＜Match Review＞
The second home game at the new Japan National Stadium was held against Kyoto Sanga F.C. In a magnificent production featuring approximately 1500 fireworks, flames, moving lights, and lasers, players from both teams appeared on the sacred pitch of the National Stadium.
Tokyo changed the midfield and forward players from the previous match. In the anchor position, player Keigo Higashi was included, and in the inside half position, players Koki Tsukagawa and Kuryu Matsuki formed a combination. In the forward line, Leandro was selected as a starter in place of Kazuya Konno. Konno was excluded from the match squad, and Hirotaka Mita was included as a substitute member.
1st HALF - FC Tokyo takes the lead with Leandro's goal
Tokyo, who has been holding the ball from the beginning, pushes Kyoto into their own half by weaving short and long passes. In the 13th minute of the first half, Kashif BANGNAGANDE, who received a pass from Leandro, dribbled the ball and then passed it through to the penalty area, where Leandro broke free and took a shot, but it was deflected by the post.
Although they continue to hold the ball for a long time, they are unable to create a decisive chance due to a misplaced play just before the finish. It seemed like they were struggling to break down the opponent, but they managed to change the game in the 28th minute of the first half.
When player Masato MORISHIGE sends a looping pass into the left side space, player Yoshifu KASHIWA receives the ball in a deep position inside the opponent's half. KASHIWA then passes the ball to player Leandro who has made a run into the inside space. From the left corner of the penalty area, Leandro swings his right foot and the curved shot hits the crossbar and left post before being sucked into the goal.
After that, Kyoto, who started from the side, continued to be pushed back and scenes where they were able to put dangerous balls in front of the goal, including set plays, continued. They were unable to regain possession of the ball or push back, but they solidly defended the penalty area and held onto the lead to end the first half.
2nd HALF - Additional point starting with Mita's middle shot
Tokyo, who wants to change the flow that was pushed in the late first half and once again hold the ball and take the initiative, is also effective in pressing from the front line and entering the Kyoto territory. In the 9th minute of the second half, Matsuki becomes the starting point with a post play as soon as he enters the penalty area, and passes a heel pass to Diego Oliveira, who has come around. The left-footed shot from Leandro, who shot from a position 45 degrees diagonally to the left of the goal, was deflected by the opponent's goalkeeper, who stretched out his hand.
If you can't take advantage of the early chances, you will gradually be pushed back by Kyoto. The opponent is putting in fast vertical balls and pressing forward, but Tokyo is trying to change the flow of the game by taking the ball and calmly connecting. In scenes where the opponent is pressing forward, they aim for counterattacks and make changes to their attacks according to the situation.
In the 31st minute of the second half, when the ball was pushed into the goal area, a ground cross ball was passed through, but the ball that did not meet in front of the goal flowed to the far side, where the opposing player jumped in freely, but was unable to meet the ball that changed its bounce and escaped unharmed.
There is a chance after a pinch. Immediately after that, in the 33rd minute of the second half, Mita player makes a middle shot from the right side on a counterattack, and Adailton player, who followed up the ball that the opponent goalkeeper deflected, scores a significant additional point.
In the 37th minute of the second half, Adailton picked up a clearance mistake by the opposing goalkeeper and attempted a looping shot towards the unguarded goal, but it was cleared by the opposing defender just before the goal line with a desperate effort to get back.
As the game entered the final stage, Kyoto gained momentum and pushed forward. Tokyo had a two-goal lead and controlled the ball without rushing their attacks, ultimately sealing the game with a clean sheet, including additional time.
The two players who scored goals in the Levain Cup final of the 2020 season and on April 29th at the Japan National Stadium scored goals again at the Japan National Stadium, bringing Tokyo their first 3 points in 4 matches.
MATCH DETAILS
＜FC Tokyo＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Jakub SLOWIK
DF Yuuto NAGATOMO / Yasuki KIMOTO / Masato MORISHIGE / Kashif BANGNAGANDE (31st minute of the second half: Hantaka NAKAMURA)
MF Koki TSUKAGAWA (31st minute of the second half: Keiki MITA) / Keigo HIGASHI / Kusei MATSUKI
FW Ryo WATANABE (45+2 minutes of the second half: Keita YAMASHITA) / Diego OLIVEIRA (24th minute of the second half: Luiz PHELLYPE) / Leandro (24th minute of the second half: Adailton)
SUBS
GK Go HATANO
DF Seiji KIMURA
GOAL
First half 28th minute: Leandro/Second half 33rd minute: Adailton
＜Kyoto Sanga F.C.＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Naoto KAMIFUKUMOTO
DF Shogo ASADA/Kosuke SHIRAI/Rikito INOUE
MF Kosuke TAKETOMI (4 minutes into the second half: Shimpei FUKUOKA)/Shohei TAKEDA (23 minutes into the second half: Daiki KANEKO)/Temma MATSUDA (12 minutes into the second half: PAULINHO)/Sota KAWASAKI/Kyosuke SATO
FW Peter UTAKA (0 minutes into the second half: Yudai KIMURA)/Yuta TOYOKAWA (23 minutes into the second half: Alan CARIUS)
SUBS
Tomoya WAKAHARA
Yuki HONDA
GOAL
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[Interview with Coach Albert]
Q: please review the game.
A, regarding today's match, the flow remained the same in both halves, and the same flow continued throughout the 90 minutes. Kyoto is one of the teams with the highest intensity in the J1 League. We fought aiming to maintain a good balance against such opponents. We also worked on finding a balance between aggressively pressing and firmly maintaining our style of ball possession. I believe we were able to maintain a good balance in reality.
In the Gamba Osaka match a week ago, we lost the ball many times and couldn't find our rhythm. In the previous match against Vissel Kobe, on the other hand, we couldn't press and lost the intensity of our defense. Especially in the first 20 minutes of both halves, we expected Kyoto to press aggressively. While facing that press, I think we managed to maintain the balance we had just mentioned.
This season's J1 League has become a very competitive league. Top teams struggle against lower-ranked teams and often suffer defeats. In that sense, I believe that points in this league hold a very high value.
A few months ago, when I played at this Japan National Stadium, unfortunately Henrique got injured towards the end of the game, and today in the match, Morishige received his fourth warning and will be suspended for the next match. Regarding the center back, there may be some unlucky aspects at this stadium.
And today, we had over 50,000 customers come. Playing a game while being watched by everyone in this wonderful stadium made me feel that this is what every club should aspire to in the future.
We will continue to play league matches after the break period starting from tomorrow. I hope to continue growing and fighting in the remaining five matches with the current members. Of course, we cannot win every game. Sometimes we may lose. I think there are people who feel angry when we lose. However, I don't want you to forget that the players are trying to adapt to very big changes this season. I expect the players to play at a high level, which they haven't done much until last season. It is not an easy task for them. Several players are experienced veterans. For example, I would like to express my gratitude to players like Morishige, Higashi, Nagatomo, and Diego who have adapted to and embraced the changes positively. For example, Nagatomo has also adapted and learned to play in the center. I am proud of their humble attitude. On the other hand, I am also proud to see young players like Kashif and Kose, who have just started their professional careers, growing along with this style.
[Player Interview]
Q, it was my first start in a long time.
I am happy that I was able to return to the starting lineup, but what made me the happiest was that we were able to win today.
Q, I was able to score the goal that led to victory. Please look back on that scene.
When the pass came out from Kashif, I heard Diego's voice saying "I'm free!" so I turned forward and imagined the goal and swung my right foot at the moment of trapping. I'm glad I was able to score.
Q: Is the course as intended?
A, I aimed.
Q, please tell us about the performance of the heart mark after scoring a goal.
A, we headed towards the bench to share the joy with the entire team.
Q, decided again at the National.
A, yes. I think we have to play here every game. (laughs) I like the atmosphere of the stadium, but when we play at the National Stadium, many spectators come to support us, and that also gives me strength.
Q, how was it to play in front of an audience of 50,000 people?
A, the entire team is delighted to have been able to play in front of a large audience. We believe that the motivation of the players was boosted by the fact that many of you came to the stadium, and it contributed to today's victory.
Q, congratulations on the 2-0 shutout victory at the National Stadium.
A, thank you very much.
Q, please reflect on the 90 minutes of play today in front of an audience of over 50,000 people.
A, I knew it would be a difficult match even before today's game started. I am happy that we were able to finish the match with a victory in a tough situation throughout the 90 minutes, and that we could share the joy with many fans and supporters in this stadium.
Q: How were you watching the game from the bench in the first half?
A, in the midst of expressing a strong desire to win, we were able to start the game well and compete firmly in the ball battles. We were able to score the opening goal, which created space behind the opponent, and we were able to effectively utilize that space.
Q, what thoughts did you have when you stepped onto the pitch in the second half?
A, I stood on the pitch with the desire to contribute to the team when I was called. Scoring a goal is a visible form of achievement, so I was hoping to score a goal and I am really happy that I was able to do so. I am also happy that we ended with a victory.
Q, today's appearance marked the 200th game in the J1 League.
I am very happy to have reached 200 matches and I am very happy to have achieved this result after playing many matches. I hope to continue playing many matches and achieve various results in the future.
Q, how far will you go?
A, there are no specific numbers, but of course, not only on the pitch but also off the pitch, I will always face my body firmly and maintain a good condition while participating in as many matches as possible. I think that's the key.
Q, please give a message to all the fans and supporters who always support us.
A, we are always supported by our fans and supporters, and we gain strength from your cheers. So, we hope you continue to come to the stadium and support us. And, since you come to support us, we also want to live up to those expectations and do our best.
＜Player Keigo HIGASHI＞
Q: How was the game with over 50,000 attendees?
A, I am very happy to be able to play in this environment as a player. In the game at the Japan National Stadium in April, I was not able to be included in the lineup and felt frustrated from the pitch. I am very pleased as a player to be able to play today and contribute to the victory.
Q, the guts pose when the final whistle blew was impressive.
A, I started this year with various thoughts. On the pitch, players have to prove themselves, so it was good to be able to play with various thoughts in front of a large number of people at the Japan National Stadium and express them.
Q: How do you feel about being able to close out the tough back-to-back away games with a victory?
A, there are no excuses because every team has consecutive games, but we must collect points. In the midst of still having room for improvement, I think the players must respond to the team borrowing the stadium and gathering the crowd. There is no player who does not get motivated in this environment. However, even in such an environment, each game is still just one game, so I think we must have high motivation and collect points in every game. I also want to play the next game with the same passion and responsibility as today.
Q, I think you were mindful of not letting Peter UTAKA play freely. Did you communicate with the center-back player?
A, I think it is Kyoto's characteristic to quickly counterattack by looking at player UTAKA after taking the ball. Regarding that point, I think we were able to quickly suppress Kyoto's transition by including myself, player Morishige, and player Kimoto as the center.
Q, didn't you take control of the pace from the first half with such a play?
A, I think it was good today that we were able to manage the risks from behind and switch from the front quickly. I want to continue based on this.
Q: I think this year's big theme is connecting the ball, but I get the impression that there are more good situations where we can carry the ball from deep positions to the goal area. How do you feel about playing in actual matches?
A, of course there are scenes that cannot be done, but we must continue to challenge and pursue what we are aiming for, while not being obsessed with winning. Connecting the ball has some risks, but I think it is up to the players to decide whether to continue carrying that burden or to avoid it, and I think the balance was good today.
＜Ryoma WATANABE player＞
Q: What kind of adjustments did you make for the Kobe match?
A, going on the offensive from the start of the match, the desire to win more than the technical aspect, and the areas that Kobe University corrected after the game.
Q, were you able to play the game with a proactive attitude without being passive like in the previous match by taking the initiative?
A, yes. In our soccer, it is necessary to fix the parts that were taken away when going from the front line, and we were able to score by taking the opponent's ball from the front and then doing a short counter, so I hope to increase such opportunities.
Q: Did you feel like you were able to control the game, even though it took some time from the first goal to the second goal?
In a sense, I was able to control it because I didn't feel like we conceded a goal, but I think we could have possessed the ball more. I hope we can correct that in the next Kashima game. It was a game where we really wanted to win, so I'm glad we won.
Q, how was the game with high humidity in the three consecutive matches?
I was conscious of hydrating from the day before. There were also games where my legs almost cramped, and not being able to run due to lack of condition was the most frustrating for me, so I was able to adjust while consulting with the trainer, and it was good that I was able to play almost three full games.
Q, is it correct to say that the players were able to play the game while considering their positions?
A, it is important to know who will cover that position when going from the front line to defense, but I think it is significant that everyone can cover it together.
Yuto NAGATOMO
Q, please give us your thoughts on the game.
In the previous match against Kobe, we were unable to take the lead from the beginning. However, we discussed as a team and were able to play aggressively, utilizing our possession to launch attacks from the first half. I believe that this contributed to today's result.
Q, with today's victory, you can go to the national team feeling good, right?
A, victory is big. Today, we were able to win amidst the support of over 50,000 fans and supporters, so we can go to the national team in a good emotional situation.
Q, Yoshimi Yamashita (referee) who was scheduled to be in charge of the World Cup, had his first game in J1. How was it?
A, it's not for me to say, but it was a great refereeing. He had a confident control that didn't feel like his first time. I think it's thanks to the referee that the game didn't get rough.
Q, were there any discussions about cooperation as it was your first assignment?
A, before the match, there was a conversation with the coach about being the referee for the first time. I'm not sure if "support" is the right word, but there was a discussion about creating the game together, so I think I was able to support.
Q, what specifically does support entail?
Although I say it's support, sometimes I get emotionally heated by the judge, so it's about controlling my emotions and progressing the game with the referee.
Q, the number of visitors for the home game at the Japan National Stadium reached a record high of 50,994 people. Was it a special atmosphere for the club?
A, after all, it's special. In national team matches, there may be 40,000 or 50,000 people attending, but it's quite rare to exceed 50,000 in J-League matches, so I think it's wonderful not only for FC Tokyo but also for the development of the J-League.
