The minimum requirement for AkaAo to advance to the prime round is just a victory in 90 minutes.
Last Wednesday, Tokyo welcomed Sanfrecce Hiroshima at Ajinomoto Stadium for the first round of the J.League YBC Levain Cup playoffs.
After starting the game with an aggressive approach, we conceded the first goal in the 10th minute and then lost the ball from a press during the kickoff, resulting in a second goal for the opponent. It was a devastating two minutes of consecutive goals. In the 25th minute of the first half, Diego OLIVEIRA scored a goal to bring us back one point, but unfortunately, we ended up losing the game 1-2.
However, the winner of the playoff round will be determined by the total results of two matches, so the game has only finished the "first half". It will now be a battle in the "second half" played away.
Manager Peter CKLAMOVSKI also commented on the team's performance after the first game in the press conference, saying, "I told the players that 'it's only halftime, we still have the second half to play.' We will aim for a victory in the next away game. We had many good chances and I believe they can do it."
Let's review the tournament regulations again. In the playoff round, which will be played home and away, the away goals will not be given priority. The team with the most wins or the team with a higher goal difference in the two matches will advance. In other words, for Tokyo, who lost the first match 1-2, it is necessary to end the 90 minutes with at least a one-goal lead. If they win by two or more goals, they will advance straight to the next round. If they win by one goal, the fate of the match will be decided by a penalty kick shootout after two 15-minute halves of extra time.
Diego's comeback goal will have a significant impact towards the second half, as the total score of the two games becomes crucial. If a victory by a margin of two or more goals is necessary within 90 minutes, it will be difficult to control the game. Soma ANZAI commented, "Diego's goal brought us back and led us to the next step. As long as we win in total, there's no problem and there's no point in looking down. We haven't lost yet. Even with a one-goal victory, we can go into extra time and as long as we win in total, it's good."
Looking back, it was the semifinal of the 2021 Levain Cup against Nagoya Grampus. In the first match, we conceded a goal right after scoring one to make it 1-2, and then we were scored on again, losing 3-1. In the second match, we won by one goal, but couldn't advance. I remember playing in that game, and I think about it now and say, "After it became 1-2, I thought the next goal would be crucial. In that sense, it was good that we were able to defend. However, we conceded two goals, so we need to prepare more carefully for the next match," using the lessons learned from the past to motivate ourselves for the next game.
Hiroshima is expected to use their strong hard press and solid blocks to their advantage. How they navigate through that and finish their chances will likely determine the outcome of the match.
In the first match, there were scenes where Teruhito NAKAGAWA created big chances but couldn't shake the net, so he said, "We have to finish when we have the chance. We have no choice but to go for the win. How much can we show our attitude to go for the goal away from home? I think we can create more chances, the problem is the quality of the finish. Personally, I want to go into the goal area with more power and ignite the flame for victory."
And in the first match, Shuhei TOKUMOTO, who finally got a chance to play on the pitch, shone. Those words are surely the consensus of everyone.
"I have been believing in my chances in the Levain Cup, even though I haven't had many opportunities to play. I think I was able to show my strengths. There are no players who are looking down, and everyone has a strong desire to do their best. We addressed the issue of the second goal in the locker room. Tel-kun (player Nakagawa) said firmly in a serious atmosphere, "What are we going to do about it!" and we have already fixed it. If we can win in Hiroshima and advance, we can erase the loss in the first match. We want to tighten up as a team so that we won't be told "we don't have any national team players" again."
Currently, Tokyo has produced 6 players for each age group of the Japan national team (Kashif BANGNAGANDE returned to Japan on the 8th due to injury), but the special feature of this season is that no matter who plays, they are able to express high-quality soccer. In order to prove the team's progress so far, past lessons, and overall quality, they must absolutely advance in the playoffs.
The second match at away Hiroshima, starting with a one-point deficit. It is expected to be an exciting match until the end. We hope to approach the cup with a positive and daring Tokyo style, without getting impatient or careless.
[Interview with Peter Cklamovski]
Q, How will you approach the second match against Sanfrecce Hiroshima?
A, we recognize that it is now halftime. We believe it will be an exciting match where the total results of two games will be questioned. We want to continue the positive aspects that we were able to express in the first game. In that match, we allowed the opponent to score two goals in a short time and gave them an opportunity. Of course, we are disappointed, but we were able to score one goal, catch up, and even surpass them. We will firmly grasp the good parts that were born during the match and continue to prepare for a good performance and fight again. We will go for the win in the second game.
Q, even though we are behind 1-2, it can also be seen as a clear point to go for the win by scoring.
A, we are only going for the win. That is, regardless of the result of the first match. There is nothing that will change our mindset, approach, or mentality when facing the game. We will prepare thoroughly and give everything we have, as we believe that nothing will change in order to achieve a result. In order to achieve a result, we must give our all. That is where our focus lies. If we can express our way of fighting firmly, it will be a threat to Hiroshima.
Q, Player Riki HARAKAWA, who came on in the second half, expressed his play that added an accent to the attack.
A, he did a very good job. Of course, he understands that he wants to increase his playing time and is hungry to play, but he expressed the mentality of the team through his play. He showed a good example of the attitude of "doing the job on the pitch no matter who comes out" on the pitch.
After practice, it was seen that Q had a conversation with player Leon NOZAWA.
We talked about looking back on the second half and how we felt at that time, and how we can improve and grow from here. We have been making improvements and corrections through practice, and I think we just need to continue doing that. Nozawa is a player who has the ability to sense opportunities and move forward. It is important for a forward player to be able to convert such opportunities into goals. I think in that scene, the attention of the entire stadium was focused on Nozawa, and many spectators stood up. When facing such an exciting moment, it is important to stay calm and be able to control your mental state. After that, it's just a matter of practicing to deepen the image of scoring a goal and promoting growth. And when the shot hits the net, I hope he can release all the emotions he has been holding back. I believe he is a player who can take one step forward and continue to grow.
[Player Interview]
Takahiro KO
Q, the first match against Sanfrecce Hiroshima ended in a disappointing defeat.
A. Looking back at the entire match, I don't think it was all bad scenes. However, the way we started the match, the transition to restart, and the multiple goals we conceded are areas that need improvement and correction. We have shared this awareness with the entire team and we want to approach the match on the 9th with thoroughness once again.
Q, please tell me the important things in it.
A, we must go for the win and absolutely avoid any more goal difference. We want to maintain a balance between offense and defense as midfielders and encourage more powerful plays in order to score multiple goals.
Q, tactical maneuvering is also expected.
In the first game, we had more possession of the ball compared to previous matches, but throughout the game, I felt that there were fewer passes aimed at the opponent's back. I think the key is how we can break through the opponent's high line. I also believe that the opponent still remembers playing against us, so we will need to be flexible and adapt on the pitch.
Henrique TREVISAN
Q, In the first match, please tell us about the characteristics and impressions you felt when playing against Sanfrecce Hiroshima.
A, As a team, they had a high quality and a very balanced offense and defense. In the league, they had few goals against, and I felt their strength and solidity in defense. On the attacking side, we need to be careful of their ability to use counterattacks with their strong players in the front line. In the next game, if we give the opponent the first goal, it will be very difficult to progress in the game. As a defender, I want to focus on a stable defense and keeping a clean sheet.
The first game at home was a disappointing match, resulting in a tough outcome. The game on the 9th will be a difficult one away, but there is a great chance to advance to the next stage. We want to fight for victory and nothing else.
Q: Please tell us the key points on defense as we approach the second game.
A, In the first game, we gave up an easy goal in a short amount of time. We need to make corrections, including our switches and restarts after kickoffs. We want to thoroughly review our defensive principles as a team and communication among our defense, and support from the back line to score before our opponents.
Q, in order to advance to the prime round, a victory with multiple goals is required in the second match.
A situation where we have no choice but to win, so I want to communicate with the team from the back line to the front line to maintain a compact formation that allows us to play offensively for 90 minutes. I also want to aim for goals from set plays and contribute to the attack, and in order to put more numbers in the attack, I want to defend with a strong and persistent defense that does not easily lose in confrontations and does not give the opponent freedom.
<Tetsuhiro OKA>
Q, what preparations are you making for the absolute condition of winning in order to advance to the prime round?
Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI also said that he thinks it's just the end of the first half. We will fight in the second half when we go away, but I think it is necessary to keep a clean sheet and win when we play. If we don't progress the game without conceding any goals, I think the evaluation of the defense, or even the entire team, will not improve. So, we want to proceed with that in mind.
Q, have you gained a good sense from the games you have played without losing?
A, I am always in a positive state within myself, so I am always thinking about playing for the team's victory no matter what the situation. I have not been able to play in the league game as a starter, so I want to make a strong appeal and connect it to the league game. However, I think that winning the game in front of me is the most important thing first.
Q, I think it will be necessary to bring out the strengths of Teppei OKA in order to lead the team to victory.
A, Sanfrecce Hiroshima is aiming to create chances by passing behind the 3-back system. We want to make use of the space that was not seen in the previous game. First of all, we will focus on the farthest point to aim for the goal.
Q, please give us your enthusiasm for the second game.
A, keeping a clean sheet is the base requirement for a defense player to achieve victory. Furthermore, I want to utilize my strengths, such as long passes, to contribute to scoring goals. I want to prepare well and give my best performance to help the team win.
