<Last Match Review: Tokyo Verdy>
In an absolutely crucial match, the blue and red goalkeeper showed an overwhelming presence.
Home game for Tokyo Verdy in the 27th round of the Meiji Yasuda J1 League. The game, held at Ajinomoto Stadium, gathered a crowd of 39,921 people and Tokyo started attacking from the beginning.
Passing the ball around and spreading it to the sides while assessing the situation, gradually increasing possession without forcing any plays. Both Takahiro KO and Ryotaro ARAKI create rhythm in the center, taking control of the game while utilizing Diego OLIVEIRA's post play.
However, as they struggled to shake the goal net, the game gradually shifted to the opponent's pace. In the second half, they faced numerous dangerous situations, but it was Taishi Brandon NOZAWA who stood in their way. He locked down the Tokyo goal and prevented several decisive chances.
If you deflect the opponent's header with a sideways jump, you can make a big save by stretching your right hand to the ball that was combined in the center from the corner kick. You show a great reaction to the difficult shot that bounces once. In addition, even at the end of the game, we faced a desperate pinch from a counterattack, but player Nozawa slightly changed the course and the ball went out of the frame.
His figure is truly that of a "guardian deity". His presence in front of the goal and the sense of security that he is the last line of defense only grows stronger with each game. Once he gets going, he can't be stopped. He should be able to stop the next one too──. He is becoming a player who can instill such a feeling in the hearts of those who watch. However,
"Even if our attack doesn't go well, everyone has the determination to not let it happen today, and we were able to defend by putting our bodies on the line. (In regards to shooting) We can play aggressively with the mindset of "bring it on" and "I'll stop it". We always have a desire to improve and there is still more we can do. While we have a good feeling, we haven't been able to win in matches and I want to become a player who can have a positive impact on the team. As a team, there are times when we have to be patient, so for now, I will focus on doing what I can as a goalkeeper."
This year, the young goalkeeper who grew up in the academy and experienced the AFC Asian Cup as a member of the Japan national team and the Paris Olympics as a member of the U-23 Japan national team, continues to fight with even more ambition to reach higher levels.
The game ended scoreless at full time. In a crucial match where we desperately wanted a win, we were unable to secure it even with the help of Nogawa's fine save, and ended up with a disappointing draw.
Match Preview
It will be a game where the team's pride and rebound mentality will be tested, with the blue and red as the driving force.
The three games since the resumption have resulted in 1 draw and 2 losses. They have yet to score a goal. In the previous match, they lost 0-3 to Kawasaki Frontale, and in the last match, they ended in a scoreless draw against Tokyo Verdy. It's a tough situation at a time when they wanted to gain momentum after the league resumed. In order to close the gap with the top teams and for the team to come together and move forward, this match is a must-win game.
First of all, it is expected that the attacking unit, which has been unable to score, will rise up. It is unclear what kind of lineup will be formed in this game, but it is certain that each player has a high level of ability. The first step is to see how these abilities can be combined on the pitch. In this combination, the key is how to "multiply" the players' strengths. We hope to see the players cleverly fight while reading the flow of the game, and expect to see them in action.
Kashiwa Reysol, who will face Kyoto Sanga F.C., is currently in 16th place with 8 wins, 7 draws, and 12 losses. They may seem like a struggling team in the lower ranks just by looking at their ranking, but since their match against Kyoto Sanga F.C. on June 26th in the 20th round, they have made a comeback with 5 wins, 2 draws, and 1 loss. It is clear that the main factor for this improvement is their attacking force, including new foreign players.
Rafael Elias, who joined before the break, has scored 5 goals in 5 games since joining. He achieved a hat-trick in the previous match against Cerezo Osaka. Since his arrival, the team has increased their scoring power with 10 goals in 4 games. In addition, both Marco Tulio and Taichi Hara, who came from the Seiko Academy, continue to be involved in goals with their aggressive play. Truly a top 3 with destructive power in the league. Kyoto at the moment should be seen as a very dangerous opponent, not fitting their current ranking.
In late June, Takuji YONEMOTO transferred on loan from Nagoya Grampus and has been making his presence known as a defensive midfielder. Additionally, Kiyoshi OKUMA, who previously served as the manager for the blue and red team, has taken on the role of GM mid-season. He has acquired new players and brought Kyoto back up. It may be a nostalgic reunion, but we must overcome them and push forward towards victory.
As Tokyo, we want to first take the goal while carefully taking care of the opponent's attacking team. The match will kick off at 19:00 on August 24th (Sat) at SANGA STADIUM by KYOCERA. The blue and red army will face the frustration so far and will invade Kyoto with the accumulated feelings to release them away.
[Interview with Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q, What did you emphasize this week while being far from victory?
A, of course there is frustration in not being able to grasp victory, and that is something that all players and staff are thinking. We cannot escape from those emotions and results. We must overcome this situation. It is only about improving our way of fighting and growing. First of all, we are focusing on expressing a good performance as a team in the match against Kyoto Sanga F.C. Even if we were on a winning streak, I would probably say the same thing.
Q, What is the most important point to improve?
A, this is a very difficult question. During the game, there are various situations and points, and I feel that there are many equally important cases. I feel that it is important for the team to improve overall and perform to the fullest.
Q, this week's match is against Kyoto. It will be a match against a team that has shown good form in their recent games.
A, I think it's a team that's riding a good flow. For us, it's an away game and a very tough game. Kyoto tends to attack in a straight line. The key to this game will be winning the ball and transitioning quickly. Fighting sharp and not losing in key moments will be our advantage. We will attack the opponent's space without fear.
Q, Kyoto's top three have a strong individual ability. Please tell us what is required on the defensive side.
It is important not to hold the ball in dangerous areas and to prevent them from getting the ball. Football requires various challenges in both offense and defense. In the midst of that, we want to show our own rules, respond to alerts, and finish the game without conceding any goals.
[Player Interview]
Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
Q, it will be a tough away game. How will you approach the match?
A, this week's training, each player was working towards the Kyoto Sanga F.C. match in a good atmosphere, and not just for any game, but with a strong consciousness of "winning". I believe that the mindset of wanting to improve will lead to a good performance in the game.
Q, What kind of play is required of the team against Kyoto?
A, the opponent comes aggressively with a compact formation and has strength in ball battles. First of all, it is necessary to surpass the opponent in such a fight. As a team, we want to actively target the opponent's back and put numbers in front of the goal to score. Although it is the position of the goalkeeper to embody the team's aim, I want to be conscious of being involved from the back in a good way.
Q, 2 out of the last 3 games have been shutouts. Please tell us what is required on the defensive side.
First of all, it is important not to let the opponent easily enter the goal area. Even if the opponent takes a deep position, I want the whole team to calmly respond and show patience in pushing back. Personally, I will continue to give instructions, including coaching, and encourage positive play.
<Tsuyoshi OGASHIWA>
Q, I think that "scoring ability" will be the key to the game against Kyoto Sanga F.C.
There were also games with no goals, such as against Gamba Osaka and Tokyo Verdy, but we couldn't score and in soccer, you can't win without scoring. As a forward, I reflect on the fact that I haven't scored and I want to prioritize the attitude and determination to score no matter what in order to change the current negative flow. During the period until the Kyoto game, I want to confirm our attacking style and play with determination.
Q, in the recent game, the defense has been fighting hard with Taishi Brandon NOZAWA as the center player.
I feel the efforts of the defense, and I also think that it is not a good situation for the team (as an attacking player) that the post-match hero interview was both Yuzo Nagasawa for the Gamba Osaka match and the Tokyo V match. In defense, we need to have a sense of crisis as a team and block before Nagasawa stops the shot, and in attack, we need to score and contribute to the victory so that the attackers can receive the hero interview. I want to make it a game where we can score solidly and contribute to the victory.
Q, please give us your enthusiasm for the upcoming game that you want to win.
A, they are a strong opponent, but I believe that attacking with courage will lead to goals and victories. We have had a string of scoreless games, but I want to focus on playing with the courage to go for the goal.
