<Previous Match Review: Albirex Niigata>
Finally arrived.
Zero temperature finally scored a goal.
The long-awaited first goal in the J1 League was a brilliant shot that ended a three-game losing streak. It was also a farewell blow to a fellow teammate who joined the team at the same time. This season, he has missed numerous big chances and felt frustrated, but he continued to work hard without giving up. This was the moment when his efforts finally paid off.
In the 33rd minute of the second half, with a score of 1-0, Kei Koizumi runs up the right side with a sharp counterattack. The opposing defense only has two players, excluding the goalkeeper. As Leon Nozawa sprints towards the goal on the opposite side, a vast space opens up in front of him.
"During the run, I made eye contact with Kei-kun. I believed that he would definitely put the ball between the final line and the goalkeeper, so I just ran with all my might and pushed it in with my feelings."
The cross sent from the right side is sharp and delivered precisely to the feet. There was too much time and space before the shot, and in the past, I might have been nervous and missed the opportunity. However, he was different on this day.
"I thought I could play naturally today. I was definitely nervous, but we had trained for similar situations during practice, so it was the scenario I had envisioned. Because I had prepared for it, I was able to regain my usual self."
Breaking through the near side with precise steps, using the right foot on the inside. The player reflects, "I just hit it. I pushed it in with my feelings." However, it was a technical shot that hit the bottom left corner of the goal. As the net shook, his mind went blank.
"It's not just happiness, but also a sense of relief that I was finally able to respond to everyone's support, the excitement when I scored, and my emotions were all over the place," said the 20-year-old hero, on the verge of tears. "If I cry here, I'll become known as a crybaby," he realized and desperately held back his tears, running straight to the Tokyo goal end where the fans and supporters who always cheered him on were waiting.
"I was able to score a goal in the midst of struggling and enduring difficult times, despite having many chances to do so in the past. It's because of the support and encouragement from my teammates that I am able to receive such kind words. I believe it's something that I wouldn't hear if I were alone. I must use this motivation to deliver results. I think it's a chance for both myself and the team to come together as one."
In addition, it was decided that Kuryu MATSUKI would leave the team for the procedures related to his overseas transfer after this match. He was also a close friend and teammate of Nozawa.
"We talked as a team about sending him off with a good feeling. Personally, it was a great motivation for me and it's sad to see him go, but as a teammate, I can't afford to lose. I want to work hard and become a presence that can lead the team even more, while competing with him. In general, I might seem younger, and he is probably seen as someone who is on a completely different level. But I think it's positive to feel frustrated and I have to surpass him. If we can stand side by side and play together at an even higher level."
Finally took a big step forward.
After the game, in the mix zone, he smiled awkwardly and said, "I'm sorry for being late," and showed a smile, saying, "I finally made it to the starting line."
"I came here thinking that if I could just get one, I would aim for even higher and keep taking them. Scoring there is what a striker does, and I want to continue playing as a striker. I think this goal will give me confidence."
After the circle of joy was broken behind the goal, he showed off his goal performance by spreading his right hand and putting his left hand to his ear.
"I've been doing it since last season, but it's my first time in Tokyo. It's a performance with the meaning of wanting to hear more praise and support from everyone by making them happy with a goal. I wanted to do it when I scored a goal, so I want to increase those opportunities from here on out."
After receiving the transfer of my teammates, I became strongly aware that I had to do it myself. I am grateful to the fans and supporters who supported me with strict yet warm voices, and to the staff who stayed with me for extra practice. In order to meet the expectations of those around me, I scored my first goal in the J1 League, which I had been waiting for more than anyone else. The unforgettable goal I scored in front of the large crowd at the Japan National Stadium will surely be a major turning point for him.
Match Preview
In the previous match, Tokyo won 2-0 against Albirex Niigata at the Japan National Stadium, stopping their official match losing streak at three. This game was also the final match for captain Kuryu MATSUKI, who announced he would leave the team due to procedures related to an overseas transfer, and served as a farewell match for Taishi Brandon NOZAWA and Ryotaro ARAKI, who will participate in the Paris Olympics. In front of a large crowd of 57,885, which set a new record for the highest attendance at a J1 League match at the Japan National Stadium, they brilliantly secured the victory.
The blue and red team showed their determination in a must-win game. They compacted their defense and midfield from the beginning, shutting down Niigata's passing game and expanding their lead with sharp counterattacks while controlling the ball according to the flow of the game. Scenes of controlling the pace while connecting passes with the goalkeeper were seen multiple times, and being able to adapt to the game situation was also a positive aspect.
And in the final stage, Leon NOZAWA, a player of J1 League, finally marked his first goal. It was a result that can be expected in the future as an attacker of the same generation as Matsuki player finally shook the net.
The Meiji Yasuda J1 League, which will enter a two and a half week break after this round. The last match before the break will be an away game against Kashima Antlers. The opponent's manager is Ranko POPOVIC, who once fought together in blue and red and also challenged the Asian stage. In the Tokyo era, the brilliant possession football was symbolic, but now they adopt a style that focuses on short counters from high press. Leading Kashima from this season, they have achieved a record of 12 wins, 5 draws, and 6 losses, placing them in 4th position.
In addition, Kashima has acquired former Japan national team player Kentaro Sanematsu, who has been playing in Portugal and Belgium this week, on a full transfer. The large-sized midfielder, who returns to his old club, has already completed his player registration and will be able to play from the Tokyo match at the earliest. As a player with high abilities in both offense and defense, it is necessary to be cautious when using him.
For Tokyo, the absence of three players, Matsuki, Araki, and Taishi, will be a challenge. However, when they were absent during the Olympic qualifiers from April to May, the team still managed to achieve three consecutive wins and produce solid results. This season, the players who have taken the field have each played a role in the team's success, showcasing the true essence of Tokyo. The first step is to secure a victory against Kashima away, and then aim for a top position while entering the break in good form.
[Interview with Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q, I think the 2 goals against Albirex Niigata were highly reproducible plays. Do you feel satisfied with how your aim was successfully executed?
A, There are several patterns within the team to exploit spaces and the opponent’s area. Both goals came from hard work, with each player positioning themselves while recognizing their roles. I believe it was a sequence of plays that was difficult for the opponent to stop. This is proof that each player has grasped the intended strategy. However, what needs improvement is the use of space during attacks. It is necessary to increase the time controlling the ball while skillfully exploiting the opponent’s spaces.
Q, In the second half of the Niigata match, there was also a time when the defensive block dropped a little in position.
A, that is also part of football and something that can happen during a match. In the second half, there were moments when we lost control of the ball. If we had been able to find the opponent’s spaces and move the ball accordingly, I believe we could have maintained possession for longer. The fact that we couldn’t do that, combined with Niigata being a team skilled at retaining possession, was one of the reasons why our defensive workload increased. It is important to accept and fight through difficult periods that can occur during a match. However, improvement is essential. I believe that by not losing the ball easily and by utilizing space, we can push the entire team forward.
Q, I think that a sense of balance that increases the number of chance creations and the time to hold the ball will be particularly demanded in the future.
A, It is important to proceed efficiently in attack. When holding the ball, simply keeping it is naturally not interesting for the viewers. While maintaining control, it is essential not to lose the awareness of moving forward. This forward awareness adds depth to our attack. I believe overall control creates effective plays.
[Player Interview]
＜Kei KOIZUMI＞
Q, Please review the Albirex Niigata match.
A, we were in a situation of consecutive losses, so it was a match where we absolutely wanted to win. Throughout the entire match, I focused on playing with a clear mindset. The opponent wasn’t weak enough to allow us to build up in every scene and score, so I also consciously created situations to head toward the goal without too many touches. Additionally, I adjusted the decision during the match on whether to take goal kicks or to play out from the back. On the defensive side, since we knew the opponent would hold the ball, we shared the understanding that it was okay to let them have possession, and we were able to proceed with the match accordingly. That kind of decision-making was good.
Q, What was the intention behind the assist scene for the second goal in the Niigata match that led to an additional point?
A, The fact that the defensive midfielder makes a forward run was something discussed even before the match, so I believe that effectively utilizing that space as planned led to the goal. Indeed, such forward runs tend to disrupt the opponent’s formation, increasing the chances of creating opportunities. We want to continue increasing these runs and score more goals.
Q, this will be the last game before the league suspension. How will you approach the game?
A, I believe it is important to firmly win against teams ranked above us in order to break into the top competition. Since this is an important match where we can directly reduce the point gap, I want to prepare well and approach it properly.
<Go HATANO>
Q, if you participate, it will be the first league match in a while.
A, the team won the previous match against Albirex Niigata, but I don't think the content was satisfactory. We had been on a losing streak until then, so this time I want to do my best to achieve consecutive wins. From practice, I believe we have been able to communicate well to prevent the defensive block from dropping too deep, and I want to make use of the lessons learned from the last match.
Q, Wasn't the frustration of not being able to play in the game also significant?
A, rather than frustration, I feel a sense of responsibility for myself. If given the chance to play, I want to fully engage in the match and express everything I have.
Q, it will be a match against the top-ranked Kashima Antlers.
A, they are currently in 4th place, but I feel that every team in this season's J1 League is at a high level. I want to play calmly without getting overly excited. I aim to lift the team from the back and help with my play and voice during tough moments.
<Kosuke SHIRAI>
Q: In the match against Albirex Niigata, we recorded the highest number of sprints (26 times) in Sec. 23 of the J1 League. I believe our dedication greatly contributed to the victory.
A, it was a match where the opponent held possession of the ball for a long time, but I believe that patiently defending and scoring at the right timing led to the victory. Personally, it might have been more of a match where I was “made to run” rather than actively running, but there were also moments where I was able to utilize my defensive strengths. Regarding sprints, I want to be more conscious from the next match onward to demonstrate that power even more in attack.
Q, What measures and care are important in tough matches during the summer?
A, matches in the summer are tough and tend to become battles of endurance. When facing a team like Niigata that excels at ball possession, it is important not just to play defensively but also for us to maintain possession well and increase the time controlling the game. Teams that are good at keeping the ball dislike having the opponent hold possession. Tokyo has many players capable of hard work, so we can play like we did against Niigata, but we want to focus on making the opponent run, increasing the time we control the attack and the flow of the match. Personally, I am good at playing in summer matches. If the opposing players show signs of fatigue, I want to repeatedly challenge them with sprints that surpass theirs and energize the flanks.
Q, this week's match is against 4th place Kashima Antlers.
A, To aim for the top positions, we cannot afford to lose a single match from here on. We want to secure a solid win against Kashima, who are positioned above us, and narrow the gap with the top teams.
