<Match Review>
Tokyo welcomed their first home game in about a month in the J1 League. The previous match, which marked the start of the second half of the league, ended in a tough result against Sagan Tosu played away. In order to make a good restart at home, the team stuck to their own way and took to the pitch at Ajinomoto Stadium.
1st HALF - Early Accident Strikes
At the start, an accident strikes. In the 10th minute of the first half, player Hotaka NAKAMURA, who was running up the right side, injures his leg and is unable to stand. NAKAMURA is unable to get up, so Kashif BANGNAGANDE is hastily substituted in and Yuto NAGATOMO is moved to right back. After that, in the 16th minute, the ball is held on the left side and pushed in, and a cross ball sent to the far side is returned and scored by player Lukian in front of the left goal, giving up the lead.
Tokyo, who wants to counterattack, increases the tempo of switching between offense and defense more than the opponent and attacks in a counter-like manner. Although they approached the goal, they were unable to reach a decisive scene, but in the 34th minute of the first half, a chance came. Masato MORISHIGE passed a wedge pass from the defense line to the front line, and Kuryu MATSUKI picked up the ball and swung his left foot in front of the penalty area. It was a well-measured shot, but the ball narrowly missed to the right of the goal. In the 37th minute of the first half, Diego OLIVEIRA, who received a pass in the vital area, took the ball to the shot with one touch, but was stopped by the opponent's goalkeeper's offense and defense.
As the first half comes to an end, Fukuoka struggles to find attacking opportunities against a compact defense with a high defensive line, resulting in a series of passes in the back. Attempts to break through the defense with mid-range passes are unsuccessful due to lack of space. The game goes into halftime with Fukuoka trailing by one point.
2nd HALF - Kazuya KONNO's powerful goal turns the game around, but equalized by a PK
Tokyo, who wants to change the momentum, substitutes Kensuke NAGAI for Leandro in the beginning of the second half. Then, in the 4th minute of the second half, Matsuki passes a looping ball backwards, and Kazuya KONNO breaks through the space behind the opponent. He controls the ball and takes a shot inside the penalty area, but it is saved by the opponent's goalkeeper. However, Leandro reacts to the loose ball in front of the goal and scores, equalizing the game.
In the midst of a development where both teams were speeding up vertically, in the 13th minute of the second half, they received a counter and connected the ball in front of the goal, but the slide did not reach in time and Takeshi KANAMORI took a sharp shot, but Jakub SLOWIK clung to the ball and saved it. In the 15th minute of the second half, they launched a counterattack. Diego TABA connected the ball in the vital area and the opponent's goalkeeper and Julian PEROTTI jumped in, and although Julian PEROTTI's shot was blocked, Leandro DAMIAO, who picked up the loose ball, pulled the defender and passed in the minus direction. Ryoma WATANABE made a one-touch shot, but it went over the frame.
Tokyo, where the rhythm of attack has been born, attacks at once. In the 18th minute of the second half, there is a chance for a corner kick from the left. The ball that entered the goal was cleared, but player Konno, who was in the place where the ball fell, touched it with a one-touch volley from outside the penalty area, and the sharp trajectory shot was sucked into the upper left corner of the goal, successfully reversing with a spectacular goal.
The flow seemed to have shifted to Tokyo, but in the 30th minute of the second half, player Kimoto was fouled near the penalty area and a penalty kick was awarded. Player Fanma scored the penalty kick and the game was tied.
Additional time was displayed as 10 minutes, and even after 90 minutes had passed, both teams continued to attack. In the 45+8th minute of the second half, Erik managed to get past his opponent's marker in the penalty area and take a shot, but it was saved by the opposing goalkeeper. Fukuoka continued to patiently build up their attack until the very end, but they were unable to score and the game ended in a 2-2 draw.
MATCH DETAILS
＜F.C.Tokyo＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Jakub SLOWIK
DF Hogao NAKAMURA (10th minute: Kashif BANGNAGANDE)/Yasuki KIMOTO/Masato MORISHIGE/Yuto NAGATOMO
MF Kuryu MATSUKI/Keigo HIGASHI (41st minute: Takuya AOKI)/Ryo WATANABE
FW Kazuya KONNO (41st minute: Keiki MITA)/Diego OLIVEIRA (26th minute: Adailton)/Kensuke NAGAI (0th minute: Leandro)
SUBS
GK Go HATANO
DF Makoto OKAZAKI
GOAL
Second half 4 minutes: Leandro/Second half 18 minutes: Konno
<Avispa Fukuoka>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Takumi NAGAISHI
DF Tatsuki NARA/Daiki MIYA/Takaaki SHICHI
MF Yota MAEJIMA/Sotan TANABE (43rd minute: Shun NAKAMURA)/Hiroyuki MAE/Tatsuya TANAKA (21st minute: Juanma DELGADO)
FW Jordy CROUX (0th minute: Takeshi KANAMORI)/Yuya YAMAGISHI/Lukian (37th minute: Daiki WATARI)
SUBS
GK Masaaki MURAKAMI
DF Yuta KUMAMOTO/Masato YUZAWA
GOAL
First Half 16 Minutes: Lukian/Second Half 33 Minutes: Fanma
[Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Interview]
Q: please review the game.
A, in the first half, the opponent's goal was born from our tactical mistakes. Normally, we were able to box out and defend outside the penalty area, but we couldn't do that in the scene of conceding a goal. Nakamura Hotaka's injury also had an impact, and the first half became a bit chaotic. After being scored against, we couldn't effectively break through the defense when the opponent narrowed the space. It's not easy to break through when the space is narrowed to that extent.
And in the second half, we were able to start with increased intensity. As a result, there was a higher possibility of receiving counterattacks from the opponent, but we took the risk and were able to attack and turn the game around. We had several chances to score additional goals and decide the game by making it 3-1 from a 2-1 situation. Unfortunately, we conceded a goal from a penalty kick, but because the distance was far, I couldn't clearly see whether it was a definite penalty kick from my perspective. After the game, we discussed whether it would be clearer to have an on-field review in such cases. Even now, I still don't know whether it was a penalty kick or not.
Q: It was said that there were many tactical mistakes in the first half, but considering the result of the previous match, I think today's game was very important for FC Tokyo. In that regard, there were some frustrating moments, how do you feel about them?
A dangerous aspect of Fukuoka is the game development after they score the first goal. It becomes very difficult there. This is because Fukuoka is skilled at narrowing the space and defending, and counterattacks after stealing the ball are their major weapon. Therefore, if we allow them to score the first goal, it will become a game development that they are good at. Facing Fukuoka, who has such a weapon, our players were a bit afraid of losing the ball after conceding the first goal and that is why we couldn't play as expected in the first half.
And at halftime, we talked about playing more boldly. We also brought in Leandro and asked him to play between the central lines, and that worked well too. By having Leandro play inside, we allowed Kashiho to take up the width on the left side. Of course, by taking such a risky position and attacking, there was a higher possibility of receiving counterattacks, which are their weapon. However, after making it 2-1, we had several chances to score additional points with their weapon, the counterattack. As expected, it is easier to attack when there is a large space behind the opponent's defensive line. From the 2-1 situation, there was a possibility of scoring additional points and deciding the game with a 3-1 lead, but unfortunately, we were caught up with a penalty kick. Winning 1 point is important, but honestly, we wanted to get 3 points.
Q, in the first half, it seemed like there were many players complaining to each other on the same team.
It is very difficult to attack against an opponent who has narrowed the space so much. My players have never had the experience of attacking against an opponent who has narrowed the space so extremely. Because it is difficult, I think they were communicating on the pitch, but I didn't feel any bad atmosphere. We have fought against Fukuoka many times, and they are good at defending and narrowing the space after taking the lead. It is very difficult to break through that, and I think frustration can build up.
[Player Interview]
＜Kazuya KONNO
Q: please review the game.
A, it was my first start in the league for a long time, so I wanted to get a result no matter what, and it was good that I was able to score a goal. However, it is frustrating that we couldn't win the game.
Q: I think the team's rhythm changed in the second half. What was able to be corrected?
A, the opponent's press dropped in the second half, but I still think we are far from the soccer we are aiming for. There were moments where we played along with the opponent's long balls. I think we need to take better care of the ball and connect more. In the final stages of the game, we were tired and couldn't find the right passing opportunities, so I think we can fix that.
Q, can you look back on the goal scene?
A, I was able to hit the ball with a strong impact and it flew to a good spot because it was loose and free. It was a good play.
Q, at what stage did you decide to hit directly?
A, when the ball bounced once, the opponent was not coming and I was in a free state. I was on the right side of the goal and thought I could go to a good place if I aimed for the outside and aimed for the far post, so I kicked it and it flew to a good place, so I'm glad.
Q, this is the first goal at Ajinomoto Stadium, right?
A, yes. It took quite a long time, so I would like to practice in order to be able to score a lot from now on.
Q, I think you were exploding with joy.
Since it was a comeback goal, I went all the way to the back of the stadium hoping that the atmosphere would become even better.
Q, I think he also made a significant contribution to the defense.
A, I had analyzed that the opponent's full-back player would come up to a high position and cross the ball, so it was quite tough, but I thought I had to return to my own half and defend properly. I think I was able to do that well.
Q, I think shooting on the outside is difficult even in practice.
A, that shot was in a kicking form that I haven't practiced. I really focused on watching the ball and only concentrated on the impact, and it worked out well.
Q, did you think it would go in the moment you hit it?
A, I thought it would go in. As soon as I hit it, I could see the trajectory of the ball and felt that it went to a good place.
Q, what instructions did you receive from the coach?
A, I was asked to play in the center and create opportunities.
Q, what were your personal thoughts going into the game?
When I entered the game, we were losing 0-1, so I entered with the determination to run hard and contribute to scoring.
Q, it will be a form in which the losing streak stopped in the end.
A, it was good that we were able to stop the losing streak, but we want to continue preparing for the next game so that we can win from here.
<Kashif BANGNAGANDE>
Q: You suddenly found yourself on the pitch. What were you thinking about when you entered the game?
A, this was my first time entering a game in this way, but the coach told me to go out and play, so I entered the game with a clear head. However, when I actually stepped onto the pitch, my body didn't move much at first, but gradually I got used to it. It was a good experience.
Q, were you unable to play as you expected?
There were many instances where the coordination with the midfield did not go well, and although we talked a lot during halftime and the second half, I couldn't really showcase my own play as much as I wanted to in the first half.
Q, I felt like we couldn't see how to break through as a team in the first half.
A, we were discussing and making adjustments on the pitch, but there were many irregularities such as substitutions, and especially in the first half, there were many situations where the team did not perform well.
Q: I think we improved in the second half, but what was the reason for that?
A, each player's positioning, the players often discuss at halftime, and also receive instructions from the coach, so they are able to adjust their positions without being caught up in the opponent's movements, which I think is the reason why it has improved compared to the first half.
Q, how do you feel about not being able to win at home?
I think it was a game that had many chances and could have been won, so I think we lacked the mentality of a winner to win there. It was the first time in a while at Ajinomoto Stadium, and we hadn't won the last two league matches, so we discussed as a team to change the flow and entered the game. I'm really frustrated.
Q: Do you think there are situations where you can take the initiative yourself? What do you prioritize when you have the ball?
A, my characteristic is the driving force, and the play of going forward with dribbling and taking off the opponent, but I couldn't do that, so it was a game with only points of reflection as an individual.
Q: How do you feel about the competition for the right-back position with Ryoya OGAWA's transfer?
The competition for the side back position has been high since Ryoya-kun joined, and I think it will become even more intense in the future. So, I think my playing time will change depending on how much I can produce results when I play. In that sense, today's game ended with a disappointing result for me. If I get another chance, I want to focus more on producing numerical results, showing a difference in attack, and making corrections in the defensive aspect where there were many areas that needed improvement.
<Masato MORISHIGE>
Q: How do you feel about the completely different expressions between the first half and the second half when looking back on the game?
I feel that I was able to play better than the previous match. I want to move the ball with courage.
Q, in the first half, I felt like I was looking for opportunities to pass the ball.
A, I think it's about where to switch while moving the ball sideways. The players behind want to move forward, but there are difficult parts when everyone goes forward, so I think it's okay to redo and rebuild there. However, I feel that we need to move the ball forward without fear and continue to progress towards the goal.
Q, was it also because Leandro came in that things went smoothly in the second half?
A, if there is no intermediate point in the midfield, the attack becomes weak, and of course, there is also the option of passing from the defender to the front line, but if that's all, the midfield becomes stretched, so I felt the need for an attack using the midfield.
<Keigo HIGASHI>
Q: Please tell us your thoughts on the home game at Ajinomoto Stadium after a long time.
A, I wanted to get 3 points, but I was caught up. We lost 1-5 in the away game, and we also lost to Tosu in the previous match, so I wanted to win and regain a good atmosphere somehow. However, the league matches will continue, so I want to take it positively and move on to the next one.
Q, the first half ended with a score of 0-1, and it seems that the flow improved in the second half.
We talked about going towards the goal more. However, if we enter the second half with a score of 0-1 and concede the second and third goals, the game will be over, so I think we were able to hold on there. In the midst of that, we were able to turn the game around once, so I hope we can take this and turn it into a win next time.
Q, the next match will also be against Sapporo at home with a 3-day break.
A, recently the temperature has been getting higher, but I think we will gradually get used to it, and I think the chance will come to the players who haven't played today. So we have to enhance the team's unity while competing. Personally, I have been able to play in the recent matches, and I am experiencing the joy of playing. I was very frustrated in the first half of the season, so I want to play even better.
