Aiming for three consecutive wins in the league while maintaining good form!

　Sec. 30 of the J1 League was an away match against Kashima Antlers. In the recent league matches against Tokyo V and G Osaka, we achieved come-from-behind victories. We also had a comfortable win in the 4th round of the Emperor's Cup against Fukuoka. Currently, the team is showing momentum and resilience. Especially in the match against the top-ranked G Osaka, although we conceded an early goal, we remained calm and took control of the game, resulting in a come-from-behind victory and overwhelming G Osaka.

　Kashima is currently in 2nd place with a 1-point difference from the top team G Osaka, and their determination for today's match is considerable. MF Ricardinho, who has been adjusting with a separate menu due to injury, and Ogasawara are also starting. Coach Hara said, "Even if MF Ogasawara and FW Motoyama are slightly off form, they can still hold the ball. If we focus too much on that, left MF Fukai will come flying out. We have to be most cautious of Fukai, who is currently in the best form at Kashima, and his sharpness."

　Tokyo, on the other hand, is facing a tough situation with Sasa absent due to his activities with the Paraguay national team, and Toda and Kanazawa sidelined due to injuries. However, Kaji returns to the starting lineup on the right side for the first time since the 26th round match against Omiya. We hope to see his dynamic attacking play, which is one of his strengths. In addition, Coach Hara commented, "Imano and Kajiyama are forming a double pivot in midfield, with Baba adding momentum. That is currently the team's biggest weapon." Starting from them, we will launch our attacks from the sides with the speedy players like Abe and Suzuki, who are in good form. In particular, Kashima's center-backs are strong in the air and in the front, but they are weak in the space behind them. Also, their full-backs take up high positions, so if we quickly switch between attack and defense and exploit the space behind them, we should be able to create chances.

　In the home game of the 10th section, Coach Hara reflects, "There were many injured players, and it was the most difficult time, but we were somehow running away in fear." Today, he says, "Aggressively, no matter who the opponent is, we will show our strengths and face them head-on." It is a disadvantageous situation in the away game at Kashima, which is our weak point, but we aim to win 3 points and achieve the first 3 consecutive wins in the league this season. The match started with Kashima's kickoff at 4:03 pm.

TOKYO Aim For Hat Trick

F.C. TOKYO made the trip to the Pacific coast to take on Kashima Antlers in the 30th round of the season. TOKYO had managed to come from behind and win the previous two league games, showing admirable tenacity; after conceding in the 2nd minute in the win over league leaders Gamba Osaka, the side had entirely dominated the game.
Opponents Antlers lay in 2nd place behind Gamba at kick-off, and a win was vital for their title challenge. Midfielders Ricardinho and Ogasawara started after training separately from the rest of the squad during the week. "Even if they aren't at their best, Ogasawara and Motoyama can carry possession. If we allow ourselves to be distracted, then Fukai, the left-sided midfielder, can take advantage. He's very sharp and is probably their in-form player right now," commented TOKYO manager Hara.
TOKYO were without Sasa, on international duty with Paraguay, and the injured Toda and Kanazawa. Kaji returned to the starting lineup for the first time since the Omiya Ardija game on October 3rd. His explosive attacking ability along the right flank had been missed. "The double midfield partnership of Konno and Kajiyama, with Baba in front of them, is probably our major weapon at the moment." TOKYO based their game on that solid triangle and the pace of Abe and Suzuki down the flanks. The Antlers center backs have height and strength but can be turned; if TOKYO could get in behind the defense, then chances would appear.
TOKYO had played Antlers at home in the 10th game of the season. "That was the low point of the year for us," commented manager Hara, "we had so many injuries then. Today we're going to be aggressive and take the game to them. We don't care who we're playing, we just want to perform to the best of our ability." Antlers have traditionally proved difficult opponents for TOKYO, and the side has earned little at Kashima Stadium over the years. The game kicked off shortly after 4 PM on a sunny afternoon.

Despite conceding the first goal, the score is equalized by Konno's goal.

　Before the match, Coach Hara instructed us to "be aggressive and not be afraid". As instructed, we aggressively pressed the opponent's ball and launched attacks from the beginning of the match. In the 3rd minute, Suzuki Noriyuki dribbled deep on the left side and crossed the ball. However, he couldn't connect well with Lucas in the center. In the 9th minute, we stole the ball from Kashima and Abe Yoshitaka took a daring middle shot, but it missed the target. In the 11th minute, we stole the ball from Kashima around the halfway line, and Suzuki Noriyuki dribbled towards the goal. He was surrounded by defenders and was dispossessed after entering the penalty area, but we controlled the pace of the game as planned.

　However, Kashima, a skilled team in matches, takes the lead despite being at a disadvantage. In the 17th minute, MF Fernandez puts a fast ball towards the goal with his left foot from a free kick from the right midfield, and DF Iwamasa easily allows the ball to be combined and concedes the lead. Then, the game gradually starts to be dominated by Kashima. In the 25th minute, Kashima MF Fukai's middle shot goes over the bar. In the 30th minute, Tokyo steals the ball and is attacked from a sharp counter-attack, and MF Fernandez runs in to shoot but misses to the right of the goal. It was a decisive moment, but no additional points were scored. Even when Tokyo steals the ball and transitions to an attack, they are caught in a vicious cycle of having the ball stolen by Kashima's tough press, making it difficult to establish a rhythm.

　Tokyo finally found their attacking rhythm when they started avoiding passing in the center as instructed by Coach Hara and focused on competing on the left and right sides. In the 32nd minute, Yoshiro ABE dribbled from the right side to the center and passed it directly to Baba who was in the left area. He aimed for a shot but it was weak and went wide to the right. In the 36th minute, Tokyo had a free kick. Noriyuki SUZUKI aimed directly from a distance of 23-4m to the left of the goal but hit the crossbar. In the 41st minute, Lucas took a shot from the left area. Norio SUZUKI rushed towards the loose ball and appeared to be knocked down by the opposing defender, but he received a warning for a foul. However, the momentum had completely shifted in favor of Tokyo.

　And at the 42nd minute, a left CK. Bamba, who received a return pass from Kajiyama with a short corner, took a bold shot. It was blocked by the defender, but Inamoto picked up the ball that had spilled to the opposite side, controlled it with one touch, and took a left-footed shot! It passed through the opponent's defenders and pierced the net, equalizing the score. After that, we continued to push forward, but the first half ended with a score of 1-1.

TOKYO Concede; Konno Ties It

Before kick off Hiromi Hara urged his players not to be afraid and go forward positively; the team responded well, harrying Antlers right across the field and dominated the opening few minutes. In the 3rd minute Suzuki launched a cross from deep on the left that just evaded Lucas. In the 9th minute TOKYO won the ball in midfield and Abe ran on to shoot wide from distance. TOKYO again won the ball on the halfway line in the 11th minute and this time Suzuki raced forward before losing, then regaining, possession. It was a bright start from the visitors.
As they so frequently do though, Antlers took the lead without having seriously threatened. In the 17th minute Fernando struck a free kick from the right of midfield low and hard towards the near post; Iwamasa flicked the ball past Doi to give his side the lead. Kashima then began to slowly wrestle possession away from TOKYO and the balance of the game shifted. Fukai blazed over the bar from mid-range in the 25th minute and Fernando fired a low drive wide in the 30th minute following a rapid counter attack after TOKYO had lost the ball in midfield. Antlers created chances but couldn't find a decisive finish while TOKYO struggled to retain possession in the face of some fierce pressure.
Manager Hara urged his players to avoid passing the ball around in midfield and use the wings; the team responded and slowly began to make headway along the flanks. Abe raced down the right in the 32nd minute, cut inside and slipped the ball to Kajiyama on the edge of the area. Kajiyama played the ball first time to Baba inside the area on the left but his shot lacked power and dribbled wide of the post. Suzuki hammered a free kick over the bar in the 36th minute, Lucas shot high in the 41st and then Suzuki not only had a decent appeal for a penalty turned down but was booked for simulation. The balance had swung back in the visitors' favour once more.
TOKYO won a corner in the 42nd minute. Kajiyama took it short, passing to Baba who let fly from a tight angle. The low effort clipped a couple of defenders and reached Konno at the far post. Konno deftly trapped the ball, turned and drove the ball inside the post for the equaliser. TOKYO looked to press their advantage as the Antlers wobbled but the home side survived some anxious moments and the score remained 1-1 at half time.

The intense battle ended in a draw

　The attack and defense continue to go back and forth since the start of the second half. In the 49th minute, Tokyo's cross from the left side by Suzuki Nori reaches Kajiyama in the end, but he is unable to take a shot. In the 53rd minute, Abe Yoshii rises at the perfect timing to meet the sharp floating pass from Baba on the left side in front of the goal and heads it! The goalkeeper makes a great save and it results in a corner kick. This time, in the 55th minute, Kashima's midfielder Fernando puts a sharp ball into the front of the goal from a right free kick, but the defender clears it. In the 59th minute, Arai on the left side, dribbles and takes a shot, but it goes over the bar. Both teams raise their defensive lines and wait for a chance with a compact formation.

　However, a happening occurred in Tokyo. In the 64th minute, Miura was substituted for Shigeki, who was injured. The defensive line was rearranged with Imakano. In the 68th minute, Kajiyama passed to Lucas on the left side from a counterattack. Lucas dribbled into the center and took a shot, but the opposing defender blocked it. On the contrary, Kashima also had a counterattack, with forward Motoyama dribbling through the center and passing to forward Alex Mineiro on the left side, who took a direct shot. It was a decisive moment, but it narrowly missed the right side of the goal.

　Kashima substitutes DF Aoki with DF Narahashi, and MF Fukai with MF Nozawa. Tokyo also substitutes MF Baba with MF Kurisawa in an attempt to bring the pace under control. However, gradually the match becomes evenly matched in the midfield, and it starts to tilt towards Kashima after Imano is no longer on the field. In the 73rd minute, Nozawa takes a shot, and in the 75th minute, after a wave of attacks, DF Arai shoots but misses the target. In the 76th minute, MF Ogasawara takes a decisive shot from the left area, but Doi saves it and it results in a corner kick.

　In the 78th minute, Asari, who replaced Kajiyama showing signs of fatigue, made his first appearance since the 13th round against C Osaka. First, aiming for a counterattack from a solid defense, trying to draw the pace, but this time Kashima brought in FW Suzuki instead of MF Ricardinho in the 81st minute and came out to fight. Kashima became more aggressive and became a one-sided defense, but did not allow any additional points without losing concentration with Doi at the center.

　On the contrary, as the game entered the final stage, Tokyo also made a final push and launched an attack. In the 88th minute, Suzuki Nori made a quick pass to Lucas, but Yoshiro ABE, who had broken through in front of the goal, was blocked by the Kashima DF and couldn't take a shot. In the 89th minute, Suzuki Nori kept the ball on the left side and crossed it slightly backwards. Asari, who had made a run, took a direct volley from outside the box and hit the target, but it was right in front of the opponent's goalkeeper. In the end, the game ended like this. We took a valuable 1 point away from home!

　[Player Comments]《Konno》"It was a tough match. We conceded a goal when we were in our rhythm, but I remained calm. I thought we could win if we continued to press forward as we have been. In the goal scene, I wondered if it would hit someone... but I was able to calmly shoot with my left foot. I believe it's important to get a shot off in those situations. When Moni got injured, it seemed like our rhythm might break, but everyone stayed focused, and we were able to hold on." 《Doi》"We conceded a goal early, but I think we were able to play our football well afterward. The opponent was kicking the ball forward, so when Lucas stayed up front, it stretched our DF line. At halftime, we discussed whether to push up or drop back as a whole... and made adjustments there. However, when Shige got injured, the DF line changed, and we inevitably lost balance and were pushed back by Kashima. MF Ogasawara and FW Alex Mineiro held the ball, and then FW Motoyama and others broke through, which was tough, but the DF did well to contain them. (Regarding my own fine play) It was because the DF cut off the passing lanes. Not losing in such battles gives us confidence. The accumulation of experiences has been building confidence in each player. I believe that has led to our current (undefeated) results."

　[Summary of Coach Hara's Press Conference] "Kashima is a team competing for the championship in second place. And we have only won at Kashima Soccer Stadium in the Nabisco Cup. That's why we wanted to take all three points today. When playing away, we tend to be on the back foot as Kashima often holds the ball, but we talked about being proactive and going forward without fear as we approached the match. There were several good opportunities, but we conceded a goal from a restart, which was the situation we were most cautious about. This created a bad feeling, but everyone maintained their focus, and we were able to execute our solid defense, which was our aim. From there, I wanted to utilize Lucas and the sides with Noriyuki Suzuki and Yoshiro ABE. We were good at winning the ball back, but when we connected to nearby players, we were often dispossessed by Kashima's intense press from the midfield, leading to several dangerous situations. At halftime, I instructed the team to spread the ball to the sides after winning it and to exploit the opponent's back. However, just when I thought we could enter the second half in good shape, there was the unfortunate incident of Moniwa's injury, and after he went out, we became disorganized. We thought about how to fill Moniwa's gap. We knew that Konno was effective in midfield, but with Miura's experience, we aimed to have him lead the other players while we continued to use the sides, so we moved Konno to the back line. We brought in Kurizawa and Asari for the fatigued Kajiwara and Baba, aiming to defend solidly while looking for counterattacks. There were several good opportunities, and it would have been great if we had scored there. However, despite the incident with Moniwa, the players fought well without losing focus until the end. We wanted three points, but right now, even one point is important. Kashima, aiming for the championship, launched powerful attacks in the final stages to take all three points, but the Tokyo players defended well, putting their bodies on the line, and we were able to earn one point."

　[Summary of Coach Cerezo's Press Conference] "Overall, I think the team's performance was good. However, if you look at the number of shots, you can see that we need to convert those opportunities. I am particularly satisfied with the first half, but not being able to finish in crucial moments affected us in the end. The first half was not perfect either. Especially from the moment we conceded a goal, we resorted to long balls from DF Iwamasa or Oiwa without building up play. That needs to be corrected. If we stay calm, we should be fine. It was also a problem that MF Fukai only started to show his true ability about 15 minutes into the match. I don't know if it was due to fatigue, but I need to consult with him again. We are using FW Motoyama as an attacking midfielder, and if he drifts too much to the side, there will be no one to support FW Alex Mineiro in the center. We need to improve the distance between forwards, passing exchanges, and rhythm. The first 15 minutes of the second half were at Tokyo's pace, but after that period, Shigeno got injured, a defensive player was brought in, and we focused on aiming for a draw. Kashima's substitutes changed the flow, but we couldn't finish strongly in the end. That resulted in a draw. Overall, it wasn't such a bad performance, but we need to improve on 'winning at home.' This season, we have dropped points frequently. I am satisfied that the substitutes changed the flow and created chances. I think today's MVP is Tokyo GK Doi. I am satisfied with MF Nozawa's movement. He responded well to the request to get involved with the ball. DF Narahashi is still being used cautiously due to his recent injury. My top priority is to finish the season without injuries, and I hope he gradually regains his match sense and rhythm. I also think FW Suzuki Takashi showed his characteristics in the short time of 10 minutes.

Hard-Fought Battle Ends In Draw

The second half began finely balanced. Suzuki crossed to Kajiyama in the 49th minute but the midfielder failed to muster a shot. In the 53rd minute, Baba curled a pin-point cross onto Abe's head but Sogahata produced a fine save to tip the powerful header over the bar. Kashima won a free kick in an identical position to the one they scored from but this time the TOKYO defense cleared the danger. Araiba dribbled forward into shooting range in the 59th minute but fired wide. Both sides pushed their defense lines up the field into a compact formation and created chances.
A piece of ill-luck struck TOKYO in the 64th minute as Moniwa sustained an injury and was replaced by Miura, with Konno moving back into defense. Kajiyama set up Lucas in the 68th minute on a counter attack but the Antlers defense blocked his effort. The Antlers then countered through Motoyama who found Alex Mineiro unmarked on the edge of the area; Mineiro's curled shot clipped the outside of the post to the relief of the visitors.
A flurry of substitutions saw Kashima replace Aoki and Fukai with Narahashi and Nozawa while Kurisawa replaced Baba for TOKYO. Konno's absence from midfield began to tell and the balance shifted back to the home side. Nozawa shot wide in the 73rd minute as did Araiba in the 75th. In the 76th minute, Doi palmed a powerful drive from Ogasawara round the post for a corner.
Asari replaced the tiring Kajiyama in the 78th minute, making his first appearance since the 13th game of the season, against Cerezo in July. TOKYO aimed to defend solidly and hit the Antlers on the break. The home side played their final card by sending on striker Suzuki in the 81st minute and throwing everything into attack. The TOKYO defense, marshalled superbly by the dominant Doi, refused to crack, repelling the Antlers and launching counter attacks. Only some desperate last ditch defending foiled Abe in the 88th minute after Suzuki and Lucas had split the home defense. Asari struck a volley from outside the area straight at Sogahata in the last minute of regulation time. Neither side was able to conjure the game-winning effort and the match ended all square. TOKYO had earned a hard-fought away point.


Players' comments
Konno
"That was a really hard game. We were playing well and conceded but we kept calm as we knew we could turn the game around. For the goal I felt I had a chance, tried to keep cool and just hit the ball. Chances like that are very important. Moniwa was injured and it looked like we might lose our rhythm but we kept our concentration and defended well".

Doi
"We conceded early but after that were able to play our own football, I felt. The defence line became slow and was playing too deeply but we fixed it at half time. After Moniwa was injured we had to make changes then lost our balance and that allowed Kashima to push us back. Ogasawara and Alex Mineiro were able to get on the ball and pick out Motoyama's runs; it was difficult but the defence did very well. Not losing a game like that will give us greater confidence and contribute to our unbeaten run".


TOKYO manager Hara
"Antlers are second in the table and pushing for the title while we have never won here except in the Nabisco Cup, so we really wanted the three points today. Whenever we play here we always seem to be chasing the ball so I told the players to go out and be positive, not to be afraid. We put several good moves together but then went and conceded from a set play. That left a bad taste but we maintained our concentration and defended well. We had wanted to use Abe and Suzuki on the wings to bring Lucas into the game but when we tried to pass the ball around in midfield the Kashima pressure was too strong and we ended up losing possession and leaving ourselves open. At half time we focused on getting the ball out to the wings and then using the space behind the Antlers' defence. We looked much better in the second half but then lost Moniwa and started to flap. Replacing him was a worry and although Konno was having a good game in midfield we pulled him back into defence and used Miura's experience and leadership in midfield. Kajiyama and Baba were tiring so we sent on Kurisawa and Asari to strengthen the defence and attempt to strike on the counter attack. We created some chances and obviously would have liked to have scored but considering Moniwa's injury the team kept its concentration and fought well to the end. We wanted the three points but even one is important right now. Kashima are chasing the title and desperately wanted three points but our players were able to deal with everything they threw at us and earn a point".

Antlers manager Cerezo
"Overall it was a good performance today. Considering the number of shots we had though, we should have scored more particularly in the first half where we could have decided the game but didn't and that came back to hurt us. The first half wasn't perfect though; we conceded after Iwamasa and Oiwa played long balls without trying to build up the play. That's something we have to put right. If we can be composed we'll be fine. Also, Fukai was largely invisible for the first 15 minutes and that's a problem. I don't know if he's tired or what but I'll have to talk to him about it. We played Motoyama behind the striker but if he drifts out to the flanks then there's nobody to support Alex Mineiro. We have to work on the forwards' positioning, exchanging passes and their rhythm. TOKYO were on top for the first 15 minutes of the second half but after Moniwa was injured they sent on defensive players and played for a draw. Our substitutes make a difference but were unable to create or finish a decisive move. That's why the game was a draw. Overall we didn't play badly but we have to win at home. We've dropped too many points this season. I'm satisfied with the way the substitutes played and the chances they created. I was pleased with the movement Nozawa showed today. Doi was man of the match, I think. Narahashi is only just returning from injury and we felt it wise to use him sparingly; it's much better for a player to finish a season without an injury. We want him to regain his perception and rhythm. Suzuki only had 10 minutes on the pitch but played to his strengths".