaches the wing players in good positions, the team can manage the game well, like we did in the match against Urawa. I want to actively request the ball and take the initiative to create chances. Using my dribbling, which is my personal strength, as a weapon, I aim to contribute to the victory. Although there are only three days between this match and the Kashima Antlers game, I personally do not feel fatigued, so I want to approach the match with this momentum.
<Kei KOIZUMI>
Q, the Urawa Reds team achieved a come-from-behind victory with coordinated soccer in the match against Urawa Reds.
A, we did concede a goal, but the start of the first half was by no means bad, and it was precisely because the start of the second half was good that we were able to turn the game around. Everyone shared the same mindset and play to first equalize and then take the second goal. It was a match that made me realize once again the importance of how you start the game.
Q, the running distance for the Urawa game was 14km, which was the team's top. I think it's a sign of hard work.
A, honestly, I’m glad we didn’t lose after running 14 km in 90 minutes (laughs). It’s not just about running long distances, and considering the upcoming summer matches, I want to be smart and focus on the quality of my running as well. I want to be conscious of the quality of my runs and build on that moving forward.
Q: After 6 games, the result is 2 wins, 2 draws, and 2 losses. Please tell us what is needed to compete for the top spot from here on.
A, first of all, it is to achieve consecutive wins. Without that, we cannot move up. Teams competing for the championship always have winning streaks. That is why I believe the match following a victory is the most important.
Q, You were also appointed as captain this season, but what kind of position and behavior are you conscious of, taking into account the team's situation?
A, Honestly, being a captain is tough. I truly realize how amazing the players who have led the team as captains in the past are. My teammates tell me not to think too much and just focus on my own play, but for me, I want to face this situation and position I was chosen for without running away. Of course, showing my skills on the pitch is the most important job as a player, but I also want to support the team in other ways.
Q, There is a special sense of excitement and atmosphere at the Japan National Stadium. Once again, I would like to ask the fans and supporters for a message towards the Kashima game.
A, Despite the match against Urawa Reds being on a weekday, many fans and supporters came to the venue to cheer us on, and thanks to that atmosphere, we were able to achieve a come-from-behind victory. When I stand on the pitch, I can feel the power conveyed through everyone’s voices. The next match is also at the Japan National Stadium, and I am looking forward to experiencing a different atmosphere and intensity against Kashima Antlers. I want to deliver a victory to everyone in that amazing atmosphere and special space, and share the joy together. I believe that is the greatest moment of all.
<Kosuke SHIRAI>
Q, Please review the previous match against Urawa Reds.
A, Due to Hotaka NAKAMURA's injury, I had to step in on short notice, but I was able to enter the match calmly. It was good that I could handle defensive situations calmly and play steadily, and above all, it was great that we won.
Q, What did you become aware of when you suddenly got the opportunity to play?
A, Considering that the opponent was Urawa, I expected them to launch attacks utilizing both wide players, so I focused on firmly containing those situations when they arose.
Q, I played on the same side as Soma ANZAI during the camp, and there was a sense of stability.
A, Thanks to Anzai's strengths such as his speed and quick transitions between offense and defense, it was very easy to play as a defender. While communicating during the game, he also played smartly with his defensive positioning, which I believe brought stability to our play.
Q, please tell us your goals from here.
A, There were tough times, but I have always kept myself well prepared for when the opportunity comes around. Like in the Urawa match, I want to contribute to the team's victory in the games I play. I am always ready and well prepared.
