Match Review
Tokyo is blue and red. The big match to prove it has arrived.
After the break, the blue and red army aimed for their first victory and their first league win in about a month at their home, Ajinomoto Stadium, as they faced off against the "green" team.
This is a game that absolutely requires victory. In the previous match, we lost 0-3 in the Tamagawa Classico against Kawasaki Frontale. Moreover, we have not achieved good results at Ajinomoto Stadium with 2 wins, 4 draws, and 5 losses, and both the coach and players are expressing their desire to respond to the fans and supporters with a victory.
The game against Tokyo Verdy, which was faced in such a situation. In the previous match, we bounced back from a numerical disadvantage and a 2-point deficit, and brought it to a draw with a tying goal in the second half additional time, but we were unable to secure a victory.
The only thing we seek in this game, which we approach with the revival of the team at stake, is victory. First and foremost, we want to dominate mentally and control the game situation in order to advance the match in our favor.
First, the defense is composed of experienced veterans and players from the academy. At the back, we have Taishi Brandon NOZAWA, with the final line consisting of Kosuke SHIRAI, Kanta DOI, Masato MORISHIGE, and Yuto NAGATOMO from right to left. The holding midfielders are Takahiro KO and Kei KOIZUMI, with Ryotaro ARAKI positioned as the attacking midfielder. The front three feature Diego Oliveira in the center, with Teruhito NAKAGAWA on the right wing and Keita ENDO on the left wing.
The team has struggled with only 1 win in their last 7 official matches, so they want to use this game as a turning point. The match, held as 'FIREWORKS NIGHT supported by Paidy', saw the stadium heat up even before the start. After player introductions with moving lights, the players entered the field against a backdrop of spectacular fireworks, with the stands turning blue and red from the supporters behind the goal. They kicked off in the best atmosphere.
1st HALF - Unable to convert chances into goals despite holding onto the ball
With the support of a large home crowd, Tokyo started the game by connecting passes and attacking. Attacking midfielder Araki, who made his first start after the Paris Olympics, and defensive midfielder Takahashi controlled the ball in the center, creating a rhythm for the attack while utilizing Diego's post play. Right-back Shirai's powerful vertical dribbling also added an accent to the attack.
In the first half, the possession was blue and red, and the counter was green, and Tokyo was the first to create a big chance. In the 25th minute of the first half, Endo, who had brought the ball up in the center, took a ground middle shot with his right foot. This narrowly missed the goal to the left, but Tokyo continued to push and threaten the opponent's goal.
A scoring opportunity was created from a skillful build-up using player Nozawa in the 33rd minute of the first half. When Nozawa received the ball while passing it around the final line, right back player Shirai took a position inside and received a pass, then turned and passed it to right side player Nakagawa. At this point, player Diego made a run into the space behind to draw the opponent player, and Nakagawa took a cut-in and shot with his left foot. The ball hit the opponent defender and changed direction, missing the goal, but it was a typical Tokyo-style attack with sharp passing skills that showed their attacking prowess in the enemy's territory.
In the 42nd minute of the first half, Tokyo V welcomes a chance from a turbulent development from left to right. Saito player met Matsuyama player's left cross from the far side, but the shot went outside the frame. It was almost a scene, but Nozawa player also firmly blocked the near course, and succeeded in escaping danger here.
Tokyo, who couldn't finish while taking the lead. While wanting to score the first goal in the early stages of the game while controlling the pace, on the other hand, they showed a sense of urgency and risk management that is unique to important games, such as solid defense against the opponent's counterattacks.
In the end, the first half ended scoreless after two minutes of additional time, and the fate of the game was carried over to the second half. The players returned to the locker room, encouraged by the chant from the fans and supporters behind the goal, "We can't lose to Verdy! Let's show them our strength!"
2ndHALF - Big saves from Daiji lead to a scoreless draw
In the second half, a sudden big pinch is invited. Tokyo V's Matsuyama player crosses from the counter. Oshinaga player who ran into the far side directly matched, but the shot did not meet.
And there is a chance after the pinch. Connecting at the final line and waiting for a chance, multiple players break through the left side from the midfield with one touch and pass to Endo in the center. Araki receives this and makes a move, finishing with his right foot. Although it hits the opponent who entered the block and misses the frame, a brilliant attack full of technique and speed is shown.
Tokyo, who took the lead in the second half by attacking the goal behind the blue and red, showed their skill in choosing to "reset" without forcing themselves to make a move while firmly holding onto the ball and expanding to the sides. The areas that have been identified as challenges have been consciously addressed, and the team's growth is evident in their performance.
Intense ball play, skillful game management, and solid risk management are all expressed, leaving only the task of scoring goals. The period of wanting to score goals quickly continues.
The defense also showed a concentrated play. In the 23rd minute of the second half, they allowed a diving header to a free player in the opponent's penalty area, but here, player Julian made a big save by diving sideways. In the 30th minute of the second half, they were hit by a decisive header from the opponent's corner kick, but again player Julian made a super save by reaching out his right hand to a difficult ball that bounced near him. All players on the pitch continued to play with concentration and pushed forward towards victory.
An accident occurred in Tokyo here. The ball hit the side of player Morishige's head as he blocked the opponent's shot and he fell down. It was worrying as he seemed to have lost consciousness, but he raised his hand and reacted when he was carried off on a stretcher. This resulted in a concussion substitution, with player Oka Teppei replacing Morishige. In addition, in the 41st minute of the second half, player Nakamura Hotaka was sent in as a right back, replacing Nagatomo, and the formation was changed with Shirai moving to the left side.
In the 42nd minute of the second half, the opponent's counter attack caused a dangerous situation, but Yamaomi's shot was saved by Nogisawa once again with a big save. He slightly changed the direction and protected the goal.
In the 6th minute of additional time, amidst the loud chants of "We cannot lose to Verdy" from the blue and red supporters behind the goal, a fierce battle was fought on the pitch for the winning goal. However, neither team was able to score and the match ended in a scoreless draw.
It was a fierce battle of determination towards victory, but we were unable to secure a win despite gaining momentum in terms of content. The match, which gathered a crowd of 39,921 at Ajinomoto Stadium, ended in a 0-0 draw.
MATCH DETAILS
<FC Tokyo>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
DF Kosuke SHIRAI, Kanta DOI, Masato MORISHIGE (38th min: Tetsuhei OKA), Yuto NAGATOMO (41st min: Hotaka NAKAMURA)
MF Hiroshi TAKAU (32nd min: Chikara HARAGAWA), Keisuke KOIZUMI, Ryotaro ARAKI (32nd min: Go OBAKASHI)
FW Diego OLIVEIRA, Keita ENDO (25th min: Kota TAWARATSUMIDA), Teruhito NAKAGAWA (25th min: Soma ANZAI)
SUBS
GK Go HATANO
GOAL
―
<Tokyo Verdy>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Mateus
DF Kazuya MIYAHARA, Naoki HAYASHI, Hiroto TANIGUCHI
MF Yuta MATSUMURA (41st minute: Yuuan MATSUHASHI), Akihiro MORITA (21st minute: Tomoya MIKI), Kosuke SAITO, Kiyoshi OKUNAGA
FW Fuki YAMADA (21st minute: Hiroto YAMAMI), Yudai KIMURA (44th minute: Gouki YAMADA), Itsuki SOMENO
SUBS
GK Yuya NAGASAWA
DF Daiki FUKAZAWA
MF Yuto TSUNASHIMA
GOAL
―
[Interview with Peter CKLAMOVSKI, Manager]
Q, please give us an overview of the match.
A, as expected, it was a match where both teams gave their all, given that it was against Tokyo Verdy. From the start of the match, with the passionate support from the fans and supporters, I think both teams fought well until the very end. Regarding our performance, I believe we were able to control the game to some extent until the 70th minute, but our attack needed to be a bit sharper, and we had to be more threatening to the opponent. In the last 20 minutes, we lost control of the game, and it became an open match. The players gave their all to secure the three points, but I am disappointed that we couldn’t bring those three points to our fans and supporters.
Q, Please tell us about the situation of Masato MORISHIGE.
A, first of all, I believe he delivered a truly outstanding performance. I think he calmly moved the ball so that we could control the game. During the time Morishige was on the field, our defense fought very strongly. In the process, the shot hit his head. We now need to receive more information from the medical team. We pray for his safety. Everyone is thinking about him and his family.
Q, I think we were making active player substitutions. Also, the players who played were moving dynamically. What was the reason we couldn't control the game towards the end?
A, I believe the substitute players also made a strong impact as we fought hard until the very end. Today, due to Morishige's substitution because of a concussion, all the players registered as field players appeared in the match. I think every player who took the field tried to make an impact and fought hard, but when the opponent played long balls, we became stretched out, which caused us to lose control of the game. However, I believe the players gave everything they had. We want to continue the good parts of the performance we showed today and work on training to improve the areas that need improvement.
[Player Interview]
Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
Q: He made a great save and contributed greatly to the team's clean sheet. Please review the game.
A: I think the team performed very well in the first half. However, in the second half, the game opened up, and we need to improve on the moments when loose balls were picked up and we were pushed back. Even so, everyone on the team put their bodies on the line in front of the goal, and in the end, as the goalkeeper, I also put my body on the line to keep a clean sheet, which I think is a positive point. That said, we still have to win, and we need to push more towards the opponent’s goal. I believe we have to do more in that regard.
Q, there were many times when we were pushed in and became a little more open around the 30-minute mark in the second half. What was the most important thing you were conscious of?
A, I believed in my teammates that if we could keep a clean sheet until the final stages in that second-half situation, a chance would definitely come.
Q: The members of the 4-back have changed from the previous two rounds. Do you feel any difficulty?
A, Whoever plays, I want to do my best with what I can do at that time. It’s not only about my own preparation, but I also always strive to have a positive influence on my teammates.
Q, Everyone can feel the growth of Taishi Brandon NOZAWA. Has anything changed before and after going to the Paris Olympics?
A, I am truly grateful that I can once again enjoy the soccer I have admired and that I am currently able to play as Tokyo’s goalkeeper. I believe that the desire to take responsibility, grow more, and become an even bigger presence is what is driving my further development. I think I can do even more.
<Kanta DOI>
Q: please review the game.
A, there were both chances and dangers, and as a defender, I’m glad we were able to finish without conceding a goal. However, since this was a match we had to win, I’m frustrated that we couldn’t score. In the second half, there were long periods where we were under attack, but I accepted that we just had to prevent the ball from entering our goal in this match, so I think that part was good.
Q, in the first half, there was also time to possess the ball, but it did not lead to a goal.
A, I made some mistakes myself, but I want to continue challenging myself, so I will keep trying repeatedly and aim to deliver more decisive passes. During times when the team is tired and the overall movement stops, even if just for a moment, there are times when I don’t show up in passing lanes, so I want to call out more and demand more firmly. In those aspects as well, I want to lead the team.
Q, what do you think is necessary to win a game like today?
A, in terms of offense, I think we need more presence in front of the goal. This applies not only to balls played vertically into space but also to the lack of presence when entering the goal area during set plays. Defensively, we kept a clean sheet, but thanks to Taishi Brandon NOZAWA stopping two or three clear chances from the opponent, so we need to eliminate those clear chances altogether.
Q, we have been having a tough game. What preparations will you make for the next match?
A, since we have not been able to score in three consecutive matches, personally, I want to become a player who can deliver decisive passes. As a team, to create more chances, I believe everyone needs to run more and move more. I want to do what I can properly and approach the next match with that mindset.
<Kei KOIZUMI>
Q: Please review the game, I think it was a tough 90 minutes.
A: As expected, given that the match was played in the heat, we consciously played the first half by holding onto the ball a bit, extending the time we had possession, and calming things down where needed. However, of course, we still had to go for the opportunities we aimed for, and in the team meeting, we also discussed targeting spaces. I think it would have been better if individuals, including myself, had made more forward runs in those situations. Also, in the second half, when the ball went to the sides, I believe we needed an additional run behind the defense.
Q, It's a tough situation without any wins in 4 games, but how do you view the important points that must be taken into account, including the next match against Kyoto Sanga F.C.?
A: I believe that intensity, battles for the ball, and the passion for matches like this need to become the standard level every time. Within that, as a team, we want to be able to flexibly adapt to how we defend and how we break down the opposition’s defense in attack, depending on the opponent. This applies both to the team as a whole and to individuals. With 11 matches remaining, it’s about whether we join the fight for a higher position or get dragged into the battle at the bottom. We will stay aware of our current position and proceed with a strong sense of urgency.
