Match Review
This match, Tokyo faces off against the undefeated Shonan Bellmare since the opening. It is a crucial game where a victory is absolutely necessary to accumulate 3 points by defeating the top teams at home and to stay in the race for the top positions.
Shonan, which recorded its first-ever opening three consecutive wins, has relinquished the top spot due to a draw in the previous match, but its strong performance with 10 points places it in second. Under the leadership of Coach Yamaguchi, the team has succeeded in making a strong start with excellent organization and intense pressure from the front line.
Tokyo made three changes to the starting lineup from the previous match. In goal, Taishi Brandon NOZAWA is set, with a three-man backline consisting of Kanta DOHI, Masato MORISHIGE, and Teppei OKA from right to left. The wings feature Kosuke SHIRAI on the right and Soma ANZAI on the left, while the central midfielders are Kento HASHIMOTO and Takahiro KO, who are starting together for the second consecutive match after returning to the starting lineup at Ajinomoto Stadium. Up front, Teruhito NAKAGAWA and Kota TAWARATSUMIDA are positioned as inside midfielders, with Keita YAMASHITA as the lone striker. For Shirai, this match is against a club he has a deep connection with, having been his first professional club, while for Yamashita, it is a memorable club where he experienced a frustrating injury during a loan move to a new environment.
In this match, the bench featured fresh members prominently. Seiji KIMURA and Hisatoshi NISHIDO made their first appearances on the bench after their transfers, while Kouta TOKIWAN, who has experience playing in the Meiji Yasuda J3 League with FC Tokyo U-23 during the 2019 season, was included in the squad for the first time in the J1 League. Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI mentioned the day before the match against Shonan, "My role is not to teach or convey, but to observe closely and bring out their strengths." It will also be interesting to see how the potential of the young players is incorporated into the match.
In a chilly climate where powdery snow flurries were falling before the match, the game aiming for a home winning streak kicked off at 16:03.
1stHALF—Maintaining possession and creating chances but failing to convert into goals
The early stages saw a back-and-forth battle, with both sides cautiously probing each other. Tokyo’s Hashimoto took a slightly deeper position to join the build-up, while Dohi and Oka spread wide on the flanks in a flexible system aiming to construct attacks.
In the 7th minute of the first half, player Hashimoto made a breakthrough on the left side with a through pass that broke through the opponent's defense. Player Anzai managed to get through, but got tangled with the opponent and couldn't create a clear chance. In the following 11th minute of the first half, player Anzai intercepted the ball starting from player Yamashita's aggressive press. However, Yamashita's shot after receiving the ball again was blocked by the opponent's defender.
The first big chance came in the 17th minute of the first half. From the left side, Yamashita passed the ball to Takai, who then shot from the connection with Tawara. The ball narrowly missed to the left, but they are trying to break through the opponent's defense with precise passing.
Tokyo connects the ball rhythmically at a good distance and pushes forward. In the 26th minute of the first half, just as they were about to be countered from an attacking corner kick, player Oka brilliantly positioned his body to cut it off. Then, on the right side, players Tawara and Nakagawa delivered consecutive crosses. Finally, player Yamashita made a high header at the far side, but the opposing goalkeeper made a save just before the goal line. Although they unfortunately could not break the line, Tokyo tactically suppressed the opponent's strengths and maintained an advantage in the battles for the ball, progressing the match.
In the first half, the blue-red eleven thrived in the cold rain that started falling during the match. Although they couldn't score a goal, they showcased a style of football that sought to maintain possession while reproducing their attacking plays. Now, they need to improve their accuracy and threat in the finishing part, aiming to shake the net first. The match went into halftime scoreless.
2nd HALF—Creating Numerous Chances but Ending in a Scoreless Draw
No substitutions were made by either side during halftime. Entering the second half, Tokyo showed determination in the battles for the ball and fought hard both offensively and defensively without easing the pressure from the front line. In the 7th minute of the second half, player Nakagawa made a near-post run from a cross by player Shirai, demonstrating a bold attitude in pursuit of the goal.
Not only creating a starting point on both sides, but also increasing scenes where chances are created through vertical passes from the final line to the inside half, and intricate passing exchanges while pushing into the opponent's territory, all while maintaining reproducibility without fitting into a specific pattern.
In the 15th minute of the second half, after creating a base on the left side, player Oka, who overlapped, made a one-two with player Nakagawa and broke into the center to shoot with his right foot. This went well wide of the goal, but it was a wonderful attack where the center-back was involved in the finish as part of a coordinated offensive flow. After that, they continued to launch attacks mainly from the left side, but there were several scenes where the ground cross did not connect in the center.
The first substitution occurred in the 18th minute of the second half, bringing in player Sato Kei-in for player Yamashita. Player Nakagawa was moved to the front line, and player Sato was placed as the right inside half to increase pressure on the front line.
That player Sato creates a big chance. In the 22nd minute of the second half, he breaks free from a floating pass by player Takai on the right side, charging forward powerfully despite being marked by the opposing defender. He carries the ball to the goal line and pulls it back in a negative direction, where player Tawaramizuki, who has made a run, takes a direct shot with his right foot. It was a decisive scene, but unfortunately, the ball goes just over the crossbar and does not result in the opening goal.
Tokyo's fierce attack continues. Each player actively engages with the ball, picking up second balls and pushing into the opponent's territory to advance the match. In the 28th minute of the second half, Kei KOIZUMI was brought in as the right winger to replace Shirai and Hashimoto, and Tokiwa was introduced as the defensive midfielder. This marked Tokiwa's debut in the J1 League.
In the 32nd minute of the second half, while connecting deep in their own territory and speeding up, Nakagawa received the ball in the center and dribbled forward. At this point, the defensive midfielder Tokiwa broke through on the right side and delivered a soft cross, which was met by Tawaramizuki, who was waiting in the center for a header shot. However, this went straight to the goalkeeper, and once again, they could not convert a big chance.
Shonan is starting to create scenes where they can bring the ball to shoot on the counter, but the defense shows concentrated defense and does not allow any goals. From the lessons learned in the previous match against Kashima Antlers, the situation continues where they want to shake the goal net first. In the 38th minute of the second half, Leon NOZAWA was sent in as a left inside half in place of Tawaratsukita, and Coach Matsuhashi further activates the front line.
Even in the pouring cold rain, the blue-red captain wants to respond to the fans and supporters who continue to cheer with a victory. In the 42nd minute of the second half, he ignites the stands with a powerful mid-range shot from the right side. In the 45th minute of the second half, player Doi overlaps to the enemy's corner flag area during the buildup. The desperate battle continues to shake the goal net.
The fierce attack continued during the 4 minutes of added time in the second half. After pushing forward, a scramble occurred in front of the goal, and Takahashi took a shot at the loose ball. Nakagawa aimed for the blocked loose ball, but the decisive shot went over the crossbar. Furthermore, Koizumi let a ground cross from the right side pass through in the center, and Leon NOZAWA took a well-aimed right-footed shot. However, this also narrowly missed to the right of the goal, failing to shake the net.
Although we created numerous chances by outplaying our opponents both tactically and in individual battles, we could not finish, resulting in a scoreless draw. While we felt a solid sense of adaptability, diverse attacking, and focused defense, this game left us with the ongoing challenge of finishing.
MATCH DETAILS
<FC Tokyo>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
DF Masato MORISHIGE/Teppei OKA/Kanta DOI/Kosuke SHIRAI (28th min: Keisuke KOIZUMI)
MF Soma ANZAI/Hiroshi TAKAU/Kento HASHIMOTO (28th min: Kota TOKIWAKI)/Kota TAWARATSUMIDA (38th min: Leon NOZAWA)
FW Keita YAMASHITA (18th min: Eiyun SATO)/Teruhito NAKAGAWA
SUBS
GK Go HATANO
DF Henrique Trevisan/Seiji KIMURA
MF Hisatoshi NISHIDO
FW Ewerton GAUDINO
MANAGER
Rikizo MATSUHASHI
GOAL
ー
<Shonan Bellmare>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Naoto KAMIFUKUMOTO
DF Kim Min-tae/Junnosuke SUZUKI/Taiga HATA
MF Yuto SUZUKI/Tomoya FUJII/Kosuke ONOSE/Kohei OKUNO/Taiyo HIRAOKA (substituted in 25 minutes of the second half: Hisatsugu ISHII)
FW Akito SUZUKI (substituted in 25 minutes of the second half: Lukian)/Sho FUKUDA (substituted in 45+2 minutes of the second half: Ryo NEMOTO)
SUBS
GK Kota SANADA
DF Kazuki OIWA/Sere MATSUMURA/Naoya TAKAHASHI/Kazunari OHNO
MF Akimi BARADA
MANAGER
Satoshi YAMAGUCHI
GOAL
ー
[Interview with Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI]
Q, please provide an overall assessment for today.
A, thank you very much to all the fans and supporters who came to the stadium despite the really cold weather. In that situation, it is very disappointing that we ended up with just one point. Throughout the match, especially in the first half, both teams had a tight game. In the second half, to create more challenging opportunities, we gave advice and approached individual players, and they were able to demonstrate those aspects, allowing us to gain the upper hand at times. Towards the end, just like in the previous match, we had several clear chances but couldn’t convert them. Because of that, the match ultimately ended in a draw. It’s very frustrating, and I wonder why that happened, but we won’t give up and will prepare again for the next match.
Q, unlike the previous match, you were able to earn one point by keeping a clean sheet. Please share your evaluation of the defense.
A, we were able to execute exactly what we had prepared according to the plan, as well as what we have built up so far, very well. Even when errors occurred, I think the response to those errors was also excellent. Towards the end of the match, considering that the game would likely unfold this way, we made the decision to keep one substitution in reserve, and within that context, the players fought tenaciously until the very end. Not only were we able to keep a clean sheet, but we also effectively disrupted the opponent’s momentum and were able to launch counterattacks. Including these aspects, I believe the defense was truly outstanding.
Q, please tell us your evaluation of Kento HASHIMOTO, who started in the lineup for the second consecutive match, and Kouta TOKIWA, who made his J1 League debut today.
I think Hashimoto had a very wonderful performance. There may have been moments where he couldn't last the full 90 minutes, but in terms of showing 100 percent of his ability in what he can do right now, I believe he performed very well. As for Tokiwa, he has maintained a really good attitude and condition since the camp, and he has been playing in a way that is very promising, including his performance. However, as the season started and the matches began, there were some fluctuations, so he hadn't quite made it to the field yet, but he performed very well to be included in today's lineup, and he was able to showcase that performance in this game as well. Just like Maki KITAHARA from the previous match, I hope that by gaining experience in the game, he can take a step forward and utilize today's game for the next one..
Q: Were there any instructions from the coach regarding countermeasures against Shonan Bellmare’s attack?
A, regarding the defense, Coach Yu TOKISAKI and I discuss and create plans, with him taking the lead, and I align my opinions with what I hear from him. The players are also very focused during the sessions. First of all, the roles of the three players up front are extremely important. I can't say much here, but within the defense that starts from the front line, it’s about where to force the opponent to pass the ball and how to proceed from there. However, of course, things don’t always go according to our plan, and there are moments when the opponent gets through, but we have also built solid countermeasures for those situations and when the opponent’s strengths come out. We were able to express that well in this match. Not only in this match, but I believe the players themselves are feeling a sense of accomplishment. I hear such comments, and in this match, being able to connect defense to attack was very significant. Since we put that much effort into planning, being able to demonstrate in today’s game what we trained for will become a strength going forward. Making that even higher quality will be important in the next stage.
Q: When it comes to Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI, there is an image of possession football, but today FC Tokyo executed counterattacks well. Are you currently rebuilding the team, or are you thinking about how to utilize the strengths of that team?
A: Rather, we emphasize the strengths we have while slightly nudging the sides. We include such sessions in training and are gradually building up. We are proceeding while observing the players’ awareness and sensitivity, so it’s not something that is very prominent yet. However, there are parts that the players feel during the game, and of course, I provide clear feedback on what to do in such situations. When I ask them to try certain things in the next stage, they always do it. Although it’s gradual, I believe various elements are steadily accumulating. During the camp, there were several games where this was strongly evident, but once it becomes an actual match, the opponents also prepare countermeasures. So, when the players have a firm grasp of the game flow and game reading, I try not to push my own ideas too much and proceed with that in mind.
[Player Interview]
Teruhito NAKAGAWA
Q, please review the game.
A: I think it was a match where it was unclear which side the victory would go to. Both teams had chances and periods of control, and I believe the result today came down to us not being able to finish during those moments.
Q: Coach Matsuhashi also praised the defense of the three forwards in the press conference. I believe Nakagawa's individual defensive contribution was also very high.
A, I understood that when facing the opponent's system, gaps would occur creating spaces, so I was especially conscious of making well-timed dropping movements and movements to be used by my teammates. I wanted to create a good cycle by being involved with the ball and aimed to establish the rhythm of the attack. Defensively, the opponent's unconventional system involved movements that were hard to mark, such as the center backs positioning themselves as defensive midfielders, but since this was shared by the staff in advance meetings, I think we were able to prepare well. Also, recovering second balls was crucial. Whether we could win them or not changed the rhythm and attacking opportunities. I was aware of this as a key point, and I believe there were chances and threats arising from that in today's match as well.
Q: I think the key point is how many goals we can score now that the team's level of completion is improving.
A, first of all, I think we are well organized defensively, and we have clearly defined where to win the ball depending on the opponent. I feel that this aspect has been improving with each match. In games where we fail to score, there were many instances last season where we conceded goals at the very end. I think it was good that in a situation like today’s, we were able to hold firm during critical moments and finish without conceding. That is one area where we have made progress. On the offensive side, I believe it’s about how we deliver penetrating passes and, after pressing in the opponent’s half, how we enter the box and convert those chances into goals. I feel the progress in our attack as we play, and to make the most of each player’s skills in front of goal, I want to play calmly. I myself missed a chance that could have led to a goal in today’s match, and since everyone is just one step away, I want to prepare for the next game so that we can calmly finish our chances.
Kota Tokiwa
Q, it was your debut in the J1 League and at home at Ajinomoto Stadium, how did it feel to be on the pitch?
A: It was a strange feeling to finally stand in a place I had always admired, but I kept my composure. Even the moment I was called on as a substitute felt like just another regular match. I didn’t get overly tense and was able to enter the game as usual.
Q: It was a very difficult situation for a debut match, coming on as a substitute against a strong team, with heavy rain and a slippery pitch. How did you approach it?
A, first of all, since the score was 0-0, I focused on defense to avoid conceding a goal. Especially as a defensive midfielder, it looked very tough from the bench to deal with the opponent's two shadow forwards, so I made sure not to let them get through there. However, since I was brought on as a substitute to help win, I also wanted to go for scoring a goal.
Q: I believe that Tokiwa's vertical movement in both offense and defense has been a great help to the team.
A, since the defense was becoming heavy, I actively aimed to press from the front to force the opponent to pass the ball back. While pressing forward, I was also cautious not to create too much space behind me, but I think I was able to play while maintaining balance.
Q: It seemed that Tokiwada was able to draw out plays that would help bring the team back to their own pace during the time they were being pressed by Shonan.
A: I wasn't able to make plays that would change the course of the game, but I think I was able to make some plays that helped tighten up the team.
Q: It was your debut match, but the team couldn't secure a win.
A: I don't feel that it was special just because it was my debut. I came on as a substitute in a league match that we had to win, and I feel responsible for not being able to help the team secure the victory. Above all, I really wanted to win.
