A tough match against Nagoya, a formidable opponent!?

Tokyo, who took the lead at the end of the second round, will face Nagoya Grampus Eight in a night game this round. Nagoya has transformed into a winning team since welcoming Joao CARLOS as head coach in the middle of last season, and also won the Emperor's Cup. This season, although they lost their key defender Thales, it was expected that they would maintain their team strength by reinforcing with Homildo from Brazil. However, they have lost to Kashima and Iwata since the opening. They should be determined to win today and regain their form. In the past, Tokyo Gas faced Nagoya in the Emperor's Cup during the 1997 JFL era. Tokyo Gas won 3-1 against a team without STOJKOVIC and gained momentum towards the best four. Today, the key point will be how to contain the attacking line centered around STOJKOVIC. Nagoya has a stronger team, but it's a home game! Show Tokyo-style soccer and defeat Nagoya to achieve three consecutive wins in the opening!

Intense Battle Despite Being Scored First

Nagoya had the first big chance. In the 6th minute, MF Okuyama shot a ball that was directly hit by Lopes from the post. It narrowly missed the goal, but immediately after that, Stojkovic kicked a corner kick that went over Komine and Amaral's heads and landed perfectly for the opponent MF Koga, who is 183cm tall. He scored a powerful header, and Tokyo conceded their first goal (since being promoted to J1).

After that, Tokyo resisted Nagoya's dominance by using persistent defense and counterattacking. In the 33rd minute, TUTO dribbled on the left side and passed to the opposite side. Amorao's shot, which was quickly closed down, unfortunately hit the post! Tokyo continued to create numerous chances after that. The match was truly evenly contested. Nagoya showed brilliant passing play in front of the goal, starting from Stojkovic, and also demonstrated variations in attack with long balls from the defensive line to the front line. In response, Tokyo did not fall behind, using the pattern of passing from Naito and Yukihiko to switch the play to the space where the opponent's right midfielder, Mochizuki, advanced, and TUTO and Kobayashi attacking the left side. Both teams fiercely contested in the midfield, and there was a period of intense exchanges between attack and defense.

Yukihiko, counterattack with consecutive goals in 2 matches!

Before the start of the second half, Asano, a substitute member, calmly and politely gives advice to Asari, who came out onto the pitch. It was a scene that showed us that the players are not fighting alone, but as a team of 11.

As the second half began, Nagoya fiercely bared its fangs, eager to score additional points. Tokyo's defense made mistakes with passes and fouls deep in their own territory, and if they showed any openings, Nagoya would immediately exploit them. In the 59th minute, Tokyo substituted Koike for the debuting Kina, looking to shift momentum quickly. However, shortly after the 60th minute, they conceded consecutive corner kicks to Nagoya. They managed to hold on with a determined defense. In the 73rd minute, Nagoya replaced the attacking midfielder Okayama with defender Iijima, changing from a three-back to a four-back formation, aiming to protect their one-goal lead. However, this inadvertently loosened their midfield pressure, allowing Tokyo to start taking control. In the 80th minute, Amaral's shot hit a defender and deflected, where TUTO turned and, in a swift motion, passed to Yukihiko in front of the goal. Receiving this exquisite last pass, Yukihiko struck decisively! This invaluable equalizer from Yukihiko followed his goal in the Fukuoka match. He showcased his clutch performance at a crucial moment, leading the game into extra time.

We won! King of Tokyo is here!!

Even in extra time, Tokyo, who excels in physical fitness, tried to aggressively attack with momentum. In the 100th minute, they stole the ball from the opponent's corner kick and launched a counterattack. Tokyo, with quick transitions between offense and defense, created a great opportunity, but in the end, Yukihiro's pass was intercepted, and there was a sigh from the stands... Immediately after, Stojkovic had a free shot, and there were also tense moments like chances. However, without getting discouraged, they chased after the ball, and Asari passed to Amaral just outside the penalty area from a deep position. Amaral, who was one-on-one with the defender, cut inside with a dribble and took a shot! The ball, kicked with quick footwork, grazed the fingertips of goalkeeper Narazaki and went into the goal!! It was the moment when the left foot of the King of Tokyo put an end to the 104-minute battle.

Sticking to it and grabbing the V goal. Although the winning points are 2, the fight that caught up without being daunted even if it was preempted and achieved a come-from-behind victory is something that is worth more than winning points and leads to the next. Show us your spirit of never giving up, full of determination, and continue to show us your growth, Tokyo!

Coach's Comment

"Comment from Joao CARLOS coach"

"The first half went well and we were able to create chances. We were able to mark the opponent's two forwards and their attacks from the sides, and we ended the first half with a good lead. In the second half, we thought about substituting Okuyama for Iijima to strengthen our defense, but we ended up dropping back completely and playing to the opponent's rhythm. We dropped back too much and gradually got caught up in their rhythm, resulting in a loss. Tokyo is a team that has been promoted from the second division and is said to play simple football, but they also have technical skills. Today, the left side was more attacking than we expected. Even when we were behind, everyone made efforts to recover and fight back. At times, we were able to play easily and play beautiful football."

"Coach Okuma's comment"

"In terms of physical exertion, I think we were able to maintain a similar level until the end, but it was a match with many points for reflection. However, I believe that enduring the situation without losing our balance even after conceding the first goal, keeping it at 1-0, led to our victory. There were many areas in the build-up phase and plays that should not have been made in the defensive zone that need improvement, and I want to work hard to aim for a higher level. In J1, I think we are able to perform at a somewhat equal level in terms of physical exertion, defense, and transitions between offense and defense. However, there were times when our situational judgment in each zone of defense, midfield, and attack was incorrect, and there are areas where our precision was lacking. In the last three matches, the players have approached each game with the enthusiasm of a season opener, maintaining their focus. I believe that has led to results, and the mental fulfillment is significant. However, in a sense, if we do not remain humble, that confidence can be quickly shattered in this tough league. It is necessary for the team to sustain the mindset of valuing each match and to prepare for the next one."