The first official match after the break, the Emperor's Cup Round 16 against Roasso Kumamoto, was lost as they conceded an early goal and couldn't find their rhythm. The resumption of the league match, which comes after a 3-day break, is another away game that involves a long-distance travel. The opponent is Cerezo Osaka, who has not won a single game this season, including the Levain Cup. They were defeated 1-3 by Kashima Antlers in the league match before the break, so it became an important match to stop the losing streak in the league and official matches.
Tokyo, which is aiming for victory, has welcomed back reliable captain Masato Morishige to the starting lineup. Kosuke Shirai, who joined the team during the summer transfer period, also made the starting lineup following the Emperor's Cup. Goalkeeper Taishi Brandon Nozawa, who is making his J1 League debut, was selected. Additionally, Jája Silva, who has just joined the team, also made the bench and became a member.
This season's league matches have only achieved one away win, and Tokyo is very weak in away games. To make a comeback in the second half of the season, they want to overcome their weakness in away games. Cerezo Osaka, who has not won in three matches this season, has become an ideal opponent to overcome that weakness.
1st HALF - Matsuki scores his first league goal of the season with a strong start
The players start the game with sharp movements and a high level of concentration. The defensive line maintains a high line that approaches the halfway line, and they execute a high press in coordination with the front line. They successfully steal the ball in the opponent's deep position and create several scenes that end with a shot.
With the momentum of taking the lead, they scored the opening goal in the 8th minute of the first half. They earned a free kick in a position on the left side beyond the half line, and Yuto Nagatomo timed his kick perfectly into the space behind the opponent's defensive formation. Diego Oliveira, who understood the intention, broke free and received the ball inside the penalty area while carrying an opponent defender on his back. As he tried to control the ball, the opponent defender poked it away, but Kusei Matsuki, who had entered the penalty area to provide support, picked it up. Number 7 calmly controlled the ball, shook off the defender, confidently swung his left foot, and smoothly placed the ball into the bottom right corner of the goal.
Even after taking the lead, they continued to dominate for a while, ending their attacks with consecutive shots in the 17th minute of the first half. They regained the ball in a deep position on the left side of the opponent's field and Ryoma WATANABE took a shot that missed the timing of the opponent's goalkeeper, deflecting it to the right of the frame. The opponent's goal kick restarted with a short pass, and Diego TABA immediately chased and blocked the clearance ball. Kota TAWARATSUMIDA, who picked up the loose ball, cut in and took a shot with his right foot, but the opponent's goalkeeper reacted to it.
The accident occurred in the 21st minute of the first half. Diego player injured his leg when blocking the opponent's clearance ball in the aforementioned chance scene, and it became impossible for him to continue playing, so he was replaced by Perotti player.
After this substitution, the flow of the game gradually shifted to Cerezo Osaka's favor. They were unable to stop the breakthroughs of Jordy Croux on the right side and Capixaba on the left side, and were pushed back as dangerous crosses were repeatedly sent into the goal area. However, the defenders threw themselves in front of the most dangerous areas and blocked the shots, and even in scenes where they couldn't stop them, Taishi Nozawa calmly responded. There were also scenes where they were helped by the opponent's missed shots, but they reached halftime without conceding a goal.
2nd HALF - Accepting a series of accidents and winning 3 points
After the rain fell in the second half, Cerezo Osaka, who was trailing by one goal at home, continued to be attacked. Furthermore, in the 5th minute of the second half, midfielder Kei Koizumi sat down on the pitch and was substituted. Accidents of player substitutions due to injuries continued, following the first half.
Before regaining composure with a player substitution, we were hit by the opponent's fierce attack. In the 55th and 60th minutes, we faced consecutive decisive moments, but the former was defended by Taishi NOZAWA with a header shot by Mainaguma, and the latter saw Watanabe break free behind the high line, but he was faced with a one-on-one situation with Taishi NOZAWA and was shot with a well-aimed looping shot, which missed the goal and resulted in no harm.
The development of patience continues, but Tokyo on this day continues to fight without impatience. Even if the sides are broken deep, even if there is a continuous time when the ball cannot be taken before the midfield, everyone is thoroughly aware of putting their bodies on the line in front of the goal, and they maintain a formation that does not easily allow shots by always having someone near, in front of the goal, and on the far side in response to cross balls.
In the 33rd minute of the second half, the system was changed by sending Yasuki Kimoto, Shuhei Tokumoto, and Jaja, who made his J-League debut, onto the pitch. They added numbers to the side that was on the defensive and did not allow freedom, and placed the speedy Jaja player as the top striker, anticipating a counterattack.
In the closing stages, where we want to close the game with a one-point lead, we show a determined fight. We solidify the goal area with five defenders, react quickly to second balls, and thoroughly execute clear plays in dangerous areas.
In the final moments of the additional 5 minutes, Jája player broke through and approached the opponent's goal, creating a situation where he could push in by inducing a clearance mistake, but he was blocked by the desperate returning opponent defender and no additional points were scored. Immediately after that, the final whistle blew, and they accumulated valuable 3 points in the difficult away game, stopping the losing streak in official matches.
MATCH DETAILS
＜FC Tokyo＞
STARTING XI
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
DF Kosuke SHIRAI/Masato MORISHIGE/Henrique TREVISAN/Yuto NAGATOMO
MF Kei KOIZUMI (5th minute of the second half: Koki TSUKAGAWA)/Keigo HIGASHI (33rd minute of the second half: Yasuki KIMOTO)/Kuryu MATSUKI
FW Ryoma WATANABE/Diego OLIVEIRA (21st minute of the first half: PEROTTI) (33rd minute of the second half: Jája Silva)/Kota TAWARATSUMIDA (33rd minute of the second half: Shuhei TOKUMOTO)
SUBS
GK Tsuyoshi KODAMA
FW Adailton
GOAL
First half, 8 minutes: Kuryu MATSUKI
Cerezo Osaka
STARTING XI
GK Yan Hanbin
DF Shindo Ryosuke/Maekuma Seiya/Toriumi Koji/Funaki Kakeru
MF Kida Yo/Kagawa Shinji/Jordy Croux (Substituted in the 22nd minute of the second half: Shibayama Masaya)/Kapishaba
FW Uemon Tomoki/Watanabe Ryo (Substituted in the 22nd minute of the second half: Kitano Sota)
SUBS
GK Keisuke SHIMIZU
DF Matej JONJIC
MF Tokuma SUZUKI/Haruki ARAI/Reiya SAKATA
GOAL
ー
[Peter Cklamovski Coach Press Conference Comments]
Q: please review the game.
It was a tough 90 minutes. We have prepared everything, but I think the players worked well and brought victory with a mentality and attitude of hard work. However, what is important is that we were able to take 3 points together with the fans and supporters who continued to support us during the 90 minutes and additional time. I am happy that we were able to send them home with smiles.
Q, please tell me about the timing of changing the system at the end of the game.
Unfortunately, in the middle of the first half, player Diego OLIVEIRA got injured, and then, at the beginning of the second half, player Kei KOIZUMI was substituted, leaving only one substitution remaining. At that point, we considered the timing and executed the final substitution. Being the last substitution, we were conscious of using it at the right moment, and we made the substitution with the aim of bringing in a fresh player while considering the energy of the players who were still playing, in order to firmly bring out the team's energy. We were able to respond to Cerezo Osaka's strength of crossing the ball while changing sides and I think we defended well until the end.
Q: Please evaluate Taishi Brandon NOZAWA, who made his J1 League debut.
A, I am very proud. He gave a performance that deserved a clean sheet, and I think it was a good night for him. He showed a strong mentality and positive aspects. I think this is because the entire goalkeeper group is making daily efforts. Our team, the group, the players who played here, and the players who stayed in Tokyo are really doing a great job of improving the team every day. Now, we are working hard to build a strong team, step by step. In order to become the team we envision, we still need to continue growing. To create the team we aim for, we need the dedication like today.
Q, please evaluate the growth of player Kuryu MATSUKI.
A, he is doing very well. He has acquired the necessary information as an individual and is also doing very well as a member of the team. I am also inspired by his mental aspect and dedication. I think there is more room for improvement for him to become the player he envisions.
[Player Interview]
＜Player Kuryu MATSUKI＞
Q: please review the game.
A, we wanted to control the ball ourselves, but considering the flow of the game, I think it was good that we were able to win in such a challenging match.
Q, please look back on the scoring scene.
A, the loose ball came to where I moved well and predicted, so all I had to do was put it in.
Q: The goal was scored from the flow of a quick start free kick, what was the reason that Kuryu MATSUKI was able to take that position?
A, Keigo HIGASHI was playing in an outside position, so I took up the position in the attacking midfield to support Diego OLIVEIRA. He rolled the ball well there.
Q: The partner for the double pivot changed between the first half and the second half. Please reflect on the differences in roles in the defensive aspect.
At the defensive midfield position, it would have been better if we could have defended and recovered second balls without facing our own goal, and also showed our faces well when building up attacks. However, both Kei KOIZUMI and Koki TSUKAGAWA, as well as the player from the East, communicated well and ran well, so I feel that we were able to play as a team.
Q: It seemed like the team shifted to a defensive formation by increasing the number of players in the defensive line after the 30th minute of the second half. What was the team's mindset during that time?
First of all, it is important not to concede. Since there were three tall players in front of the goal to defend against the cross balls from the side, we were aiming to repel them and if possible, add a goal with Jája Silva's counterattack.
＜Taishi Brandon NOZAWA＞
Q: please review the game.
A, today's match was my debut game in the J1 League. Although it was an away game, I am filled with gratitude for being able to play in such a wonderful atmosphere. There were not many periods in today's match where things went well for the team, but my teammates gave their all, especially in defense. I believe that their hard work led to the victory.
Q, today's match was your J1 League debut. What were you thinking about before the match?
As I approached my debut match in the J1 League, I was very excited. I am grateful to the people who always support me and send me encouragement for being able to deliver a victory to them. We won the game, but even if we had drawn or lost, it would have been a day without regrets.
Q, please reflect on your performance today.
A, although there were few good periods in terms of the game content, I think it is important for the team to win and take the next step. I think difficult matches will continue in the future, but I want the team to continue growing step by step.
Q, please tell us what you were conscious of as the last player in the defense line, given the high defensive line setting.
I approached the game with the consciousness of leaving the space behind the defense line to me, and we were able to communicate well. I think it was good that I was able to make aggressive plays. I was able to judge when to move forward and when to hold back, and it was good that we were able to finish the game without conceding any goals.
Q: If there are any points that have been consciously corrected since the Roasso Kumamoto match, please let me know.
I was conscious of increasing the tempo of play and creating a situation where the team can press the defense from the back. I think it is my future challenge to firmly take the initiative and dominate both in defense and attack from the back. In the Kumamoto match, we were always on the back foot, so I was conscious of taking the initiative.
Congratulations on your Q, J-League debut.
A, thank you very much. I was eager to play in the game and it was great to be able to actually participate in the game and earn 3 points.
Q, although it was a short time, what kind of play did you imagine when you entered the game?
A, unfortunately the playing time was short, but I wanted to contribute to the team by following Coach CKLAMOVSKI's instructions and helping my teammates. It was a short time, but for me, this is the beginning in the J-League and I want to extend my playing time more and more. Anyway, I'm really happy that we were able to win today.
Q, we came within one step of scoring a goal just before the end of the match.
It is disappointing and frustrating that I couldn't score a goal, but I was able to show my skills from the midfield position and although the goalkeeper stopped me and the defender blocked me, I was able to demonstrate my strengths. I want to make sure to score in the next opportunity.
Q: It's your first game and your first victory. Please tell us your honest feelings.
It is very pleasing to have earned 3 points in the first match in the J-League. This week, the team has been working hard in training, so it's good to see the results.
Q: Next week will be Jája Silva's first home game, and it will also be the first time in about a month that our team returns to our "home". Please share your enthusiasm for the upcoming match.
A, I am really looking forward to playing at our "home" in Tokyo because I have heard that the atmosphere at the stadium is amazing. Today, even though we were playing away in a distant place, we had so many fans and supporters come to watch us. I can only imagine how incredible it will be for our home games.
