The battle to claim the cup has entered a new stage. The J.League YBC Levain Cup has started the playoff round, which is a home and away format between the advancing clubs, after going through the 1st round of the 3rd round, which was played in a single match.
Tokyo has produced Yuto Nagatomo for the Japan national team, Kuryu Matsuki for the U-23 Japan national team, Taishi Brandon Nozawa, Kashif Bangnagande, Ryotaro Araki for the U-19 Japan national team during the International Match Week. Last week, four starting players were replaced from the Sec. 17 match against Sagan Tosu, which was held during the "Gold J" event.
Go HATANO as goalkeeper, Shuhei TOKUMOTO as left back, Teruhito NAKAGAWA as attacking midfielder, and Jája Silva as right winger. In addition, Yui NAKANO and Divine OTANI, both registered for the top team while playing for FC Tokyo U-18, were included in the bench for the first playoff round against Sanfrecce Hiroshima.
1st HALF - Diego's goal leads the comeback despite conceding 2 points
Tokyo, aiming for the top, pushes into the enemy's territory from the start. They launch a speedy attack while connecting passes.
However, in the 10th minute of the first half, Hiroshima conceded the opening goal from a pinpoint header by Pieros SOTIRIOU in the center, from a right cross by Arai.
Furthermore, after restarting with the ball in order to counterattack, we were caught by the opponent's pressing and conceded a goal in succession after being broken through in the center. We ended up being two points behind in an unexpected turn of events.
Tokyo, who wants to take the initiative, received a vertical pass from Henrique TREVISAN player in the 25th minute of the first half, and Nakagawa player who faced forward in the center of the pitch and sped up. While moving forward, he passed a sharp through pass vertically, and Diego OLIVEIRA player who broke out powerfully was knocked down while trying to avoid the goalkeeper and won a penalty kick. Number 9, as usual, took the opposite of the opponent's goalkeeper from small steps and successfully returned one point by flowing into the lower right of the goal.
Against Hiroshima, who come with a combination of pressing from the front and blocking on their return, Tokyo takes control of the game with their passing and short counters. In the additional time of the first half, they create big chances in succession from the left side, but both Jean's header and Thales' shot miss the target. They go into halftime trailing by one goal.
2ndHALF - Unable to capitalize on opportunities, trailing by 1 point heading into the "second half"
After the second half, which started without any member substitutions, it was Tokyo who created chances from the beginning. They collected the ball to Tawara Tsumeta player on the left side and actively attacked to enter the enemy territory.
In the 8th minute of the second half, a ball was sent vertically on the left side, but it was passed to the opponent once. However, Diego TABA quickly closed in and regained possession, dribbling past on a counter attack. He then advanced towards the penalty area and aimed with his right foot, but it was blocked by the opponent and could not shake the net.
In the 22nd minute of the second half, a chance was created from the right side. Tawarazumida, who showed a dribble across the pitch, passed it to the right front. Soma ANZAI and Diego TABA connected the ball and Tawarazumida received it again on the right side to supply a cross. Tokumoto, who ran in from the back, took a direct middle shot. Although it was blocked by the opponent, Tokyo continued to create chances and push forward.
In the 26th minute of the second half, Riki HARAKAWA and Hotaka NAKAMURA were substituted for Nakagawa and Tawarazumida. Nakamura was placed as the right fullback and Anzai was moved up to the left wing to revitalize the offense and defense.
In the 34th minute of the second half, Tokyo, who cannot afford to give up any more points, was saved from a pinch by their goalkeeper's fine save. Hiroshima's substitute player, Douglas VIEIRA, who had come on in the middle, headed the ball from a gentle cross from the right. However, the shot that flew towards the goal was firmly cleared by player Go HATANO with a sideways dive, narrowly avoiding danger.
In the final stages of the match, Akaaka stepped up their pace. With an aggressive press from the front line, they were able to take away the opponent's freedom. In the 42nd minute of the second half, Leon NOZAWA was substituted for Jaja, as they continued to push for an equalizer with increased pressure from the front.
Tokyo continues to push forward even during the additional 7 minutes of the second half, with a brilliant counterattack from the left side. Diego TABA and Harakawa pass the ball to each other before making a final pass in front of the goal. However, Nozawa's finish unfortunately misses to the left, and they are unable to score an equalizer.
The team that takes the offensive is also supported by loud cheers from the goal stand. Player Costa tries his best to deliver the ball to the goal from the left side with a long throw, but is unable to push it in. The first game ends with a score of 1-2, and the first half of the playoff round ends with a one-point deficit.
The chant that echoed throughout Ajinomoto Stadium from right after the match was "Take the cup! Raise it, Tokyo!" Sent off by the cheers of many fans and supporters, they will face the second away match on the 9th (Sunday) with the goal of advancing to the prime round.
MATCH DETAILS
＜FC Tokyo＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Go HATANO
DF Soma ANZAI/Yasuki KIMOTO/Henrique TREVISAN/Shuhei TOKUMOTO
MF Takahiro KO/Kei KOIZUMI/Teruhito NAKAGAWA (26th minute of the second half: Riki HARAKAWA)
FW Diego OLIVEIRA/Kota TAWARATSUMIDA (26th minute of the second half: Hotaka NAKAMURA)/Jája Silva (42nd minute of the second half: Leon NOZAWA)
SUBS
GK Tsuyoshi KODAMA
DF Masato MORISHIGE/Teppei OKA
MF Keigo HIGASHI/Yui NAKANO
FW Divine OTANI
GOAL
First half 25 minutes: Diego OLIVEIRA
<Sanfrecce Hiroshima>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Goro KAWANAMI
DF Shuto NAKANO/Hayato ARAKI (31st minute of the second half: Sota KOSHIMICHI)/Sho SASAKI
MF Naoto ARAI/Taishi MATSUMOTO/Shunki HIGASHI/Takaaki SHICHI
FW Mutsuki KATO/Yuki OHASHI (44th minute of the second half: Makoto MITSUTA)/Pieros SOTIRIOU (31st minute of the second half: Douglas VIEIRA)
SUBS
GK Yudai TANAKA
MF Hiroya MATSUMOTO/Toshihiro AOYAMA/Gakuto NOTSUDA/Ezequiel/Yoshifumi KASHIWA
GOAL
First Half 10th Minute: Mutsuki KATO/First Half 11th Minute: Taishi MATSUMOTO
[Interview with Peter CKLAMOVSKI, Manager]
Q, please give us an overall review of today's match.
A, it was a disappointing result for us. We are disappointed that we couldn't grab the victory. We were able to create plays to win the game, but in the end, we were unable to take advantage of the few opportunities we had and the opponent was able to score. The positive aspect is that we were also able to create chances for ourselves. There are areas where we can improve our level, and I have also talked to the players, but the first half is not over yet, it's still halftime. I think the next game will be a tough away game, but I want us to firmly make the second half our own. In today's game, I think we were able to show that we can fight even when we go away, so next time, we just have to go there and do our job.
Q, What is the impact of many players leaving the team in each generation's representative team?
A, first of all, we support the Japan national team. We cheer for them and we want our players to represent Japan with pride. As a club, we are proud that Tokyo players are representing our country. I always tell the players that during the season, everyone is needed. Many players are missing and we are being tested, but it is a good opportunity for many players. Even in the current situation, I hope that we can create a special story and move forward for ourselves.
We are proud of the players who gave their all to achieve the desired result. There were some very good elements, but there were also areas that needed to be sharpened. We want to show those areas on the next Sunday. After watching today's game, even though the next one is away, we believe we can grab the victory and they can do it.
Q, Today there were many young players, including those on the bench. How do you want them to take advantage of their opportunities?
A, In the season so far, we have had similar situations. A little while ago, there was a match where we played with the youngest team in the club's history. Today's team is also a reflection of the team we are building. There are also players who joined from the U-18 team. They are still teenagers, but I hope they will grow even more with this experience. And I think the academy players will feel that they are close to the top team. It is a sign that we are creating something important, and when we create something special, we need to build a foundation. We will continue to work on it, but we also need to improve and grow while continuing.
[Player Interview]
Diego OLIVEIRA
Q, We earned a penalty kick from the cooperation with Teruhito NAKAGAWA. I think the quality of our cooperation has also improved.
A, it was a breakthrough from the center, but Nakagawa player gave me a very good pass, so I was able to get a penalty kick. By playing with Nakagawa player, we are starting to understand each other's play, so we want to build on that. Unfortunately, we couldn't win today, so we want to prepare for the next game.
Q, there was a strong presence on both offense and defense until the end of the game. How did you feel about the condition and response?
A, my condition is good now, and I always do my best. If I get a chance, I am always ready to play my best, so I want to continue to prepare and contribute to the team's victory without neglecting my preparation.
Q, What preparations will you make before the next game to advance to the prime stage?
A, Sanfrecce Hiroshima is a very high-quality team. It will be a tough battle away from home, but there is a good chance that we can come back and win, so we will do our best to advance to the next stage.
Kota TAWARATSUMIDA player
Q, please review the game.
A, As a team, we conceded goals in a bad way and lost points due to simple mistakes. We want to reflect on this as a team and discuss how to proceed after conceding. In today's match, we need to align our understanding of what we should have done from the kick-off after conceding. Personally, I was able to bring the ball close to the goal from dribbling, so I want to improve the quality of my shots and crosses and work on better coordination with my teammates for the next match. I have many areas to improve on as an individual. I will continue to face these challenges and strive to reach a higher level, both as a team and as an individual. I will keep working hard to overcome these challenges.
Q, How does Kota TAWARATSUMIDA view the challenges regarding conceding goals?
A, at the moment of conceding a goal, everyone's arrows were scattered. I think it's necessary for us to have the same vector. I believe it's something that the team needs in order to become stronger from here on. Personally, I am only twenty years old and have less experience compared to other players, but I think aligning everyone's thoughts will lead to eliminating simple mistakes.
Q, there was also talk about challenges, but I feel that player Tawara Tsumita is leading Tokyo's side attack throughout the game.
A, honestly, I cannot confidently say anything because I have not been able to show my scoring or assisting abilities in recent games, but I want to lead Tokyo's left side and side attacks. I have a strong feeling that I have to do it properly.
Q, there are no away goals in this tournament, and multiple goals will be required in the second match.
A, We want to eliminate goals against, create multiple goals, and play in a way that energizes the team. In order to advance to the playoffs, we want to always be on the offensive and take action instead of just defending.
Riki HARAKAWA player
Q: Please review the game, as you came on as a substitute in the second half.
A, I think it would have been better if I could have made more plays that would have been key, such as connecting with my teammates firmly after receiving the ball, as the opponent was putting pressure on me one-on-one, and creating time as the game was also open.
Q, it became a play in a position like a top under.
A, I am not the type to break away, so I want to keep touching the ball more and more. As a team, we have a lot of fast attacks, so when I am playing, I am conscious of being the connector of the ball and making plays that can push the whole team forward.
Q, What were you aware of regarding the opponent's system?
I thought it would be a chance if I could get past one person because I was defending one-on-one. If I could play with Diego OLIVEIRA and touch the ball more, it would have been better if I could play while taking a good position to receive the ball more often.
Q, How will you prepare for the second game?
I think we need to take more seriously the fact that we haven't been able to beat top opponents in the league. Recently, we haven't been able to beat teams like Nagoya Grampus, Gamba Osaka, and Sanfrecce Hiroshima, who are ranked higher in the league. We need to recognize this reality as a team and work to improve. By being aware of how it connects to the league, I believe that by approaching the game against Hiroshima and winning, it will not only lead to success in the Levain Cup, but also in the league.
