The battle to win J2 starts with the opening of the 2011 season!

　The 2011 season begins, and in the J2 Sec. 1, Sagan Tosu will compete on Mar 5 (Sat). A heated battle with the ultimate goal of returning to J1 within a year has started.

　Prior to the start of the season, during a preparation period of about 40 days, we have focused on enhancing the team's common understanding and fitting in with the new players. However, during this time, there were accidents where Kajiyama, Gonda, and Pedro JUNIOR were injured. Additionally, Roberto CESAR and Roberto CESAR had conditioning issues and injuries respectively, resulting in them starting on the bench. At the same time, Yonemoto will be suspended for the opening match, so the team's condition cannot be considered perfect. On the other hand, Nakamura and Ishikawa, who have been following a separate training program, have returned. We will unite as one and face this opening match.

　Tokushima, on the other hand, finished 9th in last season's J2 (13 wins, 12 draws, 11 losses, with a total of 42 goals scored and 41 goals conceded). They place tall forward Toyoda at the forefront and their characteristic is an aggressive attack starting from the front press and short counterattacks, with Toyoda as the focal point. Manager YOON Jong Hwan, who took over this season, has been a coach since 2009 and has developed the team. They are also acquiring the ability to launch attacks from meticulous build-ups.

　On the other hand, "being able to respond flexibly in any situation (Coach Okuma)" is one of the themes. Above all, in order to fight through the season, it is important to gain momentum and win at home in the opening match. Everyone will head towards the goal with a strong determination and aim to capture 3 points with a soccer that threatens the opponent. Tokyo's starting lineup includes GK Shiota, with Tokunaga and Abe as the fullbacks. Takahashi and Hanyu form the defensive midfield, with Nakamura and Yuzawa on the midfield sides, and Suzuki and Hirayama as the top two.

　The wind is cold but calm and clear, and before the game, a special live performance by "Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra" was held at Ajinomoto Stadium, where 21,408 people gathered. The game started at 14:05 with Tokyo's kickoff.

Escape From J2 The Target As 2011 Season Begins
The 2011 J.League Division 2 season began with the visit of Sagan Tosu to Ajinomoto Stadium. Tokyo, aiming for an immediate return to J1, had spent the 40 days of the close season integrating the new and returning players into the squad. Injuries to Kajiyama, Gonda and Pedro Junior kept those three out of the side but Roberto Cesar and Roberto were fit enough to start on the bench. Yonemoto was suspended while Nakamura and Ishikawa, who had both been on separate training programs from the rest of the squad, were considered recovered enough to start and take a place among the substitutes respectively.
Opponents Tosu had finished 9th overall in J2 in 2010 with a record of W13 D12 L11, scoring 42 and conceding 41. The side was noted for its patient approach play and applying pressure from the front with lanky striker Toyoda the key man in a dynamic front line. Newly-appointed manager Jong Hwan Yoon had been a coach at the club for two years and overseen the development of the side.
Tokyo manager Kiyoshi Okuma felt that his players' ability to respond correctly to the requirements of the moment would be an important part of the match. Above all other considerations though, was the desire for Tokyo to begin the marathon campaign with a home win. The home side lined up with Shiota in goal, Tokunaga and Abe at fullback, Takahashi and Hanyu in central midfield, Nakamura and Yazawa on the flanks and Suzuki and Hirayama in attack.
Special guests Tokyo Skaparadise Orchestra whipped up the crowd with some scintillating ska before Tokyo got the ball rolling shortly after 2pm on a chilly but sunny afternoon.

Despite showing a solid game, the first half ends scoreless

　A cautious start together. They entered the game steadily, and the situation remained deadlocked in the early stages. However, Tokyo gradually tried to take control of the game by moving the ball, and in the 18th minute, Nakamura took the first shot for both teams combined from a clear left corner kick. In the 20th minute, from a quick pass, Nakamura on the right side passed to Hayashi in the center, who brought the ball into the area and took a shot.

　However, there were also mistakes afterwards, the passes didn't connect well, and we couldn't create any decisive chances. On the contrary, Tosu quickly launched attacks, and in the 32nd minute, Tosu's central midfielder Fujita passed to left midfielder Yanagisawa, who then passed to forward Toyota just outside the box. He took a shot, but it hit the crossbar and bounced back, creating a dangerous situation. However, Shioda stepped up and defended it.

　In the 41st minute, Tosu made a short pass from a free kick inside the Tokyo area, and MF Kokuyoshi took a sharp shot. The ball flew towards the goal, but Shioda made a save and it resulted in a corner kick. From this right corner kick, FW Toyota unleashed a high header, but it narrowly went over the bar. With the help of Tosu's mistake, Tokyo created an attacking opportunity in injury time, and Hayashi connected with a loose ball from a right cross. Takahashi then shot with speed, but it went straight to the goalkeeper and the match ended scoreless.

Tight First Half Ends Scoreless
Caution was the watchword for both sides as the game began slowly and developed into a midfield stalemate. Tokyo gradually asserted themselves and started to move the ball around but it wasn't until the 18th minute that Nakamura struck the first attempt on goal, a 20-yard drive from a cleared corner that was still rising as it sailed over the Tosu crossbar. Tokyo produced some neat passing in the 20th minute that allowed Nakamura to jink down the right and cut the ball back to Hanyu who burst into the Tosu penalty area and shot into the side netting. Following that burst of activity mistakes predominated and neither side could find a rhythm.
The visitors showed their prowess on the counter attack in the 32nd minute as midfielders Fujita and Yanagisawa combined to create a shooting opportunity for Toyoda from the edge of the Tokyo penalty area. Toyoda's shot beat Shiota but cannoned down off the bar and the Tokyo keeper showed sharp reflexes to pounce on the loose ball ahead of the onrushing Tosu players.
In the 41st minute Tokyo conceded a free kick some 30 yards from goal in a central position; the ball was nudged to midfielder Kuniyoshi who unleashed a ferocious dipping drive that Shiota palmed around the post at full stretch. Toyoda beat the Tokyo defence to the resulting corner but directed a firm header narrowly over the bar. Having escaped conceding at the worst possible time Tokyo then had an opportunity to snatch the lead in additional time as Hanyu moved a cross from the right into Takahashi's path as the young midfielder raced forward to the edge of the Tosu area. He drove a low, hard shot straight at Muro in the Tosu goal and the first period finished 0-0.

Get 3 points with a fast-paced attack and a first goal by Tanihara

　In the second half, Roberto CESAR was substituted for Nakamura. Suzuki moved to the right side and launched a speedy attack. In the 49th minute, Taniyama advanced from a quick counter-attack and passed to Suzuki on the right side of the area. Suzuki took a shot with the right timing, but it went wide. In the 52nd minute, Hayashi passed to Taniyama on the left side of the midfield, who then dropped the ball between the defenders. Suzuki dribbled forward and took a free shot from just outside the central area, but couldn't find the target...

　In the 57th minute, Tosu also started from the right side, and left MF Yanagisawa was free in the right area. A pass was made there, creating a scene that seemed decisive, but Imano took care of it and defended. After that, there were more scenes of the attacking participation of both fullbacks, and in the 61st minute, Abe, who went up the left side, sent a long left cross to the goal area. Hiraoka in the far side and right area, who jumped out and competed with the goalkeeper, dropped it with a header, and Tanizawa in the center pushed it in with his whole body, goal! They achieved the long-awaited opening goal.

　With this momentum, in the 64th minute, Tanizawa crossed from a high position on the left side. Takahashi jumped in, but was caught by the Tosu goalkeeper. On the other hand, Tosu also made a player substitution, and in the 63rd minute, they brought in the tall forward Noda to the front line. They launched sharp counterattacks, and in the final stages, there was a quick exchange of attacks. In the 81st minute, they earned a left free kick. Suzuki sent a shot-like kick inside, but no one was able to connect and it went over the line.

　In the 86th minute, Roberto CESAR replaced Hayu. In the 89th minute, he connected a pass and Roberto CESAR dribbled through from the right side. He bypassed the opponent's defender by luring Suzuki inside and brought the ball into the right area, but his shot was blocked by the goalkeeper's save...

　Against Tosu's counterattack, Imakano and Morishige showed stability and did not allow any goals. In the stoppage time, Murahara was substituted for Suzuki and remained in the midfield. Immediately after, a dynamic fast break was launched, with Tokunaga moving to the right and Roberto CESAR in the right area executing a skillful trap and turning around. However, the shot did not hit the target and was caught by the goalkeeper. Although they couldn't score an additional goal, they protected Tanizawa's first goal in Tokyo and secured a victory at Ajinomoto Stadium. They started the 2011 season with a win.

　【Player Comment】《Yazawa》"The performance was not good, but it was good to score a goal and win. (About the goal) When the cross went up, I thought it might be caught by the opponent's goalkeeper... but I believed that Shun Hirayama could win the challenge and started moving. I am conscious of such movements. Even with a goal like this, one point is still one point, so I am happy to be able to score. The challenge is to realize that we cannot win without scoring. I want to work on that."

　"Abe: "I am happy with the victory, but I don't want to be satisfied here. I want to work hard to win not only one game but continuously. Ajinomoto Stadium has been my aspiration since I joined the youth team, and it is the stage of my goal. I was excited to think that I could stand on the pitch there. I wasn't nervous, but I think we were a bit stiff in the first half. In the second half, the overall movement improved, and my movements as a side back became clearer. (Regarding the cross that led to the goal) I discussed with player Hirayama at halftime about what kind of cross to deliver."

　[Summary of Coach Okuma's Press Conference] "Regarding Tosu, we expected them to press us from the front line, but they actually dropped back quite a bit when we took possession of the ball. It was within our expectations to endure and withstand their pressure, but breaking through that has been a challenge since last season's Emperor's Cup. We want to achieve more stability, including the mental aspect, and create more danger from the first half. When the second half drags on, we can find our rhythm, but even when we are being pressed and there is no space, we want to be able to produce dangerous plays through combinations and individual efforts. It's difficult, but that's our future challenge. We won, but the opponent made adjustments. It was a game that made us realize we need to pursue stability and danger, and figure out how to build the team. We won, but it feels like the start of a season where we will be playing tournaments in every match."

　(About Roberto CESAR) He has not played in the game for about 4 months and his condition is still insufficient. However, although he appears less frequently, he can carry the ball and has dangerous plays. We need to understand his style and make him fit into the team. (About the appointment of Roberto CESAR) Hanyu was a little concerned about his foot, and the opponent simply kicked and there were also set plays. The intention was for Roberto CESAR to defend the area as a defensive midfielder and also aim for additional points. (Impression of Tosu) Even if you look at the preseason matches and the Emperor's Cup, there is not much difference between J1 in terms of players' efforts and the quality of play. We connect where we need to and have clear intentions. It's a good impression and I think they have the ability. I want to do my best to have good matches as good rivals to each other."

　[Sagan Tosu Manager Yin's Press Conference] "We faced a strong opponent, FC Tokyo, in the opening match, and I expected the players to be nervous, but they smoothly entered the game unexpectedly. Although we lost, I think we have become a good team that can be expected in the future. Regarding FC Tokyo, I think there are differences in various aspects, but in terms of today's match, I think we had a good game without losing in terms of content. However, there were many learning points. This season, we are focusing on communication between coaching staff and players, and it is important to guide the players to solve various things on the field. We want to play with confidence and perform well."

Yazawa's First Goal For The Club Earns Tokyo Three Points 

New signing Roberto Cesar replaced Nakamura at half time, with Suzuki moving to the right of midfield, as Tokyo attempted to inject some pace into their attack. The tactic nearly brought an immediate reward as Yazawa burst forward straight up the middle in the 49th minute before finding Suzuki on his right. Suzuki took the ball on and clipped a slightly mis-timed right-footed shot that bounded narrowly wide of the left post. In the 52nd minute an almost identical move created another opening for Suzuki, with Hanyu the provider this time, but again Suzuki directed his shot wide of the left-hand post.
In the 57th minute Tosu worked the ball down the right, eventually finding Yanagisawa unmarked inside the Tokyo area on the right. It seemed to be a clear opening for the visitors but Konno was quickly across to smother the danger. The Tokyo sidebacks then began to push forward on the flanks and in the 61st minute Abe launched a deep, hanging cross towards the far post from the left wing. Hirayama and Muro jumped for the ball, the Tosu keeper failed to hold on and Yazawa was on hand to lunge between two defenders and smash the loose ball into the roof of the net.
Boosted by the goal, Tokyo began to pour forward and Muro was forced to dart smartly off his line in the 64th minute to whip Yazawa's sharp cross away from the onrushing Takahashi. Tosu responded by introducing towering forward Noda. The intensity increased as the game developed into a counter attacking battle. Suzuki drove a free kick into the Tosu area in the 81st minute but the ball evaded both attackers and defenders alike.
Roberto replaced Hanyu in the 86th minute. In the final minute of regulation time Tokyo exploited the open spaces in midfield to launch a fast break from midfield, with Roberto Cesar showing impressive pace to leave the Tosu defence trailing in his wake. Suzuki acted as decoy, luring a defender away on the inside and allowing Cesar to burst into the visitors' area on the right and hammer a shot on target. Muro spread himself well and blocked the ball away, denying Tokyo a decisive second goal. Tosu continued to press but the Tokyo defence remained calm with Konno and Morishige coolly efficient in clearing any danger. The late substitution of Mukuhara for Suzuki ran down the clock and Roberto Cesar might have scored with almost the final kick of the game but failed to make a connection after a neat turn had taken him away from a defender inside the Tosu penalty area. Yazawa's goal proved to be sufficient as the final whistle blew moments later and Tokyo had started the 2011 season with a home win.


Players' comments
Yazawa
"The performance wasn't great but it's pleasing that we took the chance when it came and won the game. When the cross came in I wondered if the keeper was going to catch the ball but made my move believing that Hirayama was going to beat him to it. That kind of movement in those areas is something I try to focus on. All goals count, no matter how scruffy, so I'm pleased to get my name on the scoresheet today. The challenge is that if you don't score then you can't win and I hope to get myself in those positions in the future".

Abe
"Of course we're pleased with the win but there's no way we can be satisfied and we want to give it our all to keep winning. I've longed to play here at Ajinomoto Stadium since I joined the youth setup so I was thrilled to step out onto the pitch today. I wasn't particularly nervous but I did feel a little stiff in the first half. Our movement was much better overall in the second half and I felt able to fulfill my role as a sideback. At half time I talked to Hirayama about what kind of crosses to put in".

FC Tokyo manager Kiyoshi Okuma
"We knew that Tosu would press hard from the front and that when we won the ball they would retreat. Breaking down teams that defend deeply has been a problem for us since the Emperor's Cup last year. We also knew that they would lose their shape in the second half and that's where we need better combination and individual play to break forward out of defence. It's difficult but that's the next issue for us to deal with. We won but our opponents worked very hard. I think the game showed us clearly that building a team to strike a balance between stability and risk is a tricky business. We may have won but I feel that this season is going to be like one long knockout tournament.
Roberto Cesar hadn't played for 4 months before today and although his condition is far from 100% I think he showed us some glimpses of what he can do. He has the ability to move the ball and be a dangerous player. It's going to take some time for us to understand his style and integrate him into the team. Roberto went on because Hanyu was a little concerned about a knock he took on his leg and our opponents had a couple of simple set plays. Roberto can slot in to protect the defence and we were also looking to get a second goal.
What did I think of Tosu? Well, after watching the Emperor's Cup game and a preseason match and seeing their hard work and the quality of their play I don't think there's much difference between J1. They combine well and have a clear idea of what they're doing. I had a favourable impression and think they're a genuinely good team. I hope we can both continue to play well and enjoy a healthy rivalry".

Sagan Tosu manager Jong Hwan Yoon
"With playing such a strong opponent as FC Tokyo in the opening game I expected the team to be nervous but I was surprised at how smoothly we started the match. We lost but I think we could see that we are getting close to building a good team with real expectations. Even though we lost and there are differences in many areas I thought we played a good game. We do have a lot to learn, though. This year we will be stressing the communication between the coaching staff and players, to allow them to make decisions to solve problems on the field during matches. We want them to have the confidence to play and to perform".