Match Review
In the second half of the 2024 season, Tokyo welcomed Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo to Ajinomoto Stadium. With a record of 8 wins, 6 draws, and 5 losses, totaling 30 points, Tokyo finished the first half in 6th place. However, this season, they have struggled with a poor record of 1 win, 4 draws, and 3 losses in 8 home games at Ajinomoto Stadium. With the opening of the second half today, they hope to start strong and gain momentum for the future.
In the previous match, Tokyo secured a hard-fought victory against Shonan Bellmare away. For this midweek match, they made four changes to the starting lineup. Taishi Brandon NOZAWA took position as goalkeeper, and Kosuke SHIRAI, who returned from injury in the match against Shonan, was utilized as the right side back. Yasuki KIMOTO, back from injury, entered as center back, partnering with Teppei OKA, who has started in two consecutive matches.
In addition, Shuhei TOKUMOTO, who scored a brilliant middle goal in the match against Shonan, was named as the left back. The midfielders are Takahiro KO and Riki HARAKAWA, with Kuryu MATSUKI positioned as the attacking midfielder. On the wings, Soma ANZAI is on the right and Kota TAWARATSUMIDA is on the left, with Ryotaro ARAKI as the lone striker. Furthermore, on the bench, players who have supported the team so far, including Keita ENDO, who has recovered from injury, are ready, and they kicked off vowing to secure a victory at home.
1stHALF - Gradually creating opportunities and approaching the goal
Sapporo, which has adopted an unconventional system of forming a 4-back while dropping midfielder Baba to the final line based on 3-6-1. They have been responding to Tokyo's 3-top with a man-to-man marking while creating a numerical advantage. Tokyo has been connecting passes, pressing from the front line, and looking for attacking options.
In the early stages, both teams set their lines high, but Sapporo quickly dropped back to a 4-back or even a 6-back with both wide players returning, making it difficult to create chances. On the other hand, the defense, which adopted a high-risk high-line defense, responded firmly to the opponent's quick attacks. In scenes where they were in danger of being countered, player Okada made sharp tackles to prevent any potential danger.
In the 27th minute of the first half, the team's goalkeeper once again saves the team, just like in the previous match. Despite allowing a powerful left-footed shot from player Suga after a long ball was dropped in the front line, player Nozawa makes a super save by diving to the right corner. This play reminds the team of their previous match where they endured defensively and secured a victory, giving them momentum going forward.
Tokyo has been struggling to create scoring opportunities as they would like, but as time passes, they are gradually creating chances.
35 minutes into the first half, Whitey player broke through on the right side with a feed from Kimoto player who had moved up from the final line. Araki player in the center aimed precisely with his left foot for a ground cross, but unfortunately it was cleared by the opposing defender.
After this play, Tokyo's fierce attack will start. In the 40th minute of the first half, player Yasuzaki supplies a through pass that cuts through the opponent's defense, and player Matsuki breaks through and approaches the goal, but is unable to shoot due to being closed down by the opponent at the last moment.
In the 43rd minute of the first half, NAWAZA player quickly jumped out against the opponent's counter and made a beautiful long pass to the right side with one touch. MATSUKI player broke through and ARAGAKI player took a volley shot from a chest trap in the area, but it was also blocked by the opponent.
Just before the end of the first half, there was a chance for a direct free kick from the left 45 degree position. Hirokawa aimed for the top left corner of the goal with his strong right foot, but his shot was blocked by Sugano's sharp reaction and could not shake the goal net.
Tokyo gradually became able to create opportunities, but struggled against the solid Sapporo defense that stuck to their opponents. The goal that led to victory at home was carried over to the second half.
2nd HALF—Anzai scores the winning goal! A long-awaited victory at Ajinomoto Stadium!
Second half attacking towards the fans and supporters who passionately support from behind the goal. The blue and red army has been increasing the pressure towards the goal from the beginning.
In the second half, at the 2-minute mark, player Tawarazumida dribbled in from the left side and took a shot from a cut-in. Furthermore, they attacked with corner kicks, long throws, and crosses, but the opponent's counter was firmly blocked by player Nozawa's sharp reaction. They raised their awareness towards the goal and supported the team in defense, working together towards the 3 points for a home win.
In the 15th minute of the second half, a big chance was created from the left side. Tokumoto made a through pass, cutting through the enemy's territory with his left foot. Araki reacted sharply and broke through, but his sliding attempt to push it in just barely missed.
Tokyo, who wants to score the first goal at home, makes a move in the 18th minute of the second half. Diego OLIVEIRA is substituted in as the lone striker, and Teruhito NAKAGAWA is brought in on the right wing, replacing players Araki and Tawara. Yasuzaki is moved to the left wing as they go on the offensive.
Here, Morimoto was injured and Morishige was substituted in the 27th minute of the second half. Immediately after, Morishige returned the opponent's feed with a powerful header, which went to Matsuki in front. Captain's through pass to Anzai who made a sliding shot. Diego followed up on the rebound from the opponent's goalkeeper, but couldn't react in time due to his top speed and the ball unfortunately missed the right goal.
In the 33rd minute of the second half, once again, a shot was taken by Sugai from the left side on a counter attack, but standing in the way of the ball aimed at the near post was once again Nozawa. With precise positioning and quick reactions, he defended the goal and the entire team supported the attackers as they went for a goal.
Victory at Ajinomoto Stadium──. The strong spirit of the team and the entire stadium finally bears fruit in the form of a first goal in the 39th minute of the second half.
From the right side, Dawhan player made a one-touch pass to the far side. Robert player then slipped behind the opponent defender and stretched out his left foot. He hit the ball directly on the drop and the shot hit the bar before being sucked into the goal.
Anzai, wearing number 38, runs straight to the goal-line fans and supporters. When he scored his first professional goal that led to a draw in the match against Júbilo Iwata in Sec. 18, he said, "I want to seek more goals that lead to victories. As long as I am used in the front line, I want to meet expectations with results." He accomplished a significant feat with consecutive goals at Ajinomoto Stadium.
After 6 minutes of added time in the second half, supported by the chant, "Let's burst forth, Tobitakyu! There's no way we can lose!", we finally marked our second league victory of the season at Ajinomoto Stadium. In a united battle with fans and supporters, we achieved the victory at Ajinomoto Stadium that we desperately wanted, starting the second half of the season with the best result.
MATCH DETAILS
<FC Tokyo>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
DF Kosuke SHIRAI (substituted in 45+3 minutes: Hodaka NAKAMURA)/Yasuki KIMOTO (substituted in 27 minutes: Masato MORISHIGE)/Teppei OKA/Shuhei TOKUMOTO
MF Kuryu MATSUKI/Hiroshi TAKAU (substituted in 45+3 minutes: Kei KOIZUMI)
FW Kota TAWARATSUMIDA (substituted in 18 minutes: Teruhito NAKAGAWA)/Soma ANZAI/Ryotaro ARAKI (substituted in 18 minutes: Diego OLIVEIRA)
SUBS
GK Go HATANO
FW Keita ENDO
GOAL
39' Second Half: Soma ANZAI
<Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Takanori SUGENO
DF Takao RU (substituted in 44th minute: Rei IEIZUMI) / Daihachi OKAMURA / Toya NAKAMURA
MF Hiromu TANAKA (substituted in 44th minute: Kosuke HARA) / Katsuyuki TANAKA (substituted in 27th minute: Shota NISHINO) / Seiya BABA / Daiki SUGA / Yoshiaki KOMAI / Tatsuya HASEGAWA
FW Musashi SUZUKI (substituted in 38th minute: Shingo OMORI)
SUBS
GK Jun KODAMA
DF Yamato OKADA
FW Shido IZUMA
GOAL
―
[Interview with Peter CKLAMOVSKI, Manager]
Q, please review the game.
A, it was a good football battle. I think Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo had a very good fight, but overall, I think our performance was very good. Until about 30 minutes into the first half, it was an even battle. At that point, we were able to grab the flow without getting flustered, and we were able to endure and grab a good flow towards the end of the first half, and we were able to end the first half in a good shape. I think the players felt the same way, and we were able to continue that into the second half.
What was important was for us to concentrate firmly, play at a good tempo, and fight patiently. If we could do that, I thought we could score. We were able to control the game well on the pitch and respond well to the opponent's counterattacks. I thought we could score and if we had scored a little earlier, we might have been able to score a few more points. With these 3 points, we want to recover well and prepare for the next game.
Q, There have been many late goals in recent matches, what do you think is the reason for this?
A, first of all, football has various challenges, and we must seize the flow ourselves within those challenges, but I believe it is important to fight in our own way without getting anxious. There were matches where we were able to do that, and at those times, I think we were able to control the game ourselves. However, in our previous battles, there were times when we easily conceded a goal and it became 0-1 during such matches where the score was 0-0 for a long time. Today, we were able to fight patiently and maintain our concentration, and I believe that led to a wonderful goal by Soma ANZAI from a fantastic ball by Riki HARAKAWA. The players must also be happy to bring victory to the fans and supporters.
Q, Please tell us the intention of substituting Teruhito NAKAGAWA and Diego OLIVEIRA.
A, I was thinking about a lot of things in my head. I was thinking about putting Diego Taba on the field at the right time, and I think the substituted players fought very well. What we want to create is a team that is difficult for the opponent to play against for the full 90 minutes. The substitute players came on in the end and continued to play their game, and it is necessary to increase the intensity of the game and fight until the end. I think the players did a good job of that today.
I was considering substituting either Kuryu MATSUKI or Ryotaro ARAKI to bring some freshness, but Kuryu was showing good mobility during that time, while Ryotaro seemed a bit physically tired. So, I brought in Diego TABA. I used Nakagawa because Anzai was able to be a good starting point and made some good runs, and Kota TAWARATSUMIDA has had a lot of playing time up to this point, so I was also thinking about how long to use him. That was the reason for today's substitutions. The players who came on as substitutes also made a very good contribution. I believe their performance was worth three points.
[Player Interview]
Soma ANZAI
Q: Please review the scene of the goal that led the team to victory.
As soon as player Riki HARAKAWA entered the kicking motion, I thought the ball would come there. Rather than me adjusting to it, the ball came to my foot, so all I had to do was hit it. I think we were able to score thanks to player HARAKAWA.
Q, this was the second consecutive goal in a home game.
After being able to score one point, my feelings became a little easier and my way of thinking changed. I was always thinking that I had to "get results", but now I think I can play more freely compared to that time. However, the numbers are still not satisfactory. First and foremost, the team's victory is the most important, but I also want to focus on my own results within that.
Q, the game has been intense with frequent changes in offense and defense since the first half.
A, today, we talked about coming together as a team to decide the match in the first half from the start. In attack, Kuryu MATSUKI and Ryotaro ARAKI led the press, while in defense, Yasuki KIMOTO and Teppei OKA focused on preventing the opposing forwards from playing. There were hardly any dangerous situations created, so that was good. Right now, Tokyo has the ability to score 1 or 2 goals in a match. I believe that if we don't concede, we can play our game, so I think we were able to play without getting impatient even if the score was 0-0 for a long time.
Q, we worked hard until the end of the game. We can also see the good condition.
A, my greatest weapon is hard work, and I believe that without it, there is nothing left. Whether I score or not, whether we win or lose, I believe it is important to keep fighting until the very last second for Tokyo. I know that there will be even tougher battles ahead, but I want to use my strengths to help the team.
Q, we will welcome Avispa Fukuoka to Ajinomoto Stadium in three days.
If we can start the second half of the season with consecutive wins at Ajinomoto Stadium, I believe the team will gain momentum. Since it's a series of matches, we will prepare well while recovering, and I want to address the issues that arose in the match against Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo as we approach the game against Avispa Fukuoka. I want to make sure we can achieve consecutive wins.
<Riki HARAKAWA>
Q: It was my first start in a while. Please review the game.
A, as always, I prepared for the game by doing what I needed to do. I think I can do better if I can play while watching the opponent more in the attacking scenes. Also, if I can recognize my role in the attack while watching the movements of my teammates and fulfill that role in a unified manner, I think we can create attacking opportunities in the next game.
Q, I think risk management was also necessary for Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo's counter.
A, Since the opponent was able to play man-to-man, there were scenes where the ball was taken away from mistakes when trying to put the ball vertically. In those situations, I made sure to speed up and not lose the ball in a hurry. Even if the ball was taken away, there were scenes where the defensive midfielder and center back were able to take care of it well, so I want to improve the quality even more.
Q, What kind of communication did you have with Takahiro KO during the game?
Both Takahiro KO and I are players who actively go forward, so we took positions to function as a relay player. If one of us goes forward, they will make the necessary plays, and if one stays back, they will do what needs to be done in that position. I think we were able to work together well in that regard.
Q, How will you approach the Avispa Fukuoka match in 3 days?
A, I think it will be a completely different game from today because the opponent's approach is completely different. Since Fukuoka is close in rank, it will be a very important game even when considering the rank. I want to prepare well and face the game.
<Yasuki KIMOTO>
Q, returned from a facial fracture and made a significant contribution to the clean sheet victory.
A, There was difficulty in playing with a face guard. There were times when I couldn't secure my field of vision, but I think I was able to play at least minimally. The opponent was on a losing streak and I was only focused on winning against Sapporo without worrying about that. In the recent games, I felt that we were not able to defend well as a team, so I was conscious of being aggressive and going forward, although it was not a risky move. It was a man-to-man defense, but in the first half, there were no major flaws and I felt that we were able to defend well.
Q, It was the first game I played with Teppei OKA as a center back.
A, it was my first time, but I think I was able to have a stable defense. I was helped by Okas player's aggressive play and energetic play that took advantage of his youth. In the combination, Okas player's confidence was a push for me. There is a good competition in any position, and I think it has a positive impact on the team. I think it was a good game for both Okas player and myself, and it was a good opportunity.
Q, it was a long-awaited victory at Ajinomoto Stadium.
A, the players all wanted to deliver a victory to the fans and supporters at home, and I am happy that we were able to win today's match. We have a match against Avispa Fukuoka at home this weekend, so if we can continue our winning streak here, I believe we can aim for the top. While using our ability to break into the top ranks as motivation, I want to once again focus and approach the match with determination.
