Match Review
This is a game we want to win at all costs.
With the interruption period due to the International Match Week over, the 2024 Meiji Yasuda J1 League resumes. Tokyo faced off against Nagoya Grampus at the new Japan National Stadium, where they have never lost in the past.
The team has been away from winning since the match against Albirex Niigata in Sec. 23 held on July 13 (Saturday). In the away game against Sanfrecce Hiroshima in Sec. 29 before the break, affected by Typhoon No. 10, they managed to score two goals in the final moments, stopping the streak of four consecutive matches without scoring, but they did not reach victory. They entered the break with feelings of frustration.
This match is held at the National Stadium, where we have a good track record. The players are fired up to deliver a victory to the fans and supporters who continue to cheer for them.
The starting lineup for Tokyo features goalkeeper Taishi Brandon NOZAWA, with the back line consisting of Keisuke KOIZUMI, Masato MORISHIGE, Henrique TREVISAN, and Teppei OKA from right to left. In the holding midfield, Keigo HIGASHI, making his first start of the league season, pairs with Takahiro KO, while Ryotaro ARAKI is positioned as the attacking midfielder. The front line includes Teruhito NAKAGAWA on the right wing, Kota TAWARATSUMIDA on the left wing, and Diego OLIVEIRA as the lone striker. Additionally, Keita YAMASHITA returns to the official match bench after approximately 1 year and 4 months. Leon NOZAWA, who also made the squad, hopes to shine again at the National Stadium after scoring his first J1 League goal in the match against Niigata in Round 23.
1st HALF - Two goals ahead with Keigo and Diego
A louder-than-usual rendition of "You’ll Never Walk Alone" echoed from behind the goal, tightening the atmosphere at the National Stadium. Additionally, special effect fireworks energized the stadium just before kickoff. The players donned the black third uniform, worn only for this match, and the game kicked off at 7:03 p.m.
First shot is from Tokyo. In the 40th second, they connect the ball from the left side, and player Higashi aims for a mid-range shot.
Tokyo continued to possess the ball while looking for attacking opportunities. The play of both players, who had strong feelings for this match, changed the course of the game. It was in the 13th minute of the first half.
On the left side, player Araki, holding the ball, delivered a sharp pass resembling a cross that sliced through the opponent's defense to the front line. Receiving this, player Nakagawa carried it powerfully into the center and aimed with his right foot, but the opponent's goalkeeper deflected it, and player Higashi was there to capitalize. The veteran duo, who were determined to respond with results, showcased their passionate play, leading Tokyo to successfully score the opening goal. It was the first time since the last match at National against Niigata that the blue and red took the lead. The stadium resonated with chants of "Oh! Keigo HIGASHI!" to celebrate the number 10 who scored the crucial opening goal.
Tokyo continued to push into Nagoya's territory, mixing short and long passes. They showed a focused defensive effort, including Nakagawa's pressing back, and displayed a game where they took control while managing risks against the opponent's counterattacks.
The determination for victory shown by the player wearing number 39. That feeling bears fruit once again. In the 29th minute of the first half, player Nakagawa ran forward to meet a long feed from player Morishige, quickly picking up the ball that the opposing defender failed to clear with his head and dribbling past. He then entered the goal area and was brought down from behind, earning a penalty kick. The kicker is Diego TABA. As usual, he took a few precise steps, deceived the opposing goalkeeper, and sent the ball to the left, making the score 2-0 in the 31st minute of the first half.
The awareness of second balls, which had been a challenge since the resumption, was high, and there were almost no scenes of losing possession due to aggressive plays leading to counters. By firmly tightening the center of the final line, they were able to respond to crosses with stability and clear them effectively.
At the end of 3 minutes of added time in the first half, Tokyo led by 2 points at the break.
2nd HALF - Continuing unbeaten at the National with goals from Yang and Teru
Tokyo made no changes to their lineup, while Nagoya substituted two players at halftime. They approached the second half aiming to continue the momentum from the first half.
The opponent has intensified their attack from the sides, but Tokyo responds calmly. The players on the pitch keep the two-goal lead in mind and control the game without forcing a speed-up even when they regain possession of the ball. They firmly take the initiative and progress the match.
In the 15th minute of the second half, three players were substituted. Kanta DOI, Yasuki KIMOTO, and Keita ENDO were sent onto the pitch to replace the players who scored the opening goal, including the player Higashi, Henrique, and Tawara Tsukita. Kanta DOI was utilized as a left defensive midfielder due to his technical skills.
Tokyo, not easing their offensive efforts, scored their long-awaited first goal in blue and red in the 20th minute of the second half, with the player wearing number 8. Near the penalty arc, Diego TABA and Araki kept possession and spread the play to the left side. Endo made a vertical run, and Takahashi came rushing in from the far side to strike with his right foot. The sharp trajectory pierced the goal net, securing Tokyo's decisive third goal in the match. For Takahashi, who had scored a 'phantom middle shot' (ruled out for a foul in the preceding play) in the Sec. 6 match against Urawa Reds at the National Stadium, this was the long-awaited first goal in blue and red. After scoring, he dashed towards the goal area, expressing his joy by making a strong fist pump with both hands while hitting the emblem on his chest with his right hand. The fans and supporters in the goal area shared the moment of joy with chants of 'Vamos! Yan.'
In the 31st minute of the second half, a powerful shot from the left side was taken by Kasper JUNKER, who scored a hat-trick in the previous match, but here, Taishi Nozawa made a fine save with one hand. The defense firmly supports the attack's performance.
In the 33rd minute of the second half, Leon NOZAWA was brought in as a right winger to replace Araki. Nakagawa took the position of attacking midfielder. This positional change led to further excitement at National. Having fought hard on both offense and defense since the first half, number 39, who contributed to two goals, experienced a moment of joy.
It was in the 35th minute of the second half. From a quick counterattack, player Endo carried the ball forward and made a through pass. Player Nakagawa, who broke free, struck a powerful left-footed shot from a dribble to score the fourth goal. He placed his hands over his ears as he headed towards the goal area, stopping there to fully absorb the cheers while listening to the chants. The man who said, 'I want to respond to the supporters with results no matter what,' left an overwhelming result, contributing to three goals, including his own, in front of a massive crowd of 55,896 people.
After conceding a goal in the 40th minute of the second half, Yamashita was brought onto the pitch in place of Nakagawa. This was his first official match appearance since returning to Tokyo, and he showed his presence by aggressively aiming for a shot.
After five minutes of additional time, the match ended 4-1. Showcasing brilliant attacking soccer at 'Our National,' Tokyo secured their first league victory in about two months with a large four-goal haul. The chant of 'The City That Never Sleeps' echoed throughout the stadium, and with the victory anthem 'You’ll Never Walk Alone,' the players and the entire Japan National Stadium shared their joy. It was a night of passion for both the National Stadium and Tokyo.
MATCH DETAILS
<FC Tokyo>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
DF Keisuke KOIZUMI / Masato MORISHIGE / Henrique TREVISAN (15 minutes into the second half: Yasuki KIMOTO) / Tetsuhei OKA
MF Hiroshi TAKAU / Keigo HIGASHI (15 minutes into the second half: Kanta DOI) / Ryotaro ARAKI (33 minutes into the second half: Leon NOZAWA)
FW Diego OLIVEIRA / Kota TAWARATSUMIDA (15 minutes into the second half: Keita ENDO) / Teruhito NAKAGAWA (41 minutes into the second half: Keita YAMASHITA)
SUBS
GK Go HATANO
DF Yuto NAGATOMO
GOAL
13th minute of the first half: Keigo HIGASHI / 31st minute of the first half: Diego OLIVEIRA / 20th minute of the second half: Takahiro KO / 36th minute of the second half: Teruhito NAKAGAWA
<Nagoya Grampus>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK LANGERAK
DF Akinari KAWAZURA/Kennedyegbus MIKUNI/Uchida Takaya (substituted in 0 minutes: Katsuhiro NAKAYAMA)
MF Ryosuke YAMANAKA (substituted in 21 minutes: Taichi KIKUCHI)/Keiya SHIIHASHI (substituted in 30 minutes: Kenbaei)/Inagaki Sho/Morishima Tsukasa (substituted in 0 minutes: Ryuji IZUMI)/Yuki NOGAMI
FW Casper JUNKER/Kensuke NAGAI (substituted in 21 minutes: PATRIC)
SUBS
GK Yohei TAKEDA
DF Ha Chan-re
GOAL
40th minute of the second half: Sho INAGAKI
[Interview with Peter CKLAMOVSKI, Manager]
Q, please look back on today's game.
A, It was a match in which we were able to show many important rules and good elements that lead to strong performance. There were many good points in the game, and among them, there were parts where what we did was rewarded. However, there are still points that can be improved, and we want to continue without changing the process we have been working on. We will thoroughly analyze our performance and further improve our way of playing. The players fought very well. I think they showed a wonderful mentality and spirit. They gave their all to earn the three points for the fans and supporters. And connected to that performance, good goals were born. However, I am disappointed that we could not finish without conceding a goal. That is a point we must improve on.
There were many good moments. We were able to move the ball well into the spaces we wanted to use, and the four goals came from our strong awareness of moving forward in the game. If we execute properly, we can create attacks that are difficult for the opponent to stop, and I believe that is something they dislike. I sincerely wanted to give the three points to our fans and supporters by giving it our all. I am proud of the players who carried that out. Moreover, it is not just the members from today, but the strength of all the players, all the staff, and everyone involved with the club. And tonight, I hope everyone enjoys these three points.
Q: I think this is your first time scoring 4 goals this season. Was there any particular trigger for this?
A: What we have consistently built up this season was able to come out today. While showing our discipline and dedication, we were also able to break through and target the space behind the defense. During that time, there were periods when we controlled the ball while moving it, and we were able to skillfully exploit the space behind and combine well with our intended plays. What I want to analyze is what we do on a daily basis. Today, what we have been doing every day was rewarded. Being able to score four good goals was also very positive for the players.
[Player Interview]
＜Player Tokyokeigo＞
Q: It was the first goal in two months, please review the scoring scene.
A: Due to injury, my playing opportunities had been limited for over half a year, but I tend to be the thoughtful type, so I kept thinking about what the team could do better and what would be ideal. When Teruhito NAKAGAWA had the ball, I ran forward, but I felt that runs to help teammates, like that kind of “decoy” movement, were lacking across the whole team. Looking at just that scene, Teruhito NAKAGAWA moved inside and took a shot, and I shot the rebound. That kind of movement is also one of my strengths. As a defensive midfielder, I usually don’t move forward, but in that scene, I just happened to decide to go into the area in front of the goal. It was good that the ball spilled there.
Q: I think the ball was moving smoothly during the build-up.
A: Many players were substituted today, and I think each player's individuality came through well in each situation. We did well today, but there are times when things don't go smoothly, so I believe we need to think about what to do in those moments. It's a small detail, but even in defense, when we need to go firmly for the ball, it's important to make judgments such as maintaining balance without forcing it.
Q: It was impressive to hear you say, 'Let's have fun' before the match.
A: I believe everyone starts playing soccer because it’s fun. However, when you carry pressure and such, it inevitably becomes restrictive. Recently, everyone was like that. Watching the match, everyone seemed tense, so I thought that if we played with enjoyment and smiles, the momentum would naturally come. To reiterate, soccer is fun, so if we firmly tighten the parts that need tightening and don’t get the way of enjoying it wrong, the team can improve. I think today everyone moved in a good direction.
Q: Please share your enthusiasm for the next match.
A: We have only won one match so far, so we cannot afford to be complacent, and we must keep saying that this ranking is not acceptable. The upcoming matches will become even more important than today. Starting tomorrow, we will prepare thoroughly and aim to achieve consecutive wins.
<Teruhito NAKAGAWA>
Q: Compared to the recent matches, it seems that the awareness of victory and goals has been heightened throughout the team, starting with Nakagawa.
A: Playing aggressively, I shed tears of frustration in the previous match against Sanfrecce Hiroshima, so I focused solely on channeling that frustration at the Japan National Stadium. That is why I believe we achieved such a wonderful result. Winning is the best feeling.
Q, Keigo HIGASHI's opening goal was created from Nakagawa's middle shot.
A: I had the option to pass to Higashi before shooting, but after observing the opponent's defense, I took a somewhat forceful shot. Since only a short time had passed since the start, I also wanted to instill a shooting mindset throughout the team. I think it was a goal scored at a good timing with Higashi closing in.
Q: It was a match where you could particularly feel the intention to target the space behind the opponent's defense.
A: While maintaining the basic principle of connecting passes where appropriate, the entire team was conscious of sending the ball into areas that the opponent dislikes and firmly recovering the second balls. This approach successfully led to goals and good plays.
Q: After the match, there was a scene where we sang "Yuruneva" with the fans and supporters for the first time in a while.
A, we always receive truly the best support from the fans and supporters. We constantly feel their cheers and the amazing atmosphere on the pitch, and it was great that everyone could sing "Yuruneva" with smiles.
<Takahiro KO>
Q: Please tell us the positive aspects of playing alongside Keigo HIGASHI as a defensive midfielder.
A: Since the opponent was Nagoya Grampus, I felt that we were relatively able to draw out and move the ball. While thoroughly managing risks, we were able to move fluidly and proactively with player Higashi to decide where to intercept, so I think that went well.
Q: I think the game management was very good.
A: Scoring the opening goal through Higashi's goal was significant, and we were also able to add another goal. In the locker room at halftime, there were voices aiming for a third goal in the second half, so I’m glad we were able to firmly secure the win.
Q: Player Ko has finally scored his long-awaited first goal. How do you feel looking back on it?
A: It was good. I was happy, but the previous disallowed goal crossed my mind, and I wondered if this one might be disallowed too (laughs). It was the kind of cross the coach wants from the team, and since it was a wonderful cross from Keita ENDO, I was glad I could instinctively get in and score.
Q: How was the response from the fans and supporters behind the goal after the match ended?
A: There was a long period without wins, and in the previous match, despite the impact of the typhoon, the fans and supporters kept cheering until the very end. Because of them, I approached the game with a strong desire to deliver a victory as soon as possible. I’m glad we were able to celebrate together.
