<Last Match Review: Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo>
Tokyo conceded an unexpected goal early on. The opponent continued to dominate possession afterwards.
The one who broke through such a difficult situation was the reliable number 9. Diego OLIVEIRA, who showed a decisive play.
First, in the 27th minute of the first half. Falling back to the midfield, he was involved in the build-up from the right side and made a perfect through pass to the right front with one touch. Takahiro KO, who had anticipated Diego TABA's post-play and ran into the space, broke free and equalized with a left-footed volley from the floating cross in the center, with Kota TAWARATSUMIDA player.
Tokyo, who returned the game to the starting point, maintains compactness with two lines in the midfield and final line, and takes away the opponent's freedom by tightening the center. And in order not to miss the momentary opening shown by the opponent, they will develop a focused game without getting impatient.
The switch from stillness to movement was turned on after 15 minutes into the second half. They launched an intense press that was unimaginable from the previous development, causing confusion for Sapporo.
And in the 20th minute of the second half, they stepped up their game even further and aggressively pressed the enemy's territory with coordinated movements.
Diego TABA initiated Sapporo's passing play by pressuring the opponent's goalkeeper's build-up. Soma ANZAI, who intercepted the ball in a high position, received the ball and passed it to Teruhito NAKAGAWA in front. NAKAGAWA, surrounded by opponents, persevered and passed the ball to the oncoming number 9, who stretched out his left foot and scored the winning goal just before being blocked by the defender.
Sharp short counter with a focused stance, like a quick draw. And his finish was also a momentary strike that took advantage of a split second space and timing.
As an individual, I have scored in three consecutive matches, and the team has won three consecutive victories. The outstanding striker said with a smile, "It makes me happy that we have won every game in which I have scored. It would be meaningless if I scored but the team couldn't win. I want to continue this."
A victory at the away Sapporo ground, where we have been forced to drink boiled water many times, for the first time since the 2012 season. This has raised our league ranking to 4th place.
In the previous round, we achieved a come-from-behind victory of 2-1 against Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo and marked our third consecutive win. It was our first victory at Sapporo Dome in 12 seasons. Diego OLIVEIRA, who scored in three consecutive games, said, "Even the players who were not here are competing together at the KODAIRA ground. That's why I think this is a victory that we all won together. I'm really happy that my goal was the winning goal, but it was also a goal that we all took together. I want to share this joy with all the fans and supporters."
The current round, which welcomes Kashiwa Reysol to Ajinomoto Stadium, will see the return of a player who will further accelerate the team's rise to 4th place. Kuryu Matsuki, who participated in the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024 as a member of the Japan U-23 national team and won a ticket to the Paris Olympics, and Taishi Brandon Nozawa, who also participated in the tournament, will be back. Looking back on the tournament as "one of the most memorable in my soccer career," Matsuki is preparing himself for the battle in Tokyo. "I need to perform well in Tokyo and further increase my value. I also want to leave visible results for myself."
The strong desire for victory remains unchanged for every player. The team will come together and grab 3 points, as Tokyo makes a claim for the championship.
This week's matchday program is here
[Interview with Peter Cklamovski]
Q, won against Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo and achieved a 3-game winning streak.
A, it is important for us to respond to alerts on the pitch. We respect the efforts of the players and staff for the results so far, but it is important to know what we should do and what actions we should take for the next game. Continuation leads to growth. We also want to fight tough in this week's Kashiwa Reysol match.
Q, In recent games, we have gained the ability to come back from behind without getting discouraged even if we concede points.
A, There may have been such games in the past, but the players are approaching with a hungry spirit in the environment they are creating here. When the perseverance, individual character of the players, and each mentality come together, I believe that we can overcome any obstacles. It is important to continue the challenge to pave our own path and not stop our progress.
Q, I think that playing without being bound by position led to a goal in the Sapporo match.
Player Takahiro KO did a great job. I think there were many good elements as a team in the equalizing goal against Sapporo.D. The goal was born from a good start by player Kota TAWARATSUMIDA. Such good individual plays can be seen a lot from practice. I am happy that the things we have built up in our daily training at the Kodaira Ground have been returned to the players. On the other hand, there were also areas for improvement. By continuing and improving on these challenges, I believe it will lead to further growth.
Q, looking back on the scoring scenes so far, how do you feel about the overall fluidity of the team?
A, I think the most important thing is the team's growth and how we use space. The players are aware of how to effectively attack the areas and spaces that the opponent dislikes, and they are conscious of the interplay and connection of plays. Even if Diego OLIVEIRA is not playing as a forward in the Sapporo game, the player who replaces him would have made the choice to play in that position, or to pass to Takahashi who has moved to the side. I believe that the team's overall awareness and understanding can still grow. It is because there is a shape to the team that fluidity is born. Especially for us, our focus is on moving forward. When watching the game, I feel that exciting scenes that make my body tingle are leading to goals.
[Player Interview]
Diego OLIVEIRA
Q, 3 consecutive goals have brought 3 consecutive wins to the team.
A, at the beginning of the league, the team was struggling to win and we were not getting the results we wanted. There was also a period where my personal condition was not improving, and we were not able to have a good start overall. However, from late April, both the team and myself have been feeling a positive momentum and I want to continue playing with that in mind. Scoring in 3 consecutive games is not something I have experienced often in my career. But what makes me the most happy is that we were able to win in all 3 games where I scored. I believe that the team's victory and my ability to score are linking together well.
Q, I think that the good cooperation between players, including Teruhito NAKAGAWA, is a factor that leads to scoring.
A, as you all know, Nakagawa is a player with very high abilities. And no matter which position he plays, he supports the attack with high quality plays. This also applies to me, and if the team requires it, I think it may be necessary to play in a different position than now. It is important for everyone to come together and work together for the team's victory.
Q, Diego OLIVEIRA is always involved in scoring as the most recent team.
A, not only the goal against Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo, but also the fact that we are able to fight and work together as a team is proof of our unity. Regarding the first goal against Sapporo, it was thanks to Takahiro KO, who usually plays in the center, taking advantage of a chance and moving to the side that led to the goal. In addition, I believe that our forward line has not only improved in attack, but also in supporting defense and increasing intensity. The biggest factor that has led to good results is that everyone is playing with the same mindset, without being bound by positions.
＜Player Kuryu MATSUKI＞
Q, How do you look back on the activities of the U-23 Japan national team after winning?
It was a schedule of consecutive games, and I think we were able to win because the whole team fought tough. My honest impression is that we fought well. We lost to Korea, but I think it was the result of what we have built up as a team. We were able to experience many things that we couldn't before in this tournament, and it was a memorable tournament in my soccer career. We were able to spend a rich time. We came back to Tokyo in a good shape, and the team is in a position to aim for first place, so I want to focus on contributing firmly by switching gears.
I heard that even during representative activities, you were keeping an eye on Tokyo's games and results.
A, despite injuries and other setbacks, the team fought tough and left a strong impression. With three consecutive wins during the Golden Week matches, the team has become even more united and is moving in the same direction. This week's match is a home game, so we want to win and increase the team's value. Personally, it's been a while since I joined the team, but there is a lot of energy and the atmosphere is great during practice. Since I just joined the team from national team activities, I want to get used to the turf and weather and adjust my condition properly.
Q, please tell us if there are any important points for the Kashiwa Reysol match.
First of all, I want to combine my own strengths with what the team has built during the period we were apart due to national team activities, and create something even better. Since it's a game at Ajinomoto Stadium, winning is an absolute requirement. I want to focus on "winning" in our home game and play with that in mind.
＜Player Soma ANZAI＞
Q, After defeating Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo, the team has now won three consecutive games. What kind of momentum are you feeling?
In terms of the fact that key players were absent from the team due to their activities with the Japan national team, I think the team as a whole feels a sense of accomplishment with the three consecutive wins. However, there are many challenges and areas that need to be improved during the games, and we have not been able to finish the games without conceding any goals. In order to aim even higher from here, there are many things that we need to push ourselves further. Although we have achieved three consecutive wins, I believe that this is just the start of the battle for the top. We cannot afford to lose every game. We want to focus on winning the upcoming games, including the match against Kashiwa Reysol.
Q, the team is currently in 4th place with 21 goals, which is the highest in the league. Please tell me the reason.
A, I think that various scoring patterns, especially goals from open play, are working positively. The fact that there are more scoring variations means that all 11 players on the field, bench members, and players who couldn't play in the game understand our desired actions and tactical points with the same awareness. Recently, there have been many goals from crosses, but the understanding of points when entering the goal area and passing the ball into the goal area has deepened throughout the team. And, the Tokyo players are very high-quality players. I think the high level of understanding in attack is reflected in the league-leading number of goals scored.
Q, please tell us what you are conscious of when playing as a right winger.
I have a strong desire to fight for the team. I always try to cover for others and maintain a fighting attitude even in tough times. In the Tokyo Verdy match, I was sent off in the first half and caused trouble, but my teammates saved me. With these thoughts in mind, I am now playing to help the team.
Q, please share your enthusiasm for the Kashiwa game with the fans and supporters.
A: May is a tough schedule with consecutive games, but I believe it is important for everyone involved in Tokyo, including the players who play in the game, the players who cannot play, and the fans and supporters, to come together and fight. We will use your support as our strength and show it on the pitch through our play. In the previous home game against Kyoto Sanga F.C., your cheers undoubtedly pushed us forward during the difficult time when we were under attack in the second half. When it comes down to the final step, the final few centimeters, your support is what helps us. Please continue to fight with us in this match as well.
Soma ANZAI Player ORIGINAL COLUMN "365 - Turning Point of Growth -" is here
