<Match Review>
In the away match in Kobe, we welcomed the 2024 Meiji Yasuda J1 League Sec. 34. The match following the international match week is a battle against Vissel Kobe, who are 1 point behind the league leaders Sanfrecce Hiroshima, who are on a club record 6 consecutive league wins.
Tokyo's winning streak was halted at three matches with a draw against Sagan Tosu in the previous round, but they have been able to showcase their strength in transitioning from solid defense to effective offense, and the team's condition is certainly not bad. They want to demonstrate their abilities against Kobe here.
The starting members have changed the arrangement of the final line. In response to Yasuki KIMOTO's suspension, Teppei OKA, who was playing as left back, has been utilized as a center back. Yuto NAGATOMO has been moved to left back, and Hotaka NAKAMURA has been assigned to right back.
Additionally, an incident occurred during the warm-up before the match for Kota TAWARATSUMIDA, who was initially named as a starter. The left wing was quickly changed to Keita ENDO, and Renta HIGASHI was included in the substitute members for the first time this season.
1st HALF - Keita's goal from a scramble appearance successfully takes the lead
From the beginning, both teams were intense at the ball, making for a match characterized by high-intensity situations. Against Kobe, who pressed high and focused on long balls, Tokyo matched them with pressure from the front, resulting in an equal period of play.
Against Kobe, who launches powerful attacks with long balls and side plays, Tokyo responds with pressing from the front line and precise blocking. After regaining possession, they avoid the opponent's press with calm passing work and strive to firmly draw the flow of the game.
The first big chance was created by Kobe. In the 15th minute of the first half, a long feed from the left side diagonally was headed by player Muto, and a powerful shot was taken by player Osako who received the ball behind the last line, but this was saved by Taishi Brandon NOZAWA with a sharp reaction. In the following 16th minute, player Nozawa also deflected a left-footed shot from player Miyashiro with a diving save, showcasing a solid defense that highlighted the team.
From good defense to good offense──. The efforts of the Aoeaka Eleven, which have been necessary to achieve results, bore fruit in the 24th minute of the first half.
As both defensive midfielders drifted to the left side, exchanging passes while looking for an opportunity to switch the attack, Keigo HIGASHI delivered a soft lob pass into the penalty area near the touchline. Ryotaro ARAKI twisted his body to chest the ball down, and from behind, Endo skillfully connected with the one-bounce ball using the outside of his left foot, sending it into the far side netting to score the opening goal. The player wearing number 22, who was suddenly called to the pitch, scored the first shot from a brilliant direct play, successfully giving Tokyo the lead.
Although the ball possession has been given to the opponent, the team has shown its strengths in defense with pressing from the front and responding to long balls. While they are able to pick up second balls, the distance between players is causing difficulties in connecting passes after regaining possession, resulting in a back-and-forth situation on the pitch.
In the 8 minutes of added time, a long counter was initiated from the opponent's long throw-in. Takahiro KO advanced the ball, and from the right side, Araki delivered an accurate early cross into the goal area. Soma ANZAI sharply dove in, but the ball he connected with using his right foot while sliding just barely missed to the right of the goal.
In the first half, where both sides continued to play with high intensity, Tokyo, showcasing their defensive strengths, seized a single opportunity and scored, leading by one goal at halftime.
2nd HALF—A goal by Anzai to add a point, recovering from a missed opportunity in the late first half
Kobe brought in player Taiki SASAKI to replace player Sho SASAKI at the start of the second half. Tokyo approached the second half with the same lineup as the first half.
At the start of the second half, Araki's elegant play dances on the pitch. In the 7th minute of the second half, while backing into an opponent in the penalty area, he turns and takes a looping shot. The opposing goalkeeper barely manages to deflect it, but from a position where the goal is almost out of sight, the blue-red playmaker creates a scoring opportunity in an instant with outstanding spatial awareness.
Taro in blue and red showed his signature right-foot kick. This will bring a moment of joy back to Tokyo.
Immediately after the 9th minute of the second half, from a set play on the right side, Araki sent an accurate kick with his right foot towards the goal. The exquisite ball bounced once between the opposing defender and the goalkeeper, and Anzai headed it in after running in from the far side. They scored an additional goal in a good time right after the second half started, extending Tokyo's lead to two points.
In the 14th minute of the second half, Ewerton Gaudino is sent onto the pitch to replace Diego OLIVEIRA, who had been showing strong hold-up play in the front line.
An unexpected accident for the guardian here. In the 62nd minute of the second half, he injured his left foot while catching a cross from the opponent. Although he returned to the match for a moment, the pain recurred in the next play. He had to leave the pitch on a stretcher, and Go HATANO came on as a substitute.
In an unexpected turn of events, Tokyo made a substitution in the 27th minute of the second half, replacing three players at once. Kanta DOI came in for Keigo HIGASHI, Leon NOZAWA replaced Endo, and Keita YAMASHITA took the place of Araki. They changed the system to a two-top formation, shifting their strategy to strengthen the press from the front while searching for additional goals.
Tokyo shows incredible concentration in defense. In the 34th minute of the second half, Go HATANO saves the team with consecutive super saves. He deflects a shot from player Sakai, who came flying in from the back, with the tips of his left hand, and then stops a difficult ball aimed at his feet, which was set up by player Muto from the corner kick, with an extraordinary reaction. Despite the sudden opportunity to play, the blue-red mood maker brings momentum to the team with his performance.
Kobe is bringing in tall players and pushing for a power play. However, Tokyo is also approaching the source of long kicks firmly, competing fiercely at the drop of the ball, and recovering second balls to deny the opponent any freedom. They continue to show a strong defense in the penalty area until the very end.
In the 9th minute of the second half's added time, as Kobe relentlessly attacked the goal with balls thrown in from the side and behind, Tokyo continued to endure with focused defense.
The players' white 2nd uniforms are stained with the colors of the grass and dirt. It proved how hard they have fought.
Overcoming the accident, we defended together until the end and achieved victory against Kobe, who is on a six-game winning streak in the league and has not lost in twelve official matches. With a solid defense as our foundation, we secured a resounding victory against a rival in the championship race, making it five unbeaten matches in the league. The victory anthem 'The City That Never Sleeps' resonated in NOEVIR.S, showcasing our blue-red pride in the away ground.
MATCH DETAILS
<FC Tokyo>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA (substituted in 21 minutes of the second half: Go HATANO)
DF Hotaka NAKAMURA / Masato MORISHIGE / Tetsuhei OKA / Yuto NAGATOMO
MF Yuhiro TAKU / Keigo HIGASHI (substituted in 27 minutes of the second half: Kanta DOI) / Ryotaro ARAKI (substituted in 27 minutes of the second half: Keita YAMASHITA)
FW Diego OLIVEIRA (substituted in 14 minutes of the second half: Ewerton GAUDINO) / Keita ENDO (substituted in 27 minutes of the second half: Leon NOZAWA) / Soma ANZAI
SUBS
DF Renta HIGASHI
MF Riki HARAKAWA
GOAL
24th minute of the first half: Keita ENDO / 10th minute of the second half: Soma ANZAI
<Vissel Kobe>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Daiya MAEKAWA
DF Takahiro OHGIHARA/Yamamoto Tetsushi (35th minute: Ryuho KIKUCHI)/Mateus Turell/Hatsuse Ryo (27th minute: Yuki HONDA)
MF Takahiro OHGIHARA/Muto Yoshiki/Yosuke IDEGUCHI (27th minute: Rikuto HIROSE)/Daiju SASAKI (0th minute: Koya YURUKI)
FW Taisei MIYASHIRO (17th minute: Jean Patric)/Yuya Osako
SUBS
GK Shota ARAI
MF Yuya KUWASAKI
GOAL
―
[Interview with Peter CKLAMOVSKI, Manager]
Q, please give us an overview of the match.
A, it turned out to be the battle we expected. We respect our opponent as the defending champion team, and we knew they had players with very high individual abilities. Additionally, they had not lost in their last 12 matches, so I thought it would be a tough game. In that context, we were able to strongly showcase our performance as a team, express our wonderful individuality, and engage in a battle worthy of three points. Vissel Kobe's attack was direct, approaching the goal with long balls and competing in aerial battles to enter the box, so I believe we were able to properly execute our care for long balls and our defensive responses within the box.
I believe that winning gives us a great opportunity to learn more about our way of fighting. During the match, there were areas in our attack that we could improve, so I want to develop those aspects. We were able to create chances while using the spaces we aimed for, but if we could play more calmly when we had the ball and control it more effectively, we could have utilized those spaces in a better way. If we had done that, it might have led to more goals.
I truly take pride in the players and believe they fought well. Kota TAWARATSUMIDA got injured during warm-up, but I think it showed that any player who stepped in could perform well. Keita ENDO made an impact and scored a wonderful goal. Although he didn't have many opportunities to touch the ball, the goalkeeper Go HATANO, who came on as a substitute, also contributed to keeping a clean sheet. These are the results of everyone in the clubhouse continuing to work hard. They are well-prepared for opportunities like this when they arise.
I am very happy to deliver 3 points to the fans and supporters who came from afar today, and to have shared the joy with them. I am glad that we could bring smiles to their faces.
Q: After the goals conceded in the last match, we have been doing thorough defensive training. Do you think the results were evident?
I think we fought very well as a team in defensive situations. I believe we were able to do both the parts that need to be done sharply and the parts that need to be done more strongly today. I want to make sure that we can showcase our strengths every time we face any club. In today's match, being able to keep a clean sheet against the defending champions, Kobe, is thanks to the players' daily efforts and their disciplined performance as a team.
Looking back at the performance by analyzing the match, I believe that when we held the ball in attacking situations, we could have created more opportunities to threaten the opponent's goal, and as a team, we need to move in that direction. I am truly proud of the players' mentality, and they fought with the spirit and unity of the team. It is very positive that we can learn from our victories and improve.
[Player Interview]
＜Keita ENDO Player＞
Q, Kota TAWARATSUMIDA's injury led to his sudden participation.
A, I have never experienced anything like this in my football life, but the coach told me to "just do what you always do" and "show the mentality you have." I believe I was able to demonstrate that with one result.
Q: This victory has led to the next match.
I think we played very good football as a team, and although it was a tough opponent, we were able to defend tenaciously and win, which is great. It was also a match that will lead to the next step for me as an individual.
Q: I slid the ball from Ryotaro ARAKI into the corner of the goal. Please review the scoring scene.
When Keigo HIGASHI had the ball in that position, I thought he would deliver a creative pass. Araki was ahead of the pass, and I believed that he would handle it well, so I positioned myself accordingly. I trusted Keigo HIGASHI and Araki and waited. I'm glad the shot went to a good spot.
Q, we were able to give a wonderful birthday present of 3 points to coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI, whose birthday was on October 16.
A, it is not just my achievement. I am glad that we were able to win as a team. I think it became a good birthday present.
<Soma ANZAI>
Q: please review the game and the scoring scenes.
A, there was a period when I couldn't score, and in the first half, I received a good ball from Ryotaro ARAKI that created a scoring opportunity, but I missed it. Still, that position is where I have been aiming for a year, and I believe the goal was the result of my persistence. It was also a good timing to score.
Q: You continued to work hard without slowing down until the end.
A, in the last match, I was the only one who changed in the team that had won three consecutive games, and I felt responsible for not winning that match. I prepared to play in this match with strong determination once again, and I was able to play with heartfelt effort until the end.
Q: The defense functioned well at the start of the match, but on the other hand, wasn't it difficult to connect to the attack?
It was a long and difficult time, but by defending together and enduring without conceding a goal, if we can score just one point, it will give us momentum. Being able to withstand that tough period without conceding was crucial for winning the match over 90 minutes. We were somewhat pushed back at the start of the match, but the fact that the team was able to endure was a significant achievement.
Q: How do you want to carry the result of finishing with a clean sheet against the attacking Vissel Kobe into the next match?
A, I want to fight without changing what we do. Next is at home, and we haven't won much at Ajinomoto Stadium, so I think there will be some changes in our approach against Shonan Bellmare, but if we continue to stick to our base against any opponent, I believe we can fight well. I want to fight by firmly showing our style without being swayed by the opponent's soccer.
＜Hotaka NAKAMURA＞
Q: I think the start of the match was really good, but what kind of communication did you have in the defense line?
We shared the opponent's strengths in meetings and other discussions. The basic part is how to disrupt what the opponent wants to do, but in the end, it comes down to not losing in one-on-one situations. Today, we communicated well and both teams performed effectively. As a result, I believe we were able to continue neutralizing the opponent's strengths. We were able to fight until the end today, which contributed to our victory. As a defender, it was a match where I could execute what I intended to do. It was great to finish the match with a clean sheet, so I hope to win the next match with a clean sheet as well.
Q: In the end, there was a period of time when you were being pushed back, but you managed to endure it, didn't you?
A, we were able to fight patiently without losing focus until the end. It is very important to control the defensive line by raising and lowering it precisely. The result of the match could have changed by just a few meters or centimeters of that line. Since the entire team was meticulous in their approach, it was great that it led to a good result.
Q: It was your first full match as a starting member in a while.
It had been about a month and a half since I last started in the lineup. I was prepared for it to be tough. Personally, the hardest part was at the beginning of the first half, when I was trying to get into the flow of the game. As I started to bring out my strengths, I got into a rhythm. I believe that by being able to showcase my abilities, I was able to continue fighting until the end.
