Tokyo is blue and red. The big match to prove it has arrived.
After the break, the blue and red army aimed for their first victory and their first league win in about a month at their home, Ajinomoto Stadium, as they faced off against the "green" team.
This is a game where victory is absolutely required. In the previous match, they lost 0-3 to Kawasaki Frontale in the Tama River Clasico. Moreover, they have not been able to produce results at Ajinomoto Stadium with 2 wins, 4 draws, and 5 losses. The coach and players are all saying, "We want to respond to the fans and supporters with a win."
The game against Tokyo Verdy, which was faced in such a situation. In the previous match, we bounced back from a numerical disadvantage and a 2-point deficit, and brought it to a draw with a tying goal in the second half additional time, but we were unable to secure a victory.
The only thing we seek in this game, which we approach with the revival of the team at stake, is victory. First and foremost, we want to dominate mentally and control the game situation in order to advance the match in our favor.
The defense is composed of experienced veterans and academy graduates. At the back, Taishi Brandon NOZAWA, with Kosuke SHIRAI, Kanta DOI, Masato MORISHIGE, and Yuto NAGATOMO forming the final line. In the midfield, Takahiro KO and Kei KOIZUMI form a partnership, with Ryotaro ARAKI playing as an attacking midfielder. The front three consists of Diego OLIVEIRA in the center, Teruhito NAKAGAWA on the right wing, and Keita ENDO on the left.
The team has been struggling with only one win in their last seven official matches, so they want to use this game as a turning point. The match, held as "FIREWORKS NIGHT supported by Paidy," was heated up from before the start of the game. After the player introductions with moving lights, the players entered the field with a spectacular fireworks display in the background, while the stands were dyed in blue and red from the goal end to the back stand. The kickoff was greeted with an amazing atmosphere.
1st HALF - Unable to convert chances into goals despite holding onto the ball
With the support of a large home crowd, Tokyo started the game by connecting passes and attacking. Attacking midfielder Araki, who made his first start after the Paris Olympics, and defensive midfielder Takahashi controlled the ball in the center, creating a rhythm for the attack while utilizing Diego's post play. Right-back Shirai's powerful vertical dribbling also added an accent to the attack.
In the first half, the possession was blue and red, and the counter was green, and Tokyo was the first to create a big chance. In the 25th minute of the first half, Endo, who had brought the ball up in the center, took a ground middle shot with his right foot. This narrowly missed the goal to the left, but Tokyo continued to push and threaten the opponent's goal.
A scoring opportunity was created from a skillful build-up using player Nozawa in the 33rd minute of the first half. When Nozawa received the ball while passing it around the final line, right back player Shirai took a position inside and received a pass, then turned and passed it to right side player Nakagawa. At this point, player Diego made a run into the space behind to draw the opponent player, and Nakagawa took a cut-in and shot with his left foot. The ball hit the opponent defender and changed direction, missing the goal, but it was a typical Tokyo-style attack with sharp passing skills that showed their attacking prowess in the enemy's territory.
In the 42nd minute of the first half, Tokyo V welcomes a chance from a turbulent development from left to right. Saito player met Matsuyama player's left cross from the far side, but the shot went outside the frame. It was almost a scene, but Nozawa player also firmly blocked the near course, and succeeded in escaping danger here.
Tokyo, who couldn't finish while taking the lead. While wanting to score the first goal in the early stages of the game while controlling the pace, on the other hand, they showed a sense of urgency and risk management that is unique to important games, such as solid defense against the opponent's counterattacks.
In the end, the first half ended scoreless after two minutes of additional time, and the fate of the game was carried over to the second half. The players returned to the locker room, encouraged by the chant from the fans and supporters behind the goal, "We can't lose to Verdy! Let's show them our strength!"
2ndHALF - Big saves from Daiji lead to a scoreless draw
In the second half, a sudden big pinch is invited. Tokyo V's Matsuyama player crosses from the counter. Oshinaga player who ran into the far side directly matched, but the shot did not meet.
And there is a chance after the pinch. Connecting at the final line and waiting for a chance, multiple players break through the left side from the midfield with one touch and pass to Endo in the center. Araki receives this and makes a move, finishing with his right foot. Although it hits the opponent who entered the block and misses the frame, a brilliant attack full of technique and speed is shown.
Tokyo, who took the lead in the second half by attacking the goal behind the blue and red, showed their skill in choosing to "reset" without forcing themselves to make a move while firmly holding onto the ball and expanding to the sides. The areas that have been identified as challenges have been consciously addressed, and the team's growth is evident in their performance.
Intense ball play, skillful game management, and solid risk management are all expressed, leaving only the task of scoring goals. The period of wanting to score goals quickly continues.
The defense also showed a concentrated play. In the 23rd minute of the second half, they allowed a diving header to a free player in the opponent's penalty area, but here, player Julian made a big save by diving sideways. In the 30th minute of the second half, they were hit by a decisive header from the opponent's corner kick, but player Julian also made a super save by reaching out his right hand to a difficult ball that bounced near him. All players on the pitch continued to play with concentration and pushed forward towards victory.
An accident occurred in Tokyo here. The ball hit the side of player Morishige's head as he blocked the opponent's shot and he fell down. It was worrying as he seemed to have lost consciousness, but he raised his hand and reacted when he was carried off on a stretcher. This resulted in a concussion substitution, with player Oka Teppei replacing Morishige. In addition, in the 41st minute of the second half, player Nakamura Hotaka was sent in as a right back, replacing Nagatomo, and the formation was changed with Shirai moving to the left side.
In the 42nd minute of the second half, the opponent's counter attack caused a dangerous situation, but Yamaomi's shot was saved by Nogisawa once again with a big save. He slightly changed the direction and protected the goal.
In the 6th minute of additional time, amidst the loud chants of "We cannot lose to Verdy" from the blue and red supporters behind the goal, a fierce battle was fought on the pitch for the winning goal. However, neither team was able to score and the match ended in a scoreless draw.
It was a fierce battle of determination towards victory, but we were unable to secure a win despite gaining momentum in terms of content. The match, which gathered a crowd of 39,921 at Ajinomoto Stadium, ended in a 0-0 draw.
MATCH DETAILS
＜FC Tokyo＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
DF Kosuke SHIRAI, Kanta DOI, Masato MORISHIGE (38th minute of the second half: Teppei OKA), Yuto NAGATOMO (41st minute of the second half: Hotaka NAKAMURA)
MF Takuya TAKU, Kei KOIZUMI, Ryotaro ARAKI (32nd minute of the second half: Tsuyoshi KOBAYASHI)
FW Diego OLIVEIRA, Keita ENDO (25th minute of the second half: Kota TAWARATSUMIDA), Teruhito NAKAGAWA (25th minute of the second half: Soma ANZAI)
SUBS
GK Go HATANO
GOAL
―
＜Tokyo Verdy＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Mateus
DF Kazuya MIYAHARA, Shoki HAYASHI, Hiroto TANIGUCHI
MF Yuta MATSUMURA (41st minute of the second half: Yuan MATSUHASHI), Koki MORITA (21st minute of the second half: Tomoya MIKI), Kosuke SAITO, Sei OONAGA
FW Fuki YAMADA (21st minute of the second half: Hiroto YAMAMI), Yudai KIMURA (44th minute of the second half: Gouki YAMADA), Itsuki SOMENO
SUBS
GK Yuya NAGASAWA
DF Daiki FUKAZAWA
MF Yuto TSUNASHIMA
GOAL
―
[Interview with Peter CKLAMOVSKI, Manager]
Q, please give us an overview of the match.
A, as expected, it was a game between Tokyo Verdy and both teams gave it their all. From the start of the game, amidst the passionate support of the fans, I think both teams fought well until the end. In terms of performance, I think we were able to control the game to a certain extent until the 70th minute, but we needed more sharpness in our attacks and we needed to be more of a threat to the opponent. In the last 20 minutes, we lost control and the game became more open. The players gave everything to try and secure 3 points, but unfortunately we couldn't get those 3 points for the fans and supporters.
Q, Please tell us about the situation of Masato MORISHIGE.
A, First of all, I think he gave us a really great performance. He calmly moved the ball so that we could control the game. During the time that Morishige was on the field, our defense was very strong. Unfortunately, he got hit in the head with a shot. Right now, we need to get more information from the medical team. We pray that he is safe. We are all thinking about him and his family.
Q, I think we were making active player substitutions. Also, the players who played were moving dynamically. What was the reason we couldn't control the game towards the end?
In terms of continuing to fight strongly until the end while also using substitute players, I think they left a strong impact. Today, there was also a substitution due to Morishige's concussion, and all registered field players were able to play. I think all the players who played left a strong impact and fought well, but at the point where the opponent's long ball came in, we lost control and became stretched out. However, I think the players gave everything they had. We want to continue the good parts of the performance we were able to show today and work on improving the areas that need improvement through training.
[Player Interview]
Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
Q: He made a great save and contributed greatly to the team's clean sheet. Please review the game.
A, I think the first half was very good as a team. However, in the second half, the game became more open and we need to improve on picking up loose balls and being pushed back. Still, the entire team put their bodies on the line in front of the goal, and in the end, I think it's a positive thing that I, as the goalkeeper, was able to keep a clean sheet. However, we still need to win and we need to push harder towards the opponent's goal. We need to do more in that aspect.
Q, there were many times when we were pushed in and became a little more open around the 30-minute mark in the second half. What was the most important thing you were conscious of?
A, I believed in my teammates that if we could hold on until the end without conceding any goals during that second half, we would definitely have a chance.
Q: The members of the 4-back have changed from the previous two rounds. Do you feel any difficulty?
A, I want to do my best at that time no matter who comes out, and not only my own preparation, but also always try to have a positive impact on my teammates.
Q, Everyone can feel the growth of Taishi Brandon NOZAWA. Has anything changed before and after going to the Paris Olympics?
A, I am truly grateful to be able to enjoy the soccer that I have admired and to be able to play in matches as a goalkeeper in Tokyo. I feel that my desire to take on more responsibility and become an even bigger presence is pushing me to grow even more. I believe I can do more.
Kanta DOI Player
Q: please review the game.
A, there were chances and dangers, and as a defender, I think it was good to finish the game without conceding any goals, but it's frustrating that we couldn't score because it was a game we had to win. In the second half, we were under pressure for a long time, but we were determined to not let the ball into our goal, so I think that part was good.
Q, in the first half, there was also time to possess the ball, but it did not lead to a goal.
A, I also made mistakes, but I want to continue challenging, so I want to keep challenging repeatedly and make more decisive passes. There are times when the team's movement stops during tired times, and there are times when I don't show my face in the pass course even for a moment, so I want to speak up and demand more firmly. In those aspects as well, I want to lead the team.
Q, what do you think is necessary to win a game like today?
On the attacking side, I think we need more power in front of the goal. Not only with vertical passes, but also with set pieces, we lacked the power to get into the goal area. On the defensive side, we managed to keep a clean sheet, but I think it was thanks to Taishi Brandon NOZAWA stopping the opponent's scoring chances 2 or 3 times. We need to eliminate those scoring chances in order to continue our success.
Q, we have been having a tough game. What preparations will you make for the next match?
A, I want to become a player who can make decisive passes personally because I haven't scored in three consecutive games. As a team, I think we need to run and move more to create more chances. I want to do what I can and prepare for the next game.
＜Kei Koizumi player＞
Q: Please review the game, I think it was a tough 90 minutes.
A, as expected, it was a hot game, so we tried to hold onto the ball a little longer and calm ourselves down. We were conscious of playing in a way that would allow us to keep possession of the ball. However, of course, we also had to go for our targets, and in our meeting, we talked about aiming for spaces as a team. I think it would have been better if we had been able to make more individual runs and take advantage of those spaces. In the second half, when the ball came to the side, I think it was also necessary to make runs behind the defense.
Q, It's a tough situation without any wins in 4 games, but how do you view the important points that must be taken into account, including the next match against Kyoto Sanga F.C.?
A, I think we need to have this level of intensity, physicality, and passion for every game. Within that, we want to be able to adapt our defense and attacking strategies flexibly depending on our opponents. This applies to both the team as a whole and each individual player. With 11 games left, we need to be aware of whether we will be competing for a higher position or getting dragged into a lower position. We will approach each game with a strong sense of urgency while being mindful of our current position.
