<Match Review>
The blue and red army has finally returned to Ajinomoto Stadium. In the previous match, Peter Tokyo showed their perseverance by coming back from behind twice against Cerezo Osaka, earning 1 point with a 2-2 draw. And in their home opener, they will face Urawa Reds, who showed their high level of completion and started with a win. The game, aiming for their first victory of the season, kicked off at 15:03.
The starting eleven saw two changes from the Cerezo Osaka match. Masato MORISHIGE joined Henrique TREVISAN in central defense, while new signing Keita ENDO made his blue and red debut on the left wing. Teruhito NAKAGAWA, who knows the taste of winning the J1 League, stood alongside as the left and right attackers.
1stHALF—Showed a defensive and counterattacking stance, heading into the second half with a scoreless tie.
Tokyo, who cautiously guarded against the opponent's intense press from the start, took the ball deep and sent it to the front without taking any risks. The first chance came in the 9th minute of the first half, when Endo dribbled across the pitch from the left side and moved to the center, then expanded to the right side. In response to the overlap, Nagatomo Yuto, who was waiting on the far side, took a direct volley with his left foot. Unfortunately, it missed just above the goal, but it showed an aggressive attack where the right back crossed and the left back followed up.
19 minutes into the first half, the opponent breaks through the right side on a counter attack, and Kato player takes a shot from a cut-in, but it hits the opponent player and goes out of bounds, escaping danger.
Tokyo, who wants to control the pace somehow, faces another pinch in the 23rd minute of the first half. They allow a powerful direct volley on the far side from the opponent's big left cross, but Go HATANO makes a sharp reaction and stops it. Furthermore, they pick up the loose ball and take a shot, but this time Katsufu HAYASHI protects the goal with a brave block.
In the 34th minute of the first half, a quick attack from the left side created a chance. Gradually pushing forward, Riki HARAKAWA intercepted with a sharp start. From here, Diego OLIVEIRA connected to the left side and Endo made a pass towards the penalty area corner while making a vertical run. Here, Ryotaro ARAKI turned with his back to the opponent and aimed with his right foot, but the ball unfortunately hit the top of the bar. The attacking players each showed their strengths as they approached the goal.
In the 38th minute of the first half, Yuto Nagatomo crossed from a deep position on the right side, but Diego and Kuryu Matsuki were unable to convert their shots in the center. Diego tried to return the ball to the center after it spilled to the side of the goal, but it was cleared by the opponent. They were unable to push it in despite coming close to scoring.
The first half additional time was 2 minutes. While defending against Hiroshima, who actively pressed from the front line, there were scenes where they desperately defended in the penalty area, and they also showed individual weapons in both offense and defense, fighting hard. The first half ended scoreless.
2ndHALF - Equalize with "Taro's goal" immediately after conceding
In the 5th minute of the second half, without changing members, a chance was created from a counter attack. Tokyo, who had taken the ball deep in their own half, connected from the right side and Matsuki passed it to the center. Diego TABA skillfully turned and faced forward, dribbling all the way to the penalty area. However, he was tripped up by the turf while trying to get past the opponent, and was unable to take a shot.
In the 10th minute of the second half, player Yoshifu Kase skillfully dribbled past an opponent from a left side throw-in and attempted a powerful middle shot with his non-dominant right foot. Unfortunately, it missed just above the goal, but it was a shining moment that showcased his aggressive attitude.
Tokyo, who had been patiently waiting for a chance, managed to escape a powerful long shot from the opponent with a fine save by player Go HATANO in the 19th minute of the second half. However, VAR supported the decision for the previous play. After an on-field review, it was determined that player Diego TABA had committed a handball, resulting in a penalty kick for the opponent. This was converted, giving Hiroshima the lead.
Tokyo, chasing one point, substitutes Kei KOIZUMI and Jája Silva for Diego TABA and Endo, respectively. The player substitution aimed at a comeback proved successful, as an equalizer was scored in the 26th minute of the second half.
Nagatomo player overlaps at full speed with a vertical pass from Nakagawa player who kept it on the right side. Araki player, who received it on the near side, skillfully removes the mark with his footwork while being surrounded by the opponent defender, and powerfully swings his right foot to shoot through the near side, immediately bringing the game back to a tie score. Araki player scored his second goal in a row following his two goals in the opening game. He showed a splendid result in his debut game at Ajinomoto Stadium, supported by many fans and supporters.
Tokyo, aiming for a go-ahead goal while maintaining balance, sent Kota TAWARATSUMIDA and Keigo HIGASHI onto the pitch in the 37th minute of the second half, replacing Nakagawa and Harakawa. The substitute players immediately created a decisive chance.
Terry Hyouzumida, who received the ball on the left side, made a vertical run and advanced deep into the enemy territory. There, he was fouled by an opponent player and awarded a penalty kick. However, with the support of VAR, it was determined to be a foul outside the penalty area, resulting in a restart with a free kick. Erik Araki's kick was blocked by the opponent and could not shake the goal net.
A fierce battle was fought to aim for victory even during the 6 minutes of additional time. As Tawarazumida player dribbled through a long distance and approached the goal, Hatano player made a solid save with precise steps and catch on the opponent's cross ball. And towards the end of the game, Nagatomo player broke through with Jaja player's vertical pass and supplied a sharp ground cross between the opponent's goalkeeper and defender. Here, Araki player and Tawarazumida player slid in, but just barely missed.
The game ended in a 1-1 tie. Following the opening game, the team fell behind, but with the support of 32,274 fans and supporters who packed the stadium, they were able to rally and secure 1 point, resulting in a second consecutive draw since the start of the season.
MATCH DETAILS
＜FC Tokyo＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Go HATANO
DF Yuto NAGATOMO/Masato MORISHIGE/Henrique TREVISAN/Kashif BANGNAGANDE
MF Kuryu MATSUKI/Riki HARAKAWA (37th minute of the second half: Keigo HIGASHI)/Ryotaro ARAKI
FW Diego OLIVEIRA (25th minute of the second half: Kei KOIZUMI)/Keita ENDO (25th minute of the second half: Jája Silva)/Teruhito NAKAGAWA (37th minute of the second half: Kota TAWARATSUMIDA)
SUBS
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
DF Yasuki KIMOTO/Kosuke SHIRAI
GOAL
26' Ryotaro ARAKI
＜Sanfrecce Hiroshima＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Keisuke OSAKO
DF Tsukasa SHIOTANI/Sho ARAKI/Wataru SASAKI
MF Shuto NAKANO/Takumu KAWAMURA/Shunki HIGASHI/Makoto MITSUTA
FW Pieros SOTIRIOU/Mutsuki KATO/Yuki OHASHI
SUBS
GK Goro KAWANAMI
DF Taichi YAMASAKI
MF Taishi MATSUMOTO/Takaaki SHICHI/Ezequiel/Gakuto NOTSUDA
FW Airin INOUE
GOAL
24' of the second half: Yuki OHASHI
[Interview with Peter CKLAMOVSKI, Manager]
Q: please review the game.
A, it was a highly intense game. I think it was an entertaining match where both teams showed everything they had. We were able to show our good elements and what we are currently creating. In the midst of that, we need to continue to improve ourselves. And I think it's important to continue to create our football. Even when looking at the data, it was a very intense game. The players gave everything they had to aim for victory. In the second half, we were able to play with a high intensity and fought until the end to score the winning goal. I want to thank all the fans and supporters who continued to support us until the end.
Q: After conceding one point, the players were substituted and Kuryu Matsuki and Ryotaro Araki were moved to the front position. Was that substitution planned in advance?
A, it was one of the substitution plans we had in mind. It was unfortunate that we conceded a penalty kick from a set piece, but we were planning to use it even before conceding. Against Sanfrecce Hiroshima, we made effective substitutions while playing our own game. The players showed a good reaction even after conceding, and they fought with a strong mentality, characteristics, and character. They desperately played their own game to equalize and fought to score the winning goal.
Q, After the substitution, the overall speed increased and I got the impression that it became more aggressive. Is there a plan to play with the members who were substituted in from the first half?
A, one of the options. Then, there was something difficult in terms of content from the start of the second half, but we were able to make a good change with the first substitution and were able to launch a different attack against Hiroshima. The players did very well.
Q, there were many counters and it felt like we were unable to build up from the backline to the midfield.
A, It is important to understand how we will create football and continue to do so. That is, we will do things that we can be proud of for our fans and supporters, and that are highly entertaining. When analyzing the game, there were also parts where we were able to do things that Hiroshima did not like, by connecting from the back.
There were also positive aspects within that, and I think there were parts where we could have controlled the game a little more. Because of that, we were more compact and had more space to use. I think it's important to build up those things within our attacks. The players are giving their all every day to become good players and a good team. We want to continue improving while maintaining our performance, adding positive aspects to ourselves, and becoming the team we have dreamed of. We want to achieve this with all the fans and supporters who love Tokyo.
[Player Interview]
＜Ryotaro ARAKI＞
Q, please look back on today's game.
A, in the previous match, we conceded the first goal and it was a tough game in terms of momentum, but I want to take a positive view that we were able to draw. As a way of fighting, I want to increase the time with my ball a little more. I hope we can discuss and improve among the players during the game.
Q, please look back on the scoring scene.
A, I knew that I was carrying it, so even if I couldn't dodge it, I thought it would go in if I could shoot it into the frame. I shot the ball with an image in mind. I thought that the only way to change the flow was to score, so I'm glad I was able to score at that time.
Q, today was the home opener. I'm sure you were looking forward to playing at Ajinomoto Stadium.
A, the cheers of the fans and supporters were a great source of strength. There were many tough times, but I believe we were supported by those cheers.
Q, what do you think the team needs to do in order to turn this 1 point into 3 points?
First of all, I think it is necessary to have a defense that does not allow any goals. In addition, I think it is also a matter of the team's overall awareness, but I believe that each individual should have a stronger presence.
Q, please share your enthusiasm for the next match.
A, I want to be able to take 3 points with my own goal this time. I want to win quickly and be happy with the fans and supporters.
<Keita ENDO player>
Q: please review the game.
A, I played with a reckless attitude, feeling that I could substitute at any time. In the second half, it became a back-and-forth counter, but I wanted to control the game a little more on our own.
Q, What did you focus on in Keita Endo's position during the game that was like a brawl?
A, I was thinking of creating a buildup at my own place. When on the counter, I used my teammates with an advantage and was conscious of entering from the opposite side for a cross.
Q, I think you avoided playing in the previous match considering your condition and challenged today's match after watching it. Is there anything you felt while watching the team from the outside?
A, I wanted to hold the ball more and move the game forward. It's also good for the team to be able to quickly score a point after conceding, so I want to continue doing that.
Q, Despite having a good flow, we were unable to turn the game around. What improvements do we need to make in order to win the next match based on the current team situation?
A, I think if we do what we need to do, we will get results because we were able to go until the end of today's game. I hope we can work on the details without skipping and work hard.
<Masato MORISHIGE>
Q, please review the game.
A, I think we were able to get 1 point because we were able to hold back the time we were pushed in overall with a minimum of lost points.
Q, How did Sanfrecce Hiroshima's attacks and strong plays look from the back line?
A, coming aggressively in both offense and defense, was a threat as they kept pushing forward. There were also scenes where we were able to make adjustments and respond well. I think that was good.
Q, we played against each other in practice matches during the pre-season camp.
A, the practice matches and official matches are completely different. Since Coach Skibbe took over, we have been playing aggressively, making it difficult for our opponents to fight against us. Although we were pushed back in the first half, it was a good point to be able to go into the second half without conceding any goals when looking back at the entire match.
Q, we equalized before the bad atmosphere set in after conceding a goal. Please tell us what is important in order to score the second and third goals from here.
A, we were able to create chances. Now, it's just a matter of finishing. We want to continue to improve the accuracy and quality of our finishes as a team. Even in a disadvantageous game, we want to take advantage of our few chances and secure a victory.
Q, What differences or changes did you feel on the pitch as a starter for the first time this season compared to last season?
A, I felt the attitude of working hard for the team in both offense and defense from all members, and the depth of the player layer who cannot be involved in the game if they are not able to do so. I feel reassured by the high quality of the attacking players, including player Araki and the wing players who entered the game midway.
