<Previous Match Review: Urawa Reds>
The ultimate football theater. The second act was also full of highlights, and it was an exciting and great game.
A match that welcomed Kashima Antlers at the Japan National Stadium. After a scoreless first half, the second half was dominated by the blue and red army. They displayed a brilliant soccer game, coordinated in attack and defense, at "our national stadium".
The game came to life in the 10th minute of the second half. Kuryu MATSUKI, who will join the Japan national team U-23 after this match, provided a sharp cross from the left side that cut through the air. The accurate ball was sent over the high mountain of Kashima's defense and into the front line.
There, jumping out was Teruhito NAKAGAWA, who had been appointed as the top player in this match. He jumped at the perfect timing to match the trajectory of the ball. From a distance to the goal, he firmly met the ball with his head and guided the stadium to excitement. It was NAKAGAWA's first goal in a league match in 337 days.
Number 39, who said "I had the feeling of not being able to produce results and a sense of responsibility", immediately jumped over the signboard and headed straight to the goal end, pointing at the ground with both hands, grabbing the emblem, and then putting both hands to his ears to listen to the cheers. From there, he kneeled down and pointed to the sky, savoring the long-awaited joy to the fullest.
"I wanted to say 'I am here' or have my name called out. (I was struggling to score goals) and I received criticism, so I believed that it was the responsibility of a soccer player to respond with results. I feel like I have finally reached the starting line."
In the closing minutes of the match, substitute player Riki HARAKAWA scored an impressive goal with his left foot, securing an additional point for Tokyo and leading them to a 2-0 victory. This was their first shutout of the season, and the team achieved their first consecutive win of the season in the "new" Japan National Stadium.
<Match Preview>
A "decisive battle" has come at a crucial timing that could determine the fate of this season.
It has been 16 seasons since Tokyo Verdy and J1 League faced each other on August 23, 2008. Their overall record in league matches is 6 wins, 4 draws, and 6 losses, but in the 3rd round of the Emperor's Cup held on July 12 last year, Tokyo emerged victorious after a 1-1 draw and a penalty shootout.
In the two consecutive games at the Japan National Stadium, Tokyo marked their first consecutive victory of the season by defeating Urawa Reds and Kashima Antlers. It was a crucial match for Tokyo, who aimed for their third consecutive victory. They must secure 3 points at all costs and gain momentum for the future.
From this match, three players, Kuryu MATSUKI, Ryotaro ARAKI, and Taishi Brandon NOZAWA, will leave the team for the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024. However, in the previous match, Riki HARAKAWA, who came on as a substitute, scored a decisive goal, showing the strength of the team's depth.
Number 40, who made an impact as a substitute, is looking at the current team situation like this.
"I think a strong team needs about two teams worth of strength, and right now, the situation is such that anyone, including players on the bench, can come out and perform well. Everyone is just doing their best to be ready when their turn comes."
The team has a bitter experience of failing in all four challenges for three consecutive wins in the league last season. However, player Lucas Harakawa says, "Unlike last season, we have been able to achieve consecutive wins with substance, and it was significant to keep a clean sheet (against Kashima). If our defense remains stable, we can make progress. We want to focus on winning as a team and build it up firmly."
The situation is definitely looking up. However, it's a match against Verdy. Regardless of the situation, it's certain to be an intense battle where both sides' determination clash.
Manager Peter CKLAMOVSKI says, "This match is special. Anything can happen. Emotions will rise, play intensity will increase, and the atmosphere in the stadium will also be heightened."
Each player, while standing on the pitch with a strong determination, there are players who will face this match with extraordinary determination.
"I have been fighting against Verdy since my junior youth and youth days, so I have a special attachment to them since I was young. After the Kashima game, I could hear the fans and supporters singing 'We can't lose to Verdy' and I could feel their passion and strong feelings once again. I couldn't participate in last season's Emperor's Cup due to injury, so if I can play, it will be my first match against them as a professional. It's a very exciting and good situation to have such an important game with three consecutive wins at stake. Three players have left the U-23 Japan national team, but we have a team that can still fight without them. I just have to focus on getting results in the position I am in. I will give my all to win."
Quietly and powerfully spoke Kashif BANGNAGANDE, a professional football player. Although he competes in a different place from three players of the same generation, his position of looking towards a bright future remains unchanged. Before the final battle, he was raised in the academy and has the passion of the blue and red.
A fierce battle that must be won. Of course, the opponent will also come at us with all their might. We cannot achieve victory without everyone coming together as one.
To open the door to the future, it is necessary to win one play, one opponent, and one game at a time. Can the players express their desire to win more than the opponent on the pitch, and can the fans and supporters create a "winning atmosphere" in the stadium? Beyond these big matches, there should be true growth as a team.
The commander aiming for a 3-game winning streak speaks.
"It will be a special situation for everyone. We want to enjoy it and show our performance. It will be a very important game for the club and for the fans and supporters. We will give our all to earn 3 points, fight together, and celebrate together after the game."
Believe in yourself, and victory will come.
Let's show them our strength.
Tokyo is blue and red.
[Interview with Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q, it's a match against Verdy.
A, this is a special match for us. As we approach this game, we have various emotions. And I believe those emotions will have a positive impact on us. There is no doubt that this will be a special match for everyone involved with the club, including our fans and supporters. What is important is to fully channel that energy during the match. By thoroughly executing our set plays in both offense and defense, I believe the results will follow.
Q, Kuryu MATSUKI, Taishi Brandon NOZAWA, and Ryotaro ARAKI are currently away from their clubs due to their activities with the U-23 Japan national team.
A, the 11 players on the pitch will surely fight tough to express our football. No matter who plays, I believe each will fulfill their respective tasks and roles on the field.
Q, The team that has won consecutive games at the Japan National Stadium is truly filled with "energy".
A, it is important to connect good performances to good results. As I mentioned earlier, I believe this will be a special game for everyone involved with Tokyo. We just need to show that feeling through the result of three consecutive wins.
Q, Last season we played against each other in the 3rd round of the Emperor's Cup.
A, Last season's match was also a special game. In this matchup, anything can happen. We want to prepare thoroughly so that we can respond properly. It will be a special day where emotions run high, the intensity of play increases, and the atmosphere and excitement inside the stadium rise. We want to enjoy the tension that can only be experienced on that day, not knowing what will happen. I hope we can link our performance and the football we want to showcase with these heightened emotions. The players are focused solely on delivering the three points to the fans and supporters.
[Player Interview]
Kanta DOI
Q, How do you look back on the two games at the Japan National Stadium where you achieved consecutive victories?
A, In the match against the Urawa Reds, there were several moments in the first half where I personally made mistakes that gave the opponent chances. Defensively, I was able to make adjustments at halftime and contribute to the victory, but there remain issues in building attacks from the defensive line. In the match against the Kashima Antlers, I was able to play with a good feeling from the start of the game and managed to keep a clean sheet. In both matches, I wasn’t able to fully utilize my strengths in involvement in the attack, such as side changes and long passes, so I want to correct that heading into the next game.
Q, Selected for the important match of the National 2-game series and contributed to the victory. Did you feel any sense of accomplishment or growth in your first appearance in a while?
A, I feel a sense of growth in defensive intensity in front of the goal as I gain more experience through matches and training. Even in dangerous situations, I have the confidence that I can block the opponent's shots at the crucial moment.
Q, how is the coordination with Henrique TREVISAN, who forms a combination in the recent game?
A, The player I communicate with the most during the match is Henrique. We coordinate well with each other, including the finer details such as marking handovers and covering instructions. I believe this will only get better from here, and I want to improve the quality as we play more matches.
Q, this round we will face Verdy, aiming for our third consecutive win.
A, I was taught from my academy days that they are an opponent we must not lose to, so I absolutely want to win. As a defensive player, I want to finish the match with a clean sheet and also look for opportunities to score from set plays. I have the impression that Verdy is strong in attacking from the sides, and I think they will actively target the open spaces. I want to stay focused and play calmly in dealing with and handling crosses.
<Kashif BANGNAGANDE>
Q, Please tell us the reasons for being able to win consecutive games against Urawa Reds and Kashima Antlers.
A, I believe that not losing in second-ball recoveries and one-on-one situations was a key factor in gaining the upper hand in the match. As a team, we also had many opportunities for aggressive play, and I feel that both fullbacks have been refining their involvement in the attack as the matches progress. We want to continue this going forward.
Q, this week's match is against Verdy.
A, we have faced each other several times since the academy days. I've been told, 'We absolutely cannot lose to Verdy,' and I believe that not only myself but also the players from Tokyo's academy feel an even stronger desire to win this match.
Q, unlike last season, this will be a match on the stage of the J1 League.
A, I am simply happy to be able to face them. Personally, I couldn’t play in the Emperor's Cup 3rd Round last season due to injury, so I’m looking forward to competing on the J1 stage. The fans and supporters also displayed banners at yesterday’s open training, encouraging us. Including the high level of passion for this match and the atmosphere at the stadium on the day, I’m very excited. I want to contribute with goals and assists.
<Go HATANO>
Q, this week's match is against Verdy.
A, I have been aware of this since Verdy defeated Shimizu S-Pulse in last season’s J1 promotion playoffs. I thought the 2024 season would be exciting. I myself have decided to return to Tokyo, and I have been looking forward to this match. I absolutely cannot afford to lose.
Q, Is this match a feeling that motivates you even more?
A, There is no difference in focusing on the match in front of me compared to other matches. However, as a player who has been nurtured by this club for a long time, I am conscious of it and feel a heightened emotion. Once the match starts, I just concentrate on playing as usual.
Q, what kind of game development is expected?
A, I think it will be a tight match, and past games have often ended in draws. I want tomorrow’s match to be decisively settled within 90 minutes. Both sides have pride at stake, and we will carry the feelings of our fans and supporters as we go for the win.
