Match Review
In the previous match, Tokyo suffered their first consecutive losses of the season after narrowly losing to Kashiwa Reysol, and further faced a tough situation as they were defeated in extra time by JEF United Chiba from the J2 League in the Emperor's Cup 3rd Round held midweek, marking three consecutive official match losses.
The match at Japan National Stadium under such circumstances is a perfect opportunity to break the current streak. The game at this sacred ground, where the team has remained undefeated so far, is expected to be a must-win. There was only one change in the starting lineup from the Kashiwa match. Kota TAWARATSUMIDA was replaced by Keita ENDO, who returned to the starting lineup for the first time in about three months, while Kuryu MATSUKI, who will leave the club after this match, waited for his chance on the bench.
1st HALF—Keita, starting in the lineup, meets expectations with a goal
Just like in the match against Kashiwa Reysol a week ago where the opening goal was scored in the 2nd minute, the start of the game was excellent. Yasushi ENDO, positioned on the left wing, became the focal point to develop the attack, and in the 3rd minute of the first half, created the first chance. After winning the ball back from Diego OLIVEIRA's press, ENDO carried it forward and crossed backward. Kosuke SHIRAI, the right back who rushed in, swung his right foot, but the shot was blocked by a defender.
Nevertheless, Tokyo pressed forward boldly and scored the opening goal in the 6th minute of the first half. They connected passes from their own half and broke through the left side. Kei KOIZUMI’s through pass was met by Endo, who carried the ball decisively toward the goal. Upon entering the area, he adjusted the ball and created a shooting angle before striking a powerful shot with his right foot. The fierce shot deflected off the opposing goalkeeper’s hand and shook the back of the net.
Tokyo took the initiative early with the opening goal, but as time passed, the flow of the game settled down. They created opportunities to penetrate the opponent's territory by building up play from the two center backs, Yasuki KIMOTO and Teppei OKA, but it was a period where they struggled to get shots on goal. Conversely, even when Niigata held possession, Tokyo did not allow them to score in the final moments and maintained a clean sheet.
Around the 30th minute of the first half, a mistake in passing in their own half led to a dangerous situation, but Kimoto threw his body to block Taniguchi's shot. From the rebound, they launched a counterattack and created a chance for the third time through Endo's dribbling breakthrough, but the cut-back pass did not reach Diego, so no additional goal was scored.
2nd HALF—The long-awaited Leon goal secures an undefeated record at the New National Stadium
In contrast to the first half, Niigata took control early in the second half with sharp pressure. At the 5th minute of the second half, Tokyo faced a crisis. Their right side was broken down, allowing Taniguchi a shot inside the area, but it went off target, escaping danger. However, immediately after, their goal was threatened again. A feed from Thomas DENG turned the situation around, and from Taniguchi’s one-touch pass, Nagakura broke free unmarked. Yet, Shuhei TOKUMOTO, who had desperately tracked back, closed in and prevented the shot.
In the final moments, Tokyo showed focused defense and maintained their lead, bringing on Matsuki in the 16th minute of the second half. Then, in the 18th minute, there was an immediate highlight. He aimed for a direct free kick, but it went straight to the goalkeeper.
Still, with Matsuki entering the pitch, the flow clearly changed, and in the 28th minute of the second half, Matsuki collected a loose ball in midfield and spread play to the left side. Receiving a return pass from Leon NOZAWA, he took a shot with his favored left foot, showing his eagerness to score.
Then, in the 32nd minute of the second half, Tokyo scored the long-awaited additional goal. After breaking through the right side, Kei KOIZUMI made a speedy cross to a teammate running up on the opposite side, and Nozawa calmly shook the net from the far side in front of the goal, scoring his first J1 League goal and his first professional goal for Tokyo.
Tokyo held on through the displayed 6 minutes of additional time, securing their first league victory in three matches and ending their two-game losing streak in the league. At the moment the final whistle blew, chants for Matsuki resonated from behind the goal.
MATCH DETAILS
<FC Tokyo>
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
DF Kosuke SHIRAI/Yasuki KIMOTO (41st minute 2nd half: Masato MORISHIGE)/Teppei OKA/Shuhei TOKUMOTO
MF Koyo TAKAO/Kei KOIZUMI/Teruhito NAKAGAWA (41st minute 2nd half: Riki HARAKAWA)
FW Diego Oliveira (16th minute 2nd half: Kuryu MATSUKI)/Keita ENDO (26th minute 2nd half: Leon NOZAWA)/Soma ANZAI (41st minute 2nd half: Yuto NAGATOMO)
SUBS
GK Go HATANO
FW Jája Silva
GOAL
6th minute of the first half: Keita ENDO / 33rd minute of the second half: Leon NOZAWA
<Albirex Niigata>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Koto ABE
DF Soya FUJIWARA/Ryo ENDO/Thomas DEN/Yuto HORIGOME
MF Hiroki AKIYAMA/Jyo SHIMADA (38th minute 2nd half: Eiji MIYAMOTO)/Yota KOMI/Kaito TANIGUCHI (31st minute 2nd half: Yuji ONO)
FW Motoki HASEGAWA (31st minute 2nd half: Eitaro MATSUDA)/Mikiki NAGAKURA (38th minute 2nd half: Yoshiaki TAKAGI)
SUBS
GK Daisuke YOSHIMITSU
DF Takumi HASEGAWA/Kazuhiko CHIBA
GOAL
―
[Interview with Peter CKLAMOVSKI, Manager]
Q. Please give us a summary of today’s match.
A. I think it was a good 3 points. The players approached the match with a very positive attitude and gave their utmost effort. Together with the many fans and supporters who came to the Japan National Stadium, we fought as one to send off Kuryu MATSUKI and earned these 3 points. Regarding the first half, I believe there were moments in attack when we produced good plays while in possession, but I think we could have used the spaces available to us a little more effectively. However, even within that, we were able to move well toward the goal. We showed good movement and good link-up play heading toward the goal, which led to scoring, but I think it would have been better if we had attacked using the spaces available to us a bit more from there. In the second half, we had to work hard. I think it would have been better if there had been more periods when we could control the game ourselves. Nevertheless, even within that, it was a positive point that we were able to score the second goal in a shape we designed and finish it off.
I truly want to express my deep gratitude to the fans and supporters who came here today. I believe they became something special not only for the players but also for Matsuki, and I want to deliver this 3 points to them.
Q. Please tell us the reason why Ryotaro ARAKI, who has been selected for the Japan national team for the Paris Olympics, was not included in the squad.
A. There were three matches in seven days. We also had a midweek match, and today was the third consecutive match for us. He has played in many games this season and has delivered excellent performances for us. I believe that because he has played in a way that makes the club proud, he was also selected for the Japan national team. Our decision for today’s match was to use as many fresh players as possible. Araki has been performing very well this season, and we are looking forward to him playing in the Olympics. Of course, the same goes for Taishi Brandon NOZAWA. Araki was a bit tired, so we decided to rest him today and play with fresh players.
Q, Today’s match was held in front of a large crowd of 57,885 people. How was the quality of the football?
A. When we had the ball, we were able to make dangerous plays against the opponent. We want to become that kind of team. Also, we want to be a team that can score by exploiting the opponent’s weaknesses. Regarding today’s match, it would have been better if we had been able to control the game, and if we had, I think we could have been more aggressive. There were moments when our movements and plays flowed well, and I believe we were a threat to the opponent. And the two goals were good. I am also proud that Leon NOZAWA scored the team’s second goal. He fully executed the promises we make and the things we practice every day, and was able to connect that to a goal. The important thing is that we are a team that is growing. We want to continue growing and develop our style of play.
Q. What kind of growth has Kuryu MATSUKI shown on and off the field over the past year and a half?
A. From the very first day I started working with MATSUKI, I have had a passion to bring out the best in this player. This is the same for all the other players as well. His attitude, dedication, and approach are truly inspiring. Perhaps many of you were surprised that he became the captain this season. I believe the quality of leadership he possesses is something special. This has also contributed to his growth as a young player. I truly think he has delivered something very good up to this point. Of course, I believe he always carries the "blue and red" in his heart, and the FC Tokyo club, as well as the entire city of Tokyo, are looking forward to his next chapter.
[Player Interview]
<Kuryu MATSUKI>
Q. You achieved a victory in the match immediately after it was announced that you would be leaving the team.
A. Leon NOZAWA, who is the same age as me, scored his first goal in the J1 League. I know how hard he has worked, and seeing my peer’s success makes me proud that he can go abroad. Before today’s match started, Kei KOIZUMI told everyone, "For Kuryu," and since we were able to win, I can leave the team feeling good.
Q. You came on as a substitute, but what did you focus on when entering the match?
A. When I came on, the score was 1-0, and I intended to extend the lead. Defensively, we had been setting up a block since the first half, so I adapted to that and tried to exert my strength during counterattacks. I will never forget this victory.
Q. Including your participation in training, having been involved with the club Tokyo for nearly three seasons, how do you look back on what you have gained?
A. I don’t think I would have been able to play in matches if it weren’t for Tokyo. Former head coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA consistently started me from the opening game, and coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI appointed me as captain. I truly had a great experience in my career as a soccer player, and I believe this experience will definitely be valuable in the next stage. I want to move forward with my feet firmly on the ground.
Q. When you spoke in front of the fans and supporters, you also mentioned wanting to become a player who leaves a mark in the club’s history.
A. From now on, it will be a battle with myself, and I want to perform overseas in a way that I am recognized as the most outstanding player in Tokyo.
Q. In terms of your play, what did you gain from your time at Tokyo and from serving as captain?
A. I think I have gradually developed the ability to stay calm and control the game. It was very difficult to lead as captain during both good and bad times. It wasn’t just me; with the support of the seniors and juniors, I was able to serve as captain up to this point, and I am truly grateful to Masato MORISHIGE and Koizumi.
Q, Will being able to depart with the support of a large number of fans and supporters become a source of strength for you going forward?
A. While playing, I could see that over 57,000 fans and supporters, including those of Albirex Niigata, had gathered, and I want to spread my wings carrying everyone's expectations on my back.
<Leon NOZAWA>
Q: This was your first goal for Tokyo. Please look back on the scoring scene.
A, That goal was part of the team's plan, where the player on the opposite side makes a run, and I made eye contact with Kei KOIZUMI, so I was certain the ball would come to me. There had been similar chances before that I couldn't finish, so I felt I absolutely had to score this time. Also, it was more about determination than technique that pushed the ball in. Scenes where I missed before flashed through my mind, but I had practiced a lot since then, and this goal was the result of that effort. Truly, many people were cheering for me, and because of that, I was there, the ball came to me, and I was able to score. I want to express my gratitude to the Tokyo players, staff, and most of all, the fans and supporters who have continued to cheer us on until now.
Q, I believe you have gone through many difficult times up until today.
A, Since turning professional, I have truly gone through some very tough seasons. Even so, it is precisely because many people have continuously supported me that I was able to score this goal. I also believe that today’s match became a major turning point for my growth, so I want to view it positively. However, I feel that today I have finally reached the starting line, so I want to keep producing results that contribute to victory in the next match as well.
Q, please share your enthusiasm for the upcoming match against Kashima Antlers.
A, including today, even during the away match in the 2024 J.League YBC Levain Cup, they were singing my chant, and their cheers gave me tremendous strength, so I want to express my gratitude. I was finally able to respond to those cheers with results. It is thanks to the fans and supporters who have continuously supported me up to this point, and I want to repay them even more from now on.
<Keita ENDO player>
Q, please look back on the scoring scene.
A, It was my favored angle. I believe what is expected of me in that situation is to make plays that lead to goals, such as shots or crosses, so I’m glad I was able to finish the shot well in a good position.
Q, It has been a difficult period since the injury.
A, even though I was not able to play in perfect condition, I was allowed to adjust from limited playing time and was able to play without worrying. I’m glad we were able to change the bad streak of consecutive losses in the league matches.
Q, you had a difficult period with three consecutive losses. How did you prepare for today's match?
A, the cheers from the fans and supporters during the three difficult matches against Avispa Fukuoka, Kashiwa Reysol, and JEF United Chiba were the best support, and I was also talking with other players while sitting on the bench. Among us, including the staff, the entire team was unable to respond with results. I believe that today, everyone approached the match with the mindset of fighting for the fans and supporters who came to cheer for us despite our poor performance and loss to Chiba.
Q: I think the upcoming match against Kashima Antlers will be important to improve our ranking. Today, many people came to the game, breaking the club’s record for the highest home attendance. Please give a message to those fans and supporters.
A, Since there is no midweek match, I want to prepare thoroughly and face it with full readiness. Even in situations where the results have not been favorable, it is not something to be taken for granted that fans come to watch our games. It’s not because it’s the Japan National Stadium or Ajinomoto Stadium, but because we have to play soccer for the fans and supporters who cheer for us. I want to play soccer feeling the joy of being able to play, for those who have even a little expectation of us.
<Taishi Brandon NOZAWA>
Q. It was a clean sheet for the first time in a while. How do you look back on the entire match?
A. It was important to secure a definite win, so I’m glad we were able to accumulate points. I believe we are a team that can keep winning, but in recent matches, we made the games difficult for ourselves. Without being too pessimistic about the three consecutive losses, we focused solely on producing results. In that sense, I’m really glad we were able to secure a definite win today.
Q. You had been conceding goals continuously; what aspects did you focus on going into today’s match?
A. On a personal level, there were still many things I needed to learn, and I believe I was lacking in study. Maintaining an attitude of continuous learning is important, but constantly making mistakes and repeatedly learning from conceding goals causes trouble for the team, and I felt that as a goalkeeper, I needed to quickly reach a higher level. That is precisely why I am glad we were able to achieve a victory today. As a team, I believed it was essential to keep communicating with each other and to respect and continuously support the plays each player decided on.
Q. You will be leaving the team soon to join the U-23 Japan national team. What kind of preparations are you making for the national team activities, and what kind of results do you hope to achieve before returning?
A. Since I will be representing Japan, it is difficult to simply express it with the word "weight," but I want to fully understand that I am standing there and fight through it. Regardless of the result, I want to spend the tournament without any regrets like "I wish I had done this differently." Even after returning to Tokyo, the league matches will continue, and I have not given up on the league title at all. From here on, I believe dropping points will make the battle more difficult, so I want to secure victories.
Q. Lastly, please give a message to the fans and supporters who sent you off with loud cheers.
A. Since I am truly being watched closely, I want to show plays that can encourage those who are supporting me, even if just a little. Of course, I believe I must meet the expectations of those cheering for me, so failure is not acceptable. However, it’s not just about good plays; what really matters is how you get back up even when you make mistakes. I hope that those supporting me can find even a small reason to do their best that day.
