Break the bad flow and aim to stop the losing streak by taking 3 points

　Sec. 29 of the league, we played against Cerezo Osaka away. In the second leg of the 10/13 Nabisco Semifinal Round, we suffered consecutive goals due to being unable to take advantage of chances and lost the match. As a result, we have conceded a total of 8 goals in the last two matches, while only scoring 1 goal, and it is undeniable that the team is in a difficult situation. However, Coach Popovic says, "We cannot move forward if we dwell on the loss. We only have the league matches left. We must show a fighting spirit and play at a higher level to achieve victory. For the supporters and for ourselves, we must never give up and continue to fight."

　C Osaka, on the other hand, is currently in 12th place with 38 points. In the match at Ajista on June 23, they scored two goals in the second half and secured a victory with the desired game plan. However, at that time, C Osaka changed coaches to Mr. Kurpi. MF Kiyotake and Kim Bogyon transferred, but attacking MF Heberthi and MF Simplicio, a defensive midfielder with a history of playing for the Brazilian national team, joined the team. Experienced players have brought stability and trust to the team, and with that, they have developed the ability to win by enhancing their attacking power centered around FW Kakitani and FW Sugimoto.

　Tokyo, Takahashi and Gonda safely returned from the Japan national team's European tour. It was only yesterday that they joined the team, but there were no particular issues with the adjustment. However, Morishige, who has played the full match in every game this season, will be suspended for this match. Therefore, the lineup will have Tokunaga and Takahashi as center backs in the defensive line, with Mukuhara and Nakamura as the fullbacks. In the attacking line, Lucas will be the lone striker, with Ishikawa and Tanabe on the sides. Kono has also made it to the bench.

　C Osaka has won all three matches with a score of 3-2. As Tokyo is expected to be at a disadvantage in a high-scoring match, they want to take control from defense, maintain a quick pace, and exploit the opponent's weaknesses. Tanabe also expressed his determination, saying, "I want to move the ball and create a rhythm. I have nothing to lose. I want to show everything I have been working on this season." They will challenge C Osaka with a strong focus on winning, displaying both aggressiveness and tenacity. The match started at 18:04 with C Osaka's kickoff at Kincho Stadium.

Both teams created chances in a back-and-forth game, but the first half ended with no goals scored.

　From the start of the first half, both teams have been intense in their challenges for the ball, maintaining focus on defense. In the 8th minute, we stole the ball in our own half and connected passes, with Yonemoto expanding to the left. Nakamura passed to the center, where Lucas and Kajiyama connected, and Mokuhara made an early cross from the right. Kajiyama used his head to meet the ball wide, but it went outside the frame. In the 12th minute, Lucas broke through the left front line and passed to the center. Just before reaching Kajiyama, it was intercepted, but Hasegawa pressed and Iwakawa met the loose ball in the center, taking a direct shot that went over the bar.

　Tokyo quickly switches between offense and defense, but lacks accuracy and coordination in their attacks, gradually allowing C Osaka to increase their attacking opportunities. In the 23rd minute, C Osaka's left fullback Maruhashi, who was riding on speed, delivered a precise early cross. It reached the midfielder Yamaguchi, who had moved up to the front line, perfectly on his chest, but his pass became too long and resulted in a mistake. In the 30th minute, Lucas broke through the left area after a one-two with Kajiyama. He sent a decisive negative pass in front of the goal, but Ishikawa attempted to connect with it from the outside and missed.

　42 minutes, Tanabe in the center passes to Lucas, who drops the ball, and Tanabe bravely takes a dribble shot, but it goes straight to the goalkeeper. In the 44th minute, Kajiyama pushes forward on the left side and passes to Tanabe, who is in close range to the goal in the left area. He creates a decisive scene, but the opponent's defender throws his body and the shot goes wide. In the early stages, there were moments where we lost the ball and were attacked by C Osaka, but we persevered and created chances through Kajiyama and Lucas. It was a back and forth game with chances for both teams, but the first half ended scoreless.

Equalized with VUCICEVIC's goal, but ended in a draw as they aimed for a comeback victory.

　Shortly after the start of the second half, Hasegawa took the ball on the right side after a fierce chase by Yonemoto in their own half. Ishikawa passed to Lucas on the left front line and Yonemoto, who had advanced to the center, took a shot but it went wide to the left. Then, in the 50th minute, C Osaka made a side change from the right midfield to the left front line, which was received by left full-back Maruhashi in a high position. He brought the ball into the center and boldly scored a powerful middle shot from near the left corner of the area, conceding the opening goal in the near top corner.

　C Osaka is gaining momentum, but in the 60th minute, Chang Hyun Soo replaces Tanabe. In the 63rd minute, Nemanja VUCICEVIC is substituted for Kajiyama, changing the formation to a 3-back. Then, in the 74th minute, they steal the ball in the DF line, Tokunaga passes to VUCICEVIC quickly switching to attack. VUCICEVIC passes to Hasegawa, who has moved up the right front line via Lucas. Hasegawa returns the pass to the center of the area, and VUCICEVIC, who has run in with great momentum, confidently scores the equalizer.

　After the equalizer, Edmilson was substituted for Yonemoto. Takahashi was moved to defensive midfield and the formation was changed back to a 4-back. Both teams continued to attack each other, with intense exchanges between offense and defense. In the 81st minute, a shot hit the crossbar from a quick restart by C Osaka's midfielder Heber. Furthermore, in the 85th minute, C Osaka made three consecutive substitutions and relentlessly launched attacks.

　As time passed, it became a fierce exchange of counters, and in stoppage time, Hasegawa received a second warning and was sent off. Although they became completely defensive, the team united and withstood C Osaka's fierce attacks until the end of the game. They attempted to take the lead with player substitutions and formation changes, but could only secure 1 point away from home.

　【Player Comment】《Nemanja VUCICEVIC》"It was a tough game. I felt that C Osaka is also a good team. However, we haven't been able to achieve good results in the past few games, but today we played with confidence. In order to make this valuable point we gained away worth it, we want to win the next home game. (About the goal) My teammates gave me courage and seeing their attitude to take risks in the game also motivated me. Although it was a tie, I think it was good that I was able to contribute to the team. The shot was as intended. I still have the same desire to contribute to the team in every game as before. I want to score a goal that leads to victory next time."

　"Personally, I was thinking of starting from a solid defense. I think my movements in defense were not bad. However, I wish I could have shown more of my attacking characteristics... In terms of attack, I wanted to bring the ball to a shot today, so I was thinking of changing my usual vertical breakthrough to a movement towards the center. I was able to dribble, but ultimately couldn't finish. I regret that and feel like I lacked aggressiveness."

　C Osaka had the power to break through the defense and had individual skills. On the other hand, we were able to defend ourselves until the end. However, the start of the second half was not good. We had discussed "let's be careful when entering the second half" based on our experience so far, but we keep making the same mistakes. We need to be more determined to win and want to keep a clean sheet. We also want to score goals."

　[Coach Popovich's press conference summary] "A game where both teams showcased their strengths. And for 90 minutes, I think we continued to show a high-tempo game. However, the regrettable point is allowing the first goal. When we are in a position to chase, both mentally and physically, it becomes intense and exhausting. We should work on improving that aspect. I believe it is a part where the entire team needs to be united in purpose. Despite being scored on first, we were able to catch up and continue to fight for victory, which is commendable. We couldn't capitalize on our chances, but being able to demonstrate that attitude is still praiseworthy."

　I think there were some parts where we were abandoned by luck. I want to say to the players that they did well in showing the attitude of going for three points. There were also considerations such as injured players and the Japan national team, so we couldn't fix the combination of the final line-up from July. I think today's combination was a new one that we haven't done before, but the players responded well on the pitch, so I want to say that they did well in that sense as well."

　[C Osaka Levir CULPI press conference summary] "I think it was a very physical and tough game. FC Tokyo has many experienced players and a strong physical team, so it was a tough game, but I think Cerezo created more decisive chances. However, even so, I think a draw is a fair result. We couldn't score despite creating chances. Considering that, I think it's a fair result."

　(I started MF Yamaguchi instead of MF Ogiwara) Regarding MF Yamaguchi, it is said that he can create more effective attacks by coming out from behind. Additionally, MF Heberci and MF Edamura were also playing well, so we approached the match with this kind of lineup. However, we always consider MF Ogiwara as a regular player. He has received 7 cards, so there are times when he starts from the bench. I think there will be some players who will change their starting positions depending on the match in the future."