Match Preview
The minimum requirement for AkaAo to advance to the prime round is just a victory in 90 minutes.
Last Wednesday, Tokyo welcomed Sanfrecce Hiroshima at Ajinomoto Stadium for the first round of the J.League YBC Levain Cup playoffs.
After starting the game with an aggressive approach, we conceded the first goal in the 10th minute and then lost the ball from a press during the kickoff, resulting in a second goal for the opponent. It was a devastating two minutes of consecutive goals. In the 25th minute of the first half, Diego OLIVEIRA scored a goal to bring us back one point, but unfortunately, we ended up losing the game 1-2.
However, the winner of the playoff round will be determined by the total results of two matches, so the game has only finished the "first half". It will now be a battle in the "second half" played away.
Manager Peter CKLAMOVSKI also commented on the team's performance after the first game in the press conference, saying, "I told the players that 'it's only halftime, we still have the second half to play.' We will aim for a victory in the next away game. We had many good chances and I believe they can do it."
Let's review the tournament regulations again. In the playoff round, which will be played home and away, the away goals will not be given priority. The team with the most wins or the team with a higher goal difference in the two matches will advance. In other words, for Tokyo, who lost the first match 1-2, it is necessary to end the 90 minutes with at least a one-goal lead. If they win by two or more goals, they will advance straight to the next round. If they win by one goal, the fate of the match will be decided by a penalty kick shootout after two 15-minute halves of extra time.
Diego's comeback goal will have a significant impact towards the second half, as the total score of the two games becomes crucial. If a victory by a margin of two or more goals is necessary within 90 minutes, it will be difficult to control the game. Soma ANZAI commented, "Diego's goal brought us back and led us to the next step. As long as we win in total, there's no problem and there's no point in looking down. We haven't lost yet. Even with a one-goal victory, we can go into extra time and as long as we win in total, it's good."
Looking back at the Semifinal Round of the Levain Cup in the 2021 season against Nagoya Grampus. In the first match, we scored one goal back in the second half's added time from 0-2, but immediately conceded again, allowing a third goal. Although we won the second match by one goal, we could not advance. Go HATANO, who was actually on the pitch during that match, recalled, "I thought the next goal would be important after it became 1-2. In that sense, it was good that we were able to defend. However, since we conceded two goals, I want to prepare properly once again," tightening his focus for the next match while reflecting on past lessons.
Hiroshima is expected to use their strong hard press and solid blocks to their advantage. How they navigate through that and finish their chances will likely determine the outcome of the match.
In the first match, there were scenes where Teruhito NAKAGAWA created big chances but couldn't shake the net, so he said, "We have to finish when we have the chance. We have no choice but to go for the win. How much can we show our attitude to go for the goal away from home? I think we can create more chances, the problem is the quality of the finish. Personally, I want to go into the goal area with more power and ignite the flame for victory."
And in the first match, Shuhei TOKUMOTO, who finally got a chance to play on the pitch, shone. Those words are surely the consensus of everyone.
"I have been believing in my chances in the Levain Cup, even though I haven't had many opportunities to play. I think I was able to show my strengths. There are no players who are looking down, and everyone has a strong desire to do their best. We addressed the issue of the second goal in the locker room. Tel-kun (player Nakagawa) said firmly in a serious atmosphere, "What are we going to do about it!" and we have already fixed it. If we can win in Hiroshima and advance, we can erase the loss in the first match. We want to tighten up as a team so that we won't be told "we don't have any national team players" again."
Currently, Tokyo has produced 6 players for each age group of the Japan national team (Kashif BANGNAGANDE returned to Japan on the 8th due to injury), but the special feature of this season is that no matter who plays, they are able to express high-quality soccer. In order to prove the team's progress so far, past lessons, and overall quality, they must absolutely advance in the playoffs.
The second match at away Hiroshima, starting with a one-point deficit. It is expected to be an exciting match until the end. We hope to approach the cup with a positive and daring Tokyo style, without getting impatient or careless.
[Interview with Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q, How will you approach the second match against Sanfrecce Hiroshima?
A, I see this as halftime. I think it will be an exciting match where the total result of the two games is at stake. We want to continue the positive aspects we showed in the first match. In that game, we allowed the opponent to score two goals in a short period, giving them an opening. Of course, there is frustration, but we also demonstrated performances that created scenes where we scored one goal back, caught up, and overtook them. We will firmly internalize the good parts that emerged during the match and proceed with good preparation and readiness to fight again. We will go to win the second match.
Q, even though we are behind 1-2, it can also be seen as a clear point to go for the win by scoring.
A, We are simply going for the win. That holds true regardless of the result of the first match. Our mindset to win, our approach to the game, and our mentality will not change at all. We believe there is no change in thoroughly preparing and giving everything we have. To achieve results, we must fully exert our own strength. That is where our focus lies. If we can properly express our style of play, it will become a threat to Hiroshima.
Q, Player Riki HARAKAWA, who came on in the second half, expressed his play that added an accent to the attack.
A, He did a very good job. Of course, we understand that he himself is hungry for playing time and wants to increase his minutes on the field, but he expressed the team's mentality through his play. He set a good example on the pitch of the attitude of "whoever comes on, works hard on the pitch."
After practice, it was seen that Q had a conversation with player Leon NOZAWA.
A, we reviewed the second half moments, how he felt at that time, and how he can improve and grow from here. We have been making improvements and corrections through practice so far, and I believe it is just a matter of continuing. Nozawa is a player who senses opportunities and has the ability to break forward. Connecting such chances to goals is a key point that forward players must do. In that scene, I believe the entire stadium's attention was focused on Nozawa, and many spectators must have stood up. When faced with such an exciting moment, it is about how calmly and mentally controlled one can be. After that, it is just a matter of accumulating practice to deepen the image of scoring goals and promoting growth. And when the shot he takes shakes the net, I hope he will fully release all the emotions he has been holding back until now. Step by step, I believe he is a player who can grow even more.
[Player Interview]
Takahiro KO
Q, the first match against Sanfrecce Hiroshima ended in a disappointing defeat.
A, looking back on the entire match, I don't think there were only bad moments, but the way we started the game, the transitions after restarts, and conceding multiple goals are issues that need to be addressed and corrected. This awareness has been shared throughout the team, and we want to approach the match on the 9th with thorough preparation once again.
Q, please tell me the important things in it.
A, we must go for the win, and absolutely cannot concede any more goals. To score multiple goals, as midfield players, we want to maintain the balance between offense and defense and encourage plays that increase our intensity.
Q, tactical maneuvering is also expected.
A, in the first match, we had more possession time compared to previous games, but throughout the game, I felt there were few passes aimed behind the opponent's defense. I believe the key point will be how we can break through their high defensive line. Since the opponent still has the impression of playing against us, flexible responses on the pitch will also be required.
Henrique TREVISAN
Q, In the first match, please tell us about the characteristics and impressions you felt when playing against Sanfrecce Hiroshima.
A, the team as a whole has high quality and a very well-balanced offense and defense. As seen in the league matches where they concede few goals, I felt their defense is solid and strong. On the attacking side, we need to be cautious in the second match about their counterattacks that utilize players with high ability up front. In the next game, if we concede the first goal, it will become very difficult to control the match. As a defender, I want to focus on defensive stability and keeping a clean sheet.
Unfortunately, the first game at home was a disappointing match and ended in a tough result. The game on the 9th will be a difficult away game, but there is a great chance to advance to the next stage. We will fight for victory and nothing else.
Q: Please tell us the key points on defense as we approach the second game.
A, In the first match, we conceded goals easily in a short period of time. Corrections are essential, including the transitions and restarts after kickoffs. We want to thoroughly reinforce the team's defensive principles and communication among the defenders once again, and support from the back line so that the team can score before the opponent.
Q, in order to advance to the prime round, a victory with multiple goals is required in the second match.
A, since we have no choice but to win, I want to maintain compact positioning from the back line to the front so that we can play aggressively for the full 90 minutes through effective communication. I also aim to score from set pieces myself, and while committing more players to the attack, I want to contribute with resilient defense by not easily losing one-on-one battles and physically preventing the opponent from having freedom.
<Tetsuhiro OKA>
Q, what preparations are you making for the absolute condition of winning in order to advance to the prime round?
A, as Peter CKLAMOVSKI also mentioned, I believe that only the first half has ended. We will head away to fight the second half, but when I play, I think it is necessary to keep a clean sheet and win. If we do not proceed with the match without conceding, the evaluation of the defense line, and more broadly the evaluation of the entire team, will not improve, so I want to make that the premise.
Q, have you gained a good sense from the games you have played without losing?
A, I am always able to maintain a positive mindset, so I intend to play for the team’s victory no matter the situation. I haven’t been able to start in league matches yet, so I want to make a strong impression and connect that to league play as well. However, above all, I believe that winning the upcoming match is the most important thing.
Q, I think it will be necessary to bring out the strengths of Teppei OKA in order to lead the team to victory.
A, Sanfrecce Hiroshima uses a three-back system, and I believe that if we can deliver passes behind their defense, it will create opportunities. We didn’t see much of that in the previous match, so I want to make effective use of that space. First, I plan to focus on the farthest area with the aim of scoring a goal.
Q, please give us your enthusiasm for the second game.
A, a clean sheet victory is the fundamental expectation for a defensive player. On top of that, I want to connect my strengths, such as long passes, to scoring goals. I will prepare well, perform at my best, and contribute to the team’s victory.
