Facing the first cup match of the season

FC Tokyo, which caused a great sensation in the 1999 Nabisco Cup. In a tournament where they participated for the first time as a J2 club, they achieved the remarkable feat of defeating "higher-ranked J1 clubs" Kobe, Ichihara, and Yokohama in succession, and advanced to the semifinals. Although they played a close match against Kashima in the semifinals, they were narrowly defeated, ultimately finishing in the top 4. However, MF Yukihiko SATO shone by winning the prestigious "New Hero Award," making it a tournament with many achievements.

And then came the 2000 Nabisco Cup. Tokyo, who had reached the Best 4 in the 1999 tournament and became a seeded team, faced Kyoto (who defeated J2's Niigata in the 1st round) starting from the 2nd round. The first match of the day was played at the enemy's ground, Nishikyogoku, where Tokyo had played twice before (in 1993 and 1994 during the JFL era) and had both times suffered a PK defeat (Tokyo Gas had a record of 2 wins and 4 losses against them in the JFL from 1993 to 1995). In the J1 1st Stage 9th round (4/29, Kamoi), which was the first match in 5 years, Tokyo won a big victory of 3-0 with TUTO's hat-trick, but there were also scenes where they were overwhelmed by Kyoto's technique, so they cannot be underestimated. In addition, after finishing last in the 1st Stage and with manager Kamo being replaced, Engels, who was the head coach, took over as the manager and changed the system from 3-5-2 to 4-4-2 (or 4-3-3). With a combination of the veteran group led by the absolute ace Kazu and the rapid rise of young players such as Atsuta and Matsui, who have high technical skills, there is a possibility that they can "transform" into a formidable presence. In any case, for Tokyo, who will play three matches against Kyoto in July in cup matches and league matches combined, it is important to win this match thoroughly and gain momentum for the future.

Create chances from JINNO's post-play

On this day, Tokyo faced Kyoto with a lineup that was almost the same as the league match, even though it was a cup match. Kyoto, on the other hand, approached the match with a lineup that boldly used young players. Tokyo started with Kanno, who was in good form, instead of Amaral, and built their attack around Kanno's post play. The intention was clear: first, play the ball to Kanno's feet and then either spread it to the sides or break through the opponent's defense with wall passes with Tuto, Narumi, and Yukihiko. Although Kanno initially struggled to adapt to the speed of the match after a long absence from official games and lost the ball a few times, he gradually regained his natural sense and started to show stable post play. In the 10th minute, Tokyo spread the ball from Kanno's post to the right side, and Yukihiko took on the challenge vertically, creating a chance. In the 12th minute, they created another decisive chance with a counterattack from the right side, involving Tuto, Kanno, and Tuto again, although it did not result in a goal. In the 22nd minute, Tuto broke through from the right side using the same combination and had a scoring opportunity, but his cross was cleared by Kyoto's defense and they couldn't score.

TUTO's skillful goal takes the lead!

On the other hand, Kyoto has been launching a diverse attack, with ace Kaz playing as a lone striker, Hejisu breaking through with dribbles from the left side, Matsui showcasing his technique in the center to create plays, and Park attempting to break through with his speed on the right side. In the midfield, Endo and Matsukawa aggressively defend and quickly transition to the left side, where Hejisu either dribbles on his own or connects with Kaz or Matsui for intricate passes and breakthroughs. In the 20th, 23rd, 26th, and 28th minutes, Hejisu repeatedly breaks through the left side with individual skills, creating decisive chances. Tokyo manages to prevent goals thanks to goalkeeper Doi's fine plays, but they face a difficult period. Furthermore, in the 29th minute, Asari is sent off due to a right calf injury, causing Tokyo's marking in the midfield to become unclear. As a result, in the 31st minute, Hejisu once again breaks through the center and creates a scoring opportunity.

Tokyo, which withstood Kyoto's fierce attack centered around GK Doi, turned the tables in the 34th minute. Koike, who received the ball in his own half, passed it to Kamiya, who was positioned in the front line. Kamiya skillfully evaded the tough charge from the opponent's DF with one touch and passed it to Nishimura in the center. Nishimura immediately sent a lofted pass to TUTO, who was running forward. TUTO controlled the ball with his chest, slipped through the gap between the opponent's DF at top speed, and kicked it into the goal, eluding the oncoming GK. It was a momentary event. Tokyo, which had been withstanding Kyoto's fierce attack, took advantage of the moment when Kyoto concentrated on their offense and pushed forward, and quickly obtained a valuable opening goal.

Conceded an equalizing goal during a dangerous period and drew

Tokyo, who ended the first half with a 1-0 lead, allowed Kyoto to score an equalizer early in the second half. There is a theory in soccer that says "be especially careful during the early stages of the match and the final moments of the match." Five minutes into the second half, Kazu noticed a momentary lapse in the Tokyo defense on the left side. Seizing this opportunity, Kazu unleashed a powerful right-footed shot that hit the goalpost and rebounded. Hegis, who was in excellent form that day, quickly followed up and equalized, leaving Tokyo stunned.

Kyoto, who regained momentum with this, launched a diverse attack again in the second half, just like in the first half, with Hejisu and Matsui as the starting point. On the other hand, Tokyo also launched a counterattack by bringing in "Tokyo's King" Amaral in the 11th minute of the second half and Masuda in the 18th minute.

Fujiyama, who had been holding back in the first half, actively participated in the attack. He showed a well-timed overlap from a sharp intercept and broke through the left side from a one-two with TUTO in the 19th minute, delivering an exquisite cross. In the 28th minute, TUTO dribbled past alone and took a shot, and in the 31st minute, Amaral stopped a cross from Nariyuki Kobayashi on the right side with his chest and took a volley shot. Although there were chances, they did not result in additional points.

On the other hand, Kyoto launched a counterattack by exploiting Tokyo's attack, but DF Komine and Sandro displayed outstanding strength by defending one-on-one and GK Doi also bravely came out with sharp movements and judgment, and did not allow a goal.

In the end, the match ended in a 1-1 draw, and it was decided that the outcome would be determined in the second match. It was significant for Tokyo to be able to draw in a situation where they were fatigued from consecutive away games. The second match next week (7/12, Edogawa) will be held at home, and we will aim for a resounding victory to advance to the quarterfinals!

[Coach's Comment]

Regardless of the content, the away team has been doing well in the continuous away games. However, it is unfortunate that the timing of conceding goals was not good. I want to make use of this experience in the future, including league matches. I want to do my best to play as many games as possible in the Nabisco Cup.