Progressing the game with a good rhythm but returning with a scoreless draw

"AET CUP 2014" 3rd-4th place playoff will be against PFC KRYLIA SOVETOV SAMARA FC (Russia). Both teams have lost their first match in a penalty shootout, so they both want to win and finish the tournament. It has been a tough schedule from the Okinawa training camp to the Hong Kong expedition, but each individual wants to fully demonstrate their own strength and contribute to the team's achievements so far.

Tokyo made significant changes to the lineup from the first match. Shioda in goal, Morishige and Yoshimoto returned from injury to play as center-backs, and Nozawa as the anchor. Edu was positioned as the forward, and they approached the game with a 4-3-3 formation. Just like the first match, it was a clear sky at Hong Kong Stadium. The match, which they wanted to conclude the expedition from Okinawa with a victory, started with Tokyo's kickoff at 14:45.

Tokyo continued to attack the opponent's territory from the first half. In the 6th minute, Mita picked up the loose ball from Ota's left corner kick and passed it to Watanabe on the left side. Watanabe attempted to break through but was fouled. In the 14th minute, on the right side, Kono -> Edu -> Yonemoto's direct pass connected, and finally to Tokunaga who ran up the right side. From here, a floating cross was sent, and Mita in the center tried to head it in but it went over the frame.

In the 22nd minute, from a free kick just outside the right side area, it was cleared once but then connected again to Watnabe on the right side. Edu, who was waiting inside, trapped the ball and took a left-footed shot, but it was blocked by the defense. The opponent's individual movements are few, but they connect passes based on solid individual skills and look for chances by putting long balls from the defenders into the goal area. However, the center-back combination of Morishige and Yoshimoto successfully coordinate and defend.

At 36 minutes, Edu received a foul near the area after a vertical pass from Watanabe, and obtained a free kick in an excellent position. Ota aimed for the goal with precision, but it narrowly missed above the frame. As a result, both teams ended the first half scoreless.

Unfruitful Attack... Defeat with Zero Points

Tokyo replaced Morishige with Matheus at halftime. However, just one minute into the second half, they allowed the opponent to score first due to a delayed response to a long ball. After that, the opponent took the initiative and actively pushed forward, unlike in the first half. Tokyo made substitutions with Hirayama and Ishikawa in the 55th minute. They also tried to change the flow by bringing in Higashi in the 56th minute, but it didn't work out well. The situation remained deadlocked for both teams, but as the opponent began to show signs of fatigue, Tokyo started to circulate the ball and launch a counterattack.

65 minutes, Tokunaga → Hirayama keeps the ball on the right side and crosses it to the center. Watanabe reacts and tries to aim with his right foot, but the defender blocks it. East reacts to the loose ball and shoots with his right foot, but the goalkeeper saves it. In the 69th minute, Hanyu is substituted for Yonemoto, and Tokyo's rhythm quickly changes. In the 80th minute, Hirayama keeps the ball in the area and East on the left side → Ishikawa shoots with his right foot. It narrowly misses to the right of the goal.

82 minutes, Ishikawa crosses from the right side. Hirayama, who was waiting on the left side of the goal, traps the ball with his chest and shoots with his left foot. It was a decisive chance, but no goal. In the 86th minute, Ota overlaps on the left side and delivers a pinpoint cross to Hirayama. Hirayama unleashes a powerful header, but... it goes over the crossbar. In additional time, after East steals the ball in a deep position on the opponent's left side, Watanabe drops it to Hirayama, who takes a shot. The defender blocks it, and Ishikawa tries to volley it with his right foot, but it narrowly goes over the crossbar.

We launched a fierce attack until the end, but we were unable to shake the net and suffered a defeat. We finished this tournament in 4th place.

[Player Comments]
"Morishige"
"Personally, it was a personal achievement to be able to play solidly for 45 minutes today. It's been a while since I joined the team, but I played with the awareness of what I've been doing in practice. It's frustrating that we didn't get results today, but I think we have no choice but to overcome the challenges that arose here through future matches and practices."
"I believe that everyone thinks that what we are working on as a team is not wrong, and I want to continue without wavering."

"Hanyu"
"Today was a game where the result was expected, so the fact that the team couldn't win is the biggest point of reflection. Personally, even though it was a short time, I think I was able to show my play firmly."
(When substituting in the middle of the game) I was conscious of playing in a way that could bring tempo and momentum to the team, and I entered as a defensive midfielder but was determined to show my face and move forward. I still think that my own appeal is not enough, but I want to firmly understand what is required as a team and continue to improve more and more. I want to work hard to become a good team by the start of the season."
 

[Summary of Massimo FICCADENTI's press conference]
"I think the first half was fantastic. We created many chances and everyone moved well. In the second half, there were moments when our concentration wavered after conceding a goal, but considering the current condition, I feel satisfied with the players' performance. I believe that if the condition and quality of play improve, the results will also change."

[Summary of Coach Alexandre Hidaka's Press Conference]
"I feel that I was able to play against a great team. Tokyo was a difficult team to play against, very organized and created many opportunities, but we were able to defend well and I am satisfied with the result."