Jack the best stadium in the country!?

"Yokohama International Stadium," which was chosen as the venue for the final of the 2002 World Cup. This enormous structure, with a capacity of 70,000 people, not only impressed with its overwhelming size, but also showcased state-of-the-art technology, creating an atmosphere befitting Japan's representation. The first match of the Nabisco Cup quarterfinals against Yokohama F.Marinos took place in this top-class stadium. It wasn't just the players who were excited about this exceptional situation. Approximately 1,000 members of a large cheering squad stationed themselves in the "goal end" of Tokyo on this day, showing the highest level of excitement even before the start of the match. Although they were outnumbered by the home team supporters in a stadium of 70,000 people, they fought back with their sense and ideas. They continuously sang unique parody songs, overwhelming the opponents and taking over the venue.

秘策？それとも奇策？

Yokohama F.Marinos, who had many national team players and were considered one of the top contenders for the J1 championship this season as a "talented group" in Japan, had a starting lineup for this day that included star players like GK Kawaguchi, DF Ihara, MF Miura, FW Jo, MF Nakamura, who had participated in the recent South American Championship, and MF Yoo from the South Korean national team. On the other hand, Tokyo faced the challenge with a daring lineup that could be seen as a secret plan, as they were missing key players MF Yukihiko and DF Furukawa-Umayama due to injuries. In the attacking MF position, Wada, who made his first start of the season, Kobayashi, who made his first start in 10 games since May 9th, and Kagami, who made his first start in 9 games since May 16th, all played as MF for the first time. In the defensive MF position, Almir, who returned from injury and made his first start in 8 games since May 23rd, and in the DF position, Yamao, who made his first start of the season in the center, were boldly selected, which could be seen as a strategic move.

What? A lead of 2 goals in just 3 minutes from the start!?

Who would have expected such a development, the game started moving early on. Tokyo rhythmically passed the ball in the midfield, then Amaral dribbled and passed to the left to Kobayashi. Kobayashi, who was trying to enter his favorite dribble, was knocked down by a fierce charge. However, in the next moment, while the Marinos defense was sluggish, Kobayashi made an exquisite pass to Kagimaki in front. Kagimaki scored a powerful volley shot and took the lead in the shortest time of the season, just one minute into the game. There is also a difference in "game sense" between Marinos, who had been away from the real game, and Tokyo, who had just played a real game three days ago, but Kobayashi's judgment was superior to that of J1 players. Tokyo's momentum did not end there. After overwhelming Marinos with their passing play, Tokyo connected with Aumil Amaral in the 3rd minute, and a decisive pass reached Wada, who had burst out on the right side just on the offside line. Wada sprinted towards the goal with explosive speed and took a strong shot. Marinos goalkeeper Kawaguchi barely deflected the ball, but Kobayashi, who had run in, kicked it powerfully and quickly scored two goals.

"Impenetrable Defense" Shines!

"There's no way Marinos will end like this..." Everyone expected a fierce comeback from Marinos. After this, the match regained its composure and a high-level offensive and defensive battle unfolded.

Marinos create the midfield with Miura and Nakamura, trying to use the castle as a post to establish rhythm. Occasionally, they are broken by accurate passes from Nakamura to YANAGI or Ueno, who run behind the Tokyo defense, but the shots were prevented by GK Suzuki's fine saves. Against ace Shiro, Yamao, who made his first start, made a fierce charge. The hard defense that hardly allowed Shiro to face forward proved the ability of a man who used to be in Nagoya and was a key player for Kofu until last year. In the midfield defense, Asari and Almir responded with abundant mobility. They crushed the dangerous areas where Nakamura and YANAGI came in. In addition, Komine, who entered as a right fullback, responded to Miura, who is good at breaking through the left side. Even in one-on-one situations with Miura, who boasts international speed, Komine did not lose in terms of leg strength and did not let him do his job. In attack, Marinos dominated the midfield with passing work that surpasses Marinos, centered around Almir and Amaral. From the sides, Kagamaki and Wada, who have speed, made aggressive plays of the season. Their speed proved that they can compete with J1 and produced crosses that led to goal opportunities.

Seal the game with Kagamiki's final goal!

In the 32nd minute, Tokyo, who was under attack, cut the ball and passed it to Almir, who was remaining on the left side of the front line. Almir skillfully evaded the player who came to mark him with an artistic heel kick and delivered a perfect through pass to Kagamiki, who had timed his run into the center. Kagamiki calmly evaded the oncoming goalkeeper and scored the decisive third goal. In the second half, the back and forth battle continued. Marinos created chances by feeding the ball to forward Bauber, who came on in the second half. However, Tokyo defended fiercely and prevented shots, throwing their bodies on the line when necessary. In attack, Fujiyama, who had been launching sharp dribbles since the first half, showed even sharper movements in the second half and created numerous opportunities. In particular, the attacks that capitalized on interceptions and utilized speed caused confusion in the Marinos' defense. Towards the end, Marinos continued to push Tokyo back, but everyone responded with a high defensive awareness. In the end, the match ended with Tokyo holding on unexpectedly with a large margin, winning the first leg of the quarterfinals. Next, on the 24th (Saturday) at 19:00, they will face Marinos at Edogawa. In terms of attack, being able to exploit the space behind the opponent as planned led to the result. Also, not conceding any goals will contribute to future league matches, so I am satisfied. On the 24th, we want to play a game that will lead to the future.