<Previous Match Review: Shonan Bellmare>
While they were unable to secure 3 points due to a lack of decisiveness in two consecutive matches, it was a game in which they felt a definite sense of achievement in terms of content.
As the back-and-forth battle continued from the early stages, Kento HASHIMOTO, who played as a defensive midfielder, dropped back to join the buildup from the final line. The left and right stoppers of the three-back formation took positions similar to that of full-backs, successfully neutralizing the opponent's press. From this point, they seized control of the game, and with effective defense from the front line, the match progressed at Tokyo's pace.
Instead of being pushed back by the opponent and struggling to connect passes, the team effectively sought out opportunities with a clear aim through reproducible passing work, creating numerous scoring chances. However, they were unable to convert the many opportunities they created.
In the 67th minute of the second half, substitute player Keiin SATO made a strong breakthrough from the right side. Although Kota TAWARATSUMIDA aimed for the return pass, it went over the goal. In the 77th minute, in his J1 League debut, Kota TOKIWAS right cross was met by a free Kota TAWARATSUMIDA in the center, but unfortunately, it went straight to the goalkeeper. Just before the end of the match, Teruhito NAKAGAWA and Leon NOZAWA had consecutive big chances, but they were unable to convert, and the match ended. Despite functioning well in both offense and defense, they could not secure a victory, resulting in a scoreless draw.
Match Preview
It was exactly a year ago. On March 16, 2024, in an away game in Kyushu, which had been a challenge, Tokyo achieved its first victory of the 2024 season against Avispa Fukuoka, successfully breaking through the "demon gate." In this match, Takahiro KO, who made his blue-red debut, played a key role in the attack and established himself as a "link man." Shortly after the announcement of his return to the Japan national team, Yuto NAGATOMO scored his first goal in the J-League in about 14 years, leading Tokyo to a 3-1 victory. It is still fresh in our memory that this match against Fukuoka marked the beginning of an upward trend in performance, gradually getting back on track.
In this season, under the leadership of coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI, the blue-red squad has introduced a new three-back formation, and their soccer, which combines sharp attacks while valuing possession of the ball, is definitely starting to function. In the Meiji Yasuda J1 League Sec. 4 match against Kashima Antlers, they suffered a 0-2 defeat, and in Sec. 5 against Shonan Bellmare, they had a scoreless draw. Although they have not achieved victory recently, the team's condition is by no means bad, as they are able to create chances to finish, employ a variable build-up that changes shape from match to match, and show hard defense from the front line. That is why they want to seize victory by making sure to score when it matters and enter a cycle of building momentum through wins.
The player to watch is Kota TAWARATSUMIDA. This season, he has been creating numerous chances with his strong dribbling skills, but in the last two matches, he has been unable to convert decisive opportunities. He himself feels responsible, stating, "If I had scored, we would have won. I want to return to my roots and start over from scratch." Although he is still only twenty years old, he had mentioned before the season, "Regardless of age, I want to lead the team with results and performance," raising expectations for whether he can overcome this hurdle and bring joy to the blue and red fans.
Also, for player Nagatomo, who had the Japan national team selection announced just before the match like last season, it is a battle in Fukuoka, where he spent his high school days. He must be pledging to bring excitement to Tokyo and to realize his goal of participating in the World Cup for the fifth time on the pitch.
Fukuoka had a tough start with three consecutive losses at the beginning, but in the last two matches, they achieved back-to-back shutout victories against Vissel Kobe and Kyoto Sanga F.C. They are starting to see results with a solid defense-based style of play under the leadership of head coach Myung Hwi KIM, who took charge this season. Player Kono, who once fought alongside them in blue and red, is in good form, having scored the winning goal in the previous match. Given his sharp dribbling skills, it is important to keep a close watch on him.
As Tokyo heads into the away match, can they maintain possession of the ball while showcasing adaptable soccer on the pitch to seize control? Coach Matsuhashi has pointed out that "creating an advantage comes from our proactive actions" as a key point for the match. It is also true that the players' perspectives are aligning as they strive to create opportunities. By displaying aggressive soccer in both offense and defense, and demonstrating the ability to finish in crucial moments, we hope to secure a victory in Fukuoka that will serve as a stepping stone for the future this season.
[Interview with Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI]
Q: How do you analyze Avispa Fukuoka, who is coming off two consecutive wins, ahead of their match against Tokyo?
I think they will come into this match with good momentum, and I want to be fully cautious. Of course, we are not only focused on the opponent, but there is no doubt that they are in good form. I believe that being able to connect the good and bad moments during the match to ultimately achieve victory is a sign of good condition.
Q: What kind of strategy is required against Fukuoka, who uses a combination of a 3-back and a 4-back formation?
Even if it becomes a mirror game, it is important how we can take action to maintain our advantage in the play. If we only look at each other's systems, it is naturally a mirror game, and there is no advantage. Proactive and aggressive actions create an advantage. This is something we want from players in every position.
Q, do you feel that you are improving, especially in defense, as you work on refining your style of play?
I think the players also feel it. As we continue to play matches, our precision is improving, and the players' perspectives are aligning. However, even if everyone understands the good ways to break down defenses and what we are trying to do as a team, if the timing is off, spaces can open up, and the positions and points we need to guide to will change. First, we need to 'align' with each other. Of course, it's also important to assess during the match. This is the same for offense. Going full power in every situation is not necessarily a good thing. While controlling the flow of the game, I want to seek out when we can use power and speed to make our moves, and how we can align that timing.
[Player Interview]
<Keita YAMASHITA>
Q: The first match after turning 29 on March 13 will be a game in my hometown Fukuoka. What kind of play do you want to showcase?
A, I don't particularly feel anything special just because it's my birthday, but if I can score a goal in the first match at 29 and lead the team to victory, I think it will be a good start to the season for me. First of all, I want to win. With the goal of winning the league championship, I want to win, not draw. Scoring and winning feels the best, and I want to play with a focus on scoring.
Q: This is a match against Fukuoka, who is struggling to break through defensive blocks. What kind of plays do you think would be effective?
As a team, we are able to create chances through short counterattacks from good defense, but I want to increase the number of times we do that and the number of shots we take. I am also conscious of plays that lead to shots. Additionally, I want to make sure to finish in the scenes where we need to score. I want to be decisive to help the team win.
Q, in the matches against Nagoya Grampus and Shonan Bellmare, you started in the lineup. Are there any specific things you are conscious of in terms of offense and coordination with your teammates?
A, on the offensive side, I am aware of the movements of the third player in relation to my teammates. I feel that my movements to receive the ball and the plays I demand are lacking. If I can properly receive the ball in the scenes where I ask for it and connect it to a shot, I believe the number of goals for the team will also increase.
<Yuto NAGATOMO>
Q: I scored a goal in the match against Avispa Fukuoka held at the same time last season.
A, it was a similar situation last season as well. After returning to the Japan national team for the first time in 1 year and 3 months, I scored a goal in the away game against Fukuoka. (In tomorrow's match) this will feel like déjà vu.
In Sec. 4 against Kashima Antlers, there were some close shooting scenes.
A, I often play in the wing-back position now, and unlike a full-back, a more offensive style of play is required. I want to be more involved in the attack, and I feel that I still have a long way to go. In the matches I participate in, I want to focus on my goal and assist numbers as well.
