J.LEAGUE YBC Levain Cup's Prime Round advancement was at stake, as they faced the second leg of the playoffs. The first leg, held at Ajinomoto Stadium on the 5th (Wednesday), ended with a one-point deficit, but they were able to gain a sense of accomplishment in terms of performance. The sequence leading up to Diego OLIVEIRA's penalty kick was brilliant, and it was also a scene where the attacking style they have built up this season was beautifully displayed.
The first match as a club will be played at EDION PEACE WING HIROSHIMA. Tokyo's starting lineup for the first match includes Masato MORISHIGE and Hotaka NAKAMURA, based on the first match. Kei KOIZUMI and Takahiro KO form a double pivot. Soma ANZAI and Kota TAWARATSUMIDA are on the wings, with Diego OLIVEIRA and Teruhito NAKAGAWA up front. As they aim for a comeback victory on enemy territory and a spot in the prime round, the second half of 90 minutes begins.
1stHALF - Unable to score despite continuously threatening the goal towards the end of the first half.
Taking advantage of the reflection of the first game where they conceded goals in a short period of time, Tokyo showed a focused start to the match. In the 6th minute of the first half, they had their first chance. Shuhei TOKUMOTO, the left fullback, brought the ball to the cross after a fluid passing play.
However, Sanfrecce Hiroshima does not easily back down. In the 11th minute of the first half, Pieros SOTIRIOU took a decisive shot from Arai's cross ball, and in the 16th minute of the first half, they were threatened with a goal from a corner kick. However, midfielder Nakamura, who was covering the goal, narrowly cleared the ball off the goal line and escaped danger.
The game, which was marked by the high intensity and quick transition of offense and defense, was similar to the first match. The battle between the two teams intensified in front of the goal. In the 19th minute of the first half, Tokyo broke through the right side and Tsumari TAKUMI had a chance to shoot from Azusa's cross, but the ball was blocked and turned into a counterattack. Ohashi, who had moved to the right side, crossed the ball to Shunki HIGASHI, but it went over the goal.
In the 39th minute of the first half, Erik advanced the ball from the back line and passed it to LORI who broke through the penalty area and crossed the ball, while in the 45+3 minute, midfielder Nakamura made a powerful shot with his right foot after a coordinated play. Although they were unable to score, they created a threatening opportunity towards Hiroshima's goal towards the end of the first half, and the game went into halftime.
2ndHALF - 17-year-old Diva scores a goal but consecutive goals against take their toll
Tokyo needed one goal at all costs to advance to the knockout stage in a comeback, but they conceded the opening goal at the start of the second half. In the 8th minute of the second half, a cross ball was sent in by Koshimichi from the right side, and although it was cleared once, the ball fell to Lori in front of Kato and was kicked in.
Two minutes later, they allowed an additional point. Kato player's cross from the left side was met by Ohashi player's powerful right-footed shot. The ball deflected off of Hatano Go player's hand and was sucked into the goal.
Tokyo, who suffered consecutive goals just like in the first match, substituted Riki HARAKAWA and Leon NOZAWA for Nakamura and Yasuzaki in the 17th minute of the second half in hopes of a comeback. They sent fresh players onto the pitch in an attempt to score a goal.
However, in the 23rd minute of the second half, we lost our third goal. Saltani player's last pass was sent through to Kato player behind the front line and was scored into the goal.
Tokyo, who wants to show some determination, made three substitutions in the 29th minute of the second half. They sent in Teppei Oka to replace Henrique Trevisan, Keigo Higashi to replace Taira Shige, and Divine Otani, who made his debut in the top team as a registered player of the second team, to replace Nakagawa.
And in the 32nd minute of the second half, a young player who carried high expectations stepped onto the pitch and opened the goal.
Keigo HIGASHI passed the ball to the left side after sticking in the midfield, and Nozawa received it. He sent a cross ball between the opponent's goalkeeper and defender with his left foot. Oya jumped in from the far side and finally opened the goal with his head.
Afterwards, Tokyo showed a strong attacking attitude with young players showing their aggressiveness towards the goal, and player Harakawa had a chance to score, but they were unable to score. The total score for the two games was 2-5, and they were unable to advance to the prime round.
The Tokyo team will continue their consecutive games, and on June 12th (Wed), just 2 days later, they will compete in the 2nd round of the Emperor's Cup, followed by the resumption of the league 4 days later. In order to chase the remaining titles until the end, the team will once again approach the games with all their might from here on.
MATCH DETAILS
＜FC Tokyo＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Go HATANO
DF Hotaka NAKAMURA (17th minute of the second half: Riki HARAKAWA)/Masato MORISHIGE/Henrique TREVISAN (29th minute of the second half: Teppei OKA)/Shuhei TOKUMOTO
MF Takahiro KO/Kei KOIZUMI/Teruhito NAKAGAWA (29th minute of the second half: Divine OTANI)
FW Diego OLIVEIRA/Kota TAWARATSUMIDA (29th minute of the second half: Keigo HIGASHI)/Soma ANZAI (17th minute of the second half: Leon NOZAWA)
SUBS
GK Tsuyoshi KODAMA
DF Shuto NAGANO
MF Yui NAKANO
FW Rui ASADA
GOAL
32' OTANI Divine
＜Sanfrecce Hiroshima＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Goro KAWANAMI
DF Shuto NAKANO/Sho ARAKI (34th minute: Sota KOSHIMICHI)/Sho SASAKI
MF Naoto ARAI/Taishi MATSUMOTO/Tsukasa SHIOTANI (42nd minute: Takaaki SHICHI)/Shunki HIGASHI
FW Mutsuki KATO (42nd minute: Makoto MITSUTA)/Yuki OHASHI (26th minute: Ezequiel)/Pieros SOTIRIOU (26th minute: Douglas VIEIRA)
SUBS
GK Yudai TANAKA
MF Yoshifumi KASHIWA/Hiroya MATSUMOTO/Gakuto NOTSUDA
GOAL
8 minutes into the second half: Mutsuki KATO/10 minutes into the second half: Yuki OHASHI/23 minutes into the second half: Mutsuki KATO
[Interview with Peter CKLAMOVSKI, Manager]
Q: please review the game.
First of all, I would like to congratulate Sanfrecce Hiroshima for advancing through the playoff round. It was a good football battle, just like the first game. There wasn't much going on until we conceded a goal. This was the case in both games, where we gave the opponent a gift and they took control of the game. In order for us to become a special club, we need to eliminate those mistakes. Despite the tough situation, I am proud that the players fought together until the end. The team gave everything they had and it's disappointing that we couldn't move on to the cup. We still have a lot to learn. Many fans and supporters came to Hiroshima. We are grateful to them. We are sorry that we couldn't bring a smile to their faces.
Q, Has the situation where many players are called up to the Japan national team in each age group and there are many injured players affected the team, even though the coach does not want to make excuses?
A, It is a fact that many Tokyo players are selected in international matches. However, I do not want to make excuses for that. There are situations where national team players or injured players are missing, but I believe that it is a test of our team's overall strength. I admire the players who show the attitude of facing such difficulties and trying to overcome them, and the mentality of fighting even in difficult situations.
This week, it was a tough battle, but four academy players were on the bench and one of them was able to score a goal as a result of their hard work. I am proud of that play. And the top team players were able to connect well with the academy players and fight while passing on their experiences to them. We have been able to grow even in a difficult week and I feel that exciting players are emerging.
Q, also in 2 days, we will be competing in the Emperor's Cup. How will we make adjustments and switch gears for that?
A, we are currently feeling very frustrated and disappointed, but we want to use that to fuel our next game. Even in the midst of that, we believe that football never sleeps, and as a team, we will recover and prepare ourselves to be able to do our job properly next Wednesday.
Q, Please evaluate Divine OTANI, the player who scored a goal and was registered for two types.
A, he is an exciting player with potential for the future. The club is working to have him practice with the top team players while being connected to the academy and being coached by the top team coaching staff. He has a lot of potential and has shown great growth. In terms of growth, there are many other exciting players as well. He has left a good impact and the results are showing from the past few months of working together. I think he has also brought energy and power to the academy.
[Player Interview]
＜Player Kei KOIZUMI＞
Q, please tell us about your feelings about the disappointing result.
We have to accept the reality of losing one title. The difference between us and Sanfrecce Hiroshima may be small, but I think that small difference becomes a big difference in whether we can win the title or not.
Q: What is your impression when you look back on the game?
A, there was no need to rush as a game plan, and we were able to turn the first half 0-0, so I thought it would be good to take one point in the second half and fight for another point in extra time. However, if we continue to concede goals in succession like last time, it will be a difficult situation. I think we need to improve on the conceding part and try not to give the opponent any chances.
Q, how will you take this defeat?
A, I think we need to firmly accept the reality that we have easily lost one of the three titles. Also, we have the Emperor's Cup in two days, so we need to accept the reality and go there with a desperate desire to win, otherwise we may be tripped up again. I think the same can be said for the league matches, so I want to firmly keep my feet on the ground and continue to do my best.
Q, The Emperor's Cup will be held in 2 days.
A, I think everyone is feeling very frustrated after losing one title, so I hope we can all come together and do our best for the Emperor's Cup.
＜Player Leon NOZAWA＞
Q, I came on as a substitute. How was it playing in a difficult situation?
Both as a team and as an individual, I knew exactly what I needed to do. In my mind, I was conscious of getting involved in scoring and running to switch between offense and defense. I was able to make one assist when I came on as a substitute, but I still feel like it's not enough. When I was given the opportunity to play in that situation, I knew it would have a big impact on my future. Since I came on in a situation where we needed a goal, I knew I had to contribute to scoring and we had to turn the game around. That's when I realized that I still have a lot of room for improvement.
Q: please review the assist scene.
When I received the ball, I was free and there was distance between me and the opponent, so I thought about trying to break through. However, there was also distance to the goal, and I saw Divine OTANI in the back and our eyes met, so I thought that if I could deliver a simple cross ball to him, it would lead to a goal. As a team rule, I also thought that it was my job to put in early cross balls, so I played with confidence. I'm glad that it led to a good result.
Q, We could see a good sense of boldness from today's play.
A, I was able to play with confidence compared to the last game. After the last game, I reflected on myself and organized my thoughts, and also communicated with various players, staff, and coaches, and received words from fans and supporters. In the midst of all that, I think the result of organizing it in my own way is who I am now. I still feel like I'm not enough. I am full of apologies to the fans and supporters who have come to Hiroshima today. We need to connect this result to the next one, and since there is another game coming up soon, I want to prepare for it and deliver a victory for the next one.
Q, I think Leon NOZAWA is able to attract many opportunities. How do you approach the next game?
A, I believe I am able to attract opportunities within myself. Today, I was able to record an assist. However, as a striker, I want to contribute more and more to this team. For the sake of those who support me, I want to leave visible numbers first. I will continue to be positive and forward-looking in order to demonstrate my value and significance to the team.
<Divine OTANI>
Q: How did you approach today's game? And please tell us about the actual feeling of playing.
As an individual, my playing time for FC Tokyo U-18 matches has increased this season, and I have had more opportunities to participate in top team practices. Last week, I was registered as a 2nd team player, which was the biggest surprise. I was determined to make a difference since I was able to travel with the team as a 2nd team player. When I was warming up around the 20-minute mark in the second half, I heard someone say "Let's go, Diva!" and I was excited to be able to play, but we were losing at the time. So, I focused on playing to the best of my abilities when I stepped onto the pitch. In the end, I was able to contribute with a goal and I am glad about that.
Q, The first official goal of the top team was a header goal. Please review the scoring scene.
When the ball flowed to the deep position on the left side, I was able to use my own strength, which is sprinting, and get in front of the opponent's defense with speed. I was always told to have the awareness to dive in during practice, so I jumped into the goal with momentum. I am happy that I was able to firmly finish it off with a good cross ball from Leon NOZAWA.
Q, please tell us about any challenges you felt while playing on the official pitch and any areas where you were successful.
In the sprint section, there was a sense of accomplishment. Although it resulted in a foul, I was able to firmly approach the ball holder with speed and it didn't feel like I was completely ineffective in terms of physicality. However, in terms of communication and mentality when facing a game, I need to become a player who can contribute positively to the team by being able to give more vocal support.
Q, with only 2 days until the Emperor's Cup, do you think today's goal will bring you closer to a chance to play?
A, I played for 20 minutes in today's match, but I want to increase my playing time even more and become a player who can start in the game. In last season, Ryunosuke SATO was promoted to the top team in August. I myself was inspired by his presence and I want to aim to be a player who can play an active role in the top team.
