＜Review of the previous match against Urawa Reds＞
The average age of the starting lineup is 22.73 years old, and the blue and red army achieved a brilliant comeback victory against Urawa Reds with an aggressive style. They stirred up excitement at the still undefeated "new" Japan National Stadium.
Young Tokyo Eleven, who changed six starters after tasting the bitter cup in the Tama River Clasico three days ago, are now showing their energy on the national PITA pitch.
At the center of it all was Kuryu MATSUKI, wearing the captain's armband.
12 minutes into the first half, Takahiro KO skillfully breaks through the left side with a brilliant pass and scores a skillful middle shot. It seemed like a good start with the opening goal, but unfortunately, a foul was called on player Matsuki right before the play, resulting in a no goal decision.
At the 24th minute of the first half, while attacking the enemy's territory, they were hit by a counter and conceded a super long shot from about 50 meters near the halfway line. They had no choice but to praise the opponent's super goal and conceded the first goal, ending the first half with a score of 0-1.
The second half was dominated by Tokyo. Everyone continued to work hard and overwhelm Urawa. They took control with coordinated aggressive pressing and quick second ball movements.
First, in the 5th minute of the second half, Kashif BANGNAGANDE, who had moved up the left side, crossed the ball back towards the negative direction. Ryotaro ARAKI, who was playing the role of "false nine", ran in from behind and took a one-touch shot with his right foot, scoring a beautiful goal near the goal to equalize.
The national stadium is buzzing with excitement as the game is tied. The team's mood is also heating up in the energetic atmosphere. Then, in the 13th minute of the second half, the captain's strike ignites the already fervent stadium even more.
Matsumaki, who made a big side change in the center, went straight into the penalty area. Tawaratsumida, who received this ball, turned around on the front line and crossed the ball with his right foot. Matsumaki skillfully held off the opposing defender while moving his body forward and scored a brilliant direct volley with his left foot.
The long-awaited first goal of the season was a brilliant strike that led the team to a comeback victory. After scoring a heroic goal on the national stage, he ran straight to the goal end while letting out a roar.
"I think I was waiting for my own goal, and first of all, I wanted to go to the fans and supporters."
Running towards the stands, swaying with cheers while performing a throwing kiss and pointing to the sky with both hands. Crushed by the gathered teammates, a mountain of joy was created in front of the goal stand. "I don't remember being crushed because I was too happy," shared with the large crowd at the National Stadium.
It was truly a fierce and powerful performance. He repaid the debt of the "phantom opening goal" and not only pressed from the front line, but also showed his defensive skills by returning to his own goal. While being the starting point of the attack, the reliable captain led the team to a come-from-behind victory with a spectacular finish.
The Japan National Stadium has transformed into the "ultimate football theater". In the previous match, they achieved a come-from-behind victory against Urawa Reds with a score of 2-1. In the first half, they allowed Urawa to take the lead, but in the second half, Ryotaro ARAKI's brilliant mid-range shot and Kuryu MATSUKI's powerful volley turned the game around. In the end, they defended their lead with determined defense and the sound of "You'll Never Walk Alone" echoed through the holy ground of soccer.
Player Sho ARAKI expressed the key to victory as "Our average age was really young (laughs). Everyone was fresh, so we talked about "Let's win by running today." In addition, player Matsuki, who scored his long-awaited first goal of the season, said "I wanted to go to the fans and supporters first because I was able to score a goal." He also shared the joy of the team and fans/supporters coming together for the victory.
This round, we will welcome Kashima Antlers in just 3 days. The coach leading Kashima, Ranko POPOVIC, has a history of commanding Tokyo and sticking to attacking football, so a fierce battle is inevitable this round. Player Matsuki says, "I'm getting back my feeling in front of the goal. I have a feeling I can score again in the next game," raising expectations for scoring in two consecutive games. Once again at the Japan National Stadium, the curtain will rise on the "ultimate football theater."
This week's matchday program is here
[Interview with Peter Cklamovski]
Q, Please tell us about the adjustments made from the Kawasaki Frontale match in Sec. 5 to the previous match against Urawa Reds.
A, There were more threatening attacks from the opponent in the Urawa game than in the Kawasaki game. We didn't make any big changes in our football. It was the increase in good plays, good moments, and threatening plays towards goal that led to our victory. We want to continue this same process and encourage the growth of the team so that we can have even better plays in the Kashima Antlers game.
Q, this week's match is against Kashima.
A, We always keep saying that it is important to focus on our own way of fighting and continue to play the football we aim for, no matter who the opponent is. Of course, we have respect for our opponents, but we want to become a team that makes them fear our football.
Q, Ryotaro ARAKI will not be able to play in this match. In the previous match against Urawa, Teruhito NAKAGAWA came on in the second half to take his place.
A, is one of the options to fight. I have seen Nakagawa play in that position in the past, and I know he can play dynamically. I also think he can threaten the opponent in a different way. Considering his abilities, his ability to break out from the center is also a great weapon. In the Urawa game, he was able to show his strengths and contribute to ending the game in a good way. I think whoever plays will show us plays that will contribute firmly to our way of fighting.
[Player Interview]
＜Player Kota TAWARATSUMIDA＞
Q, Urawa Reds game was the first starting lineup since the opening game against Cerezo Osaka.
I was on the bench for the Tama River Clasico against Kawasaki Frontale, but I couldn't play in the game. So, I wanted to take out that frustration in the game against Urawa. It was also my first start in a while, but I think my determination was strong and I was able to enter the game in a good shape.
Q, the team achieved a come-from-behind victory, with Kuryu MATSUKI's goal coming from an assist by Tawara Tsumita.
A, I think it was good that I was able to leave a number, but I couldn't score a goal. I want to show plays aiming for goals as a forward player. (In the assist scene), the opposing defender was wary of dribbling, so the approach was weak, so I chose a cross. I could vaguely see Matsuki player in my peripheral vision. I also saw 2-3 teammates in the area, so I sent a cross ball aiming for there.
Q, Does the quality of the cross ball expand the options for play?
A, I think so. If they are wary of the cross supply, we can attack with other options such as a cut-in shot or a dribble breakthrough to the vertical. I think that by increasing the options, we can increase the good plays and become a scary player for the opponent. I want to play aggressively and make plays.
Q, there were many times when the ball entered both wings in a good shape in the Urawa match.
If the ball is passed to the wing players in a good way, I think we can play a good game like we did against Urawa. I want to actively demand the ball and create chances for myself, and use my dribbling skills, which are my strengths, to contribute to a victory. We have a schedule of 3 days until the Kashima Antlers match, but personally, I am not feeling tired, so I want to approach the game with this momentum.
＜Kei Koizumi player＞
Q, the Urawa Reds team achieved a come-from-behind victory with coordinated soccer in the match against Urawa Reds.
Although we conceded a goal, our performance in the first half was not bad, and our strong start in the second half led to a comeback. We all had the same mindset to first equalize and then score the second goal. It was a game that reminded us of the importance of starting well.
Q, the running distance for the Urawa game was 14km, which was the team's top. I think it's a sign of hard work.
A, I honestly think it was good that we didn't lose after running 14km in 90 minutes (laughs). It's not just about running long distances, but also considering the upcoming summer games, I want to use my head and think about the quality while running. I want to be conscious of the quality of my running and continue to improve in the future.
Q: After 6 games, the result is 2 wins, 2 draws, and 2 losses. Please tell us what is needed to compete for the top spot from here on.
A, the first thing is to win consecutively. Without that, we cannot go up. Teams competing for the championship always have consecutive wins. That's why I think the next game after winning is the most important.
Q, You were also appointed as captain this season, but what kind of position and behavior are you conscious of, taking into account the team's situation?
A, being a captain is tough, that's my honest feeling. Looking back, I realize how amazing the players who have led the team as captains are. My teammates tell me to focus on my own play without thinking too much, but personally, I want to face this situation and position that I was chosen for. Of course, the most important job as a player is to perform on the field, but I also want to support the team in other ways.
Q, There is a special sense of excitement and atmosphere at the Japan National Stadium. Once again, I would like to ask the fans and supporters for a message towards the Kashima game.
A, The Urawa Reds match the other day, despite being a weekday game, had a lot of fans and supporters cheering us on at the venue, and thanks to that atmosphere, we were able to achieve a come-from-behind victory. When we step onto the pitch, we can feel the power coming from your voices. The next game is also at the Japan National Stadium, and I am looking forward to feeling a different atmosphere and energy when facing Kashima Antlers. And in that amazing atmosphere, in that special space, I want to deliver a victory to all of you and share in the joy. That is truly the best moment, I believe.
＜Kosuke SHIRAI player＞
Q, Please review the previous match against Urawa Reds.
A, Hotaka NAKAMURA's injury also led to an emergency appearance, but I was able to calm down and enter the game. It was good that I was able to handle the defensive situation calmly and play stably, and above all, it was good that we won.
Q, What did you become aware of when you suddenly got the opportunity to play?
When considering the opponent as Urawa, I was thinking that they would attack using the wide players, so I was conscious of firmly containing that situation when it occurred.
Q, I played on the same side as Soma ANZAI during the camp, and there was a sense of stability.
A, thanks to the strong running ability and the ability to switch between offense and defense, which are also strong points of player Yasuzaki, it was very easy to play as a defender. By communicating during the game and playing smartly in terms of defensive positioning, I think we were able to achieve a sense of stability.
Q, please tell us your goals from here.
A, there have been difficult times, but I have always continued to prepare well for when the opportunity comes. I want to contribute to the team's victory in the games I play, like in the Urawa match. I am always ready.
