<Last Match Review: Sanfrecce Hiroshima>
I want to win. I absolutely do not want to give up until the end──. The passionate feelings of number 39, wanting to repay the support of those who cheer for us, called for a determined counterattack goal.
Tokyo, who had been struggling with no goals in the four matches after the break, faced Sanfrecce Hiroshima in an away game aiming for their first victory in five league matches.
However, the team, which was determined to win every match, was greatly affected by Typhoon No. 10. Although they started their journey two days before the match, due to transportation paralysis, they finally arrived in Hiroshima only in the early afternoon on the day of the match. They traveled for two and a half days and were forced to head to the stadium with only a little rest. Still, giving their all for victory is what it means to be a professional. The players stood on the pitch of EDION PEACE WING HIROSHIMA without ever making excuses.
The match was forced into a difficult development. We were pushed back by the opponent's press, conceding a goal in the 5th minute. Furthermore, we allowed an additional goal in the 18th minute of the first half, and in the second half, we conceded a third goal from a penalty kick.
The score is 0-3. It seemed that the outcome was decided. However, the cheers from the away supporters did not lower the voltage, and as if pushed by that atmosphere, the blue and red players launched a fierce counterattack, pressing Hiroshima.
We cannot end like this. For those who have come all the way to away Hiroshima against all odds, and to respond to the thoughts of those supporting us from various places.
That feeling came to fruition in the 34th minute of the second half. Kota TAWARATSUMIDA broke through the left side with a powerful dribble and crossed it to the center, where Tsuyoshi OGASHIWA slid in and kicked a fierce shot to score his first goal in five matches.
As the remaining time dwindled, there was a man who displayed a fierce desire for victory.
It was just after entering the 6 minutes of added time in the second half. After quickly restarting with a short corner kick on the right side, Teruhito NAKAGAWA received the ball and made a vertical run into the penalty area, advancing to the goal line. From there, he delivered a powerful cross that was deflected by an opposing defender into the goal.
The player wearing number 39 delivered a determined strike that closed the gap to just one point, immediately picked up the ball, and rushed back towards the center circle. The desire to counterattack as quickly as possible was evident in their demeanor.
Although they could not mount a counterattack and the time ran out, they showed a fierce attack in the final stages that did not reflect the handicap of travel, and despite their strong desire for goals and victory, they fell just short.
However, they undoubtedly showed their determination. Both the supporters behind the goal and the players were moved to tears by their frustration in this match. This feeling will surely connect to the future. It was a game that made you think so.
Match Preview
The previous match against Sanfrecce Hiroshima ended in a frustrating 2-3 defeat, and we could not break out of the long tunnel of six games without a win. However, we were able to score for the first time in five matches and find a glimmer of hope for a resurgence.
Tsuyoshi OGASHIWA scored a goal after coming on as a substitute, seizing the opportunity for a comeback, and just before the end of the match, Teruhito NAKAGAWA's shot-like cross led to an own goal. Despite the incident of having to travel to the venue on the day of the match due to the impact of the typhoon, Tokyo showed their determination to fight back and demonstrated their fighting spirit until the end. After the match, NAKAGAWA said, "Both OGASHIWA's goal and the own goal count as goals. I have always believed that any goal can change the flow of the game. If everyone on the team can show more determination to get closer to the goal in the penalty area, something will happen."
This match will see us take on Nagoya Grampus at the Japan National Stadium. In the last encounter, we were effectively shut down by Tokyo's attack and lost 1-3 away. Player Nakagawa said, "The fans and supporters have been cheering us on strongly in every match, both at home and away. We have to respond to that. We have that responsibility." The stage is set at the National Stadium, where Tokyo still boasts an unbeaten record. We want to secure a victory at this 'sacred place' for the first time in about two months and turn the tide.
This matchday program is here
[Interview with Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q: It has been a tough situation, being away from victory for two months.
A, everyone wants to win, and there is not a single player who is satisfied with this situation. The only thing we can do is to stay focused and prepare thoroughly for the next match. Even if we are in a good flow with two or three consecutive wins, I believe I would say the same thing. It is important to properly develop and strengthen what we need, and that remains the same in any situation.
Whether in a good situation or a bad one, the awareness and preparation do not change regardless of the circumstances. I want to focus only on the next match, overcome the current difficult situation, and finish the season successfully.
Q, I think that conceding goals early in the game is one of the points that needs improvement.
A part that we must eliminate. No matter what kind of match it is, allowing an early opening goal increases the elements we need to challenge. Conceding a goal early is something we must remove from our game, and we want to progress the match in a way that allows us to score the first goal and effectively use our advantage.
Q: I believe that fighting together as a team, or what you might call 'total effort', will also be required.
I have previously talked about the importance of unity and the need for everyone's strength to fight together. Each player demonstrating their abilities and contributing to the team is a testament to a strong team. I want to show a match that makes our fans and supporters proud, by contributing effectively when my time comes and fighting together. This match will take place on a special stage, the Japan National Stadium. I want to focus on our performance and strive to give our all within that. I believe it will be a tough match, but we will prepare thoroughly for an exciting battle that will thrill our fans and supporters.
[Player Interview]
＜Masato MORISHIGE＞
Q, please tell us what the team has built up during the break period.
A, it has been a period where we could fine-tune the details of our defense. While the team had been conceding multiple goals, we were able to spend time working on the finer points during this period. In terms of offense, we had not scored until the last match against Sanfrecce Hiroshima, and I believe we were able to accumulate training to increase our offensive actions towards the goal. In the match against Nagoya Grampus, I want to make it a game that clearly shows the results and numbers of what we have built up.
Q: Looking back on the match against Hiroshima, what kind of game was it?
A, we had five matches without scoring, so I think it was significant that we were able to score two goals against Hiroshima in any form. I believe we can only continue to move forward step by step. To break through the current situation, I want to keep working positively. I hope that the two goals in the Hiroshima match can be seen as a turning point to emerge from a long tunnel, and I want our team to adopt an aggressive stance in the match against Nagoya as well.
Q: In difficult situations, what do you want to prioritize?
In the early stages of the league, when we were in good form, we had the power to score 2 goals even if we conceded 1. I believe our aggressive attitude of going for goals created a good flow for us, and it felt like it was one of the triggers for a positive cycle. It is true that we were able to score and accumulate wins, but at the same time, we also conceded a lot of goals. I think that in our effort to reduce the number of goals conceded, we became too focused on defense and ball possession, which made it difficult to maintain a balance between offense and defense. I personally feel that it is necessary to awaken once again the fact that Tokyo is an aggressive team that continues to aim for goals and to increase our options for offensive play in order to enter a good cycle again.
Q: In pursuit of victory, I think there is a tendency to play conservatively in such matches, which limits options.
A, I think the mentality of the players will be questioned. The more passive they become, the more they lack dynamism. It is important to not only maintain possession of the ball but also to launch attacks aimed at scoring goals. If the desire to avoid conceding goals takes precedence, the play becomes constricted, and the choices in play become limited. I believe that continuing to choose aggressive plays and plays aimed at scoring will be the key to victory.
Q: How should we approach Nagoya, and what points should we be careful about?
A. Nagoya will always increase their pressure both offensively and defensively, and I believe it is important for us to move the ball quickly when we have it. We must always be aware of choosing plays that take advantage of the opponent's forward momentum, and I want to clear the frustration of losing 1-3 away.
<Teruhito NAKAGAWA>
Q: Please tell us what you worked on during the break after the match against Sanfrecce Hiroshima in the last round.
During the break, we focused on practicing plays that lead to scoring. In the last match against Hiroshima, the team scored for the first time in a while, and I felt a sense of relief and that if we could score, we could confidently fight for the remaining time. I believe that any form of goal can lead to multiple goals, just like in the Hiroshima match.
Q: Please tell us about the insights and challenges gained from the match against Hiroshima in the last round.
Scoring goals is important, but conceding goals easily or conceding them early has been a challenge in the last few matches, including the game against Hiroshima. First, we need to correct that, but more seriously for us is the inability to score. We want to continue focusing on scoring goals.
Q: How did you feel about the frustrating situation of not being able to score?
There were parts where we were trying too hard to break down beautifully, and there were matches with few shots and no shots on target. I feel that the excessive focus on ball possession was a factor that did not lead directly to goals. Additionally, giving the opponent the first goal and not being able to create rhythm from the first half contributed to the lack of good attacks and scoring opportunities.
Q: This round is being held at home at the Japan National Stadium.
Every match has wonderful production and a very good atmosphere. There are matches with 50,000 attendees, and as a football player, you can feel the best atmosphere while playing. I think there is a good image of not losing at the National Stadium in Tokyo, but if we can focus on defeating the opponent in front of us without relying on that, I believe good results will naturally follow. We haven't had good results in the last few matches, but the voices of the fans and supporters are still reaching us, and including the last match against Hiroshima, their support until the end in away games is seen and felt by all the players. In the end, I hope we can sing 'Yuruneva' with smiles and take good photos together with everyone.
