Win every battle. The one who shone brightly in the game, approached with strong feelings by everyone involved in Tokyo, was the number 10 who had been holding back frustrating feelings until now.
Keigo HIGASHI, who was named in the starting eleven for the first time this season in the league match. The 34-year-old, who has struggled to get playing time, finally seizes the opportunity that has come his way and shines on the pitch.
After 40 seconds into the match, the team took their first shot, controlling the game with precise positioning and accurate passes from the defensive midfielder position, reading the play. They strengthened their presence while maintaining overall balance.
In the 13th minute of the first half, Teruhito NAKAGAWA made a bold dribble shot, utilizing the open space after drawing the opponent's defense away with a free run to the front line, and he capitalized on the rebound to score the opening goal. His strike early in the match thrilled the Japan National Stadium, and chants praising him continued to resonate from behind the goal.
"Teru took a bold shot, and it came to a good spot. I didn't expect it to roll over to me, so I was lucky. I went through some tough times, but I believed that a chance would definitely come and practiced for it. I'm glad I was able to score that valuable opening goal. I wonder if it rolled to me as a reward (for my efforts). I thank the soccer gods."
I absolutely wanted to win. The team, led by the veteran, was inspired by the support from fans and supporters during this difficult time, including the match against Sanfrecce Hiroshima, and I felt we had to respond. The team controlled the game with sharp attacking play typical of Tokyo, along with skillful ball possession. Diego OLIVEIRA scored a penalty kick, Takahiro KO netted his first goal in blue and red, and Nakagawa added a powerful insurance goal, marking a total of 4 goals for a convincing victory. We extended our unbeaten record at the Japan National Stadium and secured our first win in 7 league matches.
After the match, the players embraced behind the goal and shared the joy with the entire stadium with the victory song 'You'll Never Walk Alone' for the first time in a while.
"I thought that the fans and supporters in Tokyo are truly the best, and I have to work even harder for those people. The team has its challenges, and if we are satisfied with just this one victory, it will be the end. I have experienced 'Yuruneva' while competing for the championship, so I want to take it step by step to get back there."
We can't end just yet. I want to respond to those who support us with results. The determination of the number 10, fighting with the pride of blue and red, turned into a game that excited the 55,896 people packed into the Japan National Stadium.
"Our National" got the long-awaited victory. We scored a total of 4 goals against Nagoya Grampus and achieved our first league win in about 2 months.
Overcoming numerous frustrations, the blue-red squad secured victory with a fierce battle. In the match, Keigo HIGASHI, who started for the first time this season as a defensive midfielder, became the balance for the team, marking the opening goal in the 13th minute of the first half to energize the team. The entire team continued to press high and mix in short counters and side attacks, advancing into the opponent's territory while maintaining a high ball possession rate, showcasing a calm game management for a resounding victory. The match also highlighted the efforts of experienced players, including Takahiro KO's first blue-red goal and Teruhito NAKAGAWA's contribution to three goals, including one of his own.
This is the first league victory in about two months since the match against Albirex Niigata on July 13 in Sec. 23 of the Meiji Yasuda J1 League. Having overcome a tough period of six winless matches, the entire team is gaining momentum, and we hope to use this opportunity to achieve consecutive victories in the upcoming match against Urawa Reds.
Additionally, this week, Soma ANZAI, who had been sidelined due to a nasal bone fracture, has fully rejoined team practice. As a player who can play in multiple positions, there is no doubt that this will significantly enhance the team's strength.
Urawa faced Gamba Osaka away last match and won 1-0. At the end of August, they dismissed head coach Per Matthias Heggem, and Maciej SKORZA, who had been in charge until last season, returned. They secured a victory in his first match. This marks their first league win since June 30. After undergoing significant changes, they have emerged from a long tunnel, similar to Tokyo.
Since the last match in April at the Japan National Stadium, there has been a significant change in the player roster. Many players, including Sakai, Ito, and Iwao, have left the team, while new players such as Honma, Naganuma, and Nita have been acquired. Furthermore, on September 1, former Japan national team player Haraguchi made his return after 10 seasons, and he immediately came on as a substitute in the last match. He was utilized in a holding midfielder position, helping to conclude the match and contributing to a victory in an official match at Urawa for the first time in 3,758 days. The veteran, with a strong mentality, hopes to play in an attacking role, making him a player that Tokyo should be wary of, regardless of how he is utilized.
This match will be a homecoming game for Coach Skorza and Player Haraguchi, but for Tokyo, who will be playing away, they want to showcase an intensity that matches the unique atmosphere of Saitama Stadium 2002 and secure consecutive victories. If they can continue the determination for victory shown at National, the strategic gameplay, and the united effort between the pitch and the stands, victory will surely be within reach.
[Interview with Peter Cklamovski]
Q: How do you want to build on the victory from the last match?
A, as I mentioned last week, it is important to carry good performance into the next match. We just need to continue the good aspects in the Urawa Reds match as well.
Q: This week's opponent, Urawa, also won their last match and is a team that is gaining momentum.
A good team, but I want to focus on how we fight against Urawa. I want to embody the team's principles, demonstrate high performance, and be willing to work hard to achieve results. Urawa has high-quality players, but in attack, it is important to effectively utilize the opponent's space, penetrate behind the opponent's defense, and not lose in the tactical battle. In defense, I believe that maintaining a compact formation, strongly confronting the opponent who moves the ball, and fighting patiently will lead to a clean sheet.
Q: What points should we pay attention to in the away game against Urawa?
A, the coach Maciej SKORZA, who has left many things for the club (Urawa) so far, is returning, and after winning the last match, they are coming back home. It is important not to be overwhelmed by the atmosphere of the opponent's home. To do this, controlling our football, managing the game, and scoring the first goal are key points to advance the match in our favor. I believe that by expressing such a game on the pitch, we can eliminate the unique emotions of being away. I want to deliver joy that makes the Tokyo fans and supporters jump with excitement.
[Player Interview]
＜Player Kota TAWARATSUMIDA＞
Q: It was your first start in a while in the match against Nagoya Grampus in the last round.
A, the team won 4-1, but I couldn't show anything in terms of numbers like goals or assists. I am not satisfied with anything personally, so I want to prepare thoroughly for the next match.
Q: What were the factors that allowed you to score 4 goals against Nagoya after being away from victory for a while?
A, I feel that scoring the opening goal gave the entire team a boost. Momentum is important in play, and I want to carry the victory from the last match into the game against Urawa.
Q: It was your first starting appearance since the match against Kashiwa Reysol on July 6. The team also went through a tough period around the same time, but what did you personally focus on?
A, since the start of this season, I have been strongly aware of the accuracy and quality of crosses that I have been continuously working on in training. I believe that it is important to keep at it, and I think that what we have done and built up will lead to performance in matches. I want to continue to work on this going forward.
Q: In the match against Sanfrecce Hiroshima two games ago, I assisted Tsuyoshi OGASHIWA's goal. I believe that goal led to our victory against Nagoya.
In the previous match against Nagoya, the opponent had a solid defensive block, tightly clustering around the ball, creating a situation where there were always many opposing players right in front of us. The match against Hiroshima was towards the end of the game, and it had become somewhat open. In such situations, space opens up, allowing me to utilize my strengths, and I can also play the role of advancing the ball, as seen in the scene where I assisted Kogashi's goal. Conversely, when faced with a defense like Nagoya's that does not allow for space, I believe the key point is how to break through that defense.
Q: This round is a match against Urawa Reds. In the previous encounter, Tawaramizuki's assist led to the Final Round goal.
First of all, I think it's important to have the awareness to shoot. When we are not in good form, it feels like we can't carry the ball to the shot, and we can't finish our attacks with a shot. I want to approach this match with that awareness strongly in mind.
＜Kei Koizumi player＞
Q: This match is an away game against Urawa Reds. Please tell us what is necessary for consecutive wins.
A, I believe that by temporarily forgetting the results of the last match and focusing on the results and content of the match against Urawa, we can lead to consecutive victories. The main reason we were able to win against Nagoya Grampus was that we were able to fight fundamentally better than our opponent. Our proactive attitude and ability to compete led to many opportunities and ultimately to victory. I think that by focusing on the fundamental aspects and the pace that is absolutely necessary for fighting, the probability of winning will also increase. This is something that is expected from each player.
Q: In the last match, was the victory we achieved after a long time a result of expressing what player Koizumi refers to as the 'fundamental aspects'?
A, after being away from victory for about two months, both the team and individual players struggled a lot. The result of everyone searching for "how to win" led to the victory against Nagoya. Among that, what I felt on the pitch was that we were able to win battles against the opponent in key moments of the play. Being superior in those moments greatly influences the outcome of the match, and if we do not surpass the opponent, both the content and the result of the match become difficult. Of course, this "fundamental aspect" is absolutely necessary in every match. It may feel like this is being demanded not just from us, but from the entire J-League as well.
Q: In the match against Nagoya, you played as a right back for the first time in a while. How do you feel about the challenges and your performance?
As a side back player, there are still many challenges to overcome. I feel a sense of dissatisfaction, and I want to demand more from myself in terms of plays that contribute to scoring and the intensity of one-on-one defense. There were many moments where I was saved by the opponent's mistakes. I want to improve steadily and continue to enhance the aspects I was able to express in the Nagoya match. I can do more, and I must do more, so I want to prepare well, regardless of my position, for the team to win.
