<Match Review>
Tokyo headed to the northern land in hopes of a 3rd consecutive victory after 2 seasons. They made 2 changes to the starting lineup from the previous match, with Yuto NAGATOMO at right back and both Henrique TREVISAN at center back. In order to avenge the frustration of losing with 5 goals in the same match at the same venue last season, they faced off against Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo.
1stHALF—Equalized with a Tawara goal despite an unexpected goal
Tokyo, who has been looking for opportunities since the beginning, launched a long counterattack from the 3rd minute of the first half, drawing in their opponents. Teruhito NAKAGAWA made a high-speed dribble from their own half and quickly brought the ball to the opponent's penalty area, supplying a final pass to the right side. However, Soma ANZAI's shot was unfortunately blocked by the goalkeeper.
Tokyo, who created a big chance with sharp attacks, but Sapporo made a big side change from the left side by player Arano just 5 minutes into the first half. Player Baba broke through the opposite side and crossed it directly, which ended up in the near side of the goal, taking the lead unexpectedly.
As the aggressive press from Sapporo continued, we were pushed back and had to defend for a while. However, we continued to aim for speedy attacks. This paid off in the 27th minute of the first half.
Connecting on the right side of their own field, Diego OLIVEIRA, who had dropped back for a post-play, made a one-touch through pass forward. Takahiro KO, who quickly reacted to this, broke through on the right side and crossed the ball, and Kota TAWARATSUMIDA, who had made a run into the goal area, scored a spectacular volley with his left foot. Taking advantage of his strength in attacking from the opposite side of the cross, they equalized the game.
"For player Tawara Tsumeta, who had been saying 'I want visible results', it was a long-awaited first goal of the season."
In the 31st minute of the first half, there was a big chance from Kashif BANGNAGANDE's left corner kick. Nakagawa attempted to score from close range multiple times, but each time was blocked by the opponent's fine save and they were unable to take the lead.
Afterwards, Tokyo creates blocks and balances while advancing the game. They take control of the game by not allowing Sapporo to have the ball and attempt to break the situation by launching counters. The game ended with a 1-1 tie.
2ndHALF - Press Rush with a View of the Machine & 3 Consecutive Diego Goals
Even in the second half, we keep our center of gravity low and look for opportunities for quick attacks while drawing in the opponent. In the 15th minute of the second half, we set up a favorite play for player Yoshifumi Kashiwagi with an early cross, but unfortunately it did not reach him.
As the game progressed past the 15-minute mark in the second half, we gradually began to press and show our aggressiveness, pushing the opponent back and causing the game to follow this flow.
In the 20th minute of the second half, Sapporo attempted a build-up with a goal kick, but Diego TABA pressed hard and caused a mistake from the opponent. As a result, Anzai received the ball on the right side and passed it to Diego TABA, who then made a run towards the center. NAKAGAWA received the ball and passed it vertically, leading to a comeback goal. In just a short amount of time, Sapporo changed the flow of the game and successfully turned the tables by attacking the goal.
A complete comeback. This marks Diego TABA's third consecutive goal since his return to the league.
Thoroughly manage the risk while aiming for a counterattack by taking the lead. Tighten the center and advance the time with concentrated defense.
In the 36th minute of the second half, the left side was penetrated, but player Nagatomo made a sliding block to stop the shot. In the 41st minute of the second half, substitute player Leon NOZAWA returned deep into his own territory and sealed the cross with persistent defense.
Showed a calm game play despite conceding the first goal in an unexpected way, and demonstrated their skill in effectively countering at crucial moments, ultimately securing the win with a high press.
While conceding possession to the opponent, we were able to maintain our lead by closing the center firmly in the second half additional time and defending with concentration. We were able to secure 3 points in Sapporo, which has been considered a "difficult place" since the 2012 season, and achieved our third consecutive league victory since March 2022.
MATCH DETAILS
＜FC Tokyo＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Go HATANO
DF Yuto NAGATOMO/Masato MORISHIGE/Henrique TREVISAN/Kashif BANGNAGANDE (26th minute: Kosuke SHIRAI)
MF Takahiro KO/Kei KOIZUMI/Teruhito NAKAGAWA (26th minute: Riki HARAKAWA)
FW Diego OLIVEIRA (38th minute: Jája Silva)/Kota TAWARATSUMIDA (38th minute: Leon NOZAWA)/Soma ANZAI (45+4th minute: Shuhei TOKUMOTO)
SUBS
GK Tsuyoshi KODAMA
DF Yasuki KIMOTO
GOAL
First half 27 minutes: Kota TAWARATSUMIDA/Second half 20 minutes: Diego OLIVEIRA
Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo
STARTING XI
GK Takanori SUGENO
DF Seiya BABA (42nd minute of the second half: Yuki KOBAYASHI)/ Rei IEIZUMI/ Daiki SUGA (42nd minute of the second half: Tatsuya HASEGAWA)
MF Tomoki KONDO (26th minute of the second half: Kim GONHI)/ Takuma ARANO (26th minute of the second half: Ryu TAKAO)/ Yoshiaki KOMAI/ Ryota AOKI/ Yuya ASANO/ Supachok (26th minute of the second half: Toya NAKAMURA)
FW Musashi SUZUKI
SUBS
GK Jun KODAMA
DF Daihachi OKAMURA
GOAL First Half 5 Minutes: Seiya BABA
[Interview with Peter CKLAMOVSKI, Manager]
Q: please review the game.
It was a tough away game as expected. It was a game where we had to show our strengths and mentality in order to fight firmly. I think the players definitely showed that. What we learn from every game is the consciousness of winning the game. Today was a game where we had to fight with that in mind. I am proud of the players who worked hard, showed their determination to win, and fought with that mindset. In terms of football, there are still many areas for improvement. We need to analyze our performance while looking back and continue to grow.
The game was still in need of improvement, but we were able to turn the score around and win in a tough away game, starting with a difficult situation of 0-1. I am proud of the players who were able to achieve victory in a battle against the great opponent Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo, led by the best coach in Japan, Mr. Zoran Petrovic (Petrovic coach).
The players gave their all and used up all their energy. After the game, they were exhausted. And I am happy to have brought 3 points to the fans and supporters who cheered us on with all their might. I would like to express my gratitude for their support.
Q: Please share your evaluation of Diego OLIVEIRA, who has scored in 3 consecutive games.
A, he is a truly special player for us and has given us a great performance. He has made an impact and contributed with his performance. As I always say, it's because we all work hard every day that we are able to achieve this, and I am proud that he has come back and scored points.
Q, I think we can reproduce the attack.
A, Reproducibility is one of the things we are working on, and I think it is evidence that our attack can be dangerous. The first goal was also in a very good shape, and we were able to show what we are working on. The hardworking players were rewarded. There are many things we need to learn in the game, and we need to continue to grow in our football. Also, we need to have the right mentality and character in the process. Today, I am happy that the players have shown the necessary things. A few days ago, there was talk that we didn't have a three-game winning streak last season, but we believe we are a special club. The players played with their own character and mentality, and proved that we are a special club. I am proud that we were able to win three games in a row. For the next game, I think the players will have a good rest and recover. Let's forget about this three-game winning streak and focus on the next game.
[Player Interview]
＜Kota TAWARATSUMIDAPlayer＞
Q: I scored my first goal of the season. Please review that scene.
A, Takahiro KO broke through and it became a race between himself and the opponent's right back. I had a sense that I was faster, and Takahiro KO gave me a really good ball, so all I had to do was match it. I thought a fast ground ball was coming, but it was a floating ball, so I went for it.
Q, wasn't it very difficult to defend against the opponent's 3-back and right wing players?
A, honestly, it was really tough even though it required a lot of up and down movement, but I was able to take care of it by talking with everyone around me. It was good that we didn't concede any goals from there.
Q, I feel that the defensive strength has increased.
A, I still have a long way to go. I want to steal various things from my seniors and continue to grow.
Q, In the midst of back-to-back games played in two days, I was able to make an assist in the previous match and score a goal in this match.
A, Today, it wasn't a super goal like breaking through with individual skills, but it was a very good play. However, in the tired situation of consecutive games, it is a plus material for both myself and the team that we were able to create such a situation and score points together as a team.
＜Diego OLIVEIRAPlayer＞
Q, today's victory resulted in a 3-game winning streak in the league.
A, Playing at Sapporo Dome is always a tough game for us every season. It was a mentally and physically tough game, but we were able to secure a victory. It's definitely satisfying to score in three consecutive games, but what's even more satisfying is being able to turn the game around and win after conceding a goal early in the first half. It's a great sign that we were able to capitalize on our limited chances and have the finishing power as a team. This is a good indication that we are in good form, including myself.
Q: please review the scene of the comeback.
A, Soma ANZAI did not miss the opponent's restart mistake and collected the ball in a high position. After receiving a pass from ANZAI, he quickly turned forward and entrusted it to Teruhito NAKAGAWA in the central position. There were also times when he attracted multiple defenders and passed the ball, so all he had to do was slide it into the goal with his left foot. As I mentioned earlier, I am more happy about the fact that we were able to win in a difficult away game than my own goal.
Q, I think the team's hard work as a whole led to victory.
A, Today's match was a very long game where we were marked particularly hard by the opponent. I think we were able to surpass them in terms of physicality as a team. Today, we will all celebrate the victory together and I believe the next match will also be a difficult one, but we want to continue our winning streak as one. We also want to express our gratitude through our play to the fans and supporters who always support us no matter what the situation may be.
Masato MORISHIGEPlayer
Q, please review the game.
A, I think it was a difficult game compared to the previous ones.
Q, we conceded an unexpected goal early on, but we were able to hold our ground and finish strong. How did the defense feel?
A, we were done in at the beginning of the first half, but that was a goal like an accident. After that, we fixed it firmly and were able to defend well, not letting the opponent get to our goal. I think that being able to fix it well was one point. On the other hand, when we had the ball, we were able to take shots, so I thought we had chances in our attack.
Q, the opponent had many attacks that used side changes frequently.
A, I'm getting used to playing as a side back, so I'm also getting used to how to respond to the midfielder and defense line after being shifted there. I think it was good that we were able to make adjustments during the game without getting flustered.
Q, this was the first victory in Sapporo since the 2012 season. This season, we have been able to break jinxes in away games such as Fukuoka, where we have not been able to win before. Do you feel any differences on the pitch compared to last season?
A, the 2012 season, is not in my memory (bitter smile). The biggest difference is the team atmosphere, or rather, the atmosphere where everyone is working towards winning from daily practice, and that strength to bounce back even in difficult times is present in the current team. I believe that a team that can do this not just now, but throughout the season, can go up, so I think the next game will be important again.
