<Match Review>
The second home game at the New Japan National Stadium welcomed Kyoto Sanga F.C., with approximately 1500 fireworks and flames, a grand production with moving lights and lasers, and players from both teams appearing on the sacred pitch of the National Stadium.
Tokyo changed the midfield and forward players from the previous match. In the anchor position, player Keigo Higashi was included, and in the inside half position, players Koki Tsukagawa and Kuryu Matsuki formed a combination. In the forward line, Leandro was selected as a starter in place of Kazuya Konno. Konno was excluded from the match squad, and Hirotaka Mita was included as a substitute member.
1st HALF - Leandro scores first with a golazo
Tokyo, who has been holding onto the ball since the beginning, pushes Kyoto back into their own half with a mix of long and short passes. In the 13th minute of the first half, after receiving a pass from Leandro, Kashif BANGNAGANDE dribbles the ball out and then passes it through to the penalty area where Leandro breaks free and takes a shot, but it hits the post.
Despite holding onto the ball for a long time, the play before the finish was off and they couldn't create a decisive chance. It seemed like they were struggling to break down the opponent, but in the 28th minute of the first half, they were able to change the game.
Masato MORISHIGE passes a looping pass to the left side, and Yoshifu KASHIWA receives the ball in a deep position in the opponent's territory. When he passes a lateral pass to Leandro, who has jumped into the inside space, Leandro swings his right foot from the left corner of the penalty area. The curved shot hits the crossbar and left post and is sucked into the goal.
After that, Kyoto, who started from the side, was pushed back and there were scenes where they were able to put dangerous balls in front of the goal, including set pieces. They were unable to hold onto the ball or push back, but they held firm in the penalty area and managed to maintain their lead until the end of the first half.
2nd HALF - Additional point starting with Mita's middle shot
Tokyo, who wants to change the flow that was pushed in the late first half and once again hold the ball and take the initiative, is also effective in pressing from the front line and entering the Kyoto territory. In the 9th minute of the second half, Matsuki becomes the starting point with a post play as soon as he enters the penalty area, and passes a heel pass to Diego Oliveira, who has come around. The left-footed shot from Leandro, who shot from a position 45 degrees diagonally to the left of the goal, was deflected by the opponent's goalkeeper, who stretched out his hand.
If you can't take advantage of the early chances, you will gradually be pushed back by Kyoto. The opponent is putting in fast vertical balls and pressing forward, but Tokyo is trying to change the flow of the game by taking the ball and calmly connecting. In scenes where the opponent is pressing forward, they aim for counterattacks and make changes to their attacks according to the situation.
In the 31st minute of the second half, when the ball was pushed into the goal area, a ground cross ball was passed through, but the ball that did not meet in front of the goal flowed to the far side, where the opposing player jumped in freely, but was unable to meet the ball that changed its bounce and escaped unharmed.
There is a chance after a pinch. Immediately after that, in the 33rd minute of the second half, Mita player makes a middle shot from the right side on a counterattack, and Adailton player, who followed up the ball that the opponent goalkeeper deflected, scores a significant additional point.
In the 37th minute of the second half, Adailton picked up a clearance mistake by the opposing goalkeeper and attempted a looping shot towards the unguarded goal, but it was cleared by the opposing defender just before the goal line with a desperate effort to get back.
As the game entered the final stage, Kyoto gained momentum and pushed forward. Tokyo had a two-goal lead and controlled the ball without rushing their attacks, ultimately sealing the game with a clean sheet, including additional time.
Two players who scored goals in the Levain Cup final of the 2020 season and on Apr 29 at the Japan National Stadium, scored goals for the third time at the National Stadium, bringing Tokyo their first 3 points in 4 games.
MATCH DETAILS
＜FC Tokyo＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Jakub SLOWIK
DF Yuuto NAGATOMO / Yasuki KIMOTO / Masato MORISHIGE / Kashif BANGNAGANDE (31st minute of the second half: Hantaka NAKAMURA)
MF Koki TSUKAGAWA (31st minute of the second half: Keiki MITA) / Keigo HIGASHI / Kusei MATSUKI
FW Ryo WATANABE (45+2 minutes of the second half: Keita YAMASHITA) / Diego OLIVEIRA (24th minute of the second half: Luiz PHELLYPE) / Leandro (24th minute of the second half: Adailton)
SUBS
GK Go HATANO
DF Seiji KIMURA
GOAL
First half 28th minute: Leandro/Second half 33rd minute: Adailton
＜Kyoto Sanga F.C.＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Naoto KAMIFUKUMOTO
DF Shogo ASADA/Kosuke SHIRAI/Rikito INOUE
MF Kosuke TAKETOMI (4 minutes into the second half: Shimpei FUKUOKA)/Shohei TAKEDA (23 minutes into the second half: Daiki KANEKO)/Temma MATSUDA (12 minutes into the second half: PAULINHO)/Sota KAWASAKI/Kyosuke SATO
FW Peter UTAKA (0 minutes into the second half: Yudai KIMURA)/Yuta TOYOKAWA (23 minutes into the second half: Alan CARIUS)
SUBS
Tomoya WAKAHARA
Yuki HONDA
GOAL
―
[Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Interview]
Q: please review the game.
A: Regarding today's match, the flow did not change between the first and second halves, and the same flow continued throughout the 90 minutes. Kyoto is one of the teams with the highest intensity in the J1 League. Against such an opponent, we aimed to maintain a good balance in our play. We worked on balancing aggressive pressing with firmly maintaining possession of the ball, which is our style. In fact, I think we were able to keep a good balance.
In the match against Gamba Osaka a week ago, we lost the ball multiple times and couldn't find our rhythm. In the previous match against Vissel Kobe, on the other hand, we couldn't press and lost our defensive intensity. Especially in the first 20 minutes of both halves, we were expecting Kyoto to press aggressively. While facing that press, I think we were able to maintain a good balance.
This season's J1 League has become a very competitive league. Top teams struggle against lower-ranked teams and often suffer defeats. In that sense, I believe that points in this league hold a very high value.
A few months ago, when I played at this Japan National Stadium, unfortunately Henrique got injured towards the end of the game, and today in the match, Morishige received his fourth warning and will be suspended for the next match. Regarding the center back, there may be some unlucky aspects at this stadium.
And today, more than 50,000 customers came to visit. Playing a game in this amazing stadium, watched by everyone, is something that every club hopes for in the future.
We will have a break starting tomorrow and then continue to play in the league. I want to continue to grow and fight with the current members in the remaining five games. Of course, we cannot win every game. Sometimes we will lose. I think there are people who get angry when they lose. However, I don't want them to forget that the players are trying to adapt to a very big change this season. I am asking the players to play at a high level, which they have not done much until last season. It is not an easy thing for them to do. Several players are veterans who have aged. For example, I would like to thank players like Morishige, Azuma, Nagatomo, and Diego who have adapted well and positively to the changes. For example, Nagatomo is also learning to adapt and play in the center. I am proud of their humble attitude. On the other hand, I am also proud of young players like Yoshifu and Kuse who have just started as professionals and are growing with this style.
[Player Interview]
<Leandro>
Q, it was my first start in a long time.
A, I am happy to have returned to the starting lineup, but what made me happiest was that we were able to win today.
Q, I was able to score the goal that led to victory. Please look back on that scene.
A, at the moment the pass was made from Kashiif, I heard Diego shout "Free!", so when I trapped the ball facing forward, I imagined the goal and swung my right foot through. I'm glad I was able to score.
Q: Is the course as intended?
A, I aimed for it.
Q, please tell us about the performance of the heart mark after scoring a goal.
A, I went toward the bench to share the joy with the entire team.
Q, decided again at the National.
A, yes. I believe we have to play here every match. (laughs) I like the atmosphere of the stadium, and when we play at the National, many spectators come, which also becomes a source of strength for me.
Q, how was it to play in front of an audience of 50,000 people?
A, the entire team is happy to have been able to play in front of such a large crowd. The many fans who came to the stadium boosted the players' motivation, which I believe led to today's victory.
Q, congratulations on the 2-0 shutout victory at the National Stadium.
A, thank you very much.
Q, please reflect on the 90 minutes of play today in front of an audience of over 50,000 people.
A, I understood from before the match started that it would be a difficult game. Given the tough situation throughout the 90 minutes, I am happy that we were able to finish with a win, and that we could share the joy of victory with many fans and supporters here at this stadium.
Q: How were you watching the game from the bench in the first half?
A, the desire to absolutely win was evident, and we were able to start the match well. We also fought hard for every ball, and since we managed to score the opening goal, I got the impression that we created space behind the opponent and used it effectively.
Q, what thoughts did you have when you stepped onto the pitch in the second half?
A, I stepped onto the pitch with the desire to contribute to the team when I was called upon. Since scoring a goal is a clear and visible way to make an impact, I was very happy to have been able to score, and I am also glad that we finished with a victory.
Q, today's appearance marked the 200th game in the J1 League.
A, I am very happy to have reached 200 games, and I am truly glad to have achieved this milestone after accumulating so many matches. I want to continue playing many more games and leave various results going forward.
Q, how far will you go?
A, I don't have a specific number in mind, but of course, not only on the pitch but also off it, I will carefully take care of my body, always maintain good condition, and participate in as many matches as possible. I believe that sums it up.
Q, please give a message to all the fans and supporters who always support us.
A, we are always supported by the fans and supporters, and we gain strength from your cheers. We hope you will continue to come to the stadium and cheer for us. And since you make the effort to come, we want to do our best to meet your expectations.
<Keigo HIGASHI>
Q: How was the game with over 50,000 attendees?
A, I am very happy to be able to play in this environment as a player. In the match at the Japan National Stadium in April, I was not included in the squad and felt frustrated watching from the sidelines. I am extremely glad as a player to have been able to play today and contribute to the victory.
Q, the guts pose when the final whistle blew was impressive.
A, I started this year with many different feelings. As players, we have to prove ourselves through our play on the pitch, so being able to play with various emotions in front of a large crowd at the Japan National Stadium and express that was very rewarding.
Q: How do you feel about being able to close out the tough back-to-back away games with a victory?
A: Every team faces consecutive matches, so there are no excuses, but we must earn points. Even though there are still teams above us, I believe the players must respond to the fact that the team rented the stadium and gathered the crowd. There is no player whose motivation doesn't rise in this environment. However, even if it’s not in such an environment, each match is still a match, so we must maintain high motivation and earn points in every game. I want to play the next match with the same passion and responsibility as today.
Q, I think you were mindful of not letting Peter UTAKA play freely. Did you communicate with the center-back player?
A, I think one of Kyoto's characteristics is that they quickly look for UTAKA after gaining possession and launch a counterattack. Regarding that point, I believe that everyone, including myself, Morishige, and Kimoto, was able to quickly suppress Kyoto's transitions.
Q, didn't you take control of the pace from the first half with such a play?
A: I think the good points today were the risk management at the back and the quick transitions from the front. I want to continue using this as the standard.
Q: I think this year's big theme is connecting the ball, but I get the impression that there are more good situations where we can carry the ball from deep positions to the goal area. How do you feel about playing in actual matches?
A, of course, there are scenes where we cannot do it, but while continuing to challenge and pursue what we aim for, we must also be particular about winning. Connecting the ball carries some risk, but whether to bear that risk and continue or to avoid it is up to the players' judgment, so I think the balance was good today.
<Ryoma WATANABE>
Q: What kind of adjustments did you make for the Kobe match?
A: What we corrected after the Kobe match was things like pressing from the front at the start of the game and the desire to win, rather than technical aspects.
Q, were you able to play the game with a proactive attitude without being passive like in the previous match by taking the initiative?
A, yes. Our style of soccer works better when we correct the moments we get beaten after pressing from the front, and since we were able to score by winning the ball from the opponent upfront and launching short counters, I hope we can increase those kinds of situations.
Q: Did you feel like you were able to control the game, even though it took some time from the first goal to the second goal?
A, I didn’t feel like we were going to concede, so in a way we were controlling the game, but I think we could have maintained possession more. I hope we can correct that in the next match against Kashima. It was a game where we really wanted to win, so I’m glad we did.
Q, how was the game with high humidity in the three consecutive matches?
A, I was conscious of hydration from the day before. There were matches where my legs almost cramped, and not being able to run due to lack of condition was the most frustrating for me, so I was able to adjust while consulting with the trainer. It was good that I was able to play almost full matches in all three games.
Q, is it correct to say that the players were able to play the game while considering their positions?
A, when we go to defend from the front line, it becomes important to know who will cover that position, and I think it is significant that everyone is able to cover for each other there.
<Yuto NAGATOMO>
Q, please give us your thoughts on the game.
A, in the previous match against Kobe, we couldn't press from the front, but the entire team talked it over and fought aggressively, enabling us to utilize our possession-based attack from the first half, which I believe led to today's result.
Q, with today's victory, you can go to the national team feeling good, right?
A, the victory is significant. Today, with over 50,000 fans and supporters cheering us on, we were able to win, so I can go to the national team in a good mental state.
Q, Yoshimi Yamashita (referee) who was scheduled to be in charge of the World Cup, had his first game in J1. How was it?
A, It’s not really my place to say this, but it was excellent refereeing. She controlled the game with a confidence that didn’t feel like it was her first time. I believe the reason the match didn’t get heated was thanks to the referee.
Q, were there any discussions about cooperation as it was your first assignment?
A, before the match, the coach mentioned that it was the referee's first time officiating. I'm not sure if the word 'support' is the right term, but we talked about creating the match together, so I think we were able to provide support.
Q, what specifically does support entail?
A, although I say support, sometimes emotions can get heated due to the referee's decisions, so it means controlling those emotions and working together with the referee to proceed with the match.
Q, the number of visitors for the home game at the Japan National Stadium reached a record high of 50,994 people. Was it a special atmosphere for the club?
A, it is indeed special. While national team matches sometimes draw 40,000 or 50,000 spectators, it is quite rare for a J.League match to exceed 50,000 attendees. I believe this is a wonderful achievement not only for FC Tokyo but also for the development of the J.League as a whole.
