＜Match Review＞
The first match of the Emperor's Cup was held. J1 League teams enter from the 2nd round. Tokyo faced Fukushima United FC, the representative team of Fukushima Prefecture, in their first official match.
Due to consecutive matches, the team composition has been significantly changed from the league matches.
Among the members who played in the Yokohama F.Marinos match in the previous round of the league, the following 6 players were included in the starting lineup: Keigo Higashi, Shuhei Tokumoto, Koki Tsukagawa, Kuryu Matsuki, Adailton, and Perotti. Tsuyoshi Kodama, who made his first appearance this season, was chosen as the goalkeeper, and Renta Higashi, the center back, made his first official match appearance as a professional player.
1st HALF - Reverse with calm game play despite being scored first
Fukushima was the one who came forward from the start of the match. They maintained a high position in their formation and pressed the ball side when Tokyo passed the ball in their defensive line. Tokyo also calmly advanced the ball, but they were unable to carry it to the opponent's goal due to the strength in the duels.
Then, in the 12th minute of the first half, they created a numerical advantage on the left side and penetrated deep into our territory. They crossed the ball directly in front of the goal and scored the opening goal.
Amidst the flickering of Emperor's Cup-specific upsets, Tokyo calmly regained control of the game and gradually strengthened their counterattack.
In the 19th minute of the first half, Tsukagawa player applied pressure in a high position and stole the ball just outside the opponent's penalty area. He then carried the ball into the penalty area, evaded a defender, and calmly scored to equalize. In the 29th minute of the first half, Adailton player was fouled and awarded a penalty kick, which he converted to take the lead. They took the lead before the end of the first half and turned the game around.
2nd HALF - Matsuki's first goal at Ajinomoto Stadium extends the lead and advances to the 3rd round
Even in the second half, they calmly continue the game while maintaining possession of the ball, but there are also moments where they are pushed back deep into their own territory by Fukushima's momentum.
Despite leading, Tokyo did not let their guard down and seized the opportunities.
In the 13th minute of the second half, when launching a counterattack, player Kota Tawaratsumida carried the ball with speed and passed it to player Matsumaki, who had entered the space from the left. Matsumaki calmly slid the ball into the goal from the penalty area, extending the lead with his first goal at Ajinomoto Stadium.
As the game progressed in a stalemate, in the 35th minute of the second half, the opponent player who dribbled into the penalty area was fouled during a change of direction, resulting in a penalty kick. However, this penalty kick danger was averted as the opponent's kick deviated above the goal.
After that, there were scenes where the ball crossed in front of the goal after the side was broken, but they defended with their bodies and did not allow any goals, welcoming the final whistle of the game.
MATCH DETAILS
＜F.C.Tokyo＞
STARTING XI
GK Koda Go
DF Suzuki Junya/Higashitani Renta/Henrique Trevisan/Tokumoto Yuhei
MF Tsukagawa Takaki (30th minute of the second half: Terayama Tsubasa)/Higashi Keigo/Kuryu Matsuki
FW Tawaratsumida Kota (22nd minute of the second half: Nishido Hisatoshi)/Perotti (30th minute of the second half: Kumada Naoki)/Adailton (44th minute of the second half: Doi Kanta)
SUBS
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
FW Leon NOZAWA/Yuta ARAI
GOAL
First half 19 minutes: Koki TSUKAGAWA/First half 30 minutes: Adailton/Second half 13 minutes: Kuryu MATSUKI
＜Fukushima United FC＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Kaito Yamamoto
DF Kosuke Tanaka/Gaku Nozue (36th minute of the second half: Kazuki Dohana)/Naoki Suzu/Takeshi Ota
MF Hiroshi Omori/Tomohiko Miyazaki (15th minute of the second half: Hiroshi Yoshinaga)/Uheiji Uehata
FW Shoki Nagano (15th minute of the second half: Kanta Jojo)/Ryo Shiobara (36th minute of the second half: Kota Mori)/Hiroki Higuchi (28th minute of the second half: Yuta Nobuyoshi)
SUBS
GK Satoshi OSUGI
MF Naoya SEITA
GOAL
First half 12 minutes: Ryo SHIOHAMA
[Coach Albert's Press Conference Comments]
Q, please look back on today's game.
A, the team entered the game with focus. We conceded a goal early on, but we were able to react quickly and turn the game around, creating many chances and controlling the game. However, in the last 15 minutes of the game, we didn't play well. It was a period where we lost the ball and control of the game. Fukushima United FC has shown that they play with respect for the ball and have proven their quality. I would like to take this opportunity to commend them for approaching the game with an attacking game plan rather than a defensive one, despite facing a team from a different category.
As an improvement point, we were not able to score additional points during the time when we created many chances. As a result, we lost control of the game towards the end. I am not satisfied with that. Finally, I would like to commend Renta Higashi, who started in the starting lineup and played well, and Kanta Doi, who came on as a substitute and made his first appearance in an official match as a Tokyo player. I am also satisfied that Kuryu Matsuki has led the team as a key player in a good manner. He has proven his growth and I continue to expect his further growth and performance in the league matches.
Q: What was the reason for losing control of the game towards the end?
A, in my opinion, better defense means defending with the ball. It is better to end the game by holding the ball rather than by solidifying the defense, but the team does not understand this point. In a situation where we are winning 3-1, there may be a way of thinking to solidify the defense, take the ball and score additional points with a counterattack, but I do not prefer ending the game in such a way. This time, because we ended up solidifying the defense, the opponent was able to create chances. Once again, I hope the team learns to end the game while holding the ball and defending with the ball. Except for the last 15 minutes, we were able to move the ball at a good tempo and had effective attacks utilizing the wings. I am satisfied with that aspect.
[Player Interview]
＜Player Kuryu MATSUKI＞
Q: please review the game.
A, even if the content was bad, I think it was good that we were able to win in the tournament-style game called the Emperor's Cup. In the first half, we were able to apply a good high press, but in the second half, there was also physical exhaustion, and there were difficult times. We need to create a fight where we can apply a 90-minute high press, including players who have not participated in the league matches. Aggressive defense is important as a method to lead to victory. Based on that, I want to build up step by step from tomorrow's practice.
Q: Are you considering high press as the base of your defensive strategy for the team?
A, yes. When facing a team that excels at circulating the ball in a game situation like today's, one of the strategies is to successfully steal the ball and go for a short counterattack. Tsukagawa Koki's goal today was a play that turned that strategy into reality. I believe that if we can continue to execute such plays for the full 90 minutes, we will become an even better team.
Q, Kuryu MATSUKI himself, also scored his first goal at Ajinomoto Stadium.
A, it took a long time until my first goal. Kota TAWARATSUMIDA supplied me with a good ball, so I was able to score well. After the game, TAWARATSUMIDA thanked me directly, saying "Thank you for scoring." I was also aware that I needed to score in a situation where we had to win in the tournament. It was good that the goal was created in a good way. I am grateful to the fans and supporters who supported me in scoring.
Q, The Emperor's Cup 3rd Round will be a match against Verdy.
A, "Tokyo" is the game that Tokyo must win as its representative. We also have league matches, but we will do our best to achieve good results in the Emperor's Cup.
＜Player Renta HIGASHI＞
Q: please review the game.
There were opponents that were difficult to play against as a team, but personally, I challenged myself to see how far I could go. In the first half, we couldn't get into the game smoothly, but I think I was able to show some good defensive plays in the second half with the support of those around me.
Q, Wasn't it significant to obtain the most important result of the day, which is victory?
A, yes, but as a defender, I wanted to finish without conceding any goals. There was also a penalty kick, so it wouldn't have been strange to concede two goals, so that's something I consider as a challenge.
Q, today, wasn't it a big thing to participate and gain again?
A professional player must participate in the game and win. Therefore, I think it is important to continue. Today, my mother was here, so I think it was good to be able to show my family and the people who support me in my hometown how I play.
Q: What will you do from now on to participate in the next match?
A, I would like to make use of the challenges that came up today in future practices and practice matches. If I can show growth there, I think I might get another chance.
Kanta DOI Player
Q, this was my first appearance.
A, I was able to participate, but I haven't been able to play well, so I want to do my best from here.
Q: What preparations have you made for today's match?
I thought it was important to appeal in practice. I have been working hard every day since practice, so I want to continue building from here.
Q, please tell us how you feel when you step onto the pitch.
We entered the game with the consciousness of not conceding a goal as we were leading 3-1. There were many first-time experiences, such as the atmosphere of the stadium, but I think we were able to play calmly.
Q, the 3rd Round will be a match against Verdy. As someone born and raised in Tokyo, how do you feel?
A, because they are an opponent that we absolutely cannot afford to lose to, I want to do my best to make good preparations and be able to participate in the game.
Q, I think it was a dream to stand on the Ajinomoto pitch for a long time. How was it to actually stand on it?
A, I have always admired and watched the pitch since I was little, so I am happy that my dream has become a reality.
Q, I think you have been watching your father (Yoichi DOI) play as a goalkeeper in Tokyo for a long time. Please share your thoughts on playing on the same pitch as him.
A, I don't want to lose to my father, so I want to build up from here to surpass his record.
Q, do you still pay attention to it?
I don't really pay attention to what others say, but if my father tells me, I become conscious of it.
Q, do you hear it from your father?
A, I get provoked quite a bit (lol).
Q, what did Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA say to you when you entered the pitch?
A, I was told to not concede any goals.
Q: You've had injuries and it has been a long journey so far. How do you reflect on it?
In November 2022, I got injured and was in rehabilitation until April. However, thanks to the support and care from Takashi OKUHARA, the coach, and the staff of FC Tokyo U-18, I would like to express my gratitude.
