<Review of the Previous Match: Urawa Reds Game>
A match against the Urawa Reds returning from the FIFA Club World Cup. Bearing the memory of the dramatic comeback loss suffered away, the blue and red eleven came alive at Ajinomoto Stadium.
First, at the 6th minute, Yuto NAGATOMO, the right back who received a pass following Alexander SCHOLZ's forward run, controlled the ball and crossed with his left foot. Keita ENDO skillfully headed it into the center to take the lead.
Afterwards, although Urawa temporarily took the lead, and it seemed that Marcelo RYAN had scored an equalizer just before the end of the first half, the goal was disallowed after VAR review determined that Tokyo had committed a foul immediately prior. They entered the second half trailing by one goal.
In the halftime locker room, Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI fired up the players with, "The stage is set now. We will definitely get even. Play firmly with the thought that in the end, we will be the ones smiling." The players then expressed the feelings they held deep in their hearts out on the pitch.
First, in the 21st minute of the second half, when Teruhito NAKAGAWA delivered a pass cutting in from the right side to the center, Lucas RIAN skillfully held the ball and turned before curling in an equalizing goal with his left foot.
With the match leveled, Tokyo struck in the 44th minute of the second half near the end. Soma ANZAI’s left corner kick was cleared, but Leon NOZAWA aimed a half-volley at the loose ball. The ball deflected off an opponent and floated up, allowing Teruhito NAKAGAWA to dive in and score the go-ahead goal. The dramatic victory, as if repaying the frustration of the away loss, engulfed Ajinomoto Stadium in a frenzy of excitement.
Match Preview
This is a match where true value will be tested.
In the most recent official matches, there have been 6 wins and 1 loss. While demonstrating strong competitiveness and tactical skill, the team has steadily accumulated results. The team, which struggled through a long tunnel in the first half of the season, has undergone a major transformation and evolved into a group that aligns their focus and looks forward together.
There have been more matches where we take the initiative, and even when caught up or overtaken, the players fight with confidence, showing their resilience. The fact that anyone who steps onto the pitch can now demonstrate their unique strengths is also a sign of growth. This is proof that the steady efforts made since the start of the season are bearing fruit.
Looking back, the March 1 away match against Kashima Antlers in Sec. 4 of the Meiji Yasuda J1 League was a turning point early in the season. Both teams entered the game with 2 wins and 1 loss since the start of the season. Tokyo took control from the beginning and created many chances but kept missing decisive opportunities, ultimately conceding 2 goals at critical moments and losing the match. Kashima, with their third consecutive win, gained momentum and fought for the top spot, while Tokyo, conversely, began a difficult stretch of 8 winless games following this defeat.
About five months have passed since then. The blue and red team, which had once sunk into the relegation zone, quickly improved their form through a system change to a four-back and precise reinforcements, and now they face Kashima once again.
Kashima is traditionally known for their strong competitive spirit. Coach Matsuhashi says that behind this is the fact that "such qualities do not suddenly become ingrained. To firmly establish them, it really requires the accumulation of very small things."
And Tokyo also said, "We are precisely working on those kinds of things. Some players may perceive the team to be in good condition, but especially at times like this, by not getting overconfident and steadily building up from small things to aim for victory, we can surpass our opponents and achieve results," they focus on their footing.
In the Emperor's Cup 3rd Round match held on Wednesday, they fought tenaciously against Cerezo Osaka and secured a victory. As a result of reflecting on their strengths during the training after the break, the match also demonstrated that their recent good form was not just momentum. And now, the upcoming match against Kashima. It will be a game to accelerate the confidence gained by testing their current abilities.
Thoroughness in the basics. Tighten your helmet straps even after winning──.
The various efforts the entire team has been building up are beginning to bear fruit. That’s why we want to focus on the battle against the opponent right in front of us, pay attention to every single play, fight for the team, and draw the results closer.
We have not forgotten the frustration from our last match. This is a game where we must demonstrate the progress we've made over the past five months. With the big showdown against Kashima looming the next day, the coach said firmly, "I am very much looking forward to seeing how we can confront our 'now.' If we can properly express our current form, I believe we will definitely win."
For Tokyo, this Kashima match must become a game that can be called a major turning point in the second half of the season. To connect from the “summer of counterattack” to the “autumn of fruition”──.
At Ajinomoto Stadium, united in blue and red, they will push forward toward victory to prove their true strength.
[Interview with Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI]
Q. The preparation period was three days after the Emperor's Cup. What did you emphasize during this time?
A. Keeping Kashima Antlers in mind, we conducted training that emphasized both offense and defense within the feasible range. Of course, while managing players' condition, we made sure to train properly even in the heat.
Q. In the previous match, although there were moments when we pressed forward until the middle of the game, I think we suffered a frustrating defeat.
A. This match is at home, so it is important that we play a good game and secure the victory. The players on the field will likely change for both sides, and both teams have been steadily building up over time. We want to fully commit what we have now and do our best to ensure it leads to a win.
Q, What is your impression of Kashima?
A, They are truly a wonderful and strong team. They are 'clutch' and have strength both as individual players and as a club. This is a club where what needs to be done to win is deeply ingrained. If you show even the slightest gap or become hesitant, they will easily take control of the momentum. This is true not only for Kashima but for other clubs as well; it is not something that suddenly appears overnight, but rather something established by steadily building up small things. We may be in good condition currently, but if our mindset becomes too inflated, we might lose sight of the small details or stop doing what we can. Just like human growth, it is precisely at times like these that we want to focus carefully on the small things. I conveyed to the players in meetings that this accumulation and steady effort will ultimately surpass the opponent and lead to victory.
Q. In the previous match, although we created chances, I think we were undone at the crucial moments.
A. Kashima absolutely does not miss those moments. It may not be necessary to overstate it as 'never missing,' but you can see it from their current ranking. It is truly the result of steady accumulation and is something worthy of respect. That’s why, from the perspective of how we can demonstrate our current form, this is a very exciting match. If we can properly express our current state, I believe Kashima is not an unbeatable opponent and that Tokyo is definitely a team that can win.
[Player Interview]
<Motoki NAGAKURA>
Q. How do you feel about scoring a good goal in the Emperor's Cup and riding that momentum to face a top team like Kashima Antlers?
A. The team has had good momentum and a positive flow in the last few matches, so I’m really looking forward to seeing how we can compete against a team positioned near the top.
Q. Looking at the results so far, doesn't winning here against the strong and competitive Kashima boost your confidence?
A. I believe it definitely builds a lot of confidence. Whether we concede or score, it's important to stay composed and see it through until the end. Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI said that victory is aimed for through the accumulation of small things, so we want to focus on winning or losing each situation carefully.
Q, How do you prioritize your play on the field?
A, I’m always thinking about plays that annoy the opponent or help my teammates. In terms of priority, I always make sure that moving forward is an option. Even if I can’t face forward myself, I believe it’s fine as long as the next player can. I constantly keep in mind options that allow the team to face forward and prioritize those highly.
Q. You have been consistently scoring goals.
A. Somehow, I feel like I’m able to score. I think that kind of feeling is important, so I want to keep that going into the next match as well. I don’t think I’ve ever been this lucky, so I want to ride this momentum, score again in the next game, and win.
Q, I think the match against Kashima will be really important. Please share your enthusiasm.
A, Whether we can win here is truly crucial. I want to win, not settle for a draw.
<Sei MUROYA>
Q. In the Round of 16 of the Emperor's Cup against Cerezo Osaka, you were suddenly called into action midway through the first half.
A. It was difficult due to the sudden appearance, and C Osaka was controlling the game during that period. First, I focused on solid defensive responses, calming the ball down after winning it, and connecting passes without rushing. In the second half, as we held possession longer, chances increased and it led to a goal.
Q: In the match against C Osaka, you played as a right side back, and in the previous match against the Urawa Reds, you played as a left side back. Although both are side back positions, I imagine there is difficulty in switching sides.
A: Playing as a left side back still requires a lot of time, and at first, there were many things I wasn’t used to, so it took time to find the “right answer.” By trying various things that I thought were good while playing, I have come to enjoy the process of thinking and playing.
Q, Like in the match against C Osaka, the Kashima Antlers we face this week are also a team with a high defensive line and strong defensive intensity.
A, Basically, there is no change in what we need to do and what we have been doing so far. However, Kashima has firmly established a traditional style in both offense and defense, and they give the impression of aggressively trying to win the ball from the front line. First of all, it is important not to lose easily in such situations and to win the battles for the ball.
Q. Previously, in a media interview, you mentioned there is a "feeling that we can make a comeback." Is that one of the reasons the team’s form has been improving?
A. The team atmosphere is very good. It’s difficult to put into words, but it’s not just about passing the ball around; I feel that we are playing with a clear aim toward scoring goals. I also sense that we are able to express the style of soccer we want to play. Of course, conceding easy goals is not good, but by enduring difficult situations and maintaining our way of playing, I believe we have been able to create scoring opportunities that lead to equalizers, comebacks, and taking the lead.
Truly strong teams have the ability to score goals and secure victories without being shaken by the situation or the flow of the match, and this is a tradition that the Kashima Antlers, our upcoming opponents, also possess. We want to firmly seize this close contest, and precisely for that reason, we aim to win against Kashima, who are second in the league, and make a statement.
