After the away game against Yokohama F.Marinos and the game against Vissel Kobe at Japan National Stadium, Tokyo returned to Ajinomoto Stadium for the first time in about half a month. The match against the two teams competing for the top spot in the league was not inferior to the opponent in terms of content. On the contrary, Tokyo had control of the game for a long time, and the development where a draw became a loss due to a late goal against was very tough for Tokyo compared to what happened on the pitch.
This round, which will clear the regret of these two matches, will face Avispa Fukuoka, who is ranked higher than Tokyo by 2 points. The quarterfinals of the Levain Cup Prime Stage on the 6th, which will be played in 2 days, will also be the same match, making it a "3-match against Fukuoka" until the second match of the quarterfinals on the 10th, playing 3 games against Fukuoka in 8 days.
They approached the match with a strong desire to win at home, in order to gain momentum for the semifinals of the Levain Cup and to accumulate points by securing a victory in a direct confrontation with a team that is close in the league standings.
In Tokyo, Seiji Kimura, Taishi Brandon Nozawa, and Kuryu Matsuki, who were selected for the U-22 Japan national team, all made it into the starting lineup. Kanta Doi was included as a reserve player.
1st HALF - Continuous goals in the early stages
The game starts moving right away. At the kick-off, Fukuoka rushes towards the Tokyo goal. Although we were able to block them in front of the goal, they used the sides frequently, causing us to lose sight of our marks. In the 2nd minute of the first half, they crossed the ball from the right side into the goal area, leaving Sato open on the far side and allowing them to score the first goal.
Tokyo wants to suppress the opponent's momentum and move forward, but in the 11th minute of the first half, they were broken down from a set play. The ball was thrown in from the right side near the goal line, and Konno carried it into the penalty area. When a pass was made in the negative direction, Yamagishi struck a powerful shot near the goal, widening the deficit.
Tokyo wants to score a goal early, but they are unable to bring the ball to the goal due to Fukuoka's quick transition and retreat in defense after losing possession of the ball.
In the midst of the flow, unable to find an attacking opportunity, they create a chance from a set piece. In the 21st minute of the first half, they earn a free kick opportunity on the right side. The ball, which was initially cleared, floats high in front of the goal. Seiji Kimura attempts a header at the descending ball, but the shot hits the crossbar directly.
In the 33rd minute of the first half, we were pushed into the penalty area after a set play and faced multiple shots that we couldn't clear. However, we managed to block them with our bodies and somehow survive.
In the latter part of the first half, we held the ball and tried to attack while moving in the opponent's territory, but we couldn't find a clear path to a successful finish. We ended the first half trailing by two points.
2nd HALF - Kumada's goal in the final stage is still far from one point
Tokyo pushes forward with the force from the start and strength in ball contests. Not only moving the ball in the opponent's territory, but also increasing actions towards the goal.
As the play increases in the battle for the ball, opportunities for free kicks near the opponent's penalty area arise. In the 17th minute of the second half, there was a chance for a free kick from the right side. Adailton, who had also been substituted, headed Riki Harakawa's free kick, but it narrowly missed to the right of the goal.
Tokyo made a substitution early in the second half, but also attempted to change the game situation with substitutions towards the end. In the 29th minute of the second half, Koki TSUKAGAWA was substituted for Teruhito NAKAGAWA, and Naoki KUMATA was substituted for Diego OLIVEIRA. The final substitution was made in the 38th minute of the second half, with Kosuke SHIRAI replacing Ryo MAEDA to strengthen the counterattack.
The counterattack paid off in the 41st minute of the second half. After winning a corner kick from the left side, Harakawa played the ball into the far side, and Kumada headed it into the goal.
After that, even after entering additional time, there were continued set-piece opportunities, but the shots were unable to find the target, resulting in a 1-2 defeat without being able to score a goal.
MATCH DETAILS
＜FC Tokyo＞
STARTING XI
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
DF Kei KOIZUMI/Seiji KIMURA/Henrique TREVISAN/Yuto NAGATOMO
MF Keigo HIGASHI (15th minute of the second half: Riki HARAKAWA)/Kuryu MATSUKI/Ryoma WATANABE (38th minute of the second half: Kosuke SHIRAI)
FW Teruhito NAKAGAWA (29th minute of the second half: Koki TSUKAGAWA)/Diego OLIVEIRA (29th minute of the second half: Naoki KUMATA)/Kota TAWARATSUMIDA (15th minute of the second half: Adailton)
SUBS
GK Jakub SLOWIK
DF Kanta DOI
GOAL
41st minute of the second half: Naoki KUMATA
＜Avispa Fukuoka＞
STARTING XI
GK Masakuni Murakami
DF Yota Maeshima (24th minute of the second half: Seijin Yuzawa) / Seiya Inoue / Tatsuki Nara / Douglas Grolli / Itsuki Oda
MF Kazuya Konno (24th minute of the second half: Reiju Tsuruno) / Yosuke Ideguchi / Hiroyuki Mae
FW Ryo Sato (39th minute of the second half: Tatsuya Tanaka) / Yuya Yamagishi (15th minute of the second half: Kenji Kanemori)
SUBS
GK Takumi NAGAISHI
DF Masaya TASHIRO
MF Yuto HIRATSUKA
GOAL
First half 2 minutes: Ryoga SATO/First half 11 minutes: Yuya YAMAGISHI
[Peter Cklamovski Coach Press Conference Comments]
Q: please review the game.
A, it was a very disappointing result and a disappointing night. I take responsibility for not being able to start the first half in our best form. Conceding a goal early on made it difficult for us to play our game. Despite that, the players tried to show their strengths and resilience. I think we were able to play with our momentum after the first 30 minutes of the first half. After the halftime discussion, the players showed a fantastic reaction. We tried to change the flow with a goal, but it became a tough situation as we couldn't score. I wish we could have scored a goal a little earlier. The players fought desperately to turn the game around. I apologize for not being able to deliver 3 points for the fans and supporters.
Q, what instructions did you try to change the situation at halftime?
A, we were able to play well after the first 30 minutes, so we talked about continuing that and reaffirmed our basic playing style. In this tough match, I think the players were tested in various ways to see what kind of characters they are. They fought tenaciously and were able to play in a positive manner that suited themselves from the latter part of the first half.
As a positive point, we were able to play good football when we grasped our own flow, move the ball quickly, go out to space, and enter dangerous areas. I thought that if we could score one goal, the momentum would come to us, and it would have been good if we could have taken three points by scoring one goal a little earlier. It was a very disappointing result, but we will stand up firmly from here.
[Player Interview]
＜Player Kuryu MATSUKI＞
Q: please review the game.
A lack of concentration at the start of the match led to two goals conceded, and I have nothing but regret. However, towards the end of the game, we were able to create attacking opportunities and Naoki KUMATA scored a goal. I strongly felt that we need to prove through our play that we can win against defensively strong teams like Avispa Fukuoka.
Q, we conceded a goal early on, but how did you fix it on the pitch?
A, it was difficult to break through Fukuoka's defense as they set up a five-man defense when defending. We couldn't effectively create attacking opportunities throughout the first and second halves, and it left a disappointing impression.
Q, there have been no victories in the league matches.
A, I think it is important to firmly accept this result. Although we cannot participate in the Levain Cup, I believe it is necessary to address the challenges in order to aim higher as a team.
Riki HARAKAWA player
Q, what was your impression watching from the bench in the first half?
A, we conceded a goal right at the beginning of the first half, and we also conceded the second goal with the same momentum. However, it is common for the tide to turn when we score a goal, so I didn't think there was any problem and I didn't feel particularly pessimistic.
Q, chances were created from the kick, which is also a characteristic, after entering the game.
As a team, I think we needed to show momentum and step up our game from the start of the second half, even if it meant spinning our wheels. The tempo picked up after we scored a goal, so I thought if we could score within the first 20 minutes of the second half and maintain that momentum, it would be a different game. I wish we could have shown more plays that demonstrated momentum against the opponent. This is not something that can be done alone, so we need to create an atmosphere within the entire team that says "we can come back even if we concede 2 goals". In any situation, if we can score one goal, it becomes unpredictable, so I want to use it strategically throughout the 90 minutes.
Q: Fukuoka will have back-to-back matches in the Levain Cup. How will you approach the game and make improvements against a defensive opponent?
A, I think the tempo will slow down if we let the opponent hold the ball when they are in a defensive state. If the opponent is playing with a 5-back formation like today, I believe it is most important to not concede the first goal as the game progresses. In the next match, the regulations will change, so the importance of each goal will be even greater than in the league matches. I want to approach the game while considering our strategy.
Naoki KUMATA (Player)
Q, this was my first appearance since the Kashima Antlers match on July 16th. What was your intention when stepping onto the pitch?
A, compared to before, I was able to play in the early hours. I thought I would definitely be able to score because I played during the time when Tokyo was pushing. It was a shame that we couldn't score the second and third goals as a team, considering the momentum we had.
Q, it was my first goal in the league. Please look back on the goal scene.
In the forward position, it is natural to achieve results in the form of goals, so I want to continue scoring from now on.
Q, it gives the impression that you were able to improve your condition by scoring in practice matches.
A, I entered with the feeling of achieving the minimum result, so I think it was good that I was able to score the minimum points. The first half was regrettable, so we have another game against the same opponent soon, and I would like to make adjustments as a team and focus on the results in the next game.
Q: There has been a period without any appearances. What kind of preparations have you made?
A, this summer we have had many practice matches and have been working on increasing our physical activity, including during practice, and focusing on transitioning between offense and defense. I have personally been working on improving my defensive intensity in order to play in league matches, and I hope to continue doing so and extend my playing time in league matches.
