<Match Review>
The excitement and enthusiasm of the first Tokyo Verdy match in 16 seasons stirred up the players' fighting spirit. The blue and red fans and supporters, who filled the goal end, welcomed the players who came out for warm-up with loud applause and cheers. Yuto Nagatomo, in particular, responded by pounding his left chest with more force than anyone else and riling up the fans and supporters.
"Losing at "Home" is not acceptable for Tokyo's pride. The 90 minutes have begun to unfold, showing that "We are Tokyo" in the best atmosphere.
1st HALF - Numerical disadvantage due to a player being sent off after conceding 2 goals
In the first half, which started with high tension, it was Tokyo who created the first chance. In the 11th minute, they went to put pressure on the enemy's high position, and Teruhito NAKAGAWA cut the ball in front of the area. Tsuyoshi OGASHIWA, who received the pass, swung his left foot in the area, but it was blocked by the opponent. In addition, they created another shooting chance in the 15th minute. Kei KOIZUMI picked up the second ball, and Kashif BANGNAGANDE made the final pass. Although it didn't connect, Teruhito NAKAGAWA picked up the loose ball and aimed with his right foot. The shot hit the frame, but it went straight to the goalkeeper.
If we can't convert these two chances into goals, we will give up a PK in the 26th minute. This was scored by player Miki. In addition, we conceded a second goal in the 34th minute. The ball that Enrique Trevisan tried to connect was intercepted, crossed, and then hit by player Someya with a powerful volley shot.
Tokyo, who fell behind by two points in one go, is dealt another blow. In the 43rd minute, Soma ANZAI received his second yellow card and was sent off. They will now have to fight with one less player for the remaining time.
2ndHALF—Dramatic equalizer just one step away
Despite being at a numerical disadvantage and chasing two points, Tokyo did not falter at all. During the difficult period of having the ball passed around by Tokyo Verdy, all members ran diligently to defend and their attitude of waiting for a chance gradually shifted the momentum in our favor.
In the 23rd minute of the second half, Kosuke SHIRAI, who did not miss the opportunity when the opponent's pass was short, intercepted and ran up the right side with a negative cross. Tsubasa TERAYAMA, who jumped in, made a through pass, and behind him, Keita ENDO kicked it in with his right foot, scoring the first goal.
Tokyo, who wants to push forward, brought in Riki HARAKAWA and Jája Silva, and intensified their attack. However, Verdy's defensive awareness was high and they were unable to break through the goal, entering the additional time with a one-point deficit.
Even there, Go HATANO couldn't carry the ball to the goal, and at the time when he was prepared for the end of the game, it was Endo who saved the team. In the second half, 45+4 minutes, goalkeeper Go HATANO sent a feed to the front line. Enrique, who was on the front line, competed for the loose ball, which Nakagawa picked up and passed to Endo, who was next to him. Endo received the pass, created his own shooting lane, and took a powerful shot with his left foot. The intense shot shook the goal net.
Afterwards, Tokyo continued to push for a comeback goal with their momentum, but the final round ended without a goal being scored. However, the players in blue and red, who had fought back from being two points behind with only 10 players, were cheered on by the fans and supporters in the stands. They promised to win the match against Verdy in August, which will be played at their "home" stadium.
MATCH DETAILS
＜FC Tokyo＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Go HATANO
DF Kosuke SHIRAI/Kanta DOI/Henrique TREVISAN/Kashif BANGNAGANDE (28th minute: Yuto NAGATOMO)
MF Takahiro KO (38th minute: Jája SILVA)/Tsuyoshi OGASHIWA (16th minute: Tsubasa TERAYAMA)/Kei KOIZUMI (38th minute: Riki HARAKAWA)
FW Kota TAWARATSUMIDA (16th minute: Keita ENDO)/Soma ANZAI/Teruhito NAKAGAWA
SUBS
GK Tsuyoshi KODAMA
DF Masato MORISHIGE
GOAL
First Half 23rd Minute: Keita ENDO/Second Half 45+4th Minute: Keita ENDO
＜Verdy Tokyo＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Matheus
DF Kazuya Miyahara/Naoki Hayashi/Hiroto Taniguchi (39th minute: Kohei Yamakoshi)/Daiki Fukazawa
MF Kosuke Saito (17th minute: Hijiri Onaga)/Koki Morita/Tetsuyuki Inami/Tomoya Miki (34th minute: Yuan Matsuhashi)
FW Itsuki Someno (34th minute: Yuto Tsunashima)/Yudai Kimura (17th minute: Hiroto Yamami)
SUBS
GK Yuya NAGASAWA
MF Tiago ALVES
GOAL
First half 28 minutes: Tomoya MIKI/First half 33 minutes: Itsuki SOMENO
[Interview with Peter CKLAMOVSKI, Manager]
Q, please look back on today's game.
A, I think we had a good start in the first half, but there was a bad period of about 10 minutes during which we were scored against. That changed the flow of the game. However, we were able to do what we wanted to do in the beginning and towards the end of the first half. We believed that if something changed in one situation or scene, it would change our game. At halftime, we talked about that and also said, "If we can score one goal, we can score another." In the end, we went for the third goal, but we ran out of time.
The players gave their all on the pitch and fought desperately to turn the game around for the fans and supporters. The fans and supporters really gave us amazing support and are the best in Japan.
The players gave us a truly amazing performance until the end and tried to turn the game around. It's unfortunate that we couldn't get 3 points, but I hope we can reflect on today's game and continue to grow. The players showed a warrior-like mentality and played with pride. However, we ran out of time and I feel sorry that we couldn't deliver a victory to our fans and supporters.
Q, Yesterday, Keita ENDO, who was announced as a full transfer, scored 2 goals.
A, Today, I think he showed us something truly amazing as a player. However, he still has room to grow. He has a good character and I think it's a good thing that he has made a permanent transfer. He also worked hard and fought for us today.
Q, please tell us about the intention of the last substitution.
A, Takahiro KO and Kei KOIZUMI worked hard to grasp their own flow. We wanted to bring in Riki HARAKAWA and Jája Silva as soon as possible, but we had to consider balance. The substitute players performed very well and caught up with us. Even after equalizing 2-2, they showed a winning attitude and their warrior-like mentality is not something that every team has. I think it is proof that we are growing through our daily training.
[Player Interview]
＜Keita ENDO Player＞
Q, it was a splendid equalizing goal. Please review the game.
A, The passionate feelings of the fans and supporters were fully conveyed in this match, and even though we were down to 10 players in the first half, we were able to play until the end and tie the game. The biggest factor was the support of the fans and supporters. Even during difficult times, we could feel the support of the fans and supporters from the bench, and we couldn't afford to show a disappointing performance against Tokyo Verdy. Once we stepped onto the pitch, we only focused on returning with results.
Q, both goals were scored with great enthusiasm.
A, it's not just my own strength, I don't know the right or wrong, but I think it's all about being able to play as a team. We couldn't afford to lose 0-2. I think the two goals we took were thanks to the support of the fans and supporters. Kosuke SHIRAI took the ball in a high position and Tsubasa TERAYAMA and I ran into the goal. As a substitute, we talked on the bench about changing the flow ourselves, and I think it led to a goal because we were able to surpass the opponent in the sprint. As for the second goal, I was thinking about shooting when I received the ball, and I'm glad it went in nicely.
Q, On the 11th, the complete transfer to the team was announced. How do you feel about your immediate performance?
A, I thought it was a chance to shine in a big game like today because we haven't been able to score goals so far. Even after catching up to a tie, I was aiming for a goal, but I think we were able to get at least 1 point. Ryotaro ARAKI and Kuryu MATSUKI have been leading the team's attack so far, but I didn't want to be thought of as "relying on them" after they left for the U-23 Japan national team. When I was in Germany, there were times when I couldn't even play in a game, so I want to work hard from here to be recognized by the fans and supporters. I think top players can continue to show good plays. I want to continue to perform well, not just with these 2 goals.
<Kosuke SHIRAI>
Q: It was a tough game. Please review the game.
A, I think it was the minimum result to be able to catch up from 0-2 in the end. We should have played the first half better and we can't switch on after falling behind, so we need to do it properly from the beginning.
Q, With one less player, there were scenes where I had to keep an eye on both the opponent's fullback and midfielder. What were you particularly conscious of in the second half?
If we concede a third goal with a 2-point difference, the game will become even more difficult, so we were focused on not conceding any goals. As you can see from today's game, I believed that if we could score one goal, the flow of the game would change, so I was conscious of moving forward without conceding any goals.
Q, What was your goal for the second half and how did you play?
With the formation of A, 4-4-1, we were able to solidify our blocks and score points through counters and set plays. We knew that the opponent would panic if they went from 0-2 to 1-2, so we were able to score additional points and catch up. I think the second half went according to plan.
Q, Kosuke SHIRAI's sprint speed saved the team.
A, that's my weapon, so I've been gradually improving since last season and I'm finally able to play my own game. I'm happy that it has been able to contribute to the team's strength.
Q, how was the atmosphere of the match with Verdy?
A, I think it was a hot game that I have never experienced before.
Q, please tell us your future goals.
A, although there are still many points to reflect on, I want to firmly secure the position of right back as I am able to show my own play.
<Tsuyoshi OGASHIWA>
Q: This was my first start after transferring. Please review the game.
A, it was my first time starting, but we fell behind 0-2 in the first half and then lost a player, which I think was the result of showing a weakness and getting caught off guard. We need to reflect on that.
Q, What were you conscious of when playing with Teruhito NAKAGAWA, who was often close to you?
Both players are able to play in the front line or in the second row, so when one drops back, the other can cover and they can switch positions while playing.
Q, In the first 20 minutes, we saw plays where the opponent's defenders were being taken behind. What kind of sharing was happening within the team?
A, as a team, we were aiming for the back and making plays to exploit the space behind the defense, but we were unable to convert those plays into goals. We want to be able to come up with different strategies in those situations.
Q, Did you have any takeaways from today's game despite having to focus on defense due to the impact of the player being sent off?
A, we were able to show our strength and catch up in the end, which I think was good. However, we also need to reflect on the first half. We want to continue to catch up with our opponents who are leading us in the future.
