<Match Review>
The first match of the Emperor's Cup was held. J1 League teams will enter from the 2nd round. Tokyo faced Fukushima United FC, representing Fukushima Prefecture, for the first time in an official match.
The team composition has changed significantly from the league matches due to consecutive games.
Among the members who played in the Yokohama F.Marinos match in the previous round of the league, six players were named in the starting lineup: Keigo Higashi, Shuhei Tokumoto, Koki Tsukagawa, Kuryu Matsuki, Adailton, and Perotti. Goalkeeper Tsuyoshi Kodama, who made his first appearance of the season, was chosen as the starting goalkeeper, while center back Renta Higashi made his first official appearance as a professional player.
1stHALF—Despite being scored on first, a calm game plan leads to a comeback
Fukushima was the one who came out before the start of the match. They maintained a high position in their formation and pressed the ball side when Tokyo passed the ball in their defense line. Tokyo also calmly advanced the ball, but they were unable to bring it to the opponent's goal due to their strength in the ball.
In the 12th minute of the first half, they were able to create a numerical advantage on the left side and were able to penetrate deep into our territory. As a result, they were able to put a cross ball in front of the goal and score the first goal with a direct shot.
Amidst the unique upsets of the Emperor's Cup, Tokyo calmly regained control of the game and gradually strengthened their counterattack.
In the 19th minute of the first half, Tsukagawa player pressured high up the field and stole the ball just outside the opponent's penalty area. He then dribbled past one defender and calmly slotted the ball into the goal to equalize. In the 29th minute of the first half, Adailton player was fouled and awarded a penalty kick, which he scored to take the lead. They went into halftime with the lead.
2ndHALF - Matsuki's first goal at Ajinomoto Stadium extends lead, advancing to 3rd Round
Even in the second half, we calmly continue the game while holding onto the ball, but there are also moments where we are pushed back deep into our own territory by Fukushima's momentum.
Despite leading, Tokyo made sure to not let their guard down and secured their chances.
In the 13th minute of the second half, Kota TAWARATSUMIDA made a counter attack and passed the ball to Matsuki, who had entered the penalty area from the left with speed. Matsuki calmly scored the first goal at Ajinomoto Stadium, extending the lead.
As the game progressed in a stalemate, in the 35th minute of the second half, the opponent player who dribbled into the penalty area was fouled during a change of direction, resulting in a penalty kick. However, this penalty kick danger was averted as the opponent's kick missed the goal.
After that, there were scenes where the ball crossed in front of the goal after being broken through on the side, but we defended with our bodies and did not allow any goals, and welcomed the final whistle of the game.
MATCH DETAILS
＜F.C.Tokyo＞
STARTING XI
GK Koda Go
DF Suzuki Junya/Higashitani Renta/Henrique Trevisan/Tokumoto Yuhei
MF Tsukagawa Takaki (30th minute of the second half: Terayama Tsubasa)/Higashi Keigo/Kuryu Matsuki
FW Tawaratsumida Kota (22nd minute of the second half: Nishido Hisatoshi)/Perotti (30th minute of the second half: Kumada Naoki)/Adailton (44th minute of the second half: Doi Kanta)
SUBS
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
FW Leon NOZAWA/Yuta ARAI
GOAL
First Half 19th Minute: Koki TSUKAGAWA/First Half 30th Minute: Adailton/Second Half 13th Minute: Kuryu MATSUKI
Fukushima United FC
STARTING XI
GK Kaito YAMAMOTO
DF Kosuke TANAKA/Satoru NOZUE (36th minute: Kazuki DOHANA)/Naoki SUZU/Shun OBU
MF Hiroshi OMORI/Tomohiko MIYAZAKI (15th minute: Hiroshi YOSHINAGA)/Uheiji UEHATA
FW Shoki NAGANO (15th minute: Kanta JOJO)/Ryo SHIOHAMA (36th minute: Kota MORI)/Hiroki HIGUCHI (28th minute: Yuta NOBE)
SUBS
GK Satoshi OSUGI
MF Naoya SEITA
GOAL
12' Ryo SHIOHAMA
[Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Press Conference Comments]
Q, please look back on today's game.
A, the team entered the match with focus. Although we conceded an early goal, we reacted quickly, turned the game around, controlled the match, and created many chances. However, in the last 15 minutes before the end of the game, we were not able to play well. It was a period when we lost control of the ball and the match. Fukushima United FC played with care for the ball and proved their high quality. I would like to take this opportunity to commend them for approaching the match with an attacking game plan rather than a defensive one, despite facing a team from a different category.
One improvement point is that we were not able to score additional points during the time when we created many chances. As a result, we lost control of the game towards the end. We are not satisfied with that. Finally, I would like to commend Higashi Renta, who started in the starting lineup and played well, and Doi Kanta, who came on as a substitute and made his first official appearance as a professional and as a Tokyo player. I am also satisfied with Matsuki Kuryu, who led the team as a key player in a good form. He has proven his growth and we continue to expect his growth and performance in the league matches.
Q: What was the reason for losing control of the game towards the end?
A: In my view, better defense means defending while maintaining possession of the ball. Actually, it is better defense to finish the game by keeping the ball rather than by simply solidifying the defense. However, the team has not yet fully understood this point. When leading 3-1, some might think to solidify the defense, regain the ball, and then score an additional goal on a counterattack, but I do not prefer ending the game that way. Because we ended up solidifying the defense this time, the opponent was able to create chances. I want the team to learn once again how to finish the game while keeping possession and how to defend while maintaining the ball. Except for the last 15 minutes, we were able to move the ball at a good tempo and execute attacks that utilized the wings. I am satisfied with that aspect.
[Player Interview]
<Kuryu MATSUKI>
Q: please review the game.
A: Even if the content was not good, I think it was good that we were able to secure a victory first in a tournament-style match like the Emperor's Cup. We were able to apply a high press effectively in the first half, but as we entered the second half, fatigue set in and there were difficult moments. Including players who do not usually appear in league matches, we must build a style of play that allows us to maintain a high press for the full 90 minutes. Aggressive defense is important as a method to lead the team to victory. Based on that, we want to continue building up step by step starting from tomorrow's practice.
Q: Are you considering high press as the base of your defensive strategy for the team?
A: Yes. When facing a team that excels at ball circulation like in today’s match, one of our aims is to successfully win the ball up front and launch short counters. Koki TSUKAGAWA’s goal today was a play where that aim took shape. I believe if we can continue such play for the full 90 minutes, we will become an even better team.
Q, Kuryu MATSUKI himself, also scored his first goal at Ajinomoto Stadium.
A, It took a long time to score my first goal. Kota TAWARATSUMIDA provided a good pass, so I’m glad I was able to finish it well. After the match, Kota TAWARATSUMIDA personally said to me, "Thank you for scoring." I was also conscious of the need to score in a knockout tournament where we must win. I’m happy that the goal came in a good way. I am grateful to the fans and supporters who encouraged the goal.
Q, The Emperor's Cup 3rd Round will be a match against Verdy.
A, This is a match where "Tokyo" must win as the representative of Tokyo. There are also league matches, but we will do our best to achieve solid results in the Emperor's Cup as well.
<Renta HIGASHI>
Q: please review the game.
A, Although the opponent was difficult to play against as a team, personally I challenged myself with the mindset of seeing how far I could go. I couldn't get into the game well in the first half, but with the support of those around me, I think I was able to show good defensive play in the second half.
Q, Wasn't it significant to obtain the most important result of the day, which is victory?
A, that is true, but as a defender, I wanted to finish without conceding any goals. Since there was also a penalty kick, it wouldn't have been surprising if we had conceded two goals, so I think that is an issue to work on.
Q, today, wasn't it a big thing to participate and gain again?
A, As a professional, you have to participate in matches and win. Therefore, I think it is important to continue doing so. Today, my mother came to watch, so I think it was good to be able to show my family and the local supporters the way I play.
Q: What will you do from now on to participate in the next match?
A, I want to apply the issues that came up today in future practices and practice matches. If I can show growth there, I think I might get another chance.
<Kanta DOI>
Q, this was my first appearance.
A: I was able to participate, but I wasn’t able to play well, so I want to work hard from here on.
Q: What preparations have you made for today's match?
A, I thought it was important to show what I can do during practice. I have been working hard every day in training, so I want to keep building on that from here.
Q, please tell us how you feel when you step onto the pitch.
A, since we were leading 3-1, I focused on not conceding any goals as I entered the match. There were many first-time experiences, such as the atmosphere of the stadium, but I think I was able to play calmly.
Q, the 3rd Round will be a match against Verdy. As someone born and raised in Tokyo, how do you feel?
A, They are an opponent we absolutely cannot lose to, so I want to prepare well and do my best to participate in the match.
Q, I think it was a dream to stand on the Ajinomoto pitch for a long time. How was it to actually stand on it?
A, It is a pitch I have admired since I was little, so I am happy that my dream has become a reality.
Q, I think you have been watching your father (Yoichi DOI) play as a goalkeeper in Tokyo for a long time. Please share your thoughts on playing on the same pitch as him.
A, I don't want to lose to my father, so I want to build up from here to surpass his records.
Q, do you still pay attention to it?
A, I don't pay as much attention to it as others say, but if my father tells me, I do become conscious of it.
Q, do you hear it from your father?
A, I get teased quite a bit (laughs).
Q, what did Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA say to you when you entered the pitch?
A, I was told to make sure not to concede any goals.
Q: You've had injuries and it has been a long journey so far. How do you reflect on it?
A, I got injured in November 2022 and was in rehabilitation until April, but I want to express my gratitude because Takashi OKUHARA, the coach, as well as the FC Tokyo U-18 staff, were always concerned and supportive.
