Jack up the best domestic stadium!?

"Yokohama International Stadium", which was decided as the venue for the 2002 World Cup final. With a capacity of 70,000 people, this enormous structure not only had an overwhelming size, but also showcased cutting-edge technology, creating an atmosphere befitting of representing Japan. The first match of the quarterfinals of the Nabisco Cup against Yokohama F.Marinos was held at this top-class stadium. It wasn't just the players who were excited about this amazing situation. The approximately 1,000 strong cheering squad stationed in the "goal end" of Tokyo showed their excitement from before the start of the match. With only about 1,000 people in a stadium of 70,000, and of course outnumbered by the home team supporters, they fought back with their sense and ideas. They sang unique songs and chants, overwhelming the opponents and taking over the venue.

Secret plan? Or unconventional strategy?

With a large number of players on the Japan national team, Yokohama F.Marinos, who were considered one of the top contenders for the J1 championship this season, are known as one of the top "talent groups" in the country. Just by looking at the starting lineup for this day, there are star players like GK Kawaguchi, DF Ihara, MF Miura, FW Jo, MF Nakamura, who participated in the previous South American Championship, and MF Yoo from the South Korean national team, shining like stars. On the other hand, Tokyo faced a difficult situation with key players MF Yukihiro and DF Furukawa-Umayama injured, and countered with a bold lineup that could be seen as a secret weapon. In the attacking MF position, Wada, who made his first start of the season, Kobayashi, who started for the first time in 10 games since May 9th, and Kagami, who started for the first time in 9 games since May 16th, all made their first appearance as MFs. 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 all bold player selections that could be seen as unconventional strategies.

Wow, no way! Two goals in the first 3 minutes of the game!?

Who could have predicted such a development, the game started moving quickly. Tokyo passed the ball rhythmically in the midfield, then Amaral dribbled and passed to Kobayashi on the left. Kobayashi was about to enter his favorite dribble, but was knocked down by a fierce charge. However, in the next moment, while the Marinos defenders were struggling, Kobayashi made an exquisite pass to Kaburaki in front. Kaburaki powerfully volleyed the ball and scored the opening goal in just one minute, the fastest this season. There may also be a difference in "game sense" between Marinos, who have been away from the game, and Tokyo, who played just three days ago, but Kobayashi's decision-making was superior to that of J1 players. Tokyo's momentum did not end there. After that, they continued to dominate Marinos with their passing game. In the 3rd minute, Almir and Amaral connected and passed to Wada on the right side, who was just on the offside line. Wada explosively sprinted towards the goal and took a strong shot. Marinos goalkeeper Kawaguchi barely deflected the ball, but Kobayashi ran in and powerfully kicked it in, scoring two goals in no time.

"Solid defense" shines!

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

Marinos creates the midfield with Miura and Nakamura, trying to use rhythm to control the castle. Occasionally, they are broken down by accurate passes from Nakamura to the back of the Tokyo DF, Yagi and Ueno, but the shots were prevented by GK Suzuki's fine saves. Against ace Castle, Yamao, who made his first start, made a fierce charge. The hard defense that hardly allowed Castle to face forward proved the ability of a man who used to be in Nagoya and was the central player of Kofu until last year. In the midfield defense, Asari and Almir responded with abundant movement. They crushed the dangerous areas where Nakamura and Yagi came in. In addition, on the left side, Miura, who is good at breakthroughs, was responded by right back Komine. Even in a one-on-one situation with Miura, who boasts international speed, Komine did not lose in leg strength and did not let him do his job. In attack, Marinos dominates the midfield with passing centered around Almir and Amaral, and from the sides, Kagami and Wada make aggressive plays of the season. Their speed proves that they can compete with J1 and they have made crosses that lead to goal chances.

Go KABURAKI's final goal seals the game!

32 minutes, Tokyo, which was under attack, passed the ball to Almir, who remained on the front line on the left side after cutting the ball. Almir skillfully kicked the player who came to mark him with a heel kick, and perfectly timed a through pass to Kagami, who ran into the center. Kagami calmly avoided the goalkeeper who came out and scored the third goal to seal the deal. In the second half, the attack and defense continued to go back and forth. Marinos collected the ball to FW Valmir, who entered in the second half, and created chances. However, Tokyo also threw their bodies in the way and prevented shots. In the attack, Fujiyama, who had been attacking with sharp dribbles since the first half, showed even sharper movements in the second half and created numerous chances. In particular, the attack participation with speed from the interception confused the Marinos defense. In the final stages, Marinos continued to push Tokyo, but everyone responded with a high defensive consciousness, and in the end, the game ended with Tokyo escaping with a larger margin than expected, winning the first game of the quarterfinals. Next is on the 24th (Sat) at 19:00, welcoming Marinos to Edogawa. <Coach Okuma's comment> In terms of attack, we were able to take advantage of the space behind the opponent as planned, which led to the result. Also, keeping a clean sheet will lead to future league games, so I am satisfied. On the 24th, I want to have a game that will lead to the future.