<Emperor's Cup 3rd Round - Oita Trinita Match Review>
In a one-match knockout where 'losing means elimination,' the Red and Blue firmly secured their ticket to the best 16 on away ground.
The 3rd Round of the Emperor's Cup was held on July 16 at the Crassus Dome Oita. Against Oita Trinita, who were solidly defending, Tokyo searched for attacking opportunities. In the 18th minute of the first half, Kosuke SHIRAI intercepted the ball sharply on the right side, then connected with Motoki NAGAKURA and Teruhito NAKAGAWA to launch a counterattack. When they brought the ball to the front of the goal, NAKAGAWA was fouled and a penalty kick was awarded. NAGAKURA calmly converted it with his right foot, successfully scoring the opening goal early in the match.
Furthermore, in the 32nd minute, they broke down Oita's defense with passing play from their own half. From Soma ANZAI's right cross, Nagakura aimed a header, and finally Koizumi followed up to score an additional goal. By skillfully switching between possession and counterattacks, dominating the battles for the ball, and transitioning smoothly between offense and defense, they fully took control and headed into halftime with an ideal scenario of extending their lead.
In the second half, there were moments when the opponent, energized by substitutions, pressed us somewhat, but we held firm with solid defense at key points and fine saves by Kim Seung-gyu, maintaining the 2-0 score until the final whistle. We took a step forward toward becoming cup winners.
Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI expressed his satisfaction with the victory, saying, "There were some differences in tone between the first and second halves, with the first half being very offensive and the second half more defensive. Each had good aspects, which led to the win."
<Preview of the Emperor's Cup Round of 16>
The team that won against the Urawa Reds in Sec. 24 of the Meiji Yasuda J1 League held on July 19 resumed training after a break. Considering the intense heat after the suspension, they moved the start of practice up to 9:00 a.m. and have been training for the Emperor's Cup Round of 16 match against Cerezo Osaka.
The post-break training focused on physical exercises to wake the body up from rest, and the “Rikizo Tokyo” team has been preparing for the match. Reflecting on the team’s battles, the practice emphasized game-format training in an environment where players could concentrate. They spent time thoroughly reviewing and repeatedly confirming their strengths, which have become more apparent since June.
The Emperor's Cup is, needless to say, a single-elimination tournament. Beyond that, there is a league match against the Kashima Antlers scheduled just three days later. Head coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI expressed his determination, saying, "Since it’s a knockout format, we absolutely have to win. We will fight while considering both not losing and winning." Having advanced through the 3rd Round against Oita with a squad mindful of the consecutive matches, he showed confidence by stating, "We have a player pool equivalent to more than two teams." Considering that this is the first match of the consecutive games, there is also the possibility of selecting the lineup accordingly, and attention is focused on which members the coach will choose.
This season, FC Tokyo has played two matches against C Osaka in the Meiji Yasuda J1 League, both ending in draws. Regarding the opponent, Coach Matsuhashi commented, "They play a style that values ball possession while effectively utilizing the strengths of their front wingers. On the other hand, if we can prevent them from doing so and turn the game around, it is entirely possible for us to finish them off with our strong attacking play. The key points of the match will be which side can score more and which can effectively stop the other." The coach, who has always said, "The enemy in front of us is the strongest enemy," will likely raise that awareness even further in this knockout format where every match must be won, demanding a focused approach to the game.
From this match onward, the new competition rule, the '8-second rule,' will be applied. Until now, goalkeepers were allowed to hold the ball with their hands or arms for up to 6 seconds, but this time limit has been changed to 8 seconds and will be counted more strictly than before. If violated, the match will be restarted with a corner kick from the side closest to the ball's position. Coach Matsuhashi talks about the impact of this change.
"I think this rule is expected to improve the tempo and quality of play, but we must be careful not to fall behind because of it. When the goalkeeper is holding the ball and is pressed from the front, even teams that like to build from the back will likely have more situations where they kick the ball. It will be important to make good use of that and simply figure out how to create a starting point at a high position. However, even before that rule, the key point for us is to firmly connect from the back."
Tokyo has achieved a strong record of 4 wins and 1 loss in their last 5 official matches. The Sec. 23 match against Kashiwa Reysol, which they narrowly lost, was a hard-fought game, and it finally feels like the results are matching the quality of their play. As they showed before the break, in this match as well, they want to dominate the battles for the ball, demonstrate high awareness in transitions between offense and defense, and seize control of the game flow with solid attacks and committed defending.
The flexibility to switch between quick attacks and possession styles, considering the climate and match developments, has become a major asset. The “Aoaka spirit” reaffirmed during training after the break must be showcased on the pitch at YODOKO SAKURA STADIUM, making this a match to prove that Tokyo’s strength is genuine. Winning against the opponent in front of us, winning the match in front of us—this strong determination will pave the way to becoming cup winners.
[Interview with Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI]
Q. The previous league match against Cerezo Osaka ended in a draw, but this time it’s the knockout-style Emperor's Cup. Have you tried a considerable number of different patterns?
A. We have taken into account the fact that it’s a series of consecutive matches, but since it’s a knockout format, we absolutely must win. We approach it with a strong determination to win no matter what. While I don’t know the perfect answer on how to fight to avoid losing and to win, I selected players considering both aspects.
Q, What kind of impression do you have of Cerezo Osaka?
A, They play soccer that values possession of the ball while fully utilizing the strengths of their wingers. On the other hand, if we can overturn that advantage and prevent them from showing their strengths, we will have plenty of chances. It is also quite possible for us to create scoring opportunities with our strong attacking style, and I believe the outcome of the match will be influenced by which side can finish more chances in this battle of finishing.
Q, It has been about two weeks since the match against Urawa Reds. What areas did you focus on during practice?
A, We incorporated a lot of game-style training. While paying attention to the finer details, we also worked on changing the overall team shape. Since there was a long break, we focused on how to improve our condition and how to make the most of our strengths, incorporating these points into our training.
Q. With the league matches coming up in a few days, how do you position tomorrow's Emperor's Cup match and view the tournament as a whole?
A. We believe this is a tournament where we have a very real chance of winning the title. While we value this competition highly, we do not prioritize the Emperor's Cup at the expense of the league, nor do we think the opposite way. By focusing on each match in front of us and fighting hard, we believe positive results will naturally follow.
[Player Interview]
<Leon NOZAWA>
Q. As a team, what kind of preparations have you made for tomorrow’s Emperor's Cup match?
A. Defensively, we focused on moments to press forward and on coordination such as properly passing off marking duties. On the attacking side, we practiced with a strong focus on movements that target behind the defense and combinations up front that directly lead to goals. To win, scoring is essential, and personally, I want to achieve numbers like goals and assists. Of course, there are things to do defensively as well, but I want to leverage my strengths and characteristics in attack to contribute to the team.
Q. If we win, we will advance to the Emperor's Cup Best 8 for the first time since the 2016 season.
A. The players understand that a victory will lead to advancing to the Best 8 for the first time in a while, but in a positive way, we don’t overthink it and just focus on the match in front of us. Whether it’s the league or the Emperor's Cup, I believe it’s important to win the match at hand and move up step by step. The entire team is training with a strong desire to win, so now it’s just a matter of showing it on the pitch.
Q. Regarding your individual performance, not only have your substitute appearances increased, but your starting appearances have also grown, extending your playing time. What do you think is necessary to continue playing consistently going forward?
A. I have to do more than what is expected of me. Of course, everyone else besides me must do the same; otherwise, the team cannot aim higher. Defensively, it is important to push the opponent out, completely win the ball, connect that to positive plays, and actively participate in pressing back. Offensively, I want to be more focused on numbers like assists and goals. I have been gradually getting involved in build-up play from deeper positions, and I am slowly gaining confidence within myself. I want to fully understand the meaning of being given the chance to play in matches, produce results and statistics, and contribute to the team’s victory.
<Keigo HIGASHI>
Q. After about a three-week break, tomorrow we have a match against Cerezo Osaka.
A. Due to poor condition and other factors, it will be my first official match in a while. If I get the chance to play, I want to show it through my performance for the victory, and I strongly feel that I must prove my significance on the pitch.
Q. In playing with the current system, what are the things Keigo HIGASHI is conscious of and what is expected of him?
A. At the beginning of the season, we played with a three-back formation, but now the four-back is the main setup. I recognize that the tasks and roles expected of midfield players are different. Personally, I feel it is easier to play, and I believe it is important to choose plays that bring the team closer to victory.
Q. Specifically, what kind of play is expected in the role you are asked to perform?
A. When the defensive line has four players, it involves receiving the ball in the half-spaces or intermediate positions. Especially on the offensive side, it means plays such as expanding the attack to the flanks or making runs yourself to disrupt the opponent’s defensive formation. I want to actively demonstrate these aspects and bring out my strengths to help the team get closer to victory. At the same time, defensive contributions are also required, so I intend to work hard without slacking off.
Q, This will be the third match against C Osaka this season.
A, Australian national Arthur PAPAS became the manager this season. Although I haven’t been able to closely follow the match footage, I feel that their setup somewhat resembles Tokyo’s last season (in terms of player positioning and system). They have fast players on the sides and a striker with scoring ability at the top, and their quick vertical attacks are their characteristic and a point we must be cautious of. It is important not to lose in individual situations; if they get the upper hand, especially since it’s an away game, it will become a particularly difficult match. I want to stay focused from the start and approach the game with full concentration.
Q. Tomorrow's match will also determine advancement to the best 8 for the first time since the 2016 season.
A. Personally, I have only advanced as far as the Emperor's Cup best 4 with Tokyo, and at that time we lost to Sanfrecce Hiroshima in a penalty shootout, missing out on the Final Round. Ultimately, of course, we aim for the top, but first we have to win each match in front of us one by one. The result of tomorrow's match against C Osaka will undoubtedly affect the league match scheduled for the 10th. I think it can also be seen as the first of two important matches, so I definitely want to secure a victory and bring back good momentum.
