<Previous Match Review: Albirex Niigata>
Finally arrived.
Zero temperature finally scored a goal.
The long-awaited first goal in the J1 League was a brilliant shot that ended a three-game losing streak. It was also a farewell blow to a fellow teammate who joined the team at the same time. This season, he has missed numerous big chances and felt frustrated, but he continued to work hard without giving up. This was the moment when his efforts finally paid off.
In the 33rd minute of the second half, with a score of 1-0, Kei Koizumi runs up the right side with a sharp counterattack. The opposing defense only has two players, excluding the goalkeeper. As Leon Nozawa sprints towards the goal on the opposite side, a vast space opens up in front of him.
"During the run, I made eye contact with Kei-kun. I believed that he would definitely put the ball between the final line and the goalkeeper, so I just ran with all my might and pushed it in with my feelings."
The cross sent from the right side is sharp and delivered precisely to the feet. There was too much time and space before the shot, and in the past, I might have been nervous and missed the opportunity. However, he was different on this day.
"I thought I could play naturally today. I was definitely nervous, but we had trained for similar situations during practice, so it was the scenario I had envisioned. Because I had prepared for it, I was able to regain my usual self."
Breaking through the near side with precise steps, using the right foot on the inside. The player reflects, "I just hit it. I pushed it in with my feelings." However, it was a technical shot that hit the bottom left corner of the goal. As the net shook, his mind went blank.
"It's not just happiness, but also a sense of relief that I was finally able to respond to everyone's support, the excitement when I scored, and my emotions were all over the place," said the 20-year-old hero, on the verge of tears. "If I cry here, I'll become known as a crybaby," he realized and desperately held back his tears, running straight to the Tokyo goal end where the fans and supporters who always cheered him on were waiting.
"I was able to score a goal in the midst of struggling and enduring difficult times, despite having many chances to do so in the past. It's because of the support and encouragement from my teammates that I am able to receive such kind words. I believe it's something that I wouldn't hear if I were alone. I must use this motivation to deliver results. I think it's a chance for both myself and the team to come together as one."
In addition, it was decided that Kuryu MATSUKI would leave the team for the procedures related to his overseas transfer after this match. He was also a close friend and teammate of Nozawa.
"We talked as a team about sending him off with a good feeling. Personally, it was a great motivation for me and it's sad to see him go, but as a teammate, I can't afford to lose. I want to work hard and become a presence that can lead the team even more, while competing with him. In general, I might seem younger, and he is probably seen as someone who is on a completely different level. But I think it's positive to feel frustrated and I have to surpass him. If we can stand side by side and play together at an even higher level."
Finally took a big step forward.
After the game, in the mix zone, he smiled awkwardly and said, "I'm sorry for being late," and showed a smile, saying, "I finally made it to the starting line."
"I came here thinking that if I could just get one, I would aim for even higher and keep taking them. Scoring there is what a striker does, and I want to continue playing as a striker. I think this goal will give me confidence."
After the circle of joy was broken behind the goal, he showed off his goal performance by spreading his right hand and putting his left hand to his ear.
"I've been doing it since last season, but it's my first time in Tokyo. It's a performance with the meaning of wanting to hear more praise and support from everyone by making them happy with a goal. I wanted to do it when I scored a goal, so I want to increase those opportunities from here on out."
After receiving the transfer of my teammates, I became strongly aware that I had to do it myself. I am grateful to the fans and supporters who supported me with strict yet warm voices, and to the staff who stayed with me for extra practice. In order to meet the expectations of those around me, I scored my first goal in the J1 League, which I had been waiting for more than anyone else. The unforgettable goal I scored in front of the large crowd at the Japan National Stadium will surely be a major turning point for him.
Match Preview
In the previous match, Tokyo won 2-0 against Albirex Niigata at the Japan National Stadium, stopping their losing streak at 3 games. It was also a farewell match for captain Kuryu Matsuki, who announced his departure from the team due to an overseas transfer, as well as a send-off match for Taishi Brandon Nozawa and Ryotaro Araki, who will be participating in the Paris Olympics. The game was played in front of a record-breaking crowd of 57,885 at the Japan National Stadium, securing a brilliant victory.
The blue and red team showed their determination in a must-win game. They compacted their defense and midfield from the beginning, shutting down Niigata's passing game and expanding their lead with sharp counterattacks while controlling the ball according to the flow of the game. Scenes of controlling the pace while connecting passes with the goalkeeper were seen multiple times, and being able to adapt to the game situation was also a positive aspect.
And in the final stage, Leon NOZAWA, a player of J1 League, finally marked his first goal. It was a result that can be expected in the future as an attacker of the same generation as Matsuki player finally shook the net.
The Meiji Yasuda J1 League, which will enter a two and a half week break after this round. The last match before the break will be an away game against Kashima Antlers. The opponent's manager is Ranko POPOVIC, who once fought together in blue and red and also challenged the Asian stage. In the Tokyo era, the brilliant possession football was symbolic, but now they adopt a style that focuses on short counters from high press. Leading Kashima from this season, they have achieved a record of 12 wins, 5 draws, and 6 losses, placing them in 4th position.
In addition, Kashima has acquired former Japan national team player Kentaro Sanematsu, who has been playing in Portugal and Belgium this week, on a full transfer. The large-sized midfielder, who returns to his old club, has already completed his player registration and will be able to play from the Tokyo match at the earliest. As a player with high abilities in both offense and defense, it is necessary to be cautious when using him.
For Tokyo, the absence of three players, Matsuki, Araki, and Taishi, will be a challenge. However, when they were absent during the Olympic qualifiers from April to May, the team still managed to achieve three consecutive wins and produce solid results. This season, the players who have taken the field have each played a role in the team's success, showcasing the true essence of Tokyo. The first step is to secure a victory against Kashima away, and then aim for a top position while entering the break in good form.
[Interview with Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q, I think the 2 goals against Albirex Niigata were highly reproducible plays. Do you feel satisfied with how your aim was successfully executed?
A, there are several formations within the team to attack spaces and the opponent's area. Both goals were the result of hard work, with each player recognizing their role and position. It was a continuous flow that was difficult for the opponent to stop. This is evidence that each player has a clear target. However, one thing that needs improvement is how we use spaces during attacks. We need to increase the time we control the ball and effectively attack the opponent's spaces.
Q, In the second half of the Niigata match, there was also a time when the defensive block dropped a little in position.
A. That is also part of football and something that can happen during a game. In the second half, there were moments where we lost control of the ball. If we were able to move the ball while keeping an eye on the opponent's space, we could have held onto the ball for longer. However, we were unable to do so and Niigata is also a team that excels at ball possession, so the focus shifted to defense, which I believe was one of the factors. It is important to be able to fight through difficult times during a game. However, improvement is necessary. We need to avoid losing the ball easily and utilize space to push the team forward as a whole.
Q, I think that a sense of balance that increases the number of chance creations and the time to hold the ball will be particularly demanded in the future.
A, it is important to progress efficiently on the attacking side. When you have the ball, just keeping it is not interesting for the viewers. It is important to maintain control while keeping the focus on moving forward. This focus on moving forward will bring depth to our attack. I believe that overall control will lead to effective plays.
[Player Interview]
＜Kei KOIZUMI＞
Q, Please review the Albirex Niigata match.
A, it was a game where we desperately wanted to win as we were on a losing streak. We were conscious of playing with a mindset of cutting through the entire game. As the opponent was not easy to score against, we also created scenes where we could go towards the goal without using too many moves. In addition, we made adjustments during the game on whether to kick a goal kick or connect from the back. On the defensive side, we knew that the opponent would hold onto the ball, so we shared the understanding that it was okay to let them have possession and were able to progress the game, so those decision-making moments were good.
Q, What was the intention behind the assist scene for the second goal in the Niigata match that led to an additional point?
A, it was said even before the game that the midfielder would jump out, so I think it was a good use of that space and it led to a goal as planned. As expected, such a jump can also disrupt the opponent's formation, so I think there is a high chance of it becoming a chance. I want to increase it more and more and increase the number of goals.
Q, this will be the last game before the league suspension. How will you approach the game?
In order to break into the top ranks, it is important to beat teams that are above us. This is a crucial match where we can directly shorten the gap in points, so we want to prepare well and approach it with determination.
<Go HATANO>
Q, if you participate, it will be the first league match in a while.
A, the team won in the previous match against Albirex Niigata, but I don't think the performance was satisfactory. We had been on a losing streak before that, so we want to give our all to win the next match. I think we have been able to communicate well in practice to prevent our defensive block from dropping too low, and we want to use the lessons from the previous match to improve.
Q, Wasn't the frustration of not being able to play in the game also significant?
A, rather than frustration, I feel responsible for myself. If I get a chance to play, I want to enter the game firmly and express everything I have.
Q, it will be a match against the top-ranked Kashima Antlers.
A, the opponent who is currently in 4th place, but I feel that all teams in this season's J1 league are at a high level. I don't want to get too excited and want to play with a calm mind. I want to lift the team up from the back and help with plays and voices when things get tough.
<Kosuke SHIRAI>
Q, Albirex Niigata's match left the top number in the J1 League for sprint count (26 times) in the 23rd round. I think dedication greatly contributed to the victory.
A, It was a game where the opponent had a lot of possession, but I think we were able to win because we were patient in defense and took our chances to score. Personally, it may have been a game where I was "made to run" rather than actually running, but there were also moments where I was able to use my defensive strengths. In terms of sprints, I want to be more conscious of using that power in attack from the next game.
Q, What measures and care are important in tough matches during the summer?
A, summer games are tough and tend to become endurance battles. When playing against teams like Niigata that possess the ball, it is important not only to defend but also to control the ball well and increase the time of game control. Teams that are good at ball possession do not like to have the ball taken away from them. Tokyo has many players who can work hard, so we can play like we did against Niigata, but we also want to be conscious of making the opponent run and increase the time of controlling the attack and game. Personally, I am good at summer games. If the opposing player shows a tough face, I want to keep attacking with sprints that surpass the opponent and activate the sides.
Q, this week's match is against 4th place Kashima Antlers.
In order to aim for the top, we cannot afford to lose a single game from here. We want to beat Kashima, who is positioned above us, and narrow the gap with the top teams.
