"Gold J" was held in Sec. 17, and Tokyo, who had traveled to away team Tosu, had all four U-23 Japan national team players who were announced the day before starting in the lineup.
The starting members made two changes from the previous match, with Taishi Brandon NOZAWA as the goalkeeper and Soma ANZAI, Yasuki KIMOTO, Henrique TREVISAN, and Kashif BANGNAGANDE as the defenders from right to left. Takahiro KO and Kei KOIZUMI formed a partnership in the midfield, with Kuryu MATSUKI playing as the attacking midfielder. Teruhito NAKAGAWA was placed as the right winger and Kota TAWARATSUMIDA as the left winger, while Ryotaro ARAKI moved from attacking midfielder to striker. Additionally, Futoshi NAKAMURA, who returned from injury, was on the bench and received applause from the Tokyo goal end during warm-ups, responding with a "Hotaka" call.
After winning the previous week's Wednesday J.League YBC Levain Cup 3rd round match that went into a penalty kick shootout, the away game in Tosu continues. Although the team's performance has been improving, they have yet to achieve a victory in the league, putting them in a difficult situation. Therefore, they are determined to grab a win at Tosu, a place where they have struggled in the past. The match kicked off at the EKIMAE REAL ESTATE STADIUM with some daylight remaining.
1st HALF - Yasu's powerful shot gives an early lead goal
Tokyo, who showed an aggressive attack from the beginning. Tawara Tsumita's cut-in dribble, Araki's through pass, and others are approaching the opponent's goal.
And in the 11th minute of the first half, player Araki's right corner kick was deflected and player Takahashi connected it with a header, sending it forward. Player Kimoto, who remained on the front line, then struck a powerful shot with his right foot, breaking through the near upper corner. The assistant referee raised the offside flag, but with the support of VAR, the goal was awarded. The players formed a circle of joy near the center circle after scoring an early goal.
Tokyo, who wants an additional point, had a chance in the 23rd minute of the first half when Julian made a long feed to the left side and Tawara Taketa broke through. The opponent's defender and goalkeeper's back pass were disrupted, and the ball that couldn't be cleared fell to Matsuki's feet. Matsuki, who was free in front of the goal, slid the ball in and shook the net. However, after a long 5-minute VAR support and on-field review, Tawara Taketa's position was judged to be offside and unfortunately the goal was not allowed, and no additional point was scored.
Tokyo continued to dominate with Araki's strong ball retention, aggressive pressing from the front line, and sharp reactions to loose balls. In the 38th minute of the first half, Nozawa made a super save by stretching his right foot to deflect a shot from close range, just barely keeping it out of the goal line. He once again protected Tokyo's goal with his sharp reactions, following his performance in the previous match.
As each player demonstrates their strengths, in the 43rd minute of the first half, there was a big chance on the left side. Matsuki, who had created space in a high position, played a soft through pass to the near pocket, and Nakagawa made a sharp cutback from top speed. At this point, a final pass was sent to the space behind the opponent's defense, taking advantage of their vulnerability. Takai, who had made a run, aimed for the near post with a left-footed direct shot, but unfortunately it was saved by the opponent's goalkeeper.
The first half ended after a long 7 minutes of additional time due to a VAR check, with a lead of 1 point going into the second half.
2ndHALF—Protecting the one point with Daishi's save and Yoshifumi's block
Facing off against a counter-attacking Tosu, just like in the previous match against Gamba Osaka, once again the guardian of Tokyo stood in the way. In the 50th minute, Marcelo RYAN received the ball from a loss in their own half, and in the 51st minute, YokoYama, who had cut in from the left side, took a shot from inside the penalty area, but both were caught firmly by Nozawa. He shut down the opponent's attack.
Tokyo, who calmly builds up their attack while keeping Sagan Tosu at bay, will use time. In the 20th minute of the second half, they will try to change their formation by substituting Nakamura for Nakagawa and repositioning Yasuzaki on the right wing.
Despite it being his comeback match, Insoo YU's persistent defense was still strong. He effectively stopped Tosu's strong point, left winger Yokoyama's attacks, with his physical defense and took away their freedom.
Tokyo, who wants to prioritize defensive stability and aim for additional points, breaks through the left side with a big one-two by player Matsuki in the 29th minute of the second half. He takes a precise left-footed shot, but it narrowly misses to the right of the goal.
Tokyo, who are aware of the situation where they have been conceding goals towards the end, are increasing their defensive awareness. In the 37th minute of the second half, they faced a dangerous situation from the opponent's left cross, but Marcelo RYAN's header was blocked by Kashiho FUKE. They narrowly avoided a crisis and hugged with Henrique in front of their own goal.
In the final stage, Shuhei TOKUMOTO and Riki HARAKAWA were brought in to strengthen the defense from the front line. In the 5 minutes of additional time, they used a combination of attacking plays in the opponent's territory and defensive blocks in their own territory to maintain their lead until the end of the game. Taking advantage of the early goal they scored, they secured their second clean sheet victory of the season.
This marks the first league victory for Away Tosu since June 2015. The chant of "Sleepless City" echoed throughout the Ekimae Real Estate Stadium.
MATCH DETAILS
＜FC Tokyo＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
DF Soma ANZAI (43rd minute of the second half: Shuhei TOKUMOTO)/Yasuki KIMOTO/Henrique TREVISAN/Kashif BANGNAGANDE
MF Kuryu MATSUKI (31st minute of the second half: Diego OLIVEIRA)/Takahiro KO/Kei KOIZUMI
FW Kota TAWARATSUMIDA (31st minute of the second half: Jája Silva)/Teruhito NAKAGAWA (20th minute of the second half: Hotaka NAKAMURA)/Ryotaro ARAKI (43rd minute of the second half: Riki HARAKAWA)
SUBS
GK Go HATANO
DF Masato MORISHIGE
GOAL
First half 11 minutes: Yasuki KIMOTO
Sagan Tosu
Starting XI
GK Ilgyu PARK
DF Kosuke YAMAZAKI/Katsunori UEEBISU/Yusuke MARUBASHI (27th minute of the second half: Yuki HORIGOME)
MF So KAWAHARA/Kohei TEZUKA (37th minute of the second half: Naoyuki FUJITA)/Taichi KIKUCHI (37th minute of the second half: Ikuya KITAJIMA)/Yoichi NAGANUMA
FW Ayumu YOKOYAMA (42nd minute of the second half: Atsushi KAWATA)/Cayman TOGASHI (37th minute of the second half: Marcus VINICIUS ALAUJO)/Marcelo RYAN
SUBS
GK Masahiro OKAMOTO
MF Shota HINO
GOAL
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[Interview with Peter CKLAMOVSKI, Manager]
Q: please review the game.
A, it was a good football battle. Both teams displayed entertaining and good football, showcasing their strengths. As for our play, we were able to put on a strong performance and control the game. We were able to create a good flow and connect for the first goal, and although we couldn't score a second goal, I think we were able to show what we are capable of. At halftime, we talked about bringing out more of what we have and approaching the second half with the attitude of going for the second and third goals. It's a shame we couldn't score more goals, but we were able to create those chances. I think Sagan Tosu is a very energetic and dynamic team under coach Kawai, but I believe we were able to put up a fight that was deserving of a win against them. I am happy that we were able to get 3 points for the fans and supporters who came here today, as well as for the fans and supporters in Tokyo.
Q, please evaluate the defense that held on without conceding any points.
A, not only the defenders but the whole team played a very good defense. We were able to press aggressively and grab the momentum from there. All the players on the field followed the defensive rules well. I am happy that we were able to keep a clean sheet and I think we deserved it. From there, we were able to move the ball the way we wanted in the attack. However, it is disappointing that we couldn't score multiple goals from there.
[Player Interview]
＜Yasuki KIMOTO＞
Q: please review the game.
A, in the first half, both the attack and defense were in a really good shape. We were able to attack while maintaining possession of the ball, and I was able to score a goal myself, so I think the first half was good. In the second half, there was some physical fatigue, but we had more opportunities to block. We were able to create chances, so if we had been able to convert them, we could have scored 3 or 4 goals. I talked about this with everyone, and it was a challenge for the second half.
Q, Especially in the second half, the amount of time we were under attack increased. How was our defensive strategy different from the first half?
A, There were some places where the defense line became lower because I couldn't go to the press a little while ago. However, we were able to defend firmly without collapsing and were able to counterattack, and we were also able to move forward while holding the ball, so it wasn't all bad. I want to continue this.
Q, the scoring scene was a spectacular volley shot. It was the first goal in two seasons.
A, I didn't aim for it (laughs). I was conscious of putting it in the frame and happened to fly to that course. I was happy, but it was mentally tough for the team not to win, so I'm glad I could contribute to the team's victory.
Q, As a team, this is our second game of the season without conceding a goal in the league since the Kashima Antlers game in Sec. 7.
A, I have been conscious of keeping a clean sheet in every game, but recently I have been able to keep the number of goals conceded to a minimum when I have played, so I had confidence that I could keep a clean sheet if I continued this. In addition, today, all members of the team were able to maintain a strong mentality and defend, so I am happy with the result of a clean sheet.
Q, the Levain Cup and Emperor's Cup will continue to be played from here. How will the team overcome this?
A, Last season we lost both the Levain Cup and the Emperor's Cup in a half-hearted manner, so this season we will go for all the titles. The strength of the entire team will be necessary, and with a deep roster, I think we can have a good game no matter who plays. First, we will prepare for the first match of the Levain Cup playoffs next week.
＜Taishi Brandon NOZAWA＞
Q, please review the game.
A, I think we were able to make the game easier by scoring from a set play early on. However, we should improve on not being able to take advantage of the opponent's weaknesses and score a second or third goal during the game. It was good that we were able to win 1-0.
Q, whether to connect or kick out big, it seemed like the team's decision during build-up led to a good flow.
As we continue to play more games, the team's coordination improves, making it easier to judge the opponent's movements.
Q, The Kashima Antlers match just before heading to the AFC U23 Asian Cup was also a clean sheet.
A, I want to make sure that I can contribute to the team's victory even after playing for the national team, so that I can't get on the flow too much when I come back from the national team activities this time.
Q, after this, I will join the U-23 Japan national team's activities. Please give us your enthusiasm.
A, in order to make it the last activity before the Paris Olympics, we will appeal to be able to compete until the end for a spot on the Paris Olympics team. We will fight with "Tokyo" on our backs.
＜Player Hotaka NAKAMURA＞
Q, it was my first appearance in a while.
A, the injury was still painful. As long as there are people who reach out to me during my injury, support me nearby, and wait for me to return, I felt guilty for not being able to show my hard work and success. With the help of many people, I was able to return to the pitch. From here on, there will be many consecutive games, so I want to do my best to contribute to the team's strength.
Q, it was a difficult game. I think there were a lot of things we needed to do on the defensive side.
In the first half, player Soma ANZAI was giving his all and putting his body on the line, so while watching his and the opponent's plays, I was imagining what kind of plays I would make when I entered the game. When I did enter, the game had opened up a bit and it was like a back-and-forth counterattack, so my job was to handle 1-on-1 situations and cover defensively. In that aspect, we didn't concede any goals, so I think I was able to do my job.
Q, there are many good rivals competing for the position of right back, such as Yuto NAGATOMO and Kosuke SHIRAI.
During the period when I was injured, both players scored and assisted, and they were very active. I felt very frustrated that I couldn't be there. When I got the chance, I thought I would just let out all the feelings that had been building up. As a result, I thought it would determine whether I could survive or not, and because that's the world we live in, I want to show that I am the right side back for Tokyo on the pitch.
Q, please tell us your enthusiasm for the future.
A, I just want to win. I only have the desire to win by getting involved in scoring. I will win.
