<Match Review>
The blue-red army aimed for their second three consecutive wins of the season as they headed to the match against Yokohama F.Marinos at Nissan Stadium.
Tokyo, on a winning streak, maintained most of their members with the same momentum and made only one change at right back from the previous match against Urawa Reds, where they achieved a shutout victory. Yuto NAGATOMO made his starting lineup return since the match against Kyoto Sanga F.C. in Sec. 28.
With the extreme heat easing, it became possible to move the kickoff time earlier starting from this matchday, and the away game kicked off at 17:00 while there was still some daylight.
1st HALF - Although we allowed the first goal, we equalized with Tetsu's shot.
Having emerged from the summer tunnel, Tokyo has taken the initiative and progressed the match favorably, achieving consecutive victories. In this match as well, Keigo HIGASHI shows a spirited fight, starting with a passionate sliding tackle to press back and regain possession of the ball.
Tokyo wanted to carry on the same momentum as their consecutive wins, but from the start, they were pushed back by the opponent's aggressive press, and in the 4th minute of the first half, they were broken down by a central passing play and conceded a goal. They lost the lead early on.
However, this is not enough to discourage the current Tokyo team. They connect the ball well and look for opportunities, and in the 13th minute of the first half, Takahiro KO took a precise right-footed shot from distance. The strike, which was on target, was thwarted by a fine save from the opposing goalkeeper, but they continued to strengthen their attack and pressed into the opponent's territory.
As they created attacking patterns with coordinated soccer, in the 19th minute of the first half, a sharp through pass from player Higashi brought the equalizer for the blue-red team. The number 10, holding the ball on the right side, passed it to player Nagatomo, who made an inner lap into the space behind. After cutting through the opponent's defense with a vertical pass, Ryotaro ARAKI connected the ball to Kota TAWARATSUMIDA, who shot from the opposite side. This was blocked by the opponent, but Teppei OKA rushed in for the loose ball. He powerfully slotted in a precise shot with the inside of his right foot. The left back, who saved the team with a spectacular shot block in the previous match, now returned the game to square one with his attacking participation. His impressive jumping fist pump excited the fans and supporters who had come to the away match.
After that, the match continued with back-and-forth action, as both teams battled for possession of the ball. Tokyo thoroughly implemented their defense, which had been effective in recent matches, tightening the center and preventing any clear chances despite being pushed back a few times from the sides. In attack, Araki made a run from a quick cross by Nagatomo, attempting a shot after a chest trap, while Nakagawa Teruhito and Tawaramizuki on both sides showed aggressive breakthroughs, but they also failed to score. The first half, where each team fought for a goal, concluded after 5 minutes of added time.
2nd HALF - Withstanding the early onslaught, a Tawara goal and a Teru goal turned the game around.
Yokohama FM substituted player Yamane for player Kida at halftime, while Tokyo made no changes to their lineup. They approached the second half with the same 11 players as the first half.
The second half started with a somewhat open development. Within the first 11 minutes, there were several close calls from corner kicks, half volleys from counterattacks, and long shots from the center, but all the shots went over the bar, escaping danger.
And in the 15th minute of the second half, a stunning turnaround goal was scored from a great interplay between offense and defense.
Against Yokohama FM, who held the ball gently in midfield, player Araki fiercely pressed back to win the ball. After shaking off the opponent's pressure in midfield, Diego OLIVEIRA dropped the ball, and Araki provided a through pass forward. Player Tawaramizuki, who sharply broke into the space behind, then soloed with a high-speed dribble. He pulled away from the pursuing opponent and advanced to the goal, checking the goalkeeper's position before slotting the ball in with his left foot for a turnaround goal. Araki's high defensive awareness, the intricate passing work in midfield after winning the ball, and the speed-filled attack that exploited the space behind were all on display. Each player showcased their strengths in a stunning breakthrough, successfully turning the match around for Tokyo.
In the 26th minute of the second half, Riki HARAKAWA and Keita ENDO were substituted in for the outstanding players Tawaratsukida and Higashi. For ENDO, this match against his former club marks his first return to Nissan Stadium, while HARAKAWA makes his official match return since the match against Tokyo Verdy in Sec. 27 on August 17.
Tokyo, wanting to energize the pitch, takes further action. Hotaka NAKAMURA is sent out as the right back in place of Nagatomo, switching with Araki to position Soma ANZAI as the right winger. The formation is changed to place Nakagawa in the center.
In the 41st minute of the second half, an incident occurred where player Oka, who had been fighting hard as a left back including the equalizer, cramped both legs and could no longer run. At this point, Leon NOZAWA was brought in as a right winger, and Anzai, who had just been sent on, was moved to left back to respond to the situation.
In the 44th minute of the second half, just before the end, the newly introduced right-side duo created a chance, and the man returning to his former club scored the decisive third goal.
Nakamura, who created space at a high position, passed the ball to the right front. Leon NOZAWA ran in and returned the ball with a ground pass, and Nakagawa jumped in the center. With a clever movement, he opened his body to meet the ball coming from the right with the inside of his left foot, directly shaking the goal net. It was a brilliant goal scored in front of many fans and supporters who had come to the away game. The heroic number 39 headed straight for behind the goal, dancing in rhythm with his teammates to his chant, sharing the joy.
Successfully closed out 8 minutes of additional time. After allowing an early goal, the defense was reorganized, and with three fine goals, a brilliant comeback victory was achieved, marking the second three-match winning streak in the league this season. The victory chant 'The City That Never Sleeps' echoed in the away ground of Yokohama.
MATCH DETAILS
<FC Tokyo>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
DF Yuto NAGATOMO (substituted in 36th minute: Hotaka NAKAMURA) / Masato MORISHIGE / Yasuki KIMOTO / Teppei OKA (substituted in 39th minute: Leon NOZAWA)
MF Hiroshi TAKAU / Keigo HIGASHI (substituted in 25th minute: Chikara HARAGAWA) / Ryotaro ARAKI (substituted in 36th minute: Soma ANZAI)
FW Diego OLIVEIRA / Kota TAWARATSUMIDA (substituted in 25th minute: Keita ENDO) / Teruhito NAKAGAWA
SUBS
GK Go HATANO
FW Tsuyoshi OGASHIWA
GOAL
19th minute of the first half: Teppei OKA / 15th minute of the second half: Kota TAWARATSUMIDA / 44th minute of the second half: Teruhito NAKAGAWA
<Yokohama F. Marinos>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK William POPP
DF Ken MATSUBARA (39th minute: Ren KATO) / Shinnosuke HATANAKA / Eduardo / Katsuya NAGATO (39th minute: Taiki WATANABE)
MF Kota WATANABE (31st minute: Kenta INOUE) / Takuya KIDA (0th minute: Riku YAMANE) / Jun AMANO (19th minute: Asahi UENAKA) FW Yan Matheus / Anderson LOPEZ / EUBER
SUBS
GK Fuma SHIRASAKA
FW Kota MIZUNUMA
GOAL
4th minute of the first half: Anderson LOPES
[Interview with Peter CKLAMOVSKI, Manager]
Q: please review the game.
As expected, it was a match we anticipated. There were many exciting moments, and we were able to showcase our strong performance among them. We had been discussing how to build on our performance from recent games. We also believed that we could exploit the opponent's weaknesses in our attack. By utilizing good spaces, we were able to create good opportunities and score well. It was a situation where we could have scored a bit more. We still need to continue improving in that area. Additionally, in defense, I thought we needed to be as aggressive as possible. From the start, we aimed to be aggressive, and while we did concede a goal, that doesn't mean it was a bad thing. However, I do feel disappointed that we couldn't keep a clean sheet.
As a team, we were able to fight very strongly in executing our principles. The players gave their all, playing aggressively and with high intensity. I am proud of their performance and their attitude towards the game. What we did has been rewarded. And to all the fans and supporters who traveled to the away game, as well as those who could not be here, you truly gave us strength. Tokyo had not been able to defeat Yokohama F.Marinos for a while, but today the players achieved a victory that we can all be proud of for the club.
Q: After conceding a goal at the start of the first half, how did you instruct the team to regroup?
A, I actually called out to the players to try to score the first goal. I think it became a very difficult match because we allowed the first goal in the early stages of the game. However, that is a mountain we must overcome, and we were able to do so by delivering our strong performance. This performance is closely connected to our mentality. This mentality has been built up through our daily efforts. I truly believe that the players gave everything they had to play.
Q: It seemed that the players' condition was good.
I believe that the preparation process is important. By continuing to do that, we are able to create an engine that allows us to fight aggressively. Our opponent, Yokohama FM, is a team that has built that kind of structure over many years, but we are also gradually creating a similar structure step by step. I believe we can continue to improve and become stronger. We will focus on ourselves as we approach the home game next week.
[Player Interview]
＜Teppei OKA＞
Q: It was a thrilling goal, even in a situation where it wouldn't have been surprising to feel a tense atmosphere after conceding the first goal.
A, it was a goal that I pushed in with my feelings. I believed that the ball would spill into that area, and my run resulted in a score. I am grateful to my teammates who carried the ball to create that shape. After scoring, VAR came in, and I was a bit flustered for a moment. VAR also came in after the goal against Kashiwa Reysol (laughs). I was telling myself it was okay, but deep down, I was anxious.
Q: As declared, we managed to contain the opponent's attackers.
A, I am still not able to do it at all. I want to grow to the point where I can win everything, as I have not been able to control all situations. I would like to strengthen my strength in one-on-one situations and my agility.
Q, the awareness of the ongoing efforts in attack is starting to take shape, isn't it?
A, Kota TAWARATSUMIDA told me that he wants me to effectively draw the opponent in order to create space for cut-ins and vertical plays, so I focused on playing in the inner space myself. I need to continue the movements to disperse the opponent's marking and increase the frequency, and I want to support Kota TAWARATSUMIDA so that he can receive the ball in a better condition and make plays.
Q: I believe I have greatly contributed to the second three consecutive wins of this season.
I believe that in order to win the match, it is important for the entire team to work at a high standard from practice. Even the players who are not currently participating in matches are working hard in practice, creating motivation towards victory, aligning our direction, and I want to prepare thoroughly for the home game against Sagan Tosu.
<Kota TAWARATSUMIDA>
Q, please look back on today's game.
A, Ryotaro ARAKI stole the ball in our half and sent a good pass to me, so all I had to do was carry it and take the shot. I aimed for the goalkeeper's legs, and it went exactly as planned.
Q: I feel like my condition is improving. How do you personally feel about it?
A, I feel that the movement itself has improved significantly.
Q: Teppei OKA mentioned that "Kota TAWARATSUMIDA is being supported to make it easier for him to take action." How do you feel about that?
A, we are building a good relationship together. I feel that we are able to play in a good relationship where we communicate with each other. In defense, I feel more comfortable because player Oka is moving me from behind.
Q: I feel that Tawaratsukida is becoming more aware of defense.
A, compared to the beginning, I feel that the defensive abilities and other aspects have gradually improved.
Q: There was talk about being particular about numbers, but you are accumulating good numbers in assists and plays that lead to goals as the matches progress. Please share your enthusiasm for the future.
A, we haven't achieved four consecutive wins this season yet, so I want to do my best to achieve that first. The next match is at Ajinomoto Stadium, and it would be great if I could contribute to a four-game winning streak with my goal there.
<Teruhito NAKAGAWA>
Q: Please review the scoring scene.
A good ball came from Leon NOZAWA, and the form we have been consistently working on in our daily practice has paid off. As a forward, it is my job to break into that area, and I am happy that the movements we have been practicing have led to a goal. I also observed the position of the opposing goalkeeper and was able to calmly place the shot with my left foot.
Q: Although we allowed the first goal, we achieved a comeback victory. Please reflect on the entire match.
In the previous match against Urawa Reds, we started poorly, and in today's match, we allowed the opponent to score in the 4th minute. That aspect needs to be corrected. We scored 3 goals, but we only switched on after conceding a goal, so we want to improve on that.
Q: The team has achieved three consecutive victories.
After the defeat against Sanfrecce Hiroshima, the entire team discussed it, and that has led to our victories. The key factor is that we are able to transition from good defense to attack. We want to maintain this momentum, achieve results in the league, and clearly show our fans and supporters the outcomes. There are still plenty of opportunities to aim for the top. We are playing with vitality, so the team will unite and strive for higher goals.
