<Match Review>
After facing Yokohama F.Marinos away and Vissel Kobe at Japan National Stadium, Tokyo returned to Ajinomoto Stadium for the first time in about half a month. The match against the top two teams in the league was a close one, with Tokyo not falling behind in terms of performance. In fact, they held the lead for a long time, but a late goal resulted in a draw turning into a loss and a win turning into a draw, making it a very tough outcome for Tokyo compared to what happened on the pitch.
This round, which will make up for the frustration of the previous two matches, will face Avispa Fukuoka, who is ranked higher than Tokyo by 2 points. The quarterfinals of the Levain Cup Prime Stage on the 6th, which will be played in just 2 days, will also be against the same team, making it a "3-game series against Fukuoka". We will play against Fukuoka for 3 matches in 8 days, until the second match of the quarterfinals on the 10th.
They approached the match with a strong desire to gain momentum towards advancing to the semifinals of the Levain Cup, and to secure victory and accumulate points in direct confrontations with opponents close in the league standings, all in order to win at home no matter what.
Tokyo, with Seiji KIMURA, Taishi Brandon NOZAWA, and Kuryu MATSUKI, who were all selected for the U-22 Japan national team, all starting. Kanta DOI was also included as a reserve member.
1stHALF—Continued goals conceded in the early stages
The game starts moving right away. As soon as the kickoff happens, Fukuoka rushes towards Tokyo's goal. Despite setting up a solid block in front of the goal, they struggle to mark their opponents when they use the sides and their attention is diverted. In the 2nd minute of the first half, a cross ball is sent in from the right side and Sato is left unmarked on the far side, resulting in a goal and allowing the opposing team to take the lead.
Tokyo, who wants to suppress the opponent's momentum and move forward, was broken down from a set piece in the 11th minute of the first half. When the throw-in from the right side was put in near the goal line, player Konno carried it into the penalty area. When a pass was made in the negative direction, player Yamagishi was hit with a powerful shot near the goal, widening the deficit.
Tokyo, who wants to score a goal early, cannot bring the ball to the goal due to Fukuoka's quick transition to defense and retreat after losing possession.
In the flow of the game, when there is no attacking opportunity, we create chances through set pieces. In the 21st minute of the first half, we get a chance for a free kick on the right side. The ball is initially cleared, but it floats high in front of the goal. Seiji KIMURA attempts a back header, but the shot hits the crossbar.
In the 33rd minute of the first half, we were pushed into the penalty area by a set play and couldn't clear it, resulting in multiple shots being taken. However, we managed to block them with our bodies and survive.
In the latter part of the first half, we held onto the ball and searched for attacking opportunities while moving in the opponent's territory, but we were unable to find a clear path to a successful finish. We ended the first half trailing by two points.
2ndHALF - Kumada's goal in the final stage is still far from 1 point
Tokyo, pushing forward with strength and determination from the start. Not only moving the ball in the opponent's half, but also increasing the number of actions towards the goal.
As the play increases in the ball area, the chance to get a free kick near the opponent's penalty area increases. In the 17th minute of the second half, there was a chance for a free kick from the right side. Riki HARAKAWA, who was substituted just before, took the free kick and Adailton, who also came on as a substitute, headed it but it narrowly missed to the right of the goal.
Tokyo, who made a substitution card early in the second half, also attempted to turn the tide with substitutions towards the end. In the 29th minute of the second half, Teruhito NAKAGAWA was replaced by Koki TSUKAGAWA, and Diego OLIVEIRA was replaced by Naoki KUMATA. The final card was played in the 38th minute of the second half, with Ryoma WATANABE being replaced by Kosuke SHIRAI to strengthen the counterattack.
The counterattack came to fruition in the 41st minute of the second half. After receiving a corner kick from the left, player Harakawa sent the ball to the far side where player Kumada headed it into the goal.
After that, even after entering additional time, there were continued set-piece opportunities, but the shots were unable to find the target, resulting in a 1-2 defeat without being able to score a goal.
MATCH DETAILS
＜FC Tokyo＞
STARTING XI
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
DF Kei KOIZUMI/Seiji KIMURA/Henrique TREVISAN/Yuto NAGATOMO
MF Keigo HIGASHI (15th minute of the second half: Riki HARAKAWA)/Kuryu MATSUKI/Ryoma WATANABE (38th minute of the second half: Kosuke SHIRAI)
FW Teruhito NAKAGAWA (29th minute of the second half: Koki TSUKAGAWA)/Diego OLIVEIRA (29th minute of the second half: Naoki KUMATA)/Kota TAWARATSUMIDA (15th minute of the second half: Adailton)
SUBS
GK Jakub SLOWIK
DF Kanta DOI
GOAL
41' Naoki KUMATA
＜Avispa Fukuoka＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Masaaki MURAKAMI
DF Hiroyuki MAE (24th minute of the second half: Masato YUZAWA)/Seiya INOUE/Tatsuki NARA/Douglas GROLLI/Itsuki ODA
MF Kazuya KONNO (24th minute of the second half: Reiju TSURUNO)/Yosuke IDEGUCHI/Hiroyuki MAE
FW Ryoga SATO (39th minute of the second half: Tatsuya TANAKA)/Yuya YAMAGISHI (15th minute of the second half: Takeshi KANAMORI)
SUBS
GK Takumi NAGAISHI
DF Masaya TASHIRO
MF Yuto HIRATSUKA
GOAL
First half 2 minutes: Ryoga SATO/First half 11 minutes: Yuya YAMAGISHI
[Peter CKLAMOVSKI Manager Press Conference Comments]
Q: please review the game.
A, it was a very disappointing result and a disappointing night. I take responsibility for not being able to start the first half in our best form. Conceding a goal early on made it difficult for us to play our game. Despite that, the players tried to show their strengths and resilience. I think we were able to play with our momentum after the first 30 minutes of the first half. After the halftime discussion, the players showed a fantastic reaction. We tried to change the flow with a goal, but it became a tough situation as we couldn't score. I wish we could have scored a goal a little earlier. The players fought desperately to turn the game around. I apologize for not being able to deliver 3 points for the fans and supporters.
Q, what instructions did you try to change the situation at halftime?
A, we were able to play well after the first 30 minutes, so we talked about continuing that and reaffirmed our basic playing style. In this tough match, I think the players were tested in various ways to see what kind of characters they are. They fought tenaciously and were able to play in a positive manner that suited themselves from the latter part of the first half.
As a positive point, we were able to play good football when we grasped our own flow, move the ball quickly, go out to space, and enter dangerous areas. I thought that if we could score one goal, the momentum would come to us, and it would have been good if we could have taken three points by scoring one goal a little earlier. It was a very disappointing result, but we will stand up firmly from here.
[Player Interview]
<Kuryu MATSUKI>
Q: please review the game.
A lack of concentration at the start of the match led to two goals conceded, and I have nothing but regret. However, towards the end of the game, we were able to create attacking opportunities and Naoki KUMATA scored a goal. I strongly felt that we need to prove through our play that we can win against defensively strong teams like Avispa Fukuoka.
Q, we conceded a goal early on, but how did you fix it on the pitch?
A, it was difficult to break through Fukuoka's defense as they set up a five-man defense when defending. We couldn't effectively create attacking opportunities throughout the first and second halves, and it left a disappointing impression.
Q, there have been no victories in the league matches.
A, I think it is important to firmly accept this result. Although we cannot participate in the Levain Cup, I believe it is necessary to address the challenges in order to aim higher as a team.
<Riki HARAKAWA>
Q, what was your impression watching from the bench in the first half?
A, we conceded a goal right at the beginning of the first half, and we also conceded the second goal with the same momentum. However, it is common for the tide to turn when we score a goal, so I didn't think there was any problem and I didn't feel particularly pessimistic.
Q, chances were created from the kick, which is also a characteristic, after entering the game.
As a team, I think we needed to show momentum and step up our game from the start of the second half, even if it meant spinning our wheels. The tempo picked up after we scored a goal, so I thought if we could score within the first 20 minutes of the second half and maintain that momentum, it would be a different game. I wish we could have shown more plays that demonstrated momentum against the opponent. This is not something that can be done alone, so we need to create an atmosphere within the entire team that says "we can come back even if we concede 2 goals". In any situation, if we can score one goal, it becomes unpredictable, so I want to use it strategically throughout the 90 minutes.
Q: Fukuoka will have back-to-back matches in the Levain Cup. How will you approach the game and make improvements against a defensive opponent?
A, I think the tempo will slow down if we let the opponent hold the ball when they are in a defensive state. If the opponent is playing with a 5-back formation like today, I believe it is most important to not concede the first goal as the game progresses. In the next match, the regulations will change, so the importance of each goal will be even greater than in the league matches. I want to approach the game while considering our strategy.
<Naoki KUMATA>
Q, this was my first appearance since the Kashima Antlers match on July 16th. What was your intention when stepping onto the pitch?
A, compared to before, I was able to play in the early hours. I thought I would definitely be able to score because I played during the time when Tokyo was pushing. It was a shame that we couldn't score the second and third goals as a team, considering the momentum we had.
Q, it was my first goal in the league. Please look back on the goal scene.
In the forward position, it is natural to achieve results in the form of goals, so I want to continue scoring from now on.
Q, it gives the impression that you were able to improve your condition by scoring in practice matches.
A, I entered with the feeling of achieving the minimum result, so I think it was good that I was able to score the minimum points. The first half was regrettable, so we have another game against the same opponent soon, and I would like to make adjustments as a team and focus on the results in the next game.
Q: There has been a period without any appearances. What kind of preparations have you made?
A, this summer we have had many practice matches and have been working on increasing our physical activity, including during practice, and focusing on transitioning between offense and defense. I have personally been working on improving my defensive intensity in order to play in league matches, and I hope to continue doing so and extend my playing time in league matches.
