Match Review
The away match against Urawa Reds. Many Blue-Red family members gathered at the stadium to support Tokyo as they aimed for their first 3-game winning streak of the season, cheering loudly to encourage the players.
After a series of consecutive matches, the team finally had a one-week adjustment period and made one change to the starting lineup from the previous match. Takahiro KO, who was injured in the match against Albirex Niigata two matches ago and missed the last game, returned to the defensive midfield position and wore the captain's armband. Also, Masato MORISHIGE, who has recovered from injury, returned to the bench. Supported by these reliable teammates, the team kicked off aiming to secure a victory for further progress.
1st HALF—Hian scores early but the opponent catches up
Urawa aggressively moves around from the start, circulating the ball and pressing forward. The entire team endures this, then draws the momentum by large side switches from the back line and advances into Urawa's territory.
The match took a turn in the 7th minute of the first half.
Henrique TREVISAN advanced on the left side and passed forward. Kota TAWARATSUMIDA, who received the ball, cut inside toward the center and made a vertical pass. Keita ENDO, breaking away from behind, was fouled as he entered the box, earning a penalty kick. Securing a big chance early on, Marcelo RYAN calmly placed the ball into the lower left corner to take the lead. With the ace scoring his third consecutive goal, the blue and red took the initiative.
With the lead taken, the game dynamics shifted, and Tokyo increasingly looked for attacking opportunities while maintaining possession. In offense, attacks that start by drawing back slightly before speeding up demonstrated their threat, while in defense, they formed solid blocks like a net and connected sharp attacks from quick interceptions.
At the 28th minute of the first half, they were caught by Urawa's counterattack while pressing forward, but they closed down effectively at key moments, allowing no freedom, and endured with physical defense.
However, at the 32nd minute, the right side was broken down and a cross was delivered to player Matsuo. Yu OKUBO met it with a header in the center, which bounced off the crossbar, but the rebound was powerfully finished by player Ishihara to equalize. VAR support was called due to a possible offside, but the goal was allowed as is.
The game returned to square one. Tokyo, aiming to take the lead once again, searched for openings by creating a numerical advantage using the goalkeeper from the back line. In the 38th minute of the first half, player Taka attempted a middle-range shot, and in the 40th minute, player Sato boldly advanced vertically from the right side.
A closely contested match with both teams mixing ball possession and fast-paced attacks. Tokyo took the lead early, but it is concerning that Urawa frequently exploited the space behind with direct plays penetrating the pockets. The first half ended without change even after 3 minutes of additional time. The score at halftime was 1-1.
2nd HALF—Late goal conceded in the match, resulting in a 2-3 come-from-behind loss
Just after the start of the second half, Kei KOIZUMI was brought on to replace Kento HASHIMOTO, who complained of discomfort in his leg. The captain's armband was entrusted to player number 37 from Takahashi.
Then, just 4 minutes into the second half, after the opponent cleared the ball, it was immediately connected forward, and Sato made a vertical move followed by a final pass to the center. Receiving this, Lucas RIAN took one touch and struck with his right foot, but the powerful shot was blocked by Nishikawa's excellent save from close range, preventing the go-ahead goal.
Meanwhile, Tokyo's guardian also saves the team with desperate saves. At the 10th minute of the second half, he saved a decisive header from close range, and immediately after, at the 11th minute, he made a fine save by deflecting Savio's powerful cut-in shot with just his left hand. The continuously starting number 13 firmly locks the goal and energizes the team.
At the 15th minute of the second half, an unexpected trouble occurred. Rian, who had scored in three consecutive matches in the first half, complained of discomfort in his leg and sat down, switching with Soma ANZAI. Sato was moved to the front line, ANZAI to left wing-back, and Endo shifted to right inside half in the new formation.
Tokyo ended up using their two substitution opportunities due to injuries rather than tactical changes, but the newly introduced player Anzai and Endo, who switched positions inward, performed significant roles on the pitch.
At the 23rd minute of the second half, while holding the ball on the left side and looking for the right timing to make a move, he looked well towards the center and made a cut-back. Endo ran in here and aimed directly at the near post with a one-touch shot, which deflected off an opposing player and went into the goal. He scored a valuable go-ahead goal in front of the goal stand filled with blue and red supporters.
And at the 35th minute of the second half, the opponent scored through Matsumoto from a cross. Although VAR support was involved, the goal was confirmed, resulting in the score being leveled once again.
At the 42nd minute of the second half, three players were substituted: Teruhito NAKAGAWA as the lone forward, Masato MORISHIGE as center back, and Yuto NAGATOMO as left wing-back, replacing Sato, Henrique, and Endo respectively. Anzai was moved to inside half, entrusting the final substitution with the victory.
However, during the 11 minutes of added time in the second half, they were pushed back by Urawa's momentum as they quickly equalized, and Matsumoto scored again to shake the net and take the lead.
Tokyo launched a fierce attack aiming to equalize, but their counterattack did not succeed. This season, they had an outstanding record of 5 wins and 1 draw in matches where they scored first, but they couldn't hold onto their lead twice. They suffered a frustrating come-from-behind loss away, narrowly missing out on a third consecutive win. However, the players showed a passionate fight, and the blue and red fans and supporters who filled the stands behind the goal gave a loud "Tokyo" cheer.
MATCH DETAILS
<FC Tokyo>
STARTING XI
GK Go HATANO
DF Kanta DOI/エンリケ トレヴィザン（後半42分：森重真人）/Seiji KIMURA/Kosuke SHIRAI
MF Takahiro KO/ Kento HASHIMOTO (42nd minute 2nd half: Keisuke KOIZUMI)/Keita ENDO (42nd minute 2nd half: Yuto NAGATOMO)/Kota TAWARATSUMIDA
FW Keisuke SATO (42nd minute 2nd half: Teruhito NAKAGAWA)/Marcelo Hian (17th minute 2nd half: Soma ANZAI)
SUBS
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
DF Teppei OKA
MF Keigo HIGASHI
FW Leon NOZAWA
MANAGER
Rikizo MATSUHASHI
GOAL
9th minute of the first half: Marcelo RYAN / 23rd minute of the second half: Keita ENDO
<Urawa Reds>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Shusaku NISHIKAWA
DF Hirokazu ISHIHARA/Danilo Boza/Marius Høibråten/Takuya OGIWARA (33rd minute 2nd half: Genki Haraguchi)
MF Samuel Gustafson (22nd minute 2nd half: Motoki NAGAKURA)/Kaito YASUI/Tomoaki OKUBO (22nd minute 2nd half: Takuro KANEKO)/Ryoma WATANABE (28th minute 2nd half: Taishi MATSUMOTO)/Matheus Savio (28th minute 2nd half: Takahiro SEKINE)
FW Yusuke MATSUO
SUBS
GK Ayumi NIEKAWA
DF Rikito INOUE
MF Shoya NAKAJIMA/Yoichi NAGANUMA
MANAGER
Maciej SKORZA
GOAL
32nd minute of the first half: Hirokazu ISHIHARA / 35th minute of the second half: Taishi MATSUMOTO / 45+3 minutes of the second half: Taishi MATSUMOTO
[Interview with Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI]
Q, Please give us a review of today's match.
A, Despite many fans and supporters coming all the way from Tokyo, I feel very sorry that we could not secure a victory. Although the players gave their utmost effort, we were overturned in that manner at the end, and I am now filled with feelings of deep frustration over what was truly a regrettable game. That is all.
Q: During the second goal when we were caught up, VAR support was involved. What explanation did the referees provide?
A, First, an offside check and a handball check were conducted, and there was a delay in handling the handball check, which was our (the referees') fault. Both coaches accepted this, and since there were no further handball incidents afterward, we had no choice but to accept it. (Regarding the offside) it was confirmed with 3D that there was no offside.
Q. After the score became 2-2, with the atmosphere in the stadium rising and the players feeling uncertain, how did the coach perceive the situation?
A: You cannot see what is in the heart, but I did not particularly feel any impatience. However, I probably felt the energy of the stadium as pressure to some extent, and perhaps a step or a move was a little delayed. That said, the atmosphere in the stadium is no excuse; we must firmly do what needs to be done, apply pressure where necessary, and even if a cross ball is delivered, mark tightly there. This is a matter of course, and if we cannot do that, no matter what tactics we have, we cannot defend. I believe we must thoroughly tighten up in that area.
Q: In the situation where we conceded a goal, fresh players were brought in and I believe there was no issue with stamina, but as you just mentioned, were there errors such as insufficient pressure?
A: The substitutions were changed from what was originally planned. When we decided to make a change at this timing, another player had a cramp in his leg, and due to such circumstances, we had to alter the player we originally intended to substitute. However, this was something we had sufficiently anticipated, so a slight lapse occurred in our response. I believe the player in question has strengths in those areas, but unfortunately, today the opponent outperformed us.
Q: In the final stages of the match, when trying to equalize, it seemed like you could have introduced variations such as dribbling or other tactics. What was the coach's perspective on this?
A. I think there are many approaches, but if you try to break through by dribbling and get caught, you risk being counterattacked. Also, attacks through the center should be avoided to prevent counterattacks. Furthermore, even when responding with crosses, the outcome is fifty-fifty until the ball is delivered and the contest is decided, so it is essential to organize well how to recover the next loose ball and attack accordingly. While having all players push forward might increase the chances, it also raises the risk of counterattacks.
Considering such balance is naturally something the team always does, but today there were times when voices didn’t carry well, and under various conditions, those natural things can become misaligned. Even in such situations, it is necessary to respond calmly and steadily. However, if we say calmly, sometimes it can be too calm and lack challenge. I think this is quite a difficult point. Still, I believe we must steadily build up regardless.
[Player Interview]
<Keita ENDO player>
Q: The winning streak has ended, but please review the game again.
A: I think if we keep losing matches like this after being ahead, we won’t be able to break into the top ranks. In that sense, I believe today was a very important match, but I also think it’s our own fault if we get dragged back into the battle at the bottom from here on.
Q: You were involved in two goals. Please review the goals.
A: For the first goal, I switched positions with Kota TAWARATSUMIDA, changing between outside and inside positions, and through our combination play, I think we were able to successfully earn the penalty kick. For the second goal, after my position changed to shadow, I took a powerful shot that rolled into the frame, which I’m glad about. However, since we lost the match, my goals don’t matter at all, and I only feel frustration.
Q. What should we consider in order to win matches like this or at least secure 1 point?
A: I think the atmosphere in the stadium definitely played a role, and after it became 2-2, the question was how many players tried to shake that off and keep playing. Since I was on the bench, I couldn’t do much, but it just looked like we were being overwhelmed by the atmosphere and increasingly pressured by the Urawa Reds. I don’t think we saw any play with the spirit to somehow break free from that situation.
Q. Does Endo also communicate such points to the team?
A. It’s not something I should do; it’s something each individual player has to handle. All I could do was encourage the team after leaving the pitch. Preparing for that is the responsibility of the players on the field, so there’s nothing I can say. If each player can’t be committed to winning, we will end up losing and getting caught in the relegation battle like this. I don’t think it’s something that will change just because I say something.
<Takahiro KO>
Q: It was your first start in a while and a tough match. Please give us your overall reflections.
A. The start of the game and the way we progressed in the early second half were phases where we played with confidence, and there were good aspects. However, towards the end of the first half and in the last 15 minutes, we were pushed back by the opponent, and time passed without us being able to fully recover from the mismatches on the pitch. In such situations, I believe that having everyone share the same awareness and push the game forward is the key to accumulating points in matches like today’s.
Q. Specifically, what kind of mismatched parts or errors occurred?
A. Of course, the balance between offense and defense is important, but perhaps due to some physical fatigue, there was a noticeable drop in energy. In such situations, it is crucial to intensify pressing on the opponent's ball holder once again and to prevent the opponent, who frequently attacked from the sides, from easily delivering crosses. I believe it is important to further enhance individual tactics.
Q. On the other hand, we were also able to secure goals at the timing when our attack became more solid.
A: Scoring the opening goal early on was one of the positive points, especially considering how often we have failed to convert chances and let time slip away until now. However, we lacked the momentum to continue adding more goals. It is important to maintain an overall balance that allows us to keep scoring, rather than becoming too defensive. Since Keita ENDO was able to finish well, I especially wanted us to win.
