<Last Match Review: Tokyo Verdy>
In an absolutely crucial match, the blue and red goalkeeper showed an overwhelming presence.
Home game for Tokyo Verdy in the 27th round of the Meiji Yasuda J1 League. The game, held at Ajinomoto Stadium, gathered a crowd of 39,921 people and Tokyo started attacking from the beginning.
Connecting the ball while observing the situation and spreading it to the sides, increasing possession without forcing the play. Takahiro KO and Ryotaro ARAKI created the rhythm in the center, taking control while utilizing Diego OLIVEIRA's hold-up play.
However, as they struggled to shake the goal net, the game gradually shifted to the opponent's pace. In the second half, they faced numerous dangerous situations, but it was Taishi Brandon NOZAWA who stood in their way. He locked down the Tokyo goal and prevented several decisive chances.
If you deflect the opponent's header with a sideways jump, you can make a big save by stretching your right hand to the ball that was combined in the center from the corner kick. You show a great reaction to the difficult shot that bounces once. In addition, even at the end of the game, we faced a desperate pinch from a counterattack, but player Nozawa slightly changed the course and the ball went out of the frame.
His figure is truly that of a "guardian deity". His presence in front of the goal and the sense of security that he is the last line of defense only grows stronger with each game. Once he gets going, he can't be stopped. He should be able to stop the next one too──. He is becoming a player who can instill such a feeling in the hearts of those who watch. However,
"Even if our attack doesn't go well, everyone has the determination to not let it happen today, and we were able to defend by putting our bodies on the line. (In regards to shooting) We can play aggressively with the mindset of "bring it on" and "I'll stop it". We always have a desire to improve and there is still more we can do. While we have a good feeling, we haven't been able to win in matches and I want to become a player who can have a positive impact on the team. As a team, there are times when we have to be patient, so for now, I will focus on doing what I can as a goalkeeper."
This year, the young goalkeeper who grew up in the academy and experienced the AFC Asian Cup as a member of the Japan national team and the Paris Olympics as a member of the U-23 Japan national team, continues to fight with even more ambition to reach higher levels.
The game ended scoreless at full time. In a crucial match where we desperately wanted a win, we were unable to secure it even with the help of Nogawa's fine save, and ended up with a disappointing draw.
Match Preview
It will be a game where the team's pride and rebound mentality will be tested, with the blue and red as the driving force.
The three games since the resumption have resulted in 1 draw and 2 losses. They have yet to score a goal. In the previous match, they lost 0-3 to Kawasaki Frontale, and in the last match, they ended in a scoreless draw against Tokyo Verdy. It's a tough situation at a time when they wanted to gain momentum after the league resumed. In order to close the gap with the top teams and for the team to come together and move forward, this match is a must-win game.
First of all, it is expected that the attacking unit, which has been unable to score, will rise up. It is unclear what kind of lineup will be formed in this game, but it is certain that each player has a high level of ability. The first step is to see how these abilities can be combined on the pitch. In this combination, the key is how to "multiply" the players' strengths. We hope to see the players cleverly fight while reading the flow of the game, and expect to see them in action.
Kashiwa Reysol, who will face Kyoto Sanga F.C., is currently in 16th place with 8 wins, 7 draws, and 12 losses. They may seem like a struggling team in the lower ranks just by looking at their ranking, but since their match against Kyoto Sanga F.C. on June 26th in the 20th round, they have made a comeback with 5 wins, 2 draws, and 1 loss. It is clear that the main factor for this improvement is their attacking force, including new foreign players.
Rafael Elias, who joined before the break, has scored 5 goals in 5 games since joining. He achieved a hat-trick in the previous match against Cerezo Osaka. Since his arrival, the team has increased their scoring power with 10 goals in 4 games. In addition, both Marco Tulio and Taichi Hara, who came from the Seiko Academy, continue to be involved in goals with their aggressive play. Truly a top 3 with destructive power in the league. Kyoto at the moment should be seen as a very dangerous opponent, not fitting their current ranking.
In late June, Takuji YONEMOTO transferred on loan from Nagoya Grampus and has been making his presence known as a defensive midfielder. Additionally, Kiyoshi OKUMA, who previously served as the manager for the blue and red team, has taken on the role of GM mid-season. He has acquired new players and brought Kyoto back up. It may be a nostalgic reunion, but we must overcome them and push forward towards victory.
As Tokyo, we want to first take the goal while carefully taking care of the opponent's attacking team. The match will kick off at 19:00 on August 24th (Sat) at SANGA STADIUM by KYOCERA. The blue and red army will face the frustration so far and will invade Kyoto with the accumulated feelings to release them away.
[Interview with Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q, What did you emphasize this week while being far from victory?
A, of course, there is frustration in not being able to secure a victory, and this is something that all players and staff feel. We cannot escape from these emotions and results. We must overcome this situation. We just need to improve and develop our way of playing. First, we are focusing on expressing a good performance as a team in the match against Kyoto Sanga F.C. Even when we are on a winning streak, I would probably be saying something similar.
Q, What is the most important point to improve?
A, This is a very difficult question. During a match, there are various situations and points, and I feel that many of them are equally important. I believe it is essential for the team to achieve overall improvement and deliver their full performance.
Q, this week's match is against Kyoto. It will be a match against a team that has shown good form in their recent games.
A, I think they are a team riding a good wave. For us, it is an away match and will be a very tough game. Kyoto tends to launch attacks in a direct manner. Winning the battles for the ball and quick transitions are the most demanded aspects in this match. Fighting sharply and not losing in key moments will be our advantage. We will boldly exploit the opponent’s spaces without fear.
Q, Kyoto's top three have a strong individual ability. Please tell us what is required on the defensive side.
A, It is important not to let them hold the ball in dangerous areas and to prevent the ball from reaching them. Football demands various challenges both offensively and defensively. Within that, we want to fully execute our own rules, respond alertly, and finish the match without conceding any goals.
[Player Interview]
Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
Q, it will be a tough away game. How will you approach the match?
A, During this week's training, each player worked with a good atmosphere in preparation for the match against Kyoto Sanga F.C., and as with any match, we are strongly focused on the mindset of "winning." I believe that this awareness of wanting to improve will connect positively to the match.
Q, What kind of play is required of the team against Kyoto?
A, they are an opponent that comes at you aggressively with a compact formation and strong challenges for the ball. First and foremost, we need to surpass them in that kind of battle. As a team, we want to actively target the space behind their defense, and when we get chances, we aim to commit numbers in front of goal to score. Although I play the position of goalkeeper, I want to be mindful of contributing effectively from the back to embody the team's intentions.
Q, 2 out of the last 3 games have been shutouts. Please tell us what is required on the defensive side.
A, First of all, we must not allow easy penetration in front of the goal. Even if the opponent takes a deep position, the whole team, centered on the defenders, wants to demonstrate calm responses and the patience to push them back. I myself will continue to give instructions and encourage positive play through coaching and communication.
<Tsuyoshi OGASHIWA>
Q, I think that "scoring ability" will be the key to the game against Kyoto Sanga F.C.
A, there were also matches with clean sheets like the games against Gamba Osaka and Tokyo Verdy, but we couldn’t score, and in soccer, you can’t win without scoring goals. As a forward, I reflect on the ongoing scoreless streak, and to change this unfavorable trend, I want to cherish the mindset and attitude of fighting to score no matter what. During the period leading up to the Kyoto match, I intend to confirm our attacking patterns while playing with gritty determination.
Q, in the recent game, the defense has been fighting hard with Taishi Brandon NOZAWA as the center player.
A, I feel the defense has been working hard, but I also think it is not a good situation for the team (especially for the attacking players) that the post-match hero interviews after both the Gamba Osaka and Tokyo Verdy games were with Nozawa. Defensively, we need to block shots before Nozawa has to make the save, and offensively, the attackers need to score goals. The entire team must play with a sense of urgency. We want to secure goals properly and make it so that the attackers can be the ones receiving the hero interviews, contributing to the victory in the match.
Q, please give us your enthusiasm for the upcoming game that you want to win.
A, although the opponent has momentum, I believe that attacking with courage will lead to goals and victory. We have had a series of scoreless games, but I want to focus on playing with the courage to go for the goal.
