Match Review
In the away match in Kobe, we welcomed the 2024 Meiji Yasuda J1 League Sec. 34. The match following the international match week is against Vissel Kobe, who are 1 point behind the league leaders Sanfrecce Hiroshima, who are on a club record 6 consecutive league wins.
Tokyo's winning streak was halted at three matches with a draw against Sagan Tosu in the previous round, but they have been able to showcase their strength in transitioning from solid defense to effective offense, and the team's condition is certainly not bad. They want to demonstrate their abilities against Kobe here.
The starting members have changed the arrangement of the final line. In response to Yasuki KIMOTO's suspension, Teppei OKA, who was playing as a left back, has been utilized as a center back. Yuto NAGATOMO has been moved to left back, and Hotaka NAKAMURA has been assigned to right back.
Additionally, an incident occurred during the pre-match warm-up for Kota TAWARATSUMIDA, who was initially named as a starter. The left wing was quickly changed to Keita ENDO, and Renta HIGASHI was included in the substitute members for the first time this season.
1st HALF - Keita's goal from a scramble appearance successfully takes the lead
From the beginning, both teams were intense at the ball, making for a match characterized by high-intensity situations. Against Kobe, who pressed high and focused on long balls, Tokyo matched them with pressure from the front, resulting in an equal period of play.
Against Kobe, who launches powerful attacks with long balls and side plays, Tokyo responds with pressing from the front line and precise blocking. After regaining possession, they avoid the opponent's press with calm passing work and strive to firmly draw the flow of the game.
The first big chance was created by Kobe. In the 15th minute of the first half, a long feed from the left side diagonally was headed by player Muto, and a powerful shot was taken by player Osako who received the ball behind the last line, but this was saved by Taishi Brandon NOZAWA with a sharp reaction. In the following 16th minute, player Miyashiro's left-footed shot was also deflected by a diving save, highlighting the team's solid defense.
From good defense to good offense──. The efforts of the Aoeaka Eleven, which have been necessary to achieve results, bore fruit in the 24th minute of the first half.
As both defensive midfielders drifted to the left side, exchanging passes while looking for an opportunity to switch the attack, Keigo HIGASHI delivered a soft lob pass into the penalty area near the touchline. Ryotaro ARAKI twisted his body to chest the ball down, and as it bounced, Endo skillfully connected with the ball using the outside of his left foot, sending it into the far side netting to score the opening goal. The player wearing number 22, who was called onto the pitch at the last minute, scored the first shot from a brilliant direct play, successfully giving Tokyo the lead.
Although the ball possession has been given to the opponent, the defense has shown its strengths in both pressing from the front and responding to long balls. While they are able to pick up second balls, the distance between players is causing difficulties in connecting passes after regaining possession, resulting in a back-and-forth situation on the pitch.
In the 8 minutes of added time, a long counterattack was initiated from the opponent's long throw-in. Takahiro KO advanced the ball, and from the right side, Araki delivered an accurate early cross into the goal area. Soma ANZAI made a sharp run to meet it, but the ball he connected with using his right foot while sliding just barely missed to the right of the goal.
In the first half, where both sides continued to play with high intensity, Tokyo, showcasing their defensive strengths, seized a single opportunity and scored, leading by one goal at halftime.
2nd HALF—A goal by Anzai to add a point, recovering from a missed opportunity in the latter part of the first half
Kobe brought in player Taki to replace player Sasaki at the start of the second half. Tokyo approached the second half with the same lineup as the first half.
At the start of the second half, Araki's elegant play dances on the pitch. In the 7th minute of the second half, while backing into an opponent in the penalty area, he turns and takes a looping shot. The opposing goalkeeper barely manages to deflect it, but from a position where the goal is almost out of sight, the blue-red playmaker creates a scoring opportunity in an instant with outstanding spatial awareness.
Taro in blue and red showed his signature right-foot kick. This will bring a moment of joy back to Tokyo.
Immediately after, in the 9th minute of the second half, Araki sent an accurate kick with his right foot from a set play on the right side towards the goal. The exquisite ball bounced once between the opposing defender and the goalkeeper, and Anzai headed it in after running in from the far side. They scored an additional point in a good time right after the start of the second half, extending Tokyo's lead to two goals.
In the 14th minute of the second half, Ewerton GAUDINO was sent onto the pitch to replace Diego OLIVEIRA, who had been showing strong hold-up play in the front line.
Unexpected accident for the guardian here. In the 17th minute of the second half, he injured his left foot while catching a cross from the opponent. Although he returned to the match for a moment, the pain recurred in the next play. He had to leave the pitch on a stretcher, and Go HATANO was substituted in as a scramble appearance.
In an unexpected turn, Tokyo made a substitution in the 27th minute of the second half, replacing three players at once. Keigo HIGASHI, Endo, and Araki were substituted for Kanta DOI in the defensive midfield, Leon NOZAWA on the left wing, and Keita YAMASHITA as a forward. The system was changed to a two-top formation, shifting to strengthen the press from the front while searching for additional goals.
Tokyo shows incredible concentration in defense. In the 34th minute of the second half, Go HATANO saves the team with a series of super saves. He deflects a shot from player Sakai, who came rushing from the back, with the tips of his left hand, and then stops a difficult ball aimed at his feet while being targeted by player Muto during the corner kick with an extraordinary reaction. Despite the sudden opportunity to play, the blue-red mood maker brings momentum to the team with his performance.
Kobe is bringing in tall players and pushing forward with a power play style. However, Tokyo is also approaching the source of long kicks firmly, competing fiercely at the drop of the ball, and recovering second balls to deny the opponent any freedom. They continue to show a strong defense in the penalty area until the very end.
In the 9th minute of the second half's added time, as Kobe relentlessly attacked the goal with balls thrown in from the side and behind, Tokyo continued to endure with focused defense.
The players' white 2nd uniforms are stained with the colors of the grass and dirt. It proved how hard they have fought.
Overcoming the accident, we defended together until the end and achieved victory against Kobe, who is on a six-game winning streak in the league and has not lost in 12 official matches. With a solid defense as the foundation, we secured a resounding victory against a rival in the championship race, making it five unbeaten matches in the league. The victory anthem 'The City That Never Sleeps' resonated in NOEVIR.S, showcasing our blue and red pride in the away ground.
MATCH DETAILS
<FC Tokyo>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA (21 minutes into the second half: Go HATANO)
DF Hodaka NAKAMURA / Masato MORISHIGE / Tetsuhei OKA / Yuto NAGATOMO
MF Hiroshi TAKU / Keigo HIGASHI (27 minutes into the second half: Kanta DOI) / Ryotaro ARAKI (27 minutes into the second half: Keita YAMASHITA)
FW Diego Oliveira (14 minutes into the second half: Ewerton GAUDINO) / Keita ENDO (27 minutes into the second half: Leon NOZAWA) / Soma ANZAI
SUBS
DF Renta HIGASHI
MF Riki HARAKAWA
GOAL
24th minute of the first half: Keita ENDO / 10th minute of the second half: Soma ANZAI
<Vissel Kobe>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Daiya MAEKAWA
DF Takahiro SAKAI/Tetsushi YAMAKAWA (35th minute: Ryuho KIKUCHI)/Mateus TULER/Ryo HATSUSE (27th minute: Yuki HONDA)
MF Takahiro OGIHARA/Yoshiki MUTO/Yosuke IDEGUCHI (27th minute: Rikuto HIROSE)/Daiju SASAKI (0th minute: Koya YURUKI)
FW Taisei MIYASHIRO (17th minute: Jean PATRICK)/Yuya OSAKO
SUBS
GK Shota ARAI
MF Yuya KUWASAKI
GOAL
―
[Interview with Peter CKLAMOVSKI, Manager]
Q, please give us an overview of the match.
A, it turned out to be the battle we anticipated. We respect the opponent as the defending champion team, and we also knew that they have players with very high individual abilities. Furthermore, considering they had not lost in their last 12 matches, we expected it to be a tough game. Amidst that, we were able to strongly demonstrate our team performance and showcase our wonderful individuality, resulting in a fight worthy of 3 points. Vissel Kobe’s attack was direct, approaching the goal with long balls contested in aerial duels and entering the box, so I believe we were able to properly execute our rules for handling long balls and defending inside the box.
I believe that because we won, it is a great opportunity for us to learn more about our way of fighting. During the match, there were areas in our attack that we could improve, so I want to develop those aspects. We were able to create chances while using the spaces we aimed for, but if we could play more calmly when we had the ball and control it more firmly, we could have utilized those spaces in a better way. If that were the case, it might have led to more goals.
I truly take pride in the players and believe they fought well. Kota TAWARATSUMIDA got injured during the warm-up, but I think it showed that any player who stepped in was able to play solidly. Keita ENDO made an impact and scored a wonderful goal. Although he didn't have many opportunities to touch the ball, the goalkeeper Go HATANO, who came on as a substitute, also contributed to keeping a clean sheet. These are the results of everyone in the clubhouse continuing to work hard. They are well-prepared for opportunities like this.
I am very happy to deliver 3 points to the fans and supporters who came from afar today, and to have shared the joy with them. I am glad that we could bring smiles to their faces.
Q: After the goals conceded in the last match, we have been doing thorough defensive training. Do you think the results were evident?
A: I think the team fought very well in defensive situations. We were able to execute sharply the parts that needed to be done sharply, and the parts that needed to be done more strongly, today. No matter which club we face, we want to be able to show our strengths every time. In today's match, being able to keep a clean sheet against the defending champions Kobe was thanks to the players' daily efforts and disciplined team performance.
Looking back at the performance by analyzing the match, I believe that when we held the ball in attacking situations, we could have created more opportunities to threaten the opponent's goal, and as a team, we need to move in that direction. I am truly proud of the players' mentality, and they fought with the spirit and unity of the team. It is very positive that we can learn from our victories and improve.
[Player Interview]
＜Keita ENDO Player＞
Q, Kota TAWARATSUMIDA's injury led to his sudden participation.
A: I have never experienced anything like this in my soccer career before, but the coach told me to "play as usual" and "show the mentality you have." I believe I was able to demonstrate that message with one result.
Q: This victory has led to the next match.
A, I think we were able to play very good soccer as a team, and although the opponent was tough, we managed to defend tenaciously and persistently, so I’m glad we were able to win. Personally, it was also a match that will lead to the next one.
Q: I received a pass from Ryotaro ARAKI and slotted it into the corner of the goal. Please review the scoring scene.
A, when Keigo HIGASHI had the ball in that position, I thought he would deliver a creative pass. Ryotaro ARAKI was at the receiving end of the pass, and I believed he would properly lay it off, so I took my position. Trusting Keigo HIGASHI and Ryotaro ARAKI, I waited. I’m glad the shot went to a good spot.
Q, we were able to give a wonderful birthday present of 3 points to coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI, whose birthday was on October 16.
A: This is not my achievement alone. It was good that we were able to win as a team. I think it became a great birthday present.
<Soma ANZAI>
Q: please review the game and the scoring scenes.
A, I went through a period where I couldn't score, and in the first half, I received a good ball from Ryotaro ARAKI that created a great chance, but I missed it. Even so, that position is a spot I have been aiming for throughout the year, and I believe that goal was the result of that continued effort. I was also able to score at a good timing during the match.
Q: You continued to work hard without slowing down until the end.
A: I was the only one who changed from the team that had won three consecutive matches in the previous game, and since we couldn't win that match, I felt responsible. I prepared to play this match with a strong determination once again, and I was able to play with passion until the very end.
Q: The defense functioned well at the start of the match, but on the other hand, wasn't it difficult to connect to the attack?
A: There were long difficult periods, but by defending together as a team and holding the opponent to zero goals, scoring one goal gave us momentum. Being able to endure that tough period without conceding was crucial for fighting and winning throughout the 90 minutes. Although we were somewhat pressed during the early phase of the match, the fact that the team was able to hold out is a significant achievement.
Q: How do you want to carry the result of finishing with a clean sheet against the attacking Vissel Kobe into the next match?
A: I want to keep fighting without changing what we do. The next match is at home, and since we haven’t won much at Ajinomoto Stadium, I think there will be some changes in how we play against Shonan Bellmare, but if we continue to stick to our base against any opponent, I believe we can fight solidly. We want to stay true to our style and not be swayed by the opponent’s soccer.
＜Hotaka NAKAMURA＞
Q: I think the start of the match was really good, but what kind of communication did you have in the defense line?
A: We shared the opponent's preferred patterns during meetings. The basic part is how to disrupt what the opponent wants to do, but in the end, it comes down to not losing in one-on-one duels. Today, we communicated well with each other, and both sides performed effectively. As a result, I believe we were able to continuously neutralize the opponent's strengths. We were also able to maintain a fighting spirit until the very end, which contributed to our victory. As a defender, this was a match where I was able to do what I intended to do. It was good to finish the match with a clean sheet, so I want to win the next game with a clean sheet as well.
Q: In the end, there was a period of time when you were being pushed back, but you managed to endure it, didn't you?
A: We were able to stay focused and fight patiently until the very end. It is extremely important to carefully control the defensive line by raising or lowering it in small increments. The match result might have changed by just a few meters or centimeters of adjusting that line. The entire team was also meticulous about the details, so I’m glad it led to a positive outcome.
Q: It was your first full match as a starting member in a while.
A: It was about a month and a half since I last started a match. I was prepared for it to be tough. Personally, the hardest part was the very beginning of the first half, before I fully got into the flow of the game. As I started to bring out my strengths, I got into the rhythm. By showing my best qualities, I believe I was able to keep fighting until the very end.
