Achieve revenge in the Nabisco Cup!

On July 12th, in the 2nd round, 2nd match of the Nabisco Cup held at Edogawa Ward Athletics Stadium, Tokyo lost to Kyoto 0-1, and with the combined score of 1-2 including the result of the 1st match (1-1), they were defeated. As a result, they disappeared from the tournament in the 2nd round this year, after advancing to the Best 4 last year.

The 5th match of the 2nd stage, which will be held on this day, will be the 4th match against Kyoto this season, but the previous 3 matches were completely tied with 1 win, 1 draw, and 1 loss. In today's match, the left side attacker, Hejis, who was troubled in the Nabisco Cup, cannot play due to accumulated warnings, which is the best condition for Tokyo. However, Kyoto has many young talented players, and they will defend tightly with a 3-volante centered around Endo, just like in the Nabisco Cup. Therefore, even with Tokyo's proud top two, it is expected to be a difficult battle to score. Furthermore, on this day, there was also the bad condition of record-breaking intense heat, so it was certain that the match would be tough. We have no choice but to repay the debt from the Nabisco Cup in the league match, and in order to extend the current winning streak record, we have no choice but to win today! We will approach it with a winning strategy!

Super Offensive Formation

The starting lineup for Tokyo on this day featured a lineup that could be called super attacking. In place of Kobayashi, who had been starting as left offensive half, Masuda took his place. In place of Koike, Kina also entered as defensive midfielder, transforming the lineup into a more attacking formation. In particular, Kina's first start of the season as defensive midfielder is a highly attacking attempt, and it was thought that how well Kina, who is extremely attacking in both offense and defense, can perform will be a crucial point that will determine the outcome. Additionally, it was the first time for both Yukihiko (right) and Masuda (left) to start as side attackers, and their combination and performance were also of great interest.

The kickoff whistle blew at 7:04 PM, but despite the sun being completely set, the temperature was over 32℃, creating a harsh environment similar to a midday match in the height of summer. Early on, Tokyo's Masuda made a sharp dribble from the left side, and Fujiyama showed excellent combination play with a well-timed overlap. Masuda and Fujiyama are the same age and have a relationship where they recognize each other's talents, and despite their short time playing together, they have already shown a very high level of combination play. Additionally, Masuda himself has been steadily fitting into the team, demonstrating not only sharp dribbling but also making significant side changes with frequent use of outside kicks, revealing a glimpse of his deep talent.

Despite the pressure, no goals were scored in the first half.

In the early stages, Kyoto created a rhythm by spreading the ball left and right from midfielder Endo, and built their attacks around Kazu's post-play in the front line. Midfielders Park and Atsuta picked up the balls dropped by Kazu, and played through passes to the speedy forward Tomita who made runs vertically, or utilized the attacking participation of right full-back Satoichi and left full-back Nakamura to launch side attacks and repeatedly threaten the Tokyo goal. In the 25th minute, from Park to Kazu, Kazu played a direct pass to the right side, where Satoichi made a run and cut inside, unleashing a powerful left-footed shot. Fortunately, it did not result in a goal, but the side attacks centered around Kazu in the front line were dangerous.

On the other hand, Tokyo struggled to find their rhythm in the early stages of the game, especially in the midfield where they were playing together for the first time, and they had a hard time creating chances. However, in the 20th minute, Masuda cut inside from the right side and played a perfect through pass to TUTO, who broke free from the defenders and crossed the ball. It was around this time that Tokyo's "super attacking formation" started to show its strength. In the 22nd minute, TUTO sprinted towards the ball that went out to the right side again. He skillfully evaded the defenders with a sharp feint and delivered a strong cross, creating a chance that almost resulted in a goal. In the 30th minute, Sandro's header from a corner kick hit the crossbar, and in the 35th minute, TUTO launched a powerful straight shot from a free kick just outside the penalty area, about 25 meters away, attacking Kyoto's goal. In addition, in the 36th minute, Kina moved up to the front line, skillfully evaded one defender with excellent technique, floated a soft cross, and TUTO jumped in with a header. Even after that, Amaral hit the post, Masuda and Yukihiko unleashed powerful shots, and although they didn't score, the game was completely dominated by Tokyo. Despite not being in top form, TUTO's breakthrough ability, Amaral's post-play, Masuda's technique and speed, and Kina's game-making from a low position, each player's abilities were combined instinctively in the actual game rather than in practice, and Tokyo started to unleash a powerful attack that shattered Kyoto's deeply defensive system.

Tokyo defended well, with man-marker Komine hardly giving Kazu any work to do, and Sandro clearing all dangerous balls with his long legs and astonishing height, shutting down Kyoto's attacks. In the first half, it was a situation where Tokyo could have scored at any moment, but it ended 0-0.

Does Komine's overlap create a priceless opening goal?

Entering the second half, FW Kanno was substituted for Yukihiro, who was not in good shape. Tokyo took a more aggressive approach with a 3-top formation. Kanno was positioned at the forefront, with Amaral, TUTO, and Masuda freely moving around in close proximity. In the 5th minute of the second half, Fujiyama, who had shown sharp attacking participation since the first half, dribbled past the left side and sent a low cross. Kanno slid and took a shot! It was one of Kanno's favorite shooting patterns, but unfortunately, it missed the target. On the contrary, in the 9th minute, Kyoto's Atsuta rushed up the right side from a counterattack and delivered an exquisite cross. Kazu unleashed a powerful header. For a moment, it was nerve-wracking, but the ball hit the crossbar and didn't go in. Once again, the momentary lapse in concentration proved fatal in J1, and it was none other than the dangerous man, "King Kazu."

The opening goal, which couldn't be taken no matter how they attacked, was unexpectedly created. In the 16th minute of the second half, Komine, who intercepted the opponent's pass in his own half, entrusted the ball to Kamiya on the front line and unusually overlapped on the left side himself. It is a theory to use when the defenders go up, so Kamiya dribbled a little and then passed to Komine on the left side. Instead of looking for a pass destination, Komine himself tried to break through. After putting in the "step-over feint" like Kazu in Kyoto two or three times in the penalty area, the opponent's defender couldn't resist and committed a foul! Komine fell down and got a priceless penalty kick! TUTO calmly scored it, and Tokyo finally took the lead.

In the end, it's TUTO, Amaral, of course!

Kyoto, who unexpectedly conceded the opening goal, brought in the talented young hope, Matsui, with technique. Matsui, along with Hedjis in the Nabisco Cup, troubled Tokyo with his high technique. As soon as he entered the pitch, Kyoto began to grasp the rhythm of the attack, repeatedly breaking through the left side. However, Kyoto's offensive presence was not a bad thing for Tokyo. On the contrary, Kyoto coming out to score disrupts the balance of defense, creating a great opportunity for Tokyo's counterattack.

In the 30th minute of the second half, Asari joined the attack from a pass cut and broke through with a one-two with Kamiya, but unfortunately it was offside. In the following 34th minute of the second half, Fujiyama also broke the left side with a one-two with Kamiya, and finally aimed for a shot with a curve with his right foot, but it went over the bar. And in the 38th minute of the second half, the ball from Amaral went to the space on the right side, and he dodged the opponent DF who came to respond with a sharp turn and rushed towards the goal. He easily dodged the GK who rushed out in a hurry with a one fake, and scored the second goal into the unguarded goal.

In addition, in the closing minutes of injury time, substitute Koike sprinted up the left side and crossed to the center, where Kamiya chested it down and Amaral, who had run in, volleyed it in one shot! This powerful and spectacular shot symbolized Tokyo's current "strength" as it left Kyoto behind.

The team has won 5 consecutive victories since the 2nd opening. And, TUTO has scored 14 points, Amaral has scored 12 points, both within reach of the top scorer. Tokyo's momentum is unstoppable.

[Coach Okuma's Comment]

Kyoto defended well as expected. After scoring the opening goal, Kyoto's defensive balance was disrupted, allowing us to play the style of soccer we wanted. However, even if we are tightly defended and held back like in the first half, we want to be able to break through. In that sense, especially in the first half, there were many mistakes, even in wedge plays, and there were unsatisfactory parts remaining.

I think Tetsuhiro KINA's performance was really good, considering that it was the first time in a long time that he played for almost 90 minutes. He also played a role in connecting the offense and defense, and showed a high defensive awareness.