In the 28th round of the Meiji Yasuda J1 League, Tokyo faced Kyoto Sanga F.C. away, aiming for their first victory after the break. Tokyo has struggled with a lack of scoring, having not scored in the last three games, so they will need to control the game while also focusing on their attack.
The team made two changes to the starting lineup from the previous match. Taishi Brandon NOZAWA, who has been supporting the team with great saves, will be in goal. Hotaka NAKAMURA, who has a lot of energy, will be on the right side of the back line, while Kanta DOI will be starting for the fourth consecutive match since the break in the center back position. Tetsuhei OKA will replace Masato MORISHIGE, who suffered a concussion in the previous match, and Yuto NAGATOMO will be on the left side of the back line. In the midfield, Takau YOKO and Kei KOIZUMI will form a partnership as defensive midfielders, with Ryotaro ARAKI playing as an attacking midfielder. The front three will consist of Diego OLIVEIRA in the center, Teruhito NAKAGAWA on the right, and Keita ENDO on the left, the same lineup as the previous match.
In addition, the bench includes four forwards, including Ewerton Gaudino, a new force expected to make his debut. The team is united and ready to face the game in order to achieve the long-awaited goal and secure a victory.
1st HALF - Opponent takes the lead with 2 goals in the early stages
The match was dominated by Kyoto's momentum, as they pressed relentlessly from the kick-off.
When the ball was lost at a high position due to a bold approach, Rafael Elias took a powerful left-footed shot. Although player Nozawa managed to deflect it with a sideways dive and avoid danger, Rafael Elias scored a goal from the resulting corner kick with a header in the center. This completely disrupted the start of the game, and they conceded a goal in just 2 minutes.
After that, the opponent's press continued to push us and we couldn't connect the ball, but with Takase as the center, we calmed down the game and gradually increased our possession rate, leading to more plays in the opponent's territory.
In the 19th minute of the first half, Diego TABA took advantage of a loose ball from Araki's corner kick, and in the following 32nd minute, Nakagawa received a through pass from Araki inside the penalty area and aimed for the opponent's goal, creating a threatening scene.
However, in the 34th minute of the first half, Kyoto scored a powerful middle shot from a long counter. Although Nozawa managed to block it, the ball was headed in by Hara from the resulting corner kick, giving up a regrettable additional point. The lead was extended to two points. It was a disappointing goal to concede, as we were gradually gaining control and creating opportunities to push forward.
Tokyo, who wants to take the initiative, is trying to find a chance while advancing to the attacking third, but the first half ends as it is. The counterattack will be carried over to the second half.
2ndHALF - Fierce comeback thwarted by the crossbar
In the second half, as they chase two points, Tokyo substituted Soma ANZAI for Nagatomo, who then entered as a left back to increase their attacking power.
However, Kyoto also thoroughly pressed from the kick-off in the second half, just like in the first half. They aggressively attacked from a high position. In the 3rd minute of the second half, Kyoto had a perfect shot from a corner kick, but once again, player Nozawa showed a sharp reaction and saved it with a sideways dive. He struggled to somehow boost the team's defense.
However, Tokyo was unable to connect the ball as they were pressed hard by Kyoto. In the 5th minute of the second half, they were hit by a wave attack from the left side and lost their defense in the penalty area, resulting in the third goal being conceded.
The difficult situation continues. An injury occurred to Anzai, who was just substituted in the second half, in the 8th minute of the second half due to contact with an opponent player. He was forced to be substituted and Higashi came on in the midfield, with Koizumi being used as a scrambling left back. It became a situation where tactical insight and experience were relied upon.
Tokyo, who have been struggling to create chances, finally had an opportunity in the 22nd minute of the second half. From Nakamura's right cross, Diego took a right-footed volley. It seemed that Nakagawa, who followed up on the rebound, would score with a technical bicycle kick, but the goal was not allowed as he was in an offside position when Diego took the shot. It was a brilliant shot, but unfortunately it did not result in a goal.
24 minutes into the second half, manager Peter Cklamovski makes a change in the front line. Ewerton, who is making his Tokyo debut, replaces Nakagawa on the right wing, while Tsuyoshi Ogashiwa is sent onto the pitch in place of Araki.
In the 30th minute of the second half, player Koizumi switched positions with midfielder Higashi and moved to the left side from the center. Ewerton, who received the ball, sent it to the front of the goal with his strong left foot. Player Takashi, who made a run, headed the ball but it hit the crossbar. He quickly reacted to the rebound and tried to score again with his left foot, but unfortunately it missed above the goal, and they were unable to score a counterattack goal.
Tokyo, who wants to increase the pressure from the front line. In the 39th minute of the second half, Kota TAWARATSUMIDA, who had just been substituted, dribbled in from the left side and swung his right foot, which was his specialty. Although the opponent goalkeeper prevented it with a good reaction, the attackers will try to break through by boldly attacking from both sides.
In the final stages, Tawara and Tsumita players were seen aiming for a scene while enduring with Nogawa's good save, but they could not break through Kyoto, who aimed for a counter while tightening their defense after widening the point difference.
There were unexpected accidents, but it turned out to be a development where we fell into the opponent's trap, resulting in 3 goals including the start of the first and second half, and the frustration of 4 consecutive games without scoring remains.
MATCH DETAILS
＜FC Tokyo＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
DF Hotaka NAKAMURA/Kanta DOI/Tetsuhiro OKA/Yuto NAGATOMO (46': Soma ANZAI) (58': Keigo HIGASHI)
MF Yu KOUYO/Kyosuke KOIZUMI/Ryotaro ARAKI (69': Takashi KOBA)
FW Diego OLIVEIRA/Keita ENDO (83': Kota TAWARATSUMIDA)/Teruhito NAKAGAWA (69': Ewerton GAUDINO)
SUBS
GK Go HATANO
DF Yasuki KIMOTO
GOAL
―
＜Kyoto Sanga F.C.＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK KSON Yoon
DF Shinnosuke FUKUDA/Yuta MIYAMOTO/Yoshinori SUZUKI
MF Shimpei FUKUOKA/Takuji YONEMOTO (24th minute of the second half: Sota KAWASAKI)/Taiki HIRATO (45th minute of the second half: Ryuma NAKANO)/Kyo SATO
FW Marc Toruio (45th minute of the second half: Murilo Costa)/Daisuke HARA/Rafael Elias (38th minute of the second half: Sora HIRAGA)
SUBS
GK Gakuji OTA
DF Kazunari KITA/Lucas OLIVEIRA
GOAL
First Half 2 Minutes: Rafael Elias/First Half 36 Minutes: Taichi HARA/Second Half 5 Minutes: Taiki HIRATO
[Interview with Peter CKLAMOVSKI, Manager]
Q: please review the game.
A, I am very disappointed with today's score. Kyoto played well and surpassed us in key moments. The important thing is to reflect on our own play and learn from it. In doing so, I think there were areas where we needed to be sharper. There was a difference between when we played well and when we didn't, and it was a very difficult game. For us, the start of the game was not good, and goals can change the game. Kyoto scored the opening goal from a corner kick, which was the best start for them. After that, we were starting to control the game, but then we conceded another goal from a corner kick. We cannot let these things happen, as they can change the flow of the game. We needed to take control of the game at that point. The players gave everything and fought until the end. Kyoto was able to finish their dangerous chances in front of goal. As a result, we lost three points.
Q: Tsuyoshi OGASHIWA was substituted for Ryotaro ARAKI. Was there an option to use both of these players at the same time?
A, that option is also one of the possible choices. Kogashiwa player came out and made a dangerous play for the opponent. (Regarding his appearance from the middle) He is still in the stage of getting his body rhythm, which is also important for his future. There was also a part where I felt that Diego OLIVEIRA player would do something. There was also a point of wanting to see the combination of Diego player and Ewerton GAUDINO player. It was a decision from that perspective.
Q, What do you think is the reason for not being able to win and not being able to score in the summer?
A, we are currently in a very difficult situation. We believe that winning is a habit, and in that sense, it is a difficult situation. In difficult times, we often struggle to get things going our way. Today, we couldn't score, but we had several chances. We hit the crossbar twice and had a goal disallowed for offside. When things are going well, those situations turn into goals and tilt in our favor.
A few weeks ago, I mentioned that this time is important and we are being tested in this difficult situation. As we prepare for the next game, it is crucial to think about what we will do and how we will react. Our process will not change and we will analyze our performance thoroughly. In doing so, we must learn where we can improve. This situation will lead to our greatest growth and it is important for us to work hard together to overcome it. We will take it one step at a time and work towards seeing the results. There are 30 points left in the next 10 games. We believe we can improve even more.
[Player Interview]
Takahiro KO
Q, Wasn't it a difficult game to receive pressure from the opponent's high position from start to finish?
A, I think not being able to avoid the opponent's press was everything in today's game. It has happened many times before and we are repeating the same thing, so I think it is a weakness of the current team. We need to clearly determine what to do, have a proper discussion together, and each of us must take responsibility. There were scenes where we could move the ball from the middle of the first half, but I want us to be able to do it from the beginning of the game instead of after conceding a goal. If we don't take the initiative and attack from ourselves, we will be on the back foot. I think it is necessary for the whole team to have a common understanding and do it together.
Q, what part didn't go well even though you were aiming for it?
A, the number of times the second ball rolled to the opponent was still high, and when it was Kyoto Sanga F.C., there was a chance to dominate if we could hold them down. It is a sign that our preparation is still lacking when the momentum shifts to the opponent. First of all, it is important to surpass the opponent in the essence of soccer, which is fighting, running, and mentality. Personally, and as a team, I want to play with a strong mentality once again. Even though it was an away game, the fans and supporters created a wonderful atmosphere and continued to support us until the end. It is very disappointing and I am sorry that we could not respond with a victory. However, there are still more games to come, so we have to continue to face the same direction and keep going.
Q, everyone involved with the team is in the midst of a difficult time. Please tell us the most important thing for the upcoming match against Sanfrecce Hiroshima.
A, of course, it is important to know how much each person truly wants to win. This is the time when we are challenged to face our opponents head on. We have no choice but to train and focus on ourselves, rather than pointing fingers at others or outside forces.
<Ewerton Gaudino player>
Q, this was my first official game after joining Tokyo.
It was our debut match in Tokyo, but unfortunately we lost 0-3 as a team and I couldn't contribute to any goals. It's very frustrating. However, we have another match coming up soon. I will work hard with my teammates in next week's training and look forward to the next match against Sanfrecce Hiroshima, aiming for a victory.
Q, I think that not only in attacking play, but also in defensive contribution was high.
A, I came on as a substitute on the right wing today, but no matter what position I play, I think it's just about expressing the plays that are necessary for the team's victory, as demanded by Coach Klamovski and my teammates.
Q, Have you ever had trouble expressing yourself on the official pitch?
A, I played for about 20 minutes as a substitute, and it was my first time playing in the J-League. It was a tough game today, with the team losing and everything. From here, I want to improve my condition and increase my playing time, and contribute to the team by scoring.
Q, there are only 10 games left in the league. How do you want to contribute from here?
A, both today's game and recently, not only us players but also the fans and supporters have been going through tough times. However, in order to win the remaining league matches, we want to prioritize coming together and moving forward. Your support has been a great help and for the next game against Hiroshima, we players will work hard from training and only focus on winning in order to respond to your cheers.
Diego Oliveira player
Q, What do you think is necessary to change the current situation in this difficult situation?
A, we are also trying various things, but we are in a situation where we cannot create chances, cannot score, and easily concede goals. We have to change something. We have to change it ourselves.For the pride of those who fight in this team and for the fans and supporters who support us. Another game is coming soon. We will all work together again for victory.
