<Match Review>
The postponed Sec. 15 of the 2025 Meiji Yasuda J1 League was held on Wednesday, and we won comfortably 3-0 against Yokohama F. Marinos. We earned our first league victory in six matches and will aim for consecutive wins at home, Ajinomoto Stadium, this round.
In a match they want to use as a stepping stone to advance to the top, Alexander Scholz, who was acquired during the special transfer period in June, was named in the starting lineup for the first time. Eight players were changed from the Yokohama FM match, and at the back, Taishi Brandon NOZAWA, who will depart for Europe after this match, was named in the starting lineup for the second consecutive game. The defensive line from right to left consisted of Sei MUROYA, Scholz, Masato MORISHIGE, and Kashif BANGNAGANDE. In midfield, Kento HASHIMOTO and Takahiro KO formed a double pivot, with Keita ENDO on the right and Kota TAWARATSUMIDA on the left. The two forwards were Keigo HIGASHI and Marcelo Hyan, challenging Yokohama FC's solid defensive block.
1st HALF—Conceded an early goal but gradually found rhythm heading into the second half
Right after kickoff, the ball was unsettled for a while, leading to a back-and-forth kicking battle. Then, in the 4th minute of the first half, a cross was delivered from the left side, and at the central position in front of the goal, player Sakuragawa ran in from the far side and headed the ball in, conceding an early goal.
Tokyo looks for attacking opportunities against Yokohama FC, who set up a five-back defense. They spread the play to the sides targeting forward player Hian, but could not connect through to a shot.
In the early stages, the ball did not settle for either side in the midfield, and the game continued with a slow reaction to long balls supplied to Yokohama FC's Sakuragawa and the recovery of second balls.
Around the 20th minute of the first half, the recovery of second balls and ball circulation in the midfield began to proceed smoothly, and both fullbacks, Yoshifu and Muroya, targeted the deep positions on the sides. They participated in the attack from advanced positions, adding depth to the overall offense, but were blocked by the opponent's solid defense in the final phase, preventing the play from leading to a shot.
Although we created several promising chances, we lacked accuracy in the final passes and crosses, failing to create clear scoring opportunities. We went into halftime trailing by one goal. To encourage the players facing this adversity, the supporters behind the goal continued singing until the players returned to the locker room.
2nd HALF—Player Nagakura involved in 2 goals, dramatically overturning the match to conclude the consecutive games
A match that absolutely cannot be lost. Tokyo, actively moving the ball from the start of the second half, saw player Endo pick up a loose ball in the opponent's territory at the 8th minute of the second half and take a shot with his right foot, but the shot missed the target.
At the 14th minute of the second half, Tokyo's bench, eager to make a move, makes a substitution. Three players are replaced simultaneously. Teruhito NAKAGAWA, Motoki NAGAKURA, and Megumi SATO are brought in for Higashi, Hian, and Tawara Tsukida to invigorate the attack.
Then, gradually, Tokyo started to spend more time pressing forward. In the 18th minute of the second half, they created a scoring opportunity through smooth teamwork. When player Sato passed a diagonal ball, player Nagakura connected it, and player Nakagawa flicked it down with a heel, finally player Endo swung his right foot. However, this shot unfortunately went just over the goal.
After that, centered on Nagakura, who actively receives the ball between the lines, the team circulated the ball in the opponent's half and created good shooting opportunities.
In the 34th minute of the second half, while pressing forward and moving the ball, player Taka was fouled in a tight position on the right side of the penalty area, resulting in a penalty kick awarded after a VAR review. The kicker was Scholz, making his first start since joining the team. However, the kick aimed at the center of the goal was blocked by the opposing goalkeeper's remaining foot, resulting in a miss.
Player Nagakura saved Tokyo, who could not end like this.
In the 40th minute of the second half, Hashimoto delivered a cross from the right side, and at the far side, he headed the ball down to score his second consecutive game goal. He scored a priceless equalizer that revived the team.
Furthermore, in added time, player Nagakura delivered a cross from the left side, and player Sato jumped in, but the ball hit the crossbar directly and did not result in a go-ahead goal. However, Tokyo's momentum did not stop.
Despite continuing fierce attacks, they were unable to break through with a comeback goal, and as the 9 minutes of added time were drawing to a close, it seemed the long whistle would blow. In the last play, player Nagakura was once again fouled inside the penalty area, earning a second penalty kick.
The player who stepped up to take the kick was Morishige, who held a ceremony before today's match to celebrate reaching 500 appearances in J1 League matches. Dressed in blue and red, he powerfully kicked the ball into the center of the goal towards the supporters behind the goal who were cheering him on by calling his name. The stadium atmosphere reached its peak, and the blue and red drama came to a conclusion.
Celebrated the guardian's new beginning with a dramatic come-from-behind victory. After the match, player Taishi Nozawa greeted the excited fans and supporters, concluding the final game of the consecutive matches.
MATCH DETAILS
<FC Tokyo>
STARTING XI
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
DF Naruki Muroya/Masato MORISHIGE/Kashif BANGNAGANDE (43rd minute 2nd half: Yuto NAGATOMO)/Alexander Scholz
MF Ko Takahiro (38th minute 2nd half: Kei Koizumi)/Keigo Higashi (14th minute 2nd half: Teruhito NAKAGAWA)/Kento HASHIMOTO
FW Marcelo Hyan (14th minute 2nd half: Motoki NAGAKURA)/Keita ENDO/Kota TAWARATSUMIDA (14th minute 2nd half: Megumu Sato)
SUBS
GK Go HATANO
DF Teppei OKA/Kanta DOI
FW Leon NOZAWA
MANAGER
Rikizo MATSUHASHI
GOAL
40th minute of the second half: Motoki NAGAKURA / 45+13th minute of the second half: Masato MORISHIGE
<Yokohama FC>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Akinori ICHIKAWA
DF Makito ITO (38th minute 2nd half: Katsuya IWATAKE) / Ndoka Boniface / Kosuke YAMAZAKI
MF Toma MURATA (38th minute 2nd half: Towa YAMANE) / Yoshiaki KOMAI / Kota YAMADA (45+10th minute 2nd half: Hirotaka KUMAKURA) / Kaili SHIMBO
FW Keisuke MUROI (19th minute 2nd half: Keijiro OGAWA) / Lucian / Solomon SAKURAGAWA (19th minute 2nd half: Musashi SUZUKI)
SUBS
GK FELIPE Megiolaro
DF Akito FUKUMORI
MF Takanari Endo
FW Joao Paulo
MANAGER
Shuhei YOMODA
GOAL
4th minute of the first half: Solomon SAKURAGAWA
[Interview with Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI]
Q, please give us an overview of today's match.
A, The start of the match was not very good, but I think it was a difficult game where we couldn't break through until the final stages. However, we were able to turn it around without giving up until the end, and I am truly grateful to the players and to the fans and supporters who come to the venue to support us.
Q: You managed to get through a very tough schedule of three consecutive matches successfully. How do you feel about that?
A, It was truly simple, and we overcame it through an all-out effort. It wasn't a case of slacking off a little in practice or holding back on what needed to be done, so I believe the players were in a very tough situation with this series of consecutive matches plus training. However, we were not in a state to skip what we could do now and just face the matches. Even if it was a bit tough or long, they did it steadily without changing their expressions, and I am very pleased that this result came out as a consequence. Even the players who are not in the match squad always properly take on the role of the opponent during training. Thanks to their cooperation, the players on the pitch were able to have a good rehearsal, and I am very happy that such a result was achieved.
Q. What was the intention behind the substitutions in the second half, and what do you think was the main factor that allowed the comeback?
A, the main factor was that everyone never gave up until the end, and we were able to fight on the pitch with the support and encouragement from our side, which I believe led to the victory. Substitutions were also important, but within the flow from the first half, during rehearsals in training where we assumed a situation where we pressed the opponent to some extent, we focused on the spacing and how to attack the flanks. When the opponent opened up the center, we would cut inside and penetrate. This was especially a crucial point against a five-back defense. In the first half, before we could fully exploit the flanks, there were moments when the ball was lost to the opponent due to attacks aiming for a quick breakthrough or longer through passes before our spacing was established. We corrected that in the second half and I think we were able to express that to some extent. Also, considering the fatigue and condition of the players during the consecutive matches, we brought in those three players as substitutes, and if that truly led to a positive outcome, then I think it was good.
Q. Had you already decided on the change of the penalty kicker? Also, please give your evaluation of Motoki NAGAKURA, who scored in two consecutive matches.
A, the penalty kick was decided during rehearsal. For the second penalty kick, I said to Masato MORISHIGE, "Nagakura." I didn't say "Motoki," but he didn't let go of the ball. Now, in the locker room, they said that "Motoki" sounded like "Morige"... but probably that was not the case at all. I believe I received his strong feelings in the midst of his remarkable achievement (reaching 500 J1 League matches played), and entrusted him to score.
Regarding player Nagakura, since we have been working together in Niigata, I believe his characteristics and strengths will add something significantly different to our club. I think he has been able to properly demonstrate his abilities in the past few matches. However, I believe he can go even further and perform even more outstandingly. Of course, I think this will be achieved with the support of his teammates, so I hope we can continue to align our perspectives in that regard. I believe he has had a wonderful performance.
[Player Interview]
<Masato MORISHIGE>
Q, please review the game.
A, although we conceded a goal early in the first half, since it was still early, we were able to switch our focus to recovering from that and continue playing. We aimed to calmly create chances with our style of football, but in the first half, there were few players receiving the ball between the opponent's lines, making it a challenging period to build up our attacks.
In the second half, Motoki NAGAKURA and Teruhito NAKAGAWA entered the pitch, increasing the number of times they dropped back from the front line to receive the ball, and there were more scenes of building up play leading to goals. NAGAKURA's positioning became a good starting point. I believed that unless we actively passed the ball to such support, we wouldn't be able to change the course of the match. His strengths, including in the recent match against Yokohama F.Marinos, helped the team.
Q. Against opponents who set up a low block, Morishige's vertical passes and the diagonal passes to players positioned high on the left side appeared to be effective.
A, in extreme terms, it is not necessarily good to have many vertical passes from the center-back position to the front line. It is preferable to have plays like in the second half, where the forward players receive the ball between opponents and face forward, and from there supply through passes to the front line as a starting point for attacks. I believe that increasing such attacks will make the team more threatening. These detailed plays will make occasional long passes from the defensive line or passes that break behind the defense more effective. By not allowing the opponent to focus their defense, and by basing the play style on what we saw in the second half today, the attack will gain more depth.
Q. Please tell us about the penalty kick scene that brought the victory, including the exchanges leading up to it.
A, please just assume that I'm the only kicker (laughs). I had no choice but to take the shot. When I set the ball, the fans and supporters behind the goal gave me the most reassuring and powerful support. I didn't aim for any particular spot; I just kicked boldly straight ahead. After winning the penalty kick, it was also encouraging to see Nakagawa quietly gathering and tidying up the scattered plastic bottles near the goalpost, as if accumulating good karma (laughs).
<Motoki NAGAKURA>
Q. You entered the game midway; what were you thinking about as you took the field?
A, We controlled the pace of the game and absolutely needed to score, so we entered the pitch focusing solely on scoring a goal.
Q, It was a goal in that situation. Looking back, how do you feel about it?
A, I received a good ball from Kento HASHIMOTO, so it was great to be able to send it on target. I think it's thanks to Kento HASHIMOTO who gave me the good ball. At that time, the opponent was also setting up a block, making it difficult to break through. I wanted a cross, and it was good that a good ball came at the right timing.
Q, You earned a penalty kick that became a dramatic comeback goal.
A, that was because Sei MUROYA was watching my movement and gave me a good ball that matched it, so thanks to that. I can't win with power, so I have to fight using how I position my body, and I think that worked well.
Q. Among the substitute appearances, do you think you were able to show your strengths?
A, Since we had possession of the ball, it was easier to play. However, there was a period when we couldn't finish, so it was good to score a goal that changed that situation.
Q. I think it is significant to have achieved two consecutive wins amid matches with only two days in between. How will you prepare for the next match against Kashiwa Reysol?
A, the first goal conceded in today's match was at the 4th minute right after kickoff, so I think we need to improve how we start the game. We want to win the next match as well and aim for a 3-game winning streak.
<Taishi Brandon NOZAWA>
Q, please review today's game.
A, although we conceded a goal at the start, I didn't think conceding at that time was a big problem. The opponent was focused on winning and played defensively, so on the contrary, we were able to keep pressing them until the end. Securing a come-from-behind victory really gave us a sense of relief.
Q. How have your days been so far in Tokyo?
A, the fact that this is the club that nurtured me is truly significant, and I have a great deal of gratitude towards it. They found me when I was in Okinawa, and I received so much from this club. I believe the club's existence and environment shaped who I am today, so I am truly thankful.
Q. Behind the goal, there was a banner that said, "Ambition, embrace ambition." What kind of ambition do you have now?
A, of course, I expect to achieve great results, but I want to enjoy soccer and fight hard in tough situations. Rather than success, I want to grow greatly and deeply as a person.
Q. Lastly, please give a message to all the fans and supporters.
A, I truly have nothing but gratitude for this club, and the club exists thanks to the fans and supporters. From now on, I will continue to support Tokyo, and I will do my best in Europe as a player who grew up in Tokyo. Thank you for your support.
＜Alexander SCHOLZ＞
Q: You started in the starting lineup right away. Please review the game.
A, since it was the very first game, the first impression was very important. The surrounding staff and teammates helped me a lot. Regarding the match, except for conceding a goal early in the game, I think it went very well. In the second half, we set up a high line and were able to stop the opponent's counterattacks quickly. The first half was difficult due to pressure and many long balls, but overall, I think it was good.
Q. There were moments when you struggled against tall forwards on the opposing team. What did you focus on in your defense?
A, we were very conscious of the second ball against an opponent strong in aerial battles. Although they had a very strong center forward, as part of Yokohama FC's team style, there was a tendency to feed the ball to him (player Sakuragawa), so I think we defended well in the second half when their stamina dropped.
Q: If your condition improves from here, I think you will be able to play even better. How will you prepare for the next match?
A, it was very difficult to keep playing for 90 minutes, especially since we haven't had many matches so far. It wasn't easy, but I think my body did its best. From now on, I will work hard to improve my condition step by step.
