Match Review
The 6th match out of 8 official matches scheduled in May will be a clash between Sagan Tosu and Levain Cup, moving the stage of battle to the Levain Cup. It will be a one-game showdown where a win will lead to advancing to the playoff stage.
In the previous round of the league, only 2 days after the Yokohama F.Marinos match, and with only 3 days until the league match against Gamba Osaka, about half of the starting members were changed. Center-back Masato MORISHIGE and Teppei OKA started for the first time in an official match, while the double pivot consisted of former teammates Kei KOIZUMI and Riki HARAKAWA. In the front line, Teruhito NAKAGAWA and Kuryu MATSUKI lined up, and Jája Silva, who scored his first goal since joining in the 2nd round against Y.S.C.C. Yokohama, started on the right wing.
1stHALF—Continued pressure leads to a short counterattack
It was a game against Tosu, who has been struggling with 5 consecutive losses in the league, but from the kick-off, they were able to hold onto the ball and run for a long time, making it a difficult situation.
Especially on the left side of Sagan Tosu, there were many instances where they were on the defensive on their own right side, allowing easy access to their own territory and allowing scenes where crosses were made. However, in front of the goal, they were able to repel the ball with Morishige as the center, and they were also helped by the opponent's missed shots from corner kicks, managing to hold out without conceding any goals.
Tokyo, who couldn't settle their defense and couldn't find a rhythm in their attack, occasionally brought the ball up from a short counter. In the 19th minute of the first half, Kota TAWARATSUMIDA made a breakthrough and passed it to Nakagawa, who took a shot with his left foot but missed the goal. In the 22nd minute of the first half, Matsuki aimed with his left foot but the goalkeeper saved it. Furthermore, in the 37th minute of the first half, Kosuke SHIRAI took the ball behind the opponent's last line and crossed it, but Kota TAWARATSUMIDA's shot only hit the outside of the side net.
The game was turned around with a tense development where the opponent was pushed to the goal but held on, and then looked for a chance with a counter attack.
2ndHALF - Morishige scores first but is caught up at the end
First, in the second half where we want to change the flow, Tokyo improved their defense by substituting Nakagawa for Ryotaro ARAKI. Then, in the 11th minute of the second half, they succeeded in taking the lead from a corner kick. Morishige, who jumped into the near side from Harakawa's right corner kick, headed the ball into the goal.
Tokyo, who completely took control with this opening goal, went for a second goal. In the 17th minute of the second half, player Morishige aimed for a free kick from a corner once again, but unfortunately missed.
In addition, there was a big chance in the 30th minute of the second half. Whitei's midfielder shot, which was squeezed inside, was saved by the goalkeeper, but Matsuki was free to pack the loose ball. However, he couldn't push it into the open goal and it didn't become the second goal.
As a result, Tosu gradually recovered and allowed an unexpected equalizing goal in the second half additional time. Marcelo RYAN was successfully replaced by the defense line and Taishi Brandon NOZAWA, who had jumped out, was also passed and the goal was scored.
EXTRA TIME - The intense battle with both teams having players sent off ends in a scoreless draw.
The extended game, which started with a change of mind, saw Tae Hyeon KIM from Tosu being sent off with a second yellow card in the 7th minute of the first half. This put the team in a numerical advantage situation. However, as they struggled to attack against 10 players, Harakawa also received a second yellow card and was sent off in the additional time of the first half. The game became a 10 vs 10 battle.
Both teams pushed their physical limits in the extended second half, with Tosu being pushed back. However, they held on at the brink and defended the 1-1 score. The match was decided in a penalty shootout.
PENALTY SHOOTOUT - All Tokyo players succeed and Daishi saves the 5th player from Tosu!
Penalty kick battle for advancing to the playoff round.
In the first attack, Tokyo succeeded with the first kicker, player Morishige. The second kicker, player Araki, the third kicker, player Endo, the fourth kicker, Shuhei TOKUMOTO, and the fifth kicker, player Koizumi, all scored reliably. Then, the fifth kicker for Tosu, player Naganuma's kick was stopped by Taishi NOZAWA. After a fierce battle, they advanced to the playoff stage to face Sanfrecce Hiroshima.
MATCH DETAILS
＜FC Tokyo＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
DF Kosuke SHIRAI (12th minute of extra time: Leon NOZAWA)/Masato MORISHIGE/Teppei OKA/Shuhei TOKUMOTO
MF Kuryu MATSUKI (42nd minute of second half: Keigo HIGASHI)/Kei KOIZUMI/Riki HARAKAWA
FW Kota TAWARATSUMIDA (15th minute of second half: Keita ENDO)/Teruhito NAKAGAWA (0 minutes of second half: Ryotaro ARAKI)/Jája Silva (15th minute of second half: Soma ANZAI) (17th minute of extra time: Takahiro KO)
SUBS
GK Go HATANO
DF Henrique TREVISAN
MF Ryunosuke SATO
GOAL
11 minutes into the second half: Masato MORISHIGE
＜Sagan Tosu＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Ilgyu PARK
DF Kosuke YAMAZAKI/Katsunori UEEBISU/Wataru HARADA/Ikuya KITAJIMA (46': TEHUN KIM)
MF So KAWAHARA/Ayapei WATANABE (46': Kohei TEZUKA)/Shota HINO (67': Ayumu YOKOYAMA)
FW Cayman TOGASHI (83': Atsushi KAWATA) (94': Taichi KIKUCHI)/Yoichi NAGANUMA/Marcus VINICIUS ARAUJO (57': Marcelo RYAN)
SUBS
GK Arnau
DF Yusuke Maruhashi
MF Kentaro MORIYA
GOAL
45+1' Second Half: Marcelo RYAN
PENALTY SHOOTOUT
[Interview with Peter CKLAMOVSKI, Manager]
Q: please review the game.
A: It was a good football match. Both teams played in a highly entertaining manner. Perhaps not many significant events occurred in this tight game. Even so, our players gave their all and fought through to secure a tough away victory. Despite having one less day of rest than our opponents, the players delivered the performance they wanted to show. They brought out our strengths and fought to the very end with their belief in our style of football. I believe that was the key factor leading to our victory. Also, I am grateful to the fans and supporters who came all the way to the away ground on a weekday to support us. Their cheering gave strength to the players.
Q: Please tell us about the defense that held up against the opponent's attack in the final penalty kick battle, even though it may have been a game with many things that didn't go well.
A: Looking back on the match, I think there were still areas that needed improvement. The first half was an even battle, and in the second half, we were able to use the areas we wanted to. Because of that, I believe we took a 1-0 lead and delivered a performance worthy of that lead even in this series of consecutive matches. However, it is disappointing that we couldn’t close out the game within the 90 minutes. How we close out the game in the final moments is something we need to improve. And we must learn from this.
There were many things packed into the extra time. There were situations where we could fight with an advantage because the opponent player was sent off. However, in the end, the number of players became the same. We were in a situation where we had to finish the game with ten players, but that was also a part where we were becoming capable. The players fought until the penalty shootout with their own strengths, individuality, and beliefs.
We are proud of our players. It is difficult for players who have had few opportunities to play to enter such games, but they fought hard. All players, individually and as a team, were connected and played together. It is not possible to play perfect football at all times. However, there were elements that allowed us to grow. We were able to show our special mentality in our daily practices, and I believe that is the mentality of a winner. Our players gave their all.
Q, What kind of encouragement did you give to the players before entering extra time?
A, I talked about the areas we could utilize in the next period and summarized that. It was about what would be important in the next 15 minutes. Including the finer details, I was thinking of empowering them. The players showed what kind of men they are, and I am proud of them. We want to recover well, return to Tokyo, and prepare for the next match.
[Player Interview]
＜Masato MORISHIGE＞
Q: please review the game.
A, It was a tough match, but I believe the fact that everyone’s desire to win was stronger than the opponent’s led to the result. It was good that we were able to fight tough in a difficult away game. In various decision-making situations, if everyone on the pitch does not share the same understanding, it can lead to moments like the conceded goal. This is a point we need to reflect on.
Q, please look back on the scoring scene.
A, when a good ball comes, I had a good feeling and confidence in scoring from set plays. I believed that gaps in the opponent's defense would definitely appear. I was relieved that it went well into the goal. I think that scoring in decisive moments and firmly closing out the match is something the team will be required to do going forward.
Q, there was a consistent focus on building up behind the opponent throughout the entire match.
A, since the opponent's line was set high, I distributed the ball with the image of dropping it behind them. It was a part they disliked and also a team strategy. I myself was also conscious of actively aiming whenever there was a chance after receiving the ball.
<Shuhei TOKUMOTO>
Q: please review the game.
A, I hadn’t had the opportunity to start in league matches, but I always kept in mind the chance to play in games like today and prepared through daily training. It would have been best if I could have decided the match with my own assists or goals, but I’m glad I was able to firmly convert as a penalty kick taker.
Q, throughout the 120 minutes, the strengths of Shuhei TOKUMOTO were evident.
A, I was constantly asking both Taishi Brandon NOZAWA and Teppei OKA to send the ball to me more and more, and I am confident in my play after receiving the ball. I believe that being able to play with the mindset that showing my strengths leads to victory was a key factor in moving things in a positive direction.
Q, however, the late goal made the game difficult.
A, it was a goal that could have been prevented. I believe it is something we can correct and build on for the future. We will face Gamba Osaka in the league match after just three days of rest, and next Friday, we will play against Sagan Tosu in the league. I want the entire team to share these challenges. Besides that, I think it is important to trust the attackers and for the defensive players to defend tenaciously.
Q, it seems that the team has gained the ability to score even in a disadvantageous game situation.
A, there were many opportunities to score additional goals even in today’s match. It is important to pay attention to details from practice, and I want to view winning and making corrections in a difficult match like today as a positive, and carry that forward to the next game.
<Tetsuhiro OKA>
Q: please review the game.
A, of course there was tension, but my responsibility was to contribute to the team's victory. In defense, I focused on challenge and cover with Masato MORISHIGE, coaching the players around me, and being aware of the opponent's attempts to target behind us. In terms of offense, I played with the mindset that it was okay to make mistakes and to actively challenge. I intentionally made cuts to show that I was aware and played confidently. Ultimately, being able to achieve victory was truly significant, and with the experience of winning, I can make adjustments and want to carry this forward.
Q, Wasn't the support from your seniors also significant?
A, Kei KOIZUMI and Riki HARAKAWA, who were playing as defensive midfielders, really showed up at just the right moments, making the build-up play much easier. I believe this victory was possible precisely because of the support from those around me.
Q, I think it's a new start. Please tell us your enthusiasm for the future.
A, I want to seize opportunities from here on and contribute to victories with clean sheets in the matches I play. I felt it again today, but everything comes down to what we practice at Kodaira Ground, so I want to grow without wasting a single day.
<Keigo HIGASHI>
Q, it was my first official game after returning from injury.
A, winning was the absolute priority over the content of the game. It would have been better to finish the match properly within 90 minutes, but the opponent had momentum and we conceded a goal. Although the match went to a penalty shootout, I’m glad we were able to win.
Q: Please tell us what you were conscious of during the unsettled time from the end of the second half to the end of the game.
A, irregular events occurred on the pitch, such as both teams having players sent off, so I was focused first on not allowing the opponent to score any more goals and on seizing opportunities to score ourselves. I believe everyone's hard work led to the victory.
Q, I played in the position of a defensive midfielder during the extra time.
A, I aimed to receive and move the ball, create rhythm, and since the opponent was playing a high line, to send the ball behind them to build attacks. However, as we were all generally fatigued, I prioritized maintaining balance. Considering Kei KOIZUMI’s consecutive match appearances, I was also conscious of how I, coming on as a substitute, could support the team and work hard.
Q, reducing goals conceded continues to be a challenge for the team, what approach is necessary?
A, it was necessary to firmly close out the final moments. As a team, we want to organize how we defend throughout the 90 minutes and how we finish the match.
