Match Review
The battle to claim the cup has entered a new stage. The J.League YBC Levain Cup has started the playoff round, which is a home and away format between the advancing clubs, after going through the 1st round of the 3rd round, which was played in a single match.
Tokyo produced players for the Japan national team, including Yuto NAGATOMO, Kuryu MATSUKI, Taishi Brandon NOZAWA, Kashif BANGNAGANDE, and Ryotaro ARAKI for the U-23 Japan national team, and Ryunosuke SATO for the U-19 Japan national team during the international match week. Last week, four starting players were changed from the match against Sagan Tosu in Sec. 17 of the league held at "Kin J".
Go HATANO was the goalkeeper, Shuhei TOKUMOTO played as the left back, Teruhito NAKAGAWA was positioned as the attacking midfielder, and SILVA was deployed as the right winger. Additionally, Yui NAKANO and Divine OTANI, both registered with FC Tokyo U-18 and also registered with the top team, were included in the bench for the first match of the playoff round against Sanfrecce Hiroshima.
1st HALF - Diego's goal leads the comeback despite conceding 2 points
Tokyo, aiming for the top, pushes into the enemy's territory from the start. They launch a speedy attack while connecting passes.
However, in the 10th minute of the first half, Hiroshima conceded the opening goal from a pinpoint header by Pieros SOTIRIOU in the center, from a right cross by Arai.
Furthermore, after restarting with the ball in order to counterattack, we were caught by the opponent's pressing and conceded a goal in succession after being broken through in the center. We ended up being two points behind in an unexpected turn of events.
Tokyo, wanting to take the initiative, saw Nakagawa receive a vertical pass from Henrique TREVISAN in the 25th minute of the first half. Facing forward in the center of the pitch, he accelerated. As he carried the ball forward, he made a sharp through pass vertically, and Diego OLIVEIRA, who broke through powerfully, was fouled while trying to evade the goalkeeper, earning a penalty kick. The player wearing number 9, as usual, took small steps to deceive the opposing goalkeeper and successfully slotted the ball into the bottom right corner of the goal to score one point.
Against Hiroshima, who come with a combination of pressing from the front and blocking on their return, Tokyo takes control of the game with their passing and short counters. In the additional time of the first half, they create big chances in succession from the left side, but both Jean's header and Thales' shot miss the target. They go into halftime trailing by one goal.
2ndHALF - Unable to capitalize on opportunities, trailing by 1 point heading into the "second half"
After the second half, which started without any member substitutions, it was Tokyo who created chances from the beginning. They collected the ball to Tawara Tsumeta player on the left side and actively attacked to enter the enemy territory.
In the 8th minute of the second half, a ball was sent vertically on the left side, but it was passed to the opponent once. However, Diego TABA quickly closed in and regained possession, dribbling past on a counter attack. He then advanced towards the penalty area and aimed with his right foot, but it was blocked by the opponent and could not shake the net.
In the 22nd minute of the second half, a chance was created from the right side. Tawarazumida, who showed a dribble across the pitch, passed it to the right front. Soma ANZAI and Diego TABA connected the ball and Tawarazumida received it again on the right side to supply a cross. Tokumoto, who ran in from the back, took a direct middle shot. Although it was blocked by the opponent, Tokyo continued to create chances and push forward.
In the 26th minute of the second half, Riki HARAKAWA and Hotaka NAKAMURA were substituted for Nakagawa and Tawarazumida. Nakamura was placed as the right fullback and Anzai was moved up to the left wing to revitalize the offense and defense.
Tokyo, who cannot afford to allow additional goals, saw their guardian make a fine save in the 34th minute of the second half. Douglas VIEIRA, who came on as a substitute, headed a gentle cross from the right in the center. However, the shot that was firmly on target was saved by Go HATANO, who dove to the side and narrowly escaped the danger.
In the final stages of the match, Akaaka stepped up their pace. With an aggressive press from the front line, they were able to take away the opponent's freedom. In the 42nd minute of the second half, Leon NOZAWA was substituted for Jaja, as they continued to push for an equalizer with increased pressure from the front.
Tokyo continues to push forward even during the additional 7 minutes of the second half, with a brilliant counterattack from the left side. Diego TABA and Harakawa pass the ball to each other before making a final pass in front of the goal. However, Nozawa's finish unfortunately misses to the left, and they are unable to score an equalizer.
The team that takes the offensive is also supported by loud cheers from the goal stand. Player Costa tries his best to deliver the ball to the goal from the left side with a long throw, but is unable to push it in. The first game ends with a score of 1-2, and the first half of the playoff round ends with a one-point deficit.
The chant that echoed throughout Ajinomoto Stadium from right after the match was "Take the cup! Raise it, Tokyo!" Sent off by the cheers of many fans and supporters, they will face the second away match on the 9th (Sunday) with the goal of advancing to the prime round.
MATCH DETAILS
<FC Tokyo>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Go HATANO
DF Soma ANZAI/Yasuki KIMOTO/Henrique Trevisan/Shuhei TOKUMOTO
MF Takahiro KO/Kei Koizumi/Teruhito NAKAGAWA (substituted in 26th minute: Riki Harakawa)
FW Diego Oliveira/Kota TAWARATSUMIDA (substituted in 26th minute: Hotaka NAKAMURA)/Jaja Silva (substituted in 42nd minute: Leon NOZAWA)
SUBS
GK Tsuyoshi KODAMA
DF Masato MORISHIGE/Teppei OKA
MF Keigo HIGASHI/Yui NAKANO
FW Divine OTANI
GOAL
First half 25 minutes: Diego OLIVEIRA
<Sanfrecce Hiroshima>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Goro KAWANAMI
DF Shuto NAKANO/Hayato ARAKI (31 minutes into the second half: Sota KOSHIMICHI)/Sho SASAKI
MF Naoto ARAI/Taishi MATSUMOTO/Toshiki HIGASHI/Takaaki SHICHI
FW Mutsuki KATO/Yuki OHASHI (44 minutes into the second half: Makoto MITSUDA)/Pieros SOTIRIOU (31 minutes into the second half: DOUGLAS VIEIRA)
SUBS
GK Yudai TANAKA
MF Hiroya MATSUMOTO/Toshihiro AOYAMA/Gakuto NOTSUDA/Ezequiel/Yoshifumi KASHIWA
GOAL
First Half 10th Minute: Mutsuki KATO/First Half 11th Minute: Taishi MATSUMOTO
[Interview with Peter CKLAMOVSKI, Manager]
Q, please give us an overall review of today's match.
A, It was a frustrating and disappointing result for us. We are disappointed not to have secured the victory. We were able to create plays to win during the game, but by a narrow margin, and within the few chances we hardly gave away, the opponent managed to score. The positive point was that we also created chances within that. There are areas where we can raise our level further, and as I told the players, only the first half is over; it is still halftime. I think the next match will be a tough away game, but we want to firmly take control of the second half. From the elements of today’s game, I believe we showed that we can compete even when we go away, so next we just have to go there and do our job thoroughly.
Q, What is the impact of many players leaving the team in each generation's representative team?
A, First of all, we support the national team. We cheer for them and want our players to represent Japan with pride. As a club, we are also proud that Tokyo’s players represent the country. I always tell the players that during the season, everyone is needed. Many players are absent, and we are being tested, but for many players, this is a good opportunity. Even in this current situation, I hope it leads to something special as we create the story ahead.
We are proud of the players who gave their all to achieve the desired result. There were some very good elements, but there were also areas that needed to be sharpened. We want to show those areas on the next Sunday. After watching today's game, even though the next one is away, we believe we can grab the victory and they can do it.
Q, Today there were many young players, including those on the bench. How do you want them to take advantage of their opportunities?
A, During this season so far, we have faced similar situations. It was a little while ago, but there was a match in the club’s history where we played with the youngest lineup ever. I believe today’s members also reflect the team we are building. There are players who joined from the U-18 team. They are still teenagers, but I hope they will grow further through this experience. Also, I think the academy players will feel that they are close to the top team. This is a sign that we are building something important, and when creating something special like this, we must establish the foundation ourselves. We will continue to work on this, but while continuing, I believe we must improve and develop ourselves even more.
[Player Interview]
<Diego OLIVEIRA>
Q, We earned a penalty kick from the cooperation with Teruhito NAKAGAWA. I think the quality of our cooperation has also improved.
A, It was a breakthrough through the center, and Nakagawa gave a very good pass, which allowed us to earn a penalty kick. As I play more matches with Nakagawa, we are becoming better at understanding each other's play, so I want to continue building on that. Unfortunately, we couldn't win today, so I want to prepare again for the next match.
Q, there was a strong presence on both offense and defense until the end of the game. How did you feel about the condition and response?
A, My condition is good now, and I always do my best in what I can do. Whenever I get a chance, I am prepared to perform at my best, so I want to continue preparing diligently and contribute to the team's victory through my play.
Q, What preparations will you make before the next game to advance to the prime stage?
A, Sanfrecce Hiroshima is a very high-quality team. It will be a tough battle away from home, but there is definitely a possibility to make a comeback and advance, so I want to give my all to win and move on to the next stage.
<Kota TAWARATSUMIDA>
Q, please review the game.
A, I think the way we conceded goals as a team was poor, and we gave up goals due to simple mistakes. We want to thoroughly review as a whole team and align on how to proceed with the game after conceding. Regarding today’s match, I believe it is necessary to align our understanding of what we should have done from the kickoff after conceding. As for my own play, I have been able to carry the ball from dribbling into areas close to the goal, so I want to properly correct the quality of my shots and crosses, as well as coordination with my teammates, and approach the next match. Personally, I have many challenges. I want to overcome these challenges and work hard to reach a higher stage and level both as a team and individually. I will face these challenges and keep working at it.
Q, How does Kota TAWARATSUMIDA view the challenges regarding conceding goals?
A, at the moment we conceded the goal, everyone's directions were all over the place. I think we need to have the same vector. I believe this is necessary for the team to become stronger from here. I myself am twenty years old and have less experience compared to other players, but I think unifying everyone's thoughts is the key to eliminating simple mistakes.
Q, there was also talk about challenges, but I feel that player Tawara Tsumita is leading Tokyo's side attack throughout the game.
A, to be honest, I haven't been able to show goals or assists in recent matches, so I can't say anything with confidence, but I want to lead Tokyo's left side and side attacks. I firmly have the feeling that I "have to do it."
Q, there are no away goals in this tournament, and multiple goals will be required in the second match.
A, I want to eliminate conceding goals, maintain the momentum of attacking to score multiple goals, and play in a way that energizes the team. To advance to the play stage, we must not be on the defensive but always be aggressive and take action.
<Riki HARAKAWA>
Q: Please review the game, as you came on as a substitute in the second half.
A, since the opponent was applying man-to-man pressure, I think I should have done better at firmly connecting with my teammates after receiving the ball, and also creating time in the open game situation—making more plays that could be key moments.
Q, it became a play in a position like a top under.
A, I am not the type to break forward, so I want to keep touching the ball as much as possible. Since the team as a whole makes many quick attacks forward, when I am on the field, I focus on becoming a ball connector and playing in a way that can push the entire team forward.
Q, What were you aware of regarding the opponent's system?
A, Since they were defending man-to-man, I thought that if I could get past one player, it would create a chance. By coordinating with Diego OLIVEIRA and being able to play while touching the ball more myself. I wish I had played by taking better positions so that I could receive the ball more often.
Q, How will you prepare for the second game?
A, I think we need to take more seriously the fact that we have not been able to win against top teams in the league. Recently, we have not been able to beat higher-ranked teams in the league such as Nagoya Grampus, Gamba Osaka, and Sanfrecce Hiroshima, so I believe the entire team needs to recognize this reality more and work on improving it. Being aware that it connects to the league, by facing Hiroshima and securing a victory, I think it will lead not only to success in the Levain Cup but also in the league matches.
