The 21st round of the 2024 Meiji Yasuda J1 League, where Avispa Fukuoka aimed for their second consecutive league victory, was held at home at Ajinomoto Stadium. The game, which aimed for a consecutive victory at home, started with a back-and-forth between the opponent who had implemented an unconventional system.
Fukuoka has adopted a 4-4-2 formation during defense in order to neutralize Tokyo's strengths, rather than the traditional 3-back formation. They have been using a strategy of having the side backs mark the two wingers, Kota TAWARATSUMIDA and Soma ANZAI, while the two center backs take care of Diego OLIVEIRA, who plays as the lone striker. For Tokyo, the key will be how to break through Fukuoka's strong defensive line, which is also one of their strengths.
The first big chance came in the 18th minute of the first half. While passing the ball intricately on the left side and looking for an opportunity to attack, Kei Koizumi, who was trying to receive a short pass from Riki Harakawa, turned sharply and left the opponent behind with a technical change of direction. Kuryu Matsuki then received the ball and made a through pass forward. Teruhito Nakagawa, who had broken through to the penalty area, received the ball and was followed by other players, with Diego Taba dropping it and Matsuki taking a mid-range shot with his left foot. It was a powerful attack that can be described as a wave, and it threatened the Fukuoka goal.
From the start of the second half, Tokyo wants to secure a victory at Ajinomoto Stadium and completely control the pace. However, they are unable to break through Fukuoka's solid defense and in the 17th minute of the second half, they allow a one chance goal from a cross, giving up the first goal.
Afterwards, Ryotaro ARAKI took a sharp direct free kick and Tawara Tsumita created chances with a cut-in and a shot with his right foot, but the counterattack was not successful. They suffered a frustrating loss, stopping their clean sheet and winning streak at 2 each.
A crucial match against away Kashiwa. In the previous round, they couldn't break through Avispa Fukuoka and lost 0-1 with one chance. They suffered a bitter defeat in a match where they aimed for consecutive wins at home Ajinomoto Stadium and three consecutive wins without conceding. They fell into a pattern where they struggled against opponents who came to erase Tokyo's strengths, unable to adapt flexibly.
The U-23 Japan national team, which will compete in the Paris Olympics this Wednesday, was announced, with Taishi Brandon NOZAWA and Ryotaro ARAKI both selected. Unfortunately, Kuryu MATSUKI did not make the cut, but the reliable captain stated, "First of all, in Tokyo, we are switching our focus to winning the game in front of us," and maintaining their stance of winning every game as usual.
The previous match against Kashiwa Reysol in May ended in a fierce 3-3 draw. Despite conceding a goal early on, the team displayed excellent speed and distance control, successfully turning the game around with impressive plays such as Matsuki's beautiful jumping volley to make it 3-1. However, the momentum shifted when Tokyo received a red card. Shortly after the start of the second half, Inukai scored a superb goal to bring the score to 3-2. Unable to withstand the numerical disadvantage, they eventually conceded an equalizer and the match ended in a draw.
As for Tokyo, they want to use the reflection from the previous match and the challenges from the Fukuoka match as a source of strength. And in order to aim for the top once again, a victory is absolutely necessary. This week, both players Takefusa KUBO and Kento HASHIMOTO, who grew up in blue and red and have spread their wings overseas, participated in practice. They conveyed "world standards" to the team and provided motivation. The power of the Tokyo family will also support the players heading into the Kashiwa match.
What we can expect from Kuryu Matsuki is his performance. He is a player who can take everything as a positive and move forward with a strong mentality. We can only imagine what is going on in his mind, but this is the perfect timing for "Kuryu Matsuki" to produce results. Let's pay close attention to what the blue and red captain will show us.
[Interview with Peter Cklamovski]
Q, Last week, there were also measures taken by the opponent, and there were also difficult situations in building attacks. What improvements have been made this week?
There are always challenges in each game that we must face. Avispa Fukuoka had a good defense, but we need to improve our attacking strategy, decision making, and finishing. We are able to bring the ball to our desired area, but we have difficulties in finishing our attacks. It is crucial to be able to convert chances into goals in a close game. We faced a similar situation in the beginning of the season, but as a team, we have grown and improved to get to where we are now. This has resulted in many goals and positive outcomes. We hope to take the lessons learned from the Fukuoka game and continue to grow and improve in the future.
Q, Please tell me the key points for attacking the attacking third.
A, It is important to balance the judgment of each player on the pitch and the instructions of our staff. Our strength is that whoever plays understands the team's goals and tactics, and can express their individual strengths on the pitch.
Q, the first half of the Fukuoka match showed good defense, but there were still challenges on the offensive side.
In a close game situation, there were few occurrences that greatly influenced the course of the game. In terms of our attack, we needed to fight more sharply. During the stretched out periods, the opponent's linear play fit well and the number of times we lost the second ball increased, ultimately leading to conceding a goal. It's frustrating to lose 0-1, but we want to improve our attacking challenges and end the game in a good way. We want to threaten the opponent with our plays towards the goal and refine our way of fighting.
[Player Interview]
Soma ANZAI
Q, Started as a left winger in the Avispa Fukuoka match. What was your mindset while playing?
When playing on the left side, I tried to enter the game with various images in mind, but there were many times when I had to choose my play based on the situation and development of the game. There was a big difference between moving to the left side during the game and starting the game on the left. In order to bring out my strengths as a left winger, I think the ability to adapt quickly is necessary, and I want to continue to improve and grow based on the rhythm I found in the second half of the game.
Q, It seemed that the selection and movement of plays have also changed due to the change of the playing area from right to left.
A, the view is completely different and the way of carrying and receiving the ball will also change. However, whether playing on either side, the required movements such as repeatedly breaking through to the base and behind remain the same. I want to improve the accuracy of my play without changing my focus on moving forward.
Q: In the game against Fukuoka, there was a sense of stagnation in our attack. Please tell us what is necessary to break through such a game situation.
A, I think that patience as a team is especially required. Looking at the entire season, there are times when things go well and times when they don't, and there have been games recently where we have felt that way as well. However, I believe that it is important to accumulate points in such games. We are currently in a position where we can turn things around in just 2 or 3 games, and what is most important now is to fight patiently. We may have lost to Fukuoka, but that defeat does not mean that everything is over. And, it is important for us to not only avoid consecutive losses, but also to continue to fight with patience and consistency.
Q, please tell us your enthusiasm for this round.
A, It is important to score the first goal and bring in the flow of scoring additional points, as we are in a situation where we are not easily conceding goals and are able to continuously score. We want to fight patiently as a team during difficult times.
＜Player Kuryu MATSUKI＞
Q, this round we will be facing Kashiwa Reysol. We have also scored goals in the first half of the league match.
A, personally, I have a good feeling about the match against Kashiwa. In the first half of the season, we had a player sent off, but it was a good game where we scored 3 goals in the first half and I think the other players also have a good impression. In the previous match, it was a 3-3 shootout, so it will be a match where we will face each other after scouting each other's tactics and plays. I believe we can show a good game where both teams have powered up.
In the previous match against Avispa Fukuoka, we lost, so first of all, we will try not to lose consecutive games and do our best to bring back points even though it is an away game.
Q: Please tell us the key points to take advantage of in the away game against Kashiwa.
A, although it is an away game, Tokyo has been able to accumulate points in away games this season. We want to approach with confidence, everyone aiming for the goal, and deploy a strong attacking soccer. Kashiwa has many wonderful players, but of course we also have a high-quality attacking lineup. We want to overwhelm the opponent's defense and exploit their weak points.
Q, there have been no consecutive losses in the league this season. Please share your enthusiasm.
After the match with Fukuoka, we were able to discuss our issues and I think the team's situation is good. It is important to not lose consecutive games and I believe we can win against Kashiwa. We want to continue playing an attacking style of soccer.
