Match Review
"Away" at NHK Spring Mitsuzawa Football Stadium for the first match of the J.League YBC Levain Cup. With only 3 days of interval since the Tokyo Verdy match in the 8th round of the 2024 Meiji Yasuda J1 League last weekend, 7 players were changed in the starting lineup for the match against Y.S.C.C. Yokohama.
Goalkeeper Tsuyoshi KODAMA made his first appearance of the season, with Soma ANZAI, Masato MORISHIGE, Kanta DOI, and Shuhei TOKUMOTO forming the back line from right to left. ANZAI, who received a red card in the previous match against Verdy, will be suspended for the next league match, but is eligible to play in this match. Riki HARAKAWA and Kei KOIZUMI formed a partnership in midfield, with Tsubasa TERAYAMA playing as an attacking midfielder. Jája Silva was on the left wing, Keita ENDO on the right, and Tsuyoshi OGASHIWA leading the attack.
In addition, this match has different regulations from the league and tournament, with only 9 players registered on the bench. Teppei OKA, Ryunosuke SATO, and Leon NOZAWA were named on the bench for the first time this season in an official match.
1stHALF - First goal by player Kashiwa in blue and red
"Take the cup!" The blue and red eleven entered the field to the chant. The game continued with Tokyo dominating possession and pushing forward from the beginning.
First shot in the 6th minute of the first half. Jaja player aimed for the loose ball in the center from Harakawa player's right corner kick with his left foot, but it missed to the left of the goal.
The game started moving in the 13th minute of the first half. Ansa player, who boldly attempted to dribble breakthrough on the right side, was fouled and earned a free kick. At this point, Kobashi player ran into the ball shot by Harakawa player's right foot. He powerfully headed the ball into the near side, scoring the long-awaited first goal for the team in the official blue and red match.
In the 21st minute of the first half, Terayama player headed Endo's right cross, and in the 23rd minute of the first half, Jaja player aimed for the goal but unfortunately missed to the left after aggressively pressuring the opponent goalkeeper and taking the ball.
In the midst of an offensive, we were caught off guard for a moment and put in a dangerous situation. In the 27th minute of the first half, our right side was broken through and we allowed a cross, which was then headed towards the center. However, Koda made a save on the shot from close range. When it seemed like the rebound might be pushed in, Toi blocked the opponent's decisive shot and our defense was able to withstand the consecutive dangerous situations with focused concentration.
The additional point was born in the 39th minute of the first half. On the left side, Kindergarten player, TERRY player connected the ball and in the center, LORI player received it, and with a skillful control shot from near the penalty arc. The well-aimed right foot kick hit the defender who entered the block and changed course, sinking into the upper left corner of the goal, expanding the lead to 2 points with a favorite middle shot.
2ndHALF - 2 fine goals for additional points
The Tokyo pace remains unchanged even in the second half.
In the 5th minute of the second half, player Kashiwa dribbled from the right side and took a shot. In the 8th minute, player Terayama hit a direct shot from a floating pass from behind in the penalty area, but unfortunately it went over the goal. The team had several close chances and the blue and red supporters were also getting excited in the stands.
Substituting Koizumi and Ogashiwa, Sato Ryunosuke and Shirai Kosuke were brought in at the 15-minute mark of the second half. 17-year-old Sato made his first official appearance since April of last season, and as he stepped onto the pitch, he was greeted with numerous "Ryunosuke" chants.
The decisive third goal was born in the 16th minute of the second half, just after the substitution. When the ground cross from the left side was cut by the opponent defender with a sliding tackle, Endo was aiming for the ball that spilled to the left side. He scored a direct shot with his left foot from a difficult angle, and Tokyo extended their lead to three points with a fine goal, making it two consecutive official games.
In the 24th minute of the second half, Leon NOZAWA was substituted in as left winger, and Taira SHIGE, who made his Tokyo debut, was brought in as center back. The formation was changed to move player Tsuchi up to defensive midfielder.
In the 33rd minute of the second half, player Tokumoto excited the stadium with a powerful left-footed shot from long range, but it narrowly hit the crossbar. Then, in the 35th minute of the second half, player Sato made a run into the right pocket from a vertical pass by player Anzai and took a shot. They continued to create numerous decisive opportunities.
In the second half additional time, Jean made a powerful dribble through the center of the pitch and broke through vertically, then struck a powerful shot with his right foot for the fourth goal. Number 70, who had been waiting for this moment, ran towards the goal stand and shared the joy with the fans and supporters who had gathered at Mitsuzawa.
The team showed a solid defense, even in the face of multiple challenges, and achieved a shutout. Each member, including the fresh players, demonstrated their strengths and made a great start towards becoming the 4-time league cup winners.
MATCH DETAILS
＜FC Tokyo＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Tsuyoshi KODAMA
DF Soma ANZAI/Masato MORISHIGE/Kanta DOI/Shuhei TOKUMOTO
MF Tsubasa TERAYAMA (24th minute of the second half: Teppei OKA)/Kei KOIZUMI (15th minute of the second half: Kosuke SHIRAI)/Riki HARAKAWA
FW Tsuyoshi OGASHIWA (15th minute of the second half: Ryunosuke SATO)/Keita ENDO (24th minute of the second half: Leon NOZAWA)/Jája Silva
SUBS
GK Go HATANO
DF Kashif BANGNAGANDE
MF Takahiro KO
FW Kota TAWARATSUMIDA/Teruhito NAKAGAWA
GOAL
First half 13 minutes: Tsuyoshi OGASHIWA / First half 39 minutes: Riki HARAKAWA / Second half 16 minutes: Keita ENDO / Second half 45+3 minutes: Jája Silva
＜Y.S.C.C. Yokohama＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Michiya OKAMOTO
DF Minoru HANAFUSA/Shawn VANEERDEN/Takahiro NAKAZATO (37th minute of the second half: Ryotaro YAMAMOTO)
MF Yusin OHTAKE (20th minute of the second half: Atsushi KIKUTANI)/Shuto KOJIMA (20th minute of the second half: Takuma ARANO)/Yasuto FUJITA
FW Riku HASHIMOTO/Onye OGOCHUKWU (0th minute of the second half: Jorn PEDERSEN)/Ryohei WAKIZAKA (41st minute of the second half: Jukiya FUJISHIMA)/Koji OKUMURA
SUBS
GK Takahashi Chris
DF Hiroto Okoshi/Haruki Oshima
MF Yusei Otake
GOAL
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[Interview with Peter CKLAMOVSKI, Manager]
Q: please review the game.
A: We were able to deliver a high-intensity performance and the game unfolded exactly as we had demanded. Within that, we did well to dominate the match and control the game while taking on various challenges. There were times when we had to be patient, but it was good that we did not concede during those periods and, on the contrary, created chances and scored. The players worked with dedication and delivered a professional performance. As a result, we scored four goals, and I believe it was important that we were able to send the fans and supporters home with smiles. We will also prepare thoroughly for the next match.
Q, What were the factors that were functioning when various players participated?
A, I think all the players fought well. They were able to demonstrate what they had practiced and prepared for the match. There were many moments to take on challenges, but they managed to play while adjusting well. It is important to ensure that whoever plays can perform in the same way, and that the 11 players wearing this uniform can fight firmly no matter who they are. Within that, the team showed on the pitch the football mentality, high intensity of play, and the performance we aim to deliver.
Q, Kanta Doi played in the position of defensive midfielder for the first time in a professional league match. Do you think it is difficult to change positions from center back to defensive midfielder during a game? How do you evaluate his performance throughout the match?
A, I think he did very well. Even after changing his position from center back to defensive midfielder, he continued to play well. I believe he demonstrated his talent. He is a player who works hard in practice and continues to grow during training. When he moved to the defensive midfielder position, Teppei OKA took the center back spot and fought well. I am also pleased that Ryunosuke SATO played and performed well. Leon NOZAWA also took a side position and became a starting point for the attack. I think all the players who appeared really fought hard. The match unfolded in a way that it wouldn’t have been surprising if we had scored a few more goals. We want to prepare well for the tough match coming up this weekend with only three days in between.
[Player Interview]
＜Tsuyoshi OGASHIWA＞
Q: Please review the scene of the first goal in Tokyo.
A, Since I am not tall, I thought my only option was to engage in close-range duels near the near post, and when a good ball came there, I was able to connect well with a header.
Q, please tell us what you were consciously working on, given that the players you were working with on the front line were different from the previous Tokyo Verdy match.
A, since I was playing in a two-forward or vertical relationship with Tsubasa TERAYAMA, I focused on moving further forward and on drawing the opposing center backs to allow TERAYAMA to receive the ball as freely as possible. Conversely, if the opponent committed to TERAYAMA, I prepared myself to receive the ball. I think we built a good connection today. However, there were no scenes that led to a goal from that, so I need to be more conscious and work harder on that aspect.
Q, Has your playing time increased since coming here? Do you feel like your condition and playing sense have improved?
A, that's right. However, my match sharpness is still far from where it needs to be. Unless I improve coordination with all my teammates, it will be difficult to score against J1 League teams in league matches, so I have to build that up starting from practice.
Q, returning to the league match in 3 days after consecutive games. Please tell us about your motivation to continue playing in the league, even with players missing due to the U-23 Japan national team.
A, Since I am playing in the foremost position, I have to contribute to the team by scoring goals. With players like Kuryu MATSUKI and Ryotaro ARAKI, who can score goals, not available, I want to firmly score goals myself and lead the attack. I also want to showcase my strengths and adapt to the team.
<Jája Silva>
Q: This was the first game after joining Tokyo, and it was the first full appearance as a starter. Please review the game.
A, it was my first full 90-minute appearance. From the moment I knew I would start, I had been eagerly awaiting today's match. First of all, I want to thank Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI for giving me the opportunity to start. Above all, I am very happy to have been able to show results.
Q, it was a superb goal from a dribble breakthrough. Please review the scoring scene, including the battle with the opponent defender.
A, the position where I received the ball was in an area and distance that I am good at. I am confident in one-on-one challenges, and by carefully reading the timing and the movements of the opposing defender, I was able to strike with my right foot. Since coming to Japan and joining Tokyo, I had the frustration of not being able to score. To be honest, I was also anxious to score a goal quickly. Amid that, there were plays that didn’t go well, like missing chances in the first half, but I am truly happy to have been able to score in today’s match.
Q, what were your feelings when you ran to the fans and supporters after scoring?
A, The support from FC Tokyo’s fans and supporters is, I can say, the best in my soccer career and it really pushes me forward. The goal I scored today was also thanks to their support. It became an unforgettable day. The upcoming match against FC Machida Zelvia this weekend is also a game we cannot afford to lose. I want to continue improving so that I can show my play and contribute to goals in the Machida match as well.
<Shuhei TOKUMOTO>
Q, I finally got to play in my main position this season after playing in many positions.
A, there was a perspective I could only see because I have played in many positions. The pass to Tsubasa TERAYAMA in the second half was a play I could make precisely because I had played as a defensive midfielder. Given my personality, I can play in any position without reluctance, so I think that aspect has borne some fruit.
Q, there were many attacking scenes that started from the left side. What were you conscious of in terms of your involvement in the attack?
A, I was confident that I could calmly shake off any press when the ball came to me, so I focused on preparing before receiving the ball and on my first touch. Within that, I think I was able to effectively use the midfielders to switch the play to the opposite side. I believe this is because of my experience as a midfielder, which helps me to effectively observe my surroundings.
Q, the player who took the previous position was changing fluidly, but what were you conscious of in terms of defense?
A, I played with about three different players, but since it was a problem that could be solved with words, I tried very hard to communicate. I played with a strong determination that if we conceded a goal, I would no longer be able to appear in the league matches.
Q, we will have a league match this weekend. What kind of performance do you want to show as an individual?
A, while looking for opportunities to play, my strength is that I can always wait in good condition, so I want to make a good impression starting from practice at the Kodaira Ground.
<Ryunosuke SATO>
Q, this was your first official game appearance of the season. What were you conscious of during the game and what were you able to express on the pitch?
A, since I entered the pitch midway through the second half, I focused first on defense and pressing from the front line, and on fighting hard for the team. Within that, activating the attack by effectively utilizing my teammates is also my strength, so I believe I was able to express that strength.
Q, he took a position like a top midfielder and was seen controlling the attack in the middle of the field.
A, Jája Silva and Leon NOZAWA have speed as their weapon, and I was able to play while considering the characteristics of each player. I communicated on the pitch and think I was able to express the combinations we had been focusing on in practice matches and daily training.
Q, the stadium was enveloped in cheers that showed the expectations of fans and supporters.
A, the Ryunosuke chants reached me clearly on the pitch, and I was truly happy. Quite some time had passed since I signed my professional contract, but finally being able to step onto the pitch in an official match allowed me to feel the expectations and thoughts of the fans and supporters. I’m not sure if I should say “Thank you for waiting,” but I believe this is just the beginning, so I want to continue giving my best.
