Match Review

Which side will seize the initiative first──. 

The playoff round of the Meiji Yasuda J1 Century Vision League is a ranking decider played home and away between teams with the same position in the East and West groups of the Regional League Round. Tokyo, who finished second in the East, boldly traveled to YANMAR HANASAKA STADIUM, the home of Cerezo Osaka, who placed second in the West. 

On this day, Tokyo made one change to the starting lineup from the final regional league round match against Kashima Antlers. Hayate TANAKA took the goal, and the back line from right to left consisted of Sei MUROYA, Alexander Scholz, Hayato Inamura, and Kento HASHIMOTO. The defensive midfielders were Kei KOIZUMI and Kota TOKIWA, with the attackers positioned as Keito SATO on the right and Keita ENDO on the left. Up front, Marcelo Hian and Ryunosuke SATO formed the two forwards. 

 1st―Hayate Makes Consecutive Fine Saves. 1-1 at Half-Time

From the very start, there was an intense battle for control. Tokyo was the first to make a move. At the 3rd minute of the first half, Hian broke free on a floated pass from Ryu Sato and took a shot. However, it failed to hit the target. 

Then, immediately at the 4th minute of the first half, FC Osaka quickly reacted to a loose ball in front of the goal, and Ohata took a mid-range shot. Hayate TANAKA stretched out his right hand to deflect it and denied the goal. 

Furthermore, in the 16th minute of the first half, from a scramble in front of the opponent's goal, Kei Sato and Hian took consecutive shots but were unable to shake the net.The intense battle for the ball continued afterward, resulting in a back-and-forth contest. 

The long-awaited opening goal came in the 36th minute of the first half.On the left side, Ryunosuke Sato, surrounded by three opponents, persevered and delivered the ball to Keita Endo.Endo carried it forward vertically and sent a grounded cross into the penalty area. This caused a clearance error by the opposing defender, resulting in Tokyo taking the lead through an own goal.

Then, a super save was made by the blue-red number 1. At the 39th minute of the first half, a cross was delivered from the right side,and although Sakuragawa connected with a header at the far side,Hayate TANAKA cleared it right at the water's edge, escaping a dangerous situation. 

However, just before the end of the first half, after a scramble in their own penalty area, Shibayama pushed the ball in, leveling the match and sending the contest into a decisive second half. 

2nd―EarlyHian GoalAlsoDraw Leads to 2nd Match

The match moved in the 4th minute of the second half. From a right corner kick, Kento HASHIMOTO chose a short corner. After passing through Tokiwa, Koizumi received the ball and sent a vertically spinning floating ball, into which Hian dived at the near side and headed the ball into the net, pulling ahead once again. 

With the lead secured, the blue and red wanted to build momentum and press on, but small mistakes gave the opposition chances to counterattack. 

31 minutes into the second half, the Tokyo bench made a move. Masato MORISHIGE was brought on to replace Kento HASHIMOTO. Inamura was positioned at left side back to strengthen the defense. Furthermore, Kota TAWARATSUMIDA was introduced as a trump card in place of Endo to try to push back. 

However, three minutes later, after a scramble inside the box, Nobori pushed the ball in to equalize once again. 

Pushed forward by the support of the home crowd,to stop the momentum of C Osaka, at the 41st minute of the second half,the coach brought on veterans Keigo HIGASHI and Fuki YAMADA, both making their first appearances of the season. From there, both defenses held firm until the end without yielding. The match ended2-2. The battle for third place in the overall standings wascarried over to the6thday ofJuneat the home MUFG Stadium (Japan National Stadium) for the second leg. 

Interview with Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI

Q: please review the game.
A: In terms of the flow, we were able to create a situation where we took the lead first. However,we conceded a goal from an attack typical of Cerezo Osaka, and I think it turned into a very regrettable game. If we had been able to demonstrate a bit more of what we had prepared for such situations, I feel it would have been a match where we could have finished with 3 points. Even so, the players worked hard on what they had prepared, and we want to make good preparations again for the next match. 

Q. Was the substitution of Marcelo RYAN and Teruhito NAKAGAWA due to an accident?
A. Marcelo RYAN had a slight cramp in his leg. As for Teruhito NAKAGAWA, it was a difficult situation to decide whether he could continue playing, but ultimately he was in a condition to play. However, it was a period when the opponent had momentum, and we wanted to avoid being temporarily short-handed. As a result, we ended up not being able to get back in time for the set piece, which I think was a very dangerous situation. Considering all of that, I made the decision to substitute. 

Q. Please tell us the intention behind bringing Masato MORISHIGE on and changing Hayato INAMURA’s position.
A. It was partly to deal with the opponent’s height. The opposition has not only speedy players but also those strong in hold-up play and aerial duels. Also, with RIAN not on the field, we had to ensure strength in defending set pieces. Offensively, there were moments when we advanced the ball from the left side, but the fluidity and good distribution were insufficient. We would have liked to use Kento HASHIMOTO as well, but he had a slight injury in the first half. Considering these circumstances, I also expected INAMURA’s feeding ability and made the decision. It was a substitution made after considering multiple factors.. 

Q: C Osaka targeted balls behind the defense and crosses. Although we were able to handle it in the early stages, there were gradually more moments when the opponent got the better of us. How do you view the defensive aspect?
A: The opponent is a team that not only attacks behind the defense but also simply uses the central route from their build-up. We were focused on firmly closing down the center, but there were moments when the timing of our pressing and responding to their runs did not align well. Even so, it is important to maintain our positions carefully so as not to be exploited by the opponent, and when pressed, everyone must thoroughly prevent them from using the center. Unfortunately, I think there were parts where we did not do this well. 

Q: It was a frustrating draw, but how do you want to build on this match going forward?
A: I believe the players were able to fully grasp C Osaka’s characteristics and style of play through this match. Many of the things we anticipated also came to light. Rather than trying something new, I think it is necessary to further refine what we are currently working on. We want to steadily prepare for that. 

Q: What was the intention behind bringing Keigo HIGASHI on in the final stages?
A: Although it was for a short period, I do not accept settling for a draw away from home. I sent him out with the message that we are going for the win. He possesses high technical skills and tactical insight, and I believed that if he could demonstrate those abilities, he would definitely create chances. I brought him on with those expectations. 

Player Interview

Marcelo RYAN

Q: please review the game.
A, I think it was a generally good match. As a team, we were able to play well with good content. Regarding the two occasions when we conceded goals, they involved some minor mistakes on our part, but aside from that, I believe we played a good game.

Q: How do you feel about your own performance?
A, I think I was able to play well, and I would be happy if I was able to contribute to the team even a little on the pitch. However, more importantly, it is crucial that the entire team was able to play well, and I believe this result will lead to the next step.

Q, please look back on the goal scene.
A, it was a goal that came from a pattern we have been working on in training. I was able to properly express what we practiced during the match, and I’m glad it led to a goal.

Q, the next match will be the final game of this season. Please tell us your enthusiasm.
A, I am looking forward to playing at home in front of many fans and supporters, and being able to compete in a wonderful atmosphere. I want to work hard to secure a victory and finish this season in third place.

Q. Please give a message to the fans and supporters.
A, the entire team is working hard for victory. In the next home game, I look forward to spending a wonderful time together with everyone and celebrating the win. Please come and support us at the stadium. 

Kei KOIZUMI

Q. The final touch leading to the second goal (the assist) was a very precise cross. Looking back, how do you feel about it?
A, That moment wasn’t originally supposed to be me delivering the cross, but I thought the timing was better if I did it, so I kicked it. I figured if I just sent it around that area, Marcelo RYAN would handle it well. In the end, I think it turned out well. 

Q. During practice, wasn't it someone other than Koizumi who was responsible?
A, That's right, originally it wasn't me. But I think Kyota Tokiwa assessed the opponent's situation and, from the way I took my first touch, thought some pressure might be coming. I was free, and I felt it was better for me to cross the ball rather than awkwardly pass it back there, so I think being able to respond flexibly was a good thing. 

Q. In past official matches, you have also delivered good crosses near the goal. Did you originally have that sense and confidence?
A. When I kick without thinking much, the ball often gets caught near the near post, so I try not to overthink it and focus when I kick, but I avoid kicking with a forced image in mind. I think that approach led to a good outcome. 

Q. This is a general question, but it was your first start in a while as an individual. What kind of mindset did you have going into the match?
A. We missed out on the championship, and it was a bit of a tough situation for the team to start the match. However, not only I but everyone was well prepared, so I decided to go along with that and entered the game with the mindset of not overthinking things. 

Q. Various good aspects came out, but I think the coordination with Tokiwagi in particular was good. It seemed like a perfect understanding, and the exchanges were smooth.
A, we always talked about staying close to Tokiwagi. When he had the ball, I was beside him, and vice versa. We maintained a good sense of distance, but I think we can do even better. 

Q. The match ended in a draw, and now it's a simple situation where winning the second match will secure third place. How do you feel heading into next week's home game?
A, I think it's positive to take one point away from an away game. Today was quite a tough match, and it suddenly got hot, but I think everyone fought hard. For the last match as well, I want to finish strong with a win at MUFG Stadium.

Hayate TANAKA Player

Q: I think you must feel both a sense of accomplishment and frustration. First, please look back on the moment when you saved the headed shot in the first half.
A: I won’t know for sure until I watch the footage again, but I had a rough idea of his strengths, so I think I was prepared for that.

Q. You seemed to be able to properly position yourself near the touchline to block a ball that looked like it might get past your side. What do you think about that?
A. That scene was purely a reaction, so I don’t remember it clearly. The fact that I couldn’t fully defend there reflects my current level as a goalkeeper. Despite several players being injured, everyone worked really hard, and I feel sorry that in the end I couldn’t connect that to a win.

Q Won't that conceded goal become a learning experience for you?
A Yes, as I mentioned earlier, conceding goals in that time period in two consecutive matches reflects my current level. I still don't think I am worthy of being a regular, but I definitely want to become a player who can be entrusted with this team's goal.

Q. There is one match next week where we have a chance to make a comeback.
A. Having played these two consecutive matches and being given the opportunity to play, I feel very frustrated that I haven’t been able to lead the team to victory. However, since so many fans and supporters came to watch, I want to fully understand everyone’s feelings and ultimately prove my worth. I believe we have gained some confidence as the opponent made various changes in the second half, so I expect it to be a tough match. We will prepare thoroughly as a team and aim to have a good game.

Sei MUROYA Player

Q. You took the lead twice but were caught twice as well. How did you feel about the flow of the game on the pitch?
A. Until it became 2-1, there were periods when we were under pressure, but as a team, there were no particular problems, and I think I was able to manage the game well myself. However, conceding a goal at that point inevitably led to the opponent pressing us. That’s why I believe it was a match where we had to hold firm at 2-1 and finish it, so it was truly a regrettable game.

Q. It has been about a week since the match-up was decided. Were you able to express what you prepared against Cerezo Osaka?
A. I think we were able to show what the team had prepared. However, in terms of the flow of the match, it wasn’t so much that we took control, but rather that we had to manage the game carefully and proceed. In that sense, there were parts where we ended up playing a match that adapted to the opponent’s style.

Q. The next match will be at home, at MUFG Stadium. Based on today's match result, how will you approach it?
A. We believe that playing the final match at home is a great opportunity for us. We want to finish strong with a solid win on our home ground.

Q. Please give a message to the fans and supporters ahead of the final match.
A We will firmly show our strength through our play and fight to finish with a win in the last home game. Please come and support us at the stadium.