Team aims to advance to the semifinals together!

　In the 2nd leg of the Nabisco Cup quarter-finals, we face Shimizu S-Pulse away. The first leg on 9/1 ended in a 1-1 draw at Ajinomoto Stadium, so a 0-0 draw today would result in elimination due to the away goals rule. Therefore, it is essential to score at all costs. With only two days between matches starting from the 2nd Round of the Emperor's Cup on 9/5, the 2nd leg is held amidst consecutive matches. Coach Jofuku has positioned today as a "big game" to advance to the finals, and the practice the day before was closed to the public. On the other hand, Shimizu will be without FW Okazaki and FW Fujimoto, who played in the Japan national team match the day before, but MF Ono and FW Edamura, who missed the first leg, will return to the starting lineup. Their attacking power must be taken seriously. Coach Jofuku stated, "Naturally, the key is how to score while avoiding conceding. However, considering Shimizu's attacking strength, we are prepared to concede. Even so, it is necessary to remain calm and fight throughout the 90 minutes," emphasizing the need to assess the flow of the match and adapt our strategy accordingly. Tokyo will be without Konno and Kim Yong-gun, and also lacks Remmatsu due to U-19 Japan national team activities. However, Hanyu has made a comeback in the Emperor's Cup and will start today. The center-backs will be Tokunaga and Morishige, with Kajiwara and Takahashi in the holding midfield, and a two-top formation with Oguro and Ricardinho. Today is a match where results are demanded. Although the team situation is tough due to missing national team members and injured players, we are betting everything on this match as a total effort. In the Emperor's Cup match against Komazawa University, the participation of Hanyu and Tokunaga led to scoring from an aggressive style of play typical of Tokyo. Based on the confidence gained from that experience, we aim to unite and engage in a resilient battle to advance to the semi-finals. The match started at exactly 19:00 with Shimizu's kickoff, as the rain stopped and the humid environment belied the impact of the typhoon at Outsourcing Stadium Nihondaira.

The score remains 0-0 as we head into the second half with both teams playing cautiously.

　Tokyo seized the opportunity against Shimizu, who started the match on the back foot. In the 2nd minute, Ricardinho earned a foul and gained a free kick in front of the opponent's goal. Nakamura aimed directly for the goal, but the opposing goalkeeper deflected it, and Suzuki rushed in but shot wide. In the 6th minute, Takahashi took a shot from the middle after the ball spilled into the center, but it went over the bar. In the 9th minute, Ricardinho maintained possession in the left area after a side change from Kajiyama. In the end, Suzuki took a shot but couldn't make solid contact. However, gradually Shimizu found their rhythm, dominating the midfield and pushing Tokyo back. In the 16th minute, Hyodo passed to Ota on the left side for a cross. The ball spilled in front of the goal, but Gonda caught it. In the 18th minute, a connection from Yonsen to Hyodo in front of their own goal led to a shot, but it went wide. Despite being pressured with long defensive periods due to passing, Tokyo remained calm, endured Shimizu's attacks, and began to create chances by exploiting openings. In the 35th minute, a vertical pass from Hanyu to Okuro was made. Okuro turned and struck with his left foot, but it hit the opposing DF and resulted in a corner kick. From this right corner, Takahashi passed to Nakamura, who took a shot, but the opposing DF blocked it. Just before the end of the first half, in the 43rd minute, from Kajiyama's play, Mukuara attacked by exploiting the space behind the opposing DF on the right side and sent a negative cross in front of the goal. Suzuki connected and shot directly, but the ball hit the left post and went out. The first half ended with a resilient fight at 0-0, and the match was carried over to the second half.

Despite creating numerous scoring opportunities, they were unable to score... It was a frustrating goalless draw.

　From the start of the second half, Shimizu came out aggressively, but they were unable to play freely due to strict defense. The time continued with both teams exchanging set plays. However, Tokyo also showed their intent to attack, and in the 63rd minute, a last pass from Ricardinho, who broke through behind the right-side DF from Miku Hara, was made. From there, Hanyu took a well-aimed shot, but it was blocked by a great save from the GK. In the 65th minute, again from a cross by Miku Hara, Ooguro dove in for a header, but it hit the bar... After that, Ishikawa, Matsushita, and Hirayama were brought on. With Hirayama at the front line, Matsushita and Kajiyama in the second line, and Takahashi serving as a lone defensive midfielder in a 4-1-2-3 formation, they aimed to score. This strategy paid off, and in the closing stages, they launched a fierce attack. In the 84th minute, Hirayama cut in from the right side and took a left-footed shot. In the 85th minute, from Matsushita's right cross, Kajiyama had a chance, and in the 90th minute, from Ishikawa's cross, Ricardinho attempted a diving header, but both were thwarted by excellent saves from the GK. In the stoppage time, during a right corner kick, Gonda also advanced, continuing to show intensity towards the goal until the end. However, Ishikawa's volley from Matsushita's cross was blocked by the opposing DF. Connecting the loose ball, Hirayama took a decisive shot inside the area, but it was blocked by a covering DF... Following that, Hirayama's high header from Tokunaga's return pass continued the relentless back-and-forth, but this too was caught by the GK... They fought well in a fierce match, but ultimately could not shake the net, and the match ended scoreless. Although they were tied on points and goal difference with Shimizu, they could not advance to the Semifinal Round due to the away goals rule. 【Player Comments】《Hirayama》 "I think the first half was a tight match. I came on in a situation where we absolutely had to score, but I think I was able to show an intent to go towards the goal. (Were there any decisive headers or left-footed shots?) I think it’s rare to have a match where not only I, but throughout the game, hit the post or were stopped by the GK this much... Still, finishing is my job. It’s the most important thing, and I have a strong desire to shake the net." 《Tokunaga》 "It was a match we could have won. However, since we can't change the result, I want to switch to the league match immediately. It was my first time partnering with Morige at center back, but he communicated well, allowing us to play without panic. In the first half, rather than rushing to score, I really didn’t want to concede. Even so, we were able to create chances, just as planned. In the second half, the opponent dropped back, and we also changed our formation to switch things up. Of course, it might be because Shimizu didn’t take risks and didn’t come out attacking, but I think we were able to play aggressively. Throughout the match, I didn’t feel rushed, but I thought Shimizu's GK was wonderful. In that sense, it could be said we were unlucky, but it’s important to carry this fight into the next one." 【Coach Jofuku's Press Conference Summary】 "I really wanted to advance to the next round, and I’m disappointed that this wish didn’t come true. I wanted to share joy with the fans who came in weather like today. I can’t find the words. However, I want the players to hold their heads up. I believe we prepared as best we could, and the players who stood on the pitch did what they could. If there’s something lacking, it might be my issue. (Which was bigger, conceding one goal at home or not scoring today?) In 180 minutes, that one goal from the corner kick. From the perspective of the soccer we aim for, I think that scene reflects the frustration of not being able to break the goal line this year. Of course, we shouldn’t have conceded that goal, and if we hadn’t, we could have fought in extra time. As a priority for regret, I want to help this team achieve their current efforts and desires, whether it should be said from the area or from the goal area." 【Shimizu Coach Hasegawa's Press Conference Summary】 "At the end of the match, I think DF Iwashita was in pain, but I feel really sorry for not lining up and bowing to the FC Tokyo players, staff, and supporters. I spoke sternly to him, and I think he is reflecting on it. I want to take this opportunity to apologize. Regarding the match, I anticipated it would be a very difficult game. Even though we had the advantage of an away goal with a 1-1 away score, it was also a part that didn’t matter, and conversely, it could also be an advantage, which made the game development very difficult. Overall, I think we were able to control it, but in the last 10 minutes, when the opponent increased their numbers to attack, it became a difficult time. However, since it was at home, I didn’t want to end it 0-0 by defending to the end. While cutting attacking players, we tried to find chances to play, but I really think we were helped by GK Nishibe. He made several crucial saves with his body, which I believe led to this result. I want to express my gratitude, and I think we wouldn’t have advanced to the Semifinal Round without his performance. We have a match against Omiya in two days, but I want to switch my mindset and prepare for the next game. I really appreciate the many passionate supporters who cheered until the end, even on a weekday. Thank you very much."