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.
1st HALF—Although they maintained possession and created chances, they could not convert them into goals.
The early stages saw a back-and-forth battle, with both teams probing each other. Tokyo's Hashimoto joined the buildup with a slightly deeper positioning, while Dohi and Oka aimed to construct attacks with a variable system that opened up on the sides.
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 - Despite creating numerous chances, the match ends in a scoreless draw
No player substitutions for either team at halftime. In the second half, Tokyo shows determination in battles for the ball and continues to fight hard in both attack and defense without weakening the pressure from the front line. In the 7th minute of the second half, Shirai's cross sees Nakagawa diving in at the near post, demonstrating a bold attitude as they aim for 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 to all the fans and supporters who came to the stadium despite the really cold weather. It is very disappointing that we ended up with just one point. Throughout the match, especially in the first half, both teams had a tense game. In the second half, we tried to create more opportunities to challenge, through advice and individual approaches to the players, and at times they were able to show that aspect and gain an advantage. However, like the previous match, we had several clear chances towards the end but couldn't convert them. As a result, we ended up with a draw. I am very frustrated and wonder why this happened, but I want to prepare for the next match without giving up.
Q: Unlike the previous match, we were able to secure 1 point by keeping a clean sheet. Can you tell us your evaluation of the defense?
A, we really executed the plan we had prepared very well, and what we have built up until now was also done excellently. I think our response to the errors that occurred was also very impressive. Towards the end, considering that this kind of development was likely, we made the decision to leave one substitution unused, but within that, we fought tenaciously until the very end. It's not just that we were able to keep a clean sheet, but I believe we also did a fantastic job of breaking the opponent's momentum and transitioning to counterattacks.
Q, among them, please tell us your evaluation of Kento HASHIMOTO, who started in two consecutive matches, and Kouta TOKIWAN, who is making 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 the measures against Shonan Bellmare's attack?
A, regarding defense, I have been discussing with Coach Yu TOKISAKI and while he is leading the plan, I am aligning my own opinions with what he has shared. The players have been very focused during the sessions. First of all, the roles of the three players in the front line are very significant. I can't say much here, but within the defense that is based on the front line, it is about where to force the ball and how to proceed. However, there are scenes where things do not go according to our plan, and we are sometimes circumvented, but we have also built solid countermeasures for those situations and when the opponent's strengths come into play. We were able to express those aspects well in this match. I believe that not only in this match, but the players themselves are also feeling a sense of achievement. I have heard such statements, and regarding this match, being able to connect to the attack was very significant. Since we have been working on the plan to that extent, being able to execute the training we did today as it is will become a strength for the future. I think it will be important to elevate that to a higher quality 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, while bringing out the good aspects we have, it's more about gently teasing the sides. We are incorporating such sessions into our training and gradually building up. Currently, we are progressing while observing the players' awareness and sensitivity, so it doesn't feel like it's fully out there yet. However, during the games, there are parts that the players feel, and of course, I provide solid feedback during such times, saying that I want them to try these things in the next stage, and they always do it. I believe various things are gradually accumulating. During the camp, there were several games where this was prominently displayed, but as we move into actual games, the opponents will also come up with countermeasures, so while the players are doing it with a solid grasp of the game flow and game reading, they are thinking about not pushing their own thoughts too much.
[Player Interview]
Teruhito NAKAGAWA
Q, please review the game.
I think it was a match where it was unclear which side would come out victorious. Both teams had their chances and periods of control, and I believe that our inability to capitalize during those moments led to today's result.
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, misalignments could create spaces, and I was particularly conscious of making timely movements to drop back and being utilized 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. On the defensive side, there were difficult movements, such as the center backs positioning themselves like defensive midfielders in the opponent's unconventional system, but since we shared this in advance during the meeting with the staff, I believe we were able to prepare adequately. Additionally, recovering second balls is crucial. Whether we can pick them up or not changes the rhythm and opportunities for attack. I was aware of that as a key point, and I think there were chances and challenges that arose from that in today's match.
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 are able to clearly identify where to win the ball depending on the opponent. I feel that this has been improving with each match. In games where we struggle to score, we often allowed the opponent to score at the very end last season. I think it was good that we were able to endure and finish today’s match without conceding a goal, especially in critical moments. That is one area where we have made progress. In terms of our attack, it’s about how we can enter the box and convert after pushing into the opponent's territory with passes that penetrate. I feel the progress in our attacking play as we play, and I want to play calmly to utilize each player's skills in front of the goal. Personally, I missed opportunities that could have led to goals in today’s match, and since everyone is getting to the point of being “one step away,” I want to prepare for the next match so that we can calmly seize 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 managed to keep a calm mind. The moment I was called to substitute felt just like any other match. I was able to enter the game as usual, without any unusual tension.
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 it was 0-0, I focused on defense to avoid conceding goals. In particular, it seemed very difficult for the holding midfielder to deal with the opponent's two shadow players from the bench, so I made sure we didn't let that happen. However, I was also brought on as a substitute to win, so I wanted to go for 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 back was heavy, I actively aimed for plays that would force the opponent to return the ball by pressing from the front. I was also worried that pressing forward would 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.
Although we haven't been able to make plays that move the board, I think we were able to make some plays that tightened up the team.
Q: It was your debut match, but the team couldn't secure a win.
I don't feel that it's special just because it's my debut match; I feel responsible because I couldn't help the team win in a match that we had to win as part of the league. I just wanted to win, no matter what.
