In the previous match, Tokyo suffered their first consecutive loss of the season against Kashiwa Reysol, and in the midweek Emperor's Cup 3rd Round, they were defeated by J2 League's JEF United Chiba in extra time, putting them in a difficult situation with three consecutive losses in official matches.
The match at the Japan National Stadium, which will be played in such a situation, is a great opportunity to break the current flow. A victory is expected in this holy ground where they have remained undefeated so far. Only one change has been made to the starting lineup from the Kashiwa game. Keita ENDO, who has been out for about three months, has made it into the starting lineup in place of Kota TAWARATSUMIDA, and Kuryu MATSUKI, who will leave the club after this match, is waiting for his turn on the bench.
1stHALF - Keita, who was selected as a starter, responds to expectations with a goal.
Just like the Kashiwa Reysol game a week ago where they scored the opening goal in the first 2 minutes, the start of the game was fantastic. Yasushi ENDO, who was playing on the left wing, initiated the attack and created the first chance in the 3rd minute. He carried the ball after Diego OLIVEIRA pressed back and crossed it in the negative direction. Kosuke SHIRAI, the right back, jumped in and took a shot with his right foot, but it was blocked by a defender.
Still, Tokyo, who boldly attacked, scored the opening goal in the 6th minute of the first half. They connected passes from their own half, broke through the left side, and Endo reacted to Kei Koizumi's through pass. Without hesitation, he carried the ball towards the goal and created a path, then took a shot with his right foot after entering the area. The powerful shot bounced off the opponent's goalkeeper's hands and shook the back of the net.
Tokyo took the lead with an early goal, but as time passed, the game settled down. While creating opportunities to enter the opponent's territory by building up from Yasuki KIMOTO and Teppei OKA, both center backs, they struggled to convert shots. On the other hand, even when Niigata had possession of the ball, they were unable to score and Tokyo maintained a clean sheet.
Around the 30th minute of the first half, a pass mistake in their own zone led to a dangerous situation, but player Taniuchi blocked player Kimoto's shot by throwing his body. From the resulting loose ball, they transitioned to a counter attack and created three chances from player Endo's dribble breakthrough, but the cross did not reach player Diego and they were unable to score an additional point.
2ndHALF - Leon goal decides unbeaten at new National Stadium
In contrast to the first half, in the second half, Niigata, who showed a sharp start, took control. In the 5th minute of the second half, they faced a pinch. Their right side was broken and allowed a shot by player Taniguchi in the area, but it missed the frame and escaped danger. However, immediately after that, they were threatened with a goal. The situation was turned around by a feed from player Thomas Deng, and player Nagakura was freed by a one-touch pass from player Taniguchi. However, Shuhei Tokumoto, who had desperately returned, leaned his body and did not allow a shot.
In the final stage, Tokyo, who had maintained their lead with a focused defense, brought in player Matsuki in the 16th minute of the second half. And in the 18th minute, they had a chance to score. However, their direct free kick hit the goalkeeper straight on.
However, the flow clearly changed when player Matsuki entered the pitch, and in the 28th minute of the second half, Matsuki collected a loose ball in the midfield and expanded to the left side. He received a return from player Leon NOZAWA and showed his determination to score with his favored left foot.
And in the 32nd minute of the second half, Tokyo finally scored an additional goal. They conquered the right side and Kei KOIZUMI flew into space, sending a speedy cross ball to a teammate who ran up the opposite side. Yuzawa player, LORI, calmly shook the goal net from the far side, scoring their first goal in the J1 league and their first professional goal in Tokyo.
Tokyo, who protected the displayed 6 minutes of additional time, achieved their first victory in 3 league matches and stopped their 2-game losing streak in the league. At the moment of time up, chants from Matsuki player echoed from the goal end.
MATCH DETAILS
＜FC Tokyo＞
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
DF Kosuke SHIRAI/Yasuki KIMOTO (41st minute of the second half: Masato MORISHIGE)/Teppei OKA/Shuhei TOKUMOTO
MF Takahiro KO/Kei KOIZUMI/Teruhito NAKAGAWA (41st minute of the second half: Riki HARAKAWA)
FW Diego OLIVEIRA (16th minute of the second half: Kuryu MATSUKI)/Taishi ENDO (26th minute of the second half: Leon NOZAWA)/Soma ANZAI (41st minute of the second half: Yuto NAGATOMO)
SUBS
GK Go HATANO
FW Jája Silva
GOAL
First Half 6th Minute: Keita ENDO / Second Half 33rd Minute: Leon NOZAWA
＜Albirex Niigata＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Koto ABE
DF Soya FUJIWARA/Ryo ENDO/Thomas Den/Hayato HORIGOME
MF Hiroki AKIYAMA/Yuzuru SHIMADA (38th minute of the second half: Eiji MIYAMOTO)/Yota KOMI/Kaito TANIGUCHI (31st minute of the second half: Yuji ONO)
FW Motoki HASEGAWA (31st minute of the second half: Eitaro MATSUDA)/Motoki NAGAKURA (38th minute of the second half: Yoshiaki TAKAGI)
SUBS
GK Daisuke YOSHIMITSU
DF Takumi HASEGAWA/Kazuhiko CHIBA
GOAL
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[Interview with Peter CKLAMOVSKI, Manager]
Q, please give us an overview of today's match.
We think it's a good 3 points. The players worked very hard with a great attitude. Together with the many fans and supporters who came to the Japan National Stadium, we fought and earned 3 points to send off Kuryu MATSUKI. In the first half, we were able to create some good opportunities when we had the ball in attack, but we could have used the space available to us a little better. However, we were able to move well and connect well towards goal, which led to our goal. But I think we could have attacked more effectively if we had used the space available to us a little more. In the second half, we had to work hard. It would have been better if we had more time to control the game. However, we were able to score our second goal in a way that we designed, which was a good point.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the fans and supporters who came here today. I believe that they have become something special for both the players and Matsuki, and I want to deliver these 3 points to them.
Q, please tell us the reason why Ryotaro ARAKI, who was selected for the Japan national team for the Paris Olympics, was not included in the roster.
There were 3 games in 7 days. There was also a game in the middle of the week, and today was our third consecutive game. He has played in many games this season and has given us great performances. I think he was chosen for the Japan national team because of his solid play, which makes us proud of our club. Our decision for today's game was to use as many fresh players as possible. Araki has been playing very well this season and I am looking forward to seeing him play in the Olympics. Of course, Taishi Brandon NOZAWA is also one of those players. Araki was a little tired, so we decided to rest him and use fresh players for today's game.
Q, today's match was played in front of a large crowd of 57,885 people. How was the quality of football?
A, when we had the ball, we were able to make dangerous plays for the opponent. We want to become a team that can do that, and we want to become a team that can take advantage of the opponent's weaknesses and score. In today's game, it would have been good if we could have controlled the game and become more aggressive. We were able to create a good flow with our movements and plays, and I think we were a threat to the opponent. And it was a good two goals. I am proud that Leon NOZAWA scored the second goal for the team. He was able to fulfill our promises and what we do every day, and he was able to turn it into a goal. The important thing is that we are a team that is growing. We want to continue to grow and develop our way of playing.
Q, What kind of growth has Kuryu MATSUKI had on and off the field in the past year and a half?
From the first day I started working with player Matsuki, I had a passion to bring out the best in him. This is the same for all other players. His attitude, dedication, and efforts are truly inspiring. You may have been surprised when he became the captain this season. I believe his leadership qualities are something special. It has also contributed to his growth as a young player. I think he has done a great job so far. Of course, I believe that "blue and red" is always in his heart, and the club FC Tokyo and the entire city of Tokyo are looking forward to his second chapter.
[Player Interview]
＜Player Kuryu MATSUKI＞
Q, we achieved a victory in the match immediately after the announcement of leaving the team.
A, Leon NOZAWA, who is in the same generation, scored his first goal in the J1 League, and I know how hard he has worked. I am proud to see my classmates succeed and go overseas. Before today's match, Kei KOIZUMI said to everyone, "For Kusei," and we were able to win, so I can leave the team with a good feeling.
Q, What were you conscious of when you entered the game as a substitute?
A, I entered the game with a score of 1-0 and was thinking of pulling away. The defense had been in a state of blocking since the first half, so I also tried to apply it and put in effort during counterattacks. This victory is one I will never forget.
Q, How do you look back on what you have gained from being involved with the Tokyo club for almost three seasons, including participating in practice?
I think if I wasn't in Tokyo, I wouldn't have been able to play in the game. It's also because former coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA used me as a starter from the beginning of the season and coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI appointed me as captain. I had a really good experience in my soccer career and I believe this experience will be useful in the next stage. I want to firmly keep my feet on the ground and continue to do my best.
Q, there was also a comment about wanting to become a player who will leave a mark in the club's history when speaking in front of fans and supporters.
A, from now on it will be a battle with myself, and I want to perform as the most active player in Tokyo overseas.
Q, What did you gain in terms of play and what did you gain as captain in Tokyo?
A, I think I've gradually gained the ability to control my composure and the game. It's been really difficult to lead as captain, whether it's a good or bad time. I couldn't have been captain without the support of my seniors and juniors, and I'm really grateful to Masato MORISHIGE and Koizumi for that.
Q, will being able to depart with a large number of fans and supporters cheering you on be a source of strength for the future?
Over 57,000 fans and supporters, including Albirex Niigata's fans and supporters, came to watch while we played, and I could feel their expectations on my back as I flew.
＜Player Leon NOZAWA＞
Q: Please review the scene of the first goal in Tokyo.
A, that goal was a team decision, and it was decided that the player on the opposite side would go in, and I thought the ball would definitely come to Kei KOIZUMI. There have been similar chances before, but I haven't been able to finish them, so I knew I had to finish it this time. It was more about the mentality than the technique. I remembered all the times I missed before, but I have been practicing a lot since then, and that goal was the result of all that hard work. I am truly grateful to all the people who supported me, and that's why I was there and the ball came to me, and I was able to score. I want to thank the Tokyo players, staff, and most importantly, the fans and supporters who have been supporting me all this time.
Q, I think I have spent a lot of difficult time until today.
A, since becoming a professional, I have had a really tough season. But thanks to the many people who have been supporting me, I was able to score. I think today's game was a big opportunity for me to grow, so I want to take it positively. However, I feel like I have finally reached the starting point today, so I want to contribute to a victory in the next game and leave some numbers.
Q, please share your enthusiasm for the next match against Kashima Antlers.
A, Today as well, during the away 2024 J.League YBC Levain Cup, my chant was sung and the support towards me was a huge source of strength, so I want to express my gratitude. Finally, I was able to respond to that support with results. Thanks to all the fans and supporters who have been pushing me forward, I want to continue to repay them even more in the future.
<Keita ENDO player>
Q, please look back on the scoring scene.
A, it was my favorite angle. I think what is expected of me is to make plays that lead to goals, such as shots or crosses, in that situation, and I was able to score a good shot there.
Q, it has been a difficult period since the injury.
Even if I couldn't play in perfect condition, I was able to adjust from a short amount of time and now I can play without worrying about myself. It was good to be able to change the bad streak of losing in the league.
Q, We had a tough period with 3 consecutive losses. What preparations did you make for today's match?
In the three matches against Avispa Fukuoka, Kashiwa Reysol, and JEF United Chiba, which were all difficult games, the support from the fans and supporters was amazing. Even when sitting on the bench, I was talking with other players. However, we were unable to respond with results, and that was disappointing for all of us, including the staff. Today, we played with the mindset of fighting for the fans and supporters who came to support us despite our poor performance and losing to Chiba.
Q, I think next week's Kashima Antlers match will be important in order to improve our ranking. Today, we had many visitors who helped us set a new record for the most home attendees in club history. I would like to send a message to those fans and supporters.
We want to approach the game with full preparation as there are no midweek matches. It is not a given that fans will come to watch our games even in a situation where results are not coming. It is not because it is Japan National Stadium or Ajinomoto Stadium, but we have to play soccer for the fans and supporters who support us. We want to play soccer while feeling the joy of being able to play for those who have even a little bit of expectation for us.
＜Taishi Brandon NOZAWA＞
Q, it was a long time since we had a clean sheet. How do you look back on the entire game?
A, it was important to win for sure, so it was good to be able to accumulate points. I think we are a team that can win, but in recent games we have made the game difficult for ourselves. We focused only on getting results without being too pessimistic about the result of three consecutive losses. In that sense, it was really good to be able to win today for sure.
Q, What aspects did you focus on in today's match, despite the continuous loss of points?
A, Personally, I still have a lot to learn and I think I was lacking in my studies. It is important to continue learning, but constantly making mistakes and learning from them can be a burden on the team. As a goalkeeper, I felt the need to quickly reach a higher level. That's why I am glad we were able to achieve a victory today. As a team, it is important to continue communicating with each other and respect each other's decisions and support each other's plays.
Q, After this, you will leave the team and join the U-23 Japan national team. What preparations do you have for national team activities and what results do you want to achieve and return with?
A, representing Japan, it is difficult to express in simple words the weight of the responsibility, but I want to firmly understand that I am standing there and fight through it. Regardless of the outcome, I want to go through the tournament without any regrets, thinking "I should have done this" or anything like that. Even after returning to Tokyo, the league will continue and I have not given up on winning the league title. I think if we drop points from here, it will make the fight more difficult, so I want to win until the end.
Q, Finally, please give a message to the fans and supporters who sent us off with a big cheer.
A, I want to show the fans who are supporting me that I am really paying attention and that I am playing in a way that will encourage them even a little. Of course, I think that I cannot fail because I have to respond to the expectations of the fans who support me. However, it is important not only to play well, but also to see how to get up when you fail.I hope that I can be a trigger for the fans who support me to try their best on that day, even if it is just a little bit.
