Match Review
In the previous match, Tokyo achieved a brilliant come-from-behind victory against Urawa Reds with their overwhelming speed and hard work, using their average age of 22.73 years as their weapon. With this, they have now extended their undefeated record at the "new" Japan National Stadium to 5 wins and 1 draw, further solidifying their dominance at "our national stadium".
Kashima Antlers, who will face Urawa Reds just 3 days after their previous match, will once again play at the National Stadium. In this match, Ryotaro ARAKI will not be able to play due to his contract, so Teruhito NAKAGAWA will be starting as the lone striker. Kosuke SHIRAI will replace the injured Hotaka NAKAMURA at right back.
After the victory against Urawa, Tokyo has returned to a 2-2-2 record for this season. They want to secure a win at the National Stadium, where they have a good record, and use it as a stepping stone towards advancing to the top. The game they want to make a turning point for the future is this match, where they also started with a young starting eleven with an average age of 23.82 years old.
1st HALF - The game is turned over by the back and forth attack and defense.
Although Kashima came attacking from both sides in the early stages, they were unable to break through the center and create any chances.
Tokyo gradually took control of the pace and in the 8th minute of the first half, Kota TAWARATSUMIDA, on the left side, dribbled and made a chance. In the following 9th minute, Kuryu MATSUKI showed a dribble that crossed the pitch from the right side and expanded to the left side. Kota TAWARATSUMIDA, who received this, swung his right foot from a cut-in, but unfortunately it was blocked by the opponent's defender.
In the 15th minute of the first half, another opportunity was created from the left side. Player Kashif BANGNAGANDE received a pass from Tawarazumi Tada and made a vertical breakthrough along the sideline. He then passed it back to Nakagawa, who attempted a shot, but was once again blocked by the opposing player.
In the 25th minute of the first half, player Tawara Tsumeta takes an aggressive approach on the left side. He dodges the opponent's sliding tackle from a counter and breaks through with a dribble, then shoots with his right foot from a cut-in. Unfortunately, the shot hits the goalkeeper's face, but they continue to launch sharp attacks from the left side.
The match ended scoreless at halftime as both teams were unable to create clear scoring opportunities and the game was played with a back-and-forth flow.
2ndHALF - First goal of the season for Teru & Riki leads to first consecutive win of the season!
In the second half, Tokyo, who had more energy, gradually increased their pressure. In the 8th minute of the second half, player Tawara Takada picked up a loose ball in the penalty area and carried it up vertically to the center right before crossing it. He sent in a perfect ball, but no one in the center was able to connect with it.
And in the 10th minute of the second half, the game finally starts to move.
Player Matsuki, who will represent Japan as a member of the U-23 Japan national team, feeds a cross from the left back. Number 39, who was playing as the top striker, breaks through here. With his top speed, he jumps and skillfully changes the trajectory of the ball with a back header, scoring the long-awaited opening goal for Tokyo. This is also the first goal of the season for player Nakagawa, who has been eagerly waiting for it.
In the 22nd minute of the second half, Matsuki, who had been persistently pushing up, made a leftward development. At this point, Endo Keita, who had just been substituted as a left attacker, sharply crossed the ball and once again, Nakagawa made a run towards the center. He pushed it in at the perfect timing, but unfortunately hit the bar and was unable to score an additional point.
In the 37th minute of the second half, Matsuki made a run from a counter and passed to Jája Silva, who was running alongside him, with a dribble. Number 70, who had been subbed in as the lone striker, aimed and shot with his right foot, but it narrowly missed to the left of the goal.
In the final stage, Soma ANZAI, who had been fighting on the right side, was replaced by Shuhei TOKUMOTO, a side back by profession, in the 43rd minute of the second half. He was brought in as a right wing to increase defensive intensity from the front and aim for a win.
6 minutes of additional time, pushing the desire for victory to the forefront against the opponent's counterattack, and controlling the pitch with intensity and counterattacks.
The grand finale was waiting at the end.
From the left side, Matsuki makes a soft pass from the keep, and Riki HARAKAWA runs in and controls it before quickly striking with his left foot. The powerful trajectory floats into the upper left corner of the goal, securing an additional point and deciding the match.
It is truly the "ultimate football theater". The blue and red army defeated Kashima in their second act, played their first consecutive victory and first clean sheet of the season, and captivated the 52,772 large crowd that gathered at the Japan National Stadium.
MATCH DETAILS
＜FC Tokyo＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
DF Kosuke SHIRAI/Kanta DOI/Henrique TREVISAN/Kashif BANGNAGANDE
MF Kuryu MATSUKI/Takahiro KO (30th minute of the second half: Riki HARAKAWA)/Kei KOIZUMI
FW Kota TAWARATSUMIDA (18th minute of the second half: Keita ENDO)/Soma ANZAI (43rd minute of the second half: Shuhei TOKUMOTO)/Teruhito NAKAGAWA (30th minute of the second half: Jája Silva)
SUBS
GK Go HATANO
DF Masato MORISHIGE
MF Tsubasa TERAYAMA
GOAL
10 minutes into the second half: Teruhito NAKAGAWA/45+7 minutes into the second half: Riki HARAKAWA
＜Kashima Antlers＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Tomoki Hayakawa
DF Kouto Nonaka/Naomichi Ueda/Ikuma Sekigawa/Koki Anzai
MF Kei Chinen (35th minute of the second half: Shoma Doi)/Kaishu Sano (40th minute of the second half: Guilherme Parede)/Yuta Higuchi (35th minute of the second half: Yuta Matsumura)/Hayato Nakama (16th minute of the second half: Tomoya Fujii)
FW Everaldo (35th minute of the second half: Milosavljevic)/Yuma Suzuki
SUBS
GK Taiki YAMADA
DF Hidehiro SUGAI
GOAL
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[Interview with Peter CKLAMOVSKI, Manager]
Q: please review the game.
A: I think it was a tough match against a good opponent. From a football perspective, we were able to play a good game. I believe our players worked hard and delivered a performance worthy of victory. The first half lacked a bit of sharpness. While the performance was okay, there were parts where I felt we could have done a little more. We lacked the threat against the opponent in front of the goal. We thoroughly reviewed the details at halftime, and I think the players expressed that in the second half. It was good to finish without conceding, and it was a match where scoring a few more goals wouldn’t have been surprising. The important thing is to fight hard, celebrate the victory, recover tomorrow, and then take the next steps toward the next win.
Q, Are there any changes in the Kawasaki Frontale match from the previous match and the Urawa Reds match from the previous match, and the Kashima Antlers match this week?
A, First of all, I believe it is important to continue our football philosophy. When building a team or anything else, you have to move forward straightforwardly. As we develop our football, the players have continued to work devotedly, holding strong beliefs in our football and their teammates.
Q, What do you think are the factors that led to the victory against Kashima?
A, Against a strong opponent like Kashima, the team was able to deliver a very strong performance. We respect the opponent, and although it was truly a tough match, today we produced a performance worthy of a clean sheet and a victory. This was also the result of our dedicated commitment to defensive rules on the field. By maintaining our defensive shape and properly executing the agreed-upon tactics, I believe we reduced the opponent’s chances. The players fought physically and devotedly for the full 96 minutes.
Q, Next week's match will be against Verdy. How does the coach perceive it and what preparations do you want to make?
A, The match against Verdy is one of the special matches. I believe it is a special match for the players, the club, and the fans and supporters. There are various emotions involved, and I think it creates a unique atmosphere. I believe anything can happen in a derby, so we will prepare accordingly. What is good about us now is that we have been able to build a solid foundation for our football. We will prepare while maintaining discipline and following our own process.
[Player Interview]
Teruhito NAKAGAWA
Q: This was a game where I played in a different position than usual. Please review the game.
A, I believe that no matter what position I play in the match, a soccer player should embody what the team wants to do and what needs to be done. Besides that, I focused on making runs behind the defense to showcase my strengths.
There were many defensive scenes that turned on the switch for the entire team.
A: Playing in the position that Ryotaro ARAKI usually occupies, I observed previous matches to identify how to perform dedicated defense and marking, as well as how to make things easier for my teammates. There were times when I was able to apply pressure effectively and guide the opponent so they couldn’t freely circulate passes, and times when I wasn’t. From the first half, I shared target areas with Kuryu MATSUKI while talking and made improvements.
Q, I think we have been able to play with momentum as a team in the last two games.
A, after losing the match against Kawasaki Frontale, we also held a meeting with just the players. I believe that had a positive effect, and by sharing a common understanding to continue with this style of soccer, we have been gradually seeing results. I think it is important to keep this up. However, just because we won doesn't mean everything is perfect; there are still many issues during the match that need addressing, so we want to correct them while continuing to win.
Q, please look back on the scoring scene.
A, Matsuki carried the ball well together with Kashif BANGNAGANDE, and since Matsuki was watching me, I believed the pass would come. When the pass was made, I focused on touching the ball first. I just had to match Matsuki’s ball, so I want to express my gratitude. Surprisingly, I’m good at heading, so I think that showed in the result.
Q, please tell us your enthusiasm for the next match.
A, we want to maintain the momentum of winning and continue to accumulate victories, which will also allow us to put pressure on the teams at the top. The match against Verdy will definitely be a battle we cannot afford to lose. We will review the points to be corrected from today's game and prepare to win.
<Riki HARAKAWA>
Q, What were you conscious of when you entered the pitch during the second half substitution?
A, since the game had become a bit open, I first focused on defense when I came on. Even when we were pushed back, I was able to handle it with a clear mindset, and I feel that it's good that we've been able to unify what we need to do over the past few matches.
Q, nice shot. How do you look back on that scene?
A, it was the first time in a while that I passed the ball near the penalty area and got it back, so when I had it there, I thought it was the place to show my quality, and Kuryu MATSUKI skillfully laid it off. I hesitated between aiming under the opponent’s legs or aiming near post, but considering the ball’s position, the opponent’s legs were not very open, so I aimed for the near post and was able to place it well.
Q, the next match will be against Verdy. Please give us a few words for the game.
A, I think the flow so far doesn’t matter, and the players need to enter the game with a different mindset than usual. We want to win firmly in the next match and move forward. The fans and supporters also think of “FC Tokyo” when they think of Tokyo, so as a team, we want to prepare well to show that through our results.
<Kuryu MATSUKI>
Q, please review the game.
A, I believe that being able to provide 2 assists is thanks to my teammates, including the players who scored the goals. Ryotaro ARAKI was unable to play today, but as a team, we can achieve victory no matter who takes the field, and I think we have grown into a competitive and high-quality team. I believe that the fact that the entire team is improving together is what leads to our victories.
Q, I left a result of 1 goal and 2 assists in the 2 consecutive games at the Japan National Stadium.
A, this season I am more conscious of the numbers. I am playing more often in a position one step ahead compared to last season, and I was able to reaffirm during the two consecutive games held at the Japan National Stadium that if I become the starting point of the attack up front, it leads to goals. I want to continue to greedily aim for goals and assists going forward. In today’s match, I was also aiming to score, but I focused on prioritizing the team’s victory first. Within that, I’m glad I was able to contribute to the team with 2 assists.
Q, starting from here, I will also start my activities as a member of the Japan national team for U-23. Please share your enthusiasm towards qualifying for the Paris Olympics.
A, I have been able to show results in recent league matches, and I want to continue contributing to the team through goals and assists during national team activities as well. I also intend to take on leadership roles proactively.
<Taishi Brandon NOZAWA>
Q: please review the game.
A, the first half was a test of endurance, and the game lacked aggressiveness. During halftime, the coach's talk and the players encouraging each other helped us share the mindset to try to be more aggressive both offensively and defensively, which I believe led to the second half.
Q, we were able to finish the game with our first clean sheet of the season. What preparations did you make?
A, The defenders were very focused, so today I personally didn't have much work to do. Even so, I was conscious of not losing concentration during the times when the ball wasn't coming. I'm glad it led to a good result.
Q, Over 50,000 fans and supporters gathered at the Japan National Stadium, how was the game at the National Stadium again?
A, winning two consecutive matches at the Japan National Stadium was great both in terms of gaining momentum in the league and allowing everyone to enjoy the atmosphere of the National Stadium.
Q, Was there a part of the atmosphere at the National Stadium that excited you as a player?
A, When a goal is scored, cheers erupt and the excitement builds, so much so that I got goosebumps even on the pitch.
Q, How do you want to contribute to the important Asia Cup for the U-23 Japan national team towards the Paris Olympics?
A, I am determined and also proud to have been selected from Tokyo. I want to express through my play what it means to be a worthy representative player.
