Unbeatable Match

Recently, Tokyo has been far from victory and just three days ago suffered a humiliating defeat with a V-goal. On the other hand, Kobe has not won a single game since the start of the season and just four days ago achieved their first victory in joy. Winning today's game is undoubtedly a crucial match for both teams, despite their different positions. Before the game, the familiar chant of "Tokyo! Tokyo!" echoes from the back stand. The "blue and red army" has come to Kobe on a weekday night game with a group of over 30 people. With such strong "comrades" supporting them, Tokyo cannot afford to lose. Tokyo has changed their formation, moving Almir to a defensive position, placing Yukihiko SATO in the center, and Kobayashi on the right side to activate their midfield. On the other hand, Kobe has started with their ace, South Korean representative Kasei Shu, who was rested in the game a week ago, in an attempt to take control of the midfield. It is expected to be a fierce battle to see which team will dominate the midfield.

Waking up with Kobe's opening goal

After the start of the first half, Tokyo, which had been moving stiffly, still seemed to be unable to shake off the bad image from the past few games. On the other hand, Kobe was riding on a wave of victory from four days ago and was attacking fiercely and boldly. In the 4th minute of the first half, a free kick from the left was easily turned back and Kobe MF Buhe scored the opening goal. It was a quick turn of events. However, Tokyo woke up after this. Kobe, who was attacking carelessly, often left space in the midfield after the ball was cut, and there, Yukihiko SATO and Almir stirred things up with their fast ball movement and effective dribbling. In this game, Yukihiko SATO was fantastic, actively involved in the ball like a "fish in water" by being able to move freely in the center, creating chances with his favorite direct passes and speedy dribbling. Almir also dazzled with his brilliant technique and accurate passing. On the other hand, Kobe also countered with the combination of ace Kawa, Hasebe, and substitute Nagashima. As expected, a fierce battle in the high-level midfield unfolded.

Dramatic Finale!

In the second half, Tokyo's attack gains momentum. Amaral, who has been in good form since the opening, remained stable on this day as well and became a key player in the front line. Kobayashi, who entered as a right midfielder, repeatedly bewildered Kobe's defense with his flexible dribbling, and Fujiyama, the left fullback, also tore apart Kobe's defense with one-twos with Almir and high-speed dribbling. In terms of shots in the second half, Tokyo had 11 shots compared to Kobe's mere 2 shots, and the game was completely dominated by Tokyo's pace.

However, they were just one step away from scoring, and time passed in vain. Then, in the 43rd minute of the second half, Amaral won the ball from a left corner kick and Sandro pushed it in to equalize the game. The game went into extra time as it was still tied after 90 minutes. In extra time, Tokyo continued to attack Kobe's goal. In the 12th minute of the first half of extra time, substitute Kagami made an exquisite cross from the left. Amaral then dove and headed the ball into the goal, ending the intense battle that lasted until the 102nd minute.

The confidence gained from playing an equal or better match against a J1 team and achieving a dramatic victory is significant. In the post-match press conference, coach Okuma stated, "We surpassed the opponent in terms of physicality and mentality," and seemed to feel the momentum leading to the next match. Tokyo, who advanced to the second round of the Nabisco Cup, will face JEF United Ichihara Chiba at Nishigaoka on Saturday, June 12th.