Match Review
Finally, this day has come. It is the last match of Diego OLIVEIRA, who has led the team wearing the number 9 for a long 7 seasons since the 2018 season. In the goal area, dyed completely in blue and red, messages were displayed, and during the player entrance, a vibrant choreography of "9" and the letters "DIEGO" were presented, along with the familiar chant to welcome him.
Furthermore, this match will be the last time that head coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI and goalkeeper Tsuyoshi KODAMA, who have been in charge since last summer, will fight together due to the expiration of their contracts. All we want is victory. We welcomed the last kickoff of the season at Ajinomoto Stadium.
1st HALF - Two goals that convey the determination for victory
The spirit from Tokyo was palpable on this day. In battles for the ball, they did not back down an inch, quickly transitioning between offense and defense, and when they gained possession, they charged towards the goal with intensity. In the 6th minute of the first half, during a set piece, Kanta DOI's shot unfortunately missed, preventing them from taking the lead, but they succeeded in scoring first with a brilliant attack in the 12th minute of the first half.
Diego picked up the second ball in the opponent's territory and passed it to Ryotaro ARAKI, who did not miss the exquisite course and made a through pass. Teruhito NAKAGAWA received this, executed a perfect trap, and scored with his right foot, sharing the joy with Diego.
Tokyo, aiming for additional goals, gathers the ball to number 9 in the last match. In the 26th minute of the first half, they brought the ball to a shot from a counterattack, and in the 37th minute of the first half, they headed a cross from Kosuke SHIRAI, unleashing a powerful header. However, both attempts were saved by the opposing goalkeeper, resulting in no goals.
Even so, the team's momentum did not drop, and in the 42nd minute of the first half, the second goal emerged. They connected the ball well from their own half, and when it reached Keita ENDO waiting on the left side, he made a move. Although the cross was deflected, Takahiro KO reacted to the loose ball in the penalty area and struck it directly, causing the ball to hit the opposing defender and go straight into the goal.
With no complaints about the content and result, Tokyo successfully turned the tide at halftime.
2nd HALF - Maintain concentration for additional points, conclude the season with a victory
The momentum and concentration of Tokyo remained unchanged in the second half. In the 6th minute of the second half, they faced a crisis, but Taishi Brandon NOZAWA made a calm save as usual, not relinquishing control.
Then, in the 18th minute of the second half, when the substitution of Diego TABA was announced, the players from both teams formed an aisle at the center line to send him off in his final appearance, and the stadium was filled with loud applause.
After that, the match resumed with lingering excitement, but players who entered the pitch midway, such as Kota TAWARATSUMIDA, Keita YAMASHITA, and Kei KOIZUMI, brought further dynamism to the team. In the 28th minute of the second half, YAMASHITA picked up a cleared ball in his own half and directly passed it to Endo on the left side, who delivered a sharp cross in front of the goal with one touch. This was pushed in by Kota TAWARATSUMIDA, who had made a run in from the right side with his right foot. However, with the support of VAR, Endo's position was ruled offside. The goal was disallowed, but Tokyo's momentum did not stop.
Tokyo, maintaining an aggressive posture, repeatedly threatened the opponent's goal and scored their third goal from a corner kick in the 43rd minute of the second half. Henrique TREVISAN connected with a precise ball from Araki with a high point. Although the header struck the post, he quickly reacted to the rebound and pushed it in with his left foot, sealing the victory.
The game that we absolutely had to win ended 3-0. On this day, Diego TABA, leaving the pitch, was smiling and savoring the victory.
After the match, a final ceremony was held, where Coach Klamovski and Captain Kei Koizumi gave their greetings, followed by Diego TABA expressing gratitude to the fans, supporters, and everyone involved in Tokyo. Surrounded by the unending Diego chant, the 2024 season came to a close at Ajinomoto Stadium.
MATCH DETAILS
<FC Tokyo>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
DF Kosuke SHIRAI/Kanta DOI/Enrique Trevisan/Soma ANZAI
MF Takahiro UHIRO/Keigo HIGASHI (26th minute: Keisuke KOIZUMI)/Ryotaro ARAKI (45+2 minute: Leon NOZAWA)
FW Diego Oliveira (18th minute: Kota TAWARATSUMIDA)/Keita ENDO (45+2 minute: Yuto NAGATOMO)/Teruto NAKAGAWA (26th minute: Keita YAMASHITA)
SUBS
GK Go HATANO
DF Teppei OKA
GOAL
12th minute of the first half: Teruhito NAKAGAWA/42nd minute of the first half: Takahiro KO/43rd minute of the second half: Henrique TREVISAN
<Cerezo Osaka>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Kim Jin-hyeon
DF Ryohei SHINDO/Hayato OKUDA/Daiaki TAIDA (substituted at 44 minutes: Ryo go YAMAZAKI)/Ryuya NISHIO
MF Shunta TANAKA/Hiroaki OKUNO (substituted at 44 minutes: Satoki UEJO)/CAPIXABA (substituted at 18 minutes: Kyohei NOBORIZATO)/Lucas FERNANDEZ (substituted at 18 minutes: Hiroto YAMADA)
FW Leo Ceara/Sota KITANO (substituted at 0 minutes: Masaya SHIBAYAMA)
SUBS
GK Yan Han-bin
DF Koji TORIUMI
GOAL
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[Interview with Peter CKLAMOVSKI, Manager]
Q: please review the game.
A: It was a tough match as expected. Cerezo Osaka has good players and I think they are a very strong team. It was important for us to fully execute our own game and deliver a team performance. We stuck to the game plan and I believe we showed a performance worthy of victory. I am proud that the players gave their all to make this a special day. It was also a special day for Diego OLIVEIRA, a club legend. And Tsuyoshi KODAMA is also a club legend. I believe all the players and staff secured this win for them and for everyone who loves Tokyo.
Q: The counterattack was effective against C Osaka, was it the development you aimed for?
A: We were able to use that advantage effectively. I believe we were able to connect our build-up play to goals up until the second goal. The connection from the goalkeeper to shaking the net was well executed. The players skillfully utilized the spaces we had analyzed as available to us. I think it was a very good goal.
Q, I think it was ideal that Diego OLIVEIRA was two goals down before being substituted.
A, we might have been able to score a few more goals, but we fought with very high motivation. The plan was to use Diego for about 80 minutes. However, he gave his all until he ran out of gas at 60 minutes. He is a legend of our club, and we are grateful to C Osaka for sending him off in such a manner. It must have been a match that will remain in his memory for a lifetime as well.
Q: What has the past 7 seasons been like since coming to Japan?
A, I believe there have been many chapters. A lot has happened. For both myself and my family, Japan feels like home. I want to express my gratitude to everyone I have been involved with over these seven years. I have truly met wonderful people. This applies both in football and outside of football. Those people will remain in my heart for a lifetime. I am truly thankful to the clubs I have been part of so far. Family and friends are lifelong bonds. Now, a special chapter is coming to a close, but I believe it will continue somewhere else. Someday, I will return here again.
[Player Interview]
<Diego OLIVEIRA>
Q, thank you for your hard work during your active career.
A, today truly became an unforgettable day. The fans and supporters cheered us on again today, making for a truly wonderful ending. Being able to retire in front of all of you whom I love is something I am sincerely happy about. I felt that you all respect and love me. It is precisely because of all of you that I have been able to come this far. I want to express my gratitude to all of you.
Q: Before the match, a choreography was displayed, and during substitutions, the Cerezo Osaka players also helped create a flower path.
A, first of all, I would like to thank the C Osaka players, staff members, and fans and supporters for respecting me. Also, from the warm-up, I could feel firsthand that the Tokyo fans and supporters were continuously calling my name and cheering for me. It truly makes me very happy.
Q: What kind of club has Tokyo been for Diego TABA?
A: It has been a long football career, and during that time, Tokyo has been the club where I spent the longest period. It’s a club to which I have devoted so much effort that I could say it encompasses my entire life. Moreover, I am truly grateful that the fans and supporters fought alongside us. They are unforgettable, and I believe they will always remain in my heart.
Q: How would you like Tokyo to develop in the future?
A: From now on, I want to support Tokyo as just one fan and supporter, and I want to continue backing the team. Although I am leaving the club, I hope everyone achieves the league title that is their goal. Even from afar, I will always be cheering for you.
<Teruhito NAKAGAWA>
Q: please review the game.
A: It was the final home game of the season, and many fans and supporters came rushing to Ajinomoto Stadium. I believe that the strong desire to definitely deliver a victory, especially for the retiring Diego OLIVEIRA, and the sense of unity led to our win.
Q: There were moments in the first half where the team showed a strong commitment in their play.
A: We were able to start this match with a higher level and awareness in everything than usual, and I want to make this our baseline. By doing so, I believe we can attract more good games and victories. It was also an emotionally charged match, especially for Diego TABA.
Q, didn't you feel the strength of the fans and supporters once again?
A, of course. We were surrounded by calls for Diego, and many people came to support us. I am more than happy that we were able to win in front of so many fans and supporters, in the best atmosphere possible. This season, we were especially unable to deliver victories at our home ground, Ajinomoto Stadium, and I felt very sorry about that. I believe the players approached this match with a strong desire to at least end the season with smiles. And I am glad we were able to send Diego off with smiles.
<Takahiro KO>
Q, please look back on the goal scene.
A, I had the mindset of moving forward, and when the ball deflected off the opponent, I focused on swinging my foot and was glad it hit the opponent well and went in.
Q: In Diego OLIVEIRA's last match, there were various situations such as the final match of the season. What was your mindset going into the game?
A, It was a match we absolutely had to win, so everyone was fully motivated, and it was a very good game.
Q: The defense worked smoothly together and ended with a clean sheet. As a midfielder, how do you feel about the factors contributing to this in terms of defense?
A, we maintained compactness, and even after scoring, we stayed focused. Including myself, we kept encouraging each other with the phrase "Let's finish with zero" regarding the defense. I think there was a strong sense of unity there.
Q: Wasn't it a difficult season since you took over as captain midway through the season?
A: I myself came to Tokyo this season, and although there were some difficult times at first, I kept going with the desire to win. I was able to see many things, including my own growth. I want to continue working so that both I and the team can grow.
Henrique TREVISAN
Q: The additional goal that secured the victory was a wonderful goal.
A, I had been working hard all year wanting to score goals, but I was disappointed that I couldn't score easily. However, I was happy to be able to score in the final match. Today was Diego OLIVEIRA's retirement match, and it was also the last game in Tokyo for Tsuyoshi KODAMA and coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI, making it a very important match. It is very sad that they will be leaving, but I am glad that I was able to score and help the team win.
Q, I reacted to the rebound of my own header shot faster than anyone else.
A: Since I usually practice set pieces, I was able to make a good headed shot from a good ball in a good position. Although it didn’t go in directly, the ball bounced off the goalpost and came loose in front of me, so I was able to quickly put my foot out and score.
Q: Wasn't it a significant achievement to finish today without conceding any goals?
A: I am very happy to win, and for us defenders, I think it is a great thing to win and finish without conceding any goals. I am truly glad that we were able to secure a good victory in the final match.
<Taishi Brandon NOZAWA>
Q: It was a victory with a clean sheet. Please review the game.
A: I can't say I performed perfectly myself, but I am confident in protecting the goal, so I am very happy to have achieved that in the form of a clean sheet. I think everyone was able to put their bodies on the line in defense today, so I am also grateful to all my teammates.
Q: What were you conscious of in terms of defense?
A: If I had to say, it was game control. The timing of the opening goal was good, and we were able to score an additional goal in a good way. The second half became a bit more open, but even then, we skillfully exploited the opponent's gaps and were able to create opportunities up front. By effectively using long balls and short passes, I think we were able to build a good flow.
Q: I believe this match has become a culmination of our efforts in both offense and defense this season.
A: I am still not satisfied, nor fully convinced. I wanted to compete, but I also painfully felt my own shortcomings in not being able to do so. However, at the same time, I learned a lot, and I think I was able to express that in today’s match. I want to carry this forward into next season as well.
