<Previous Match: Yokohama F.Marinos Review>
It was a vivid blow that reminded me of "that day" 14 years ago.
In the 10th minute of the second half of Sec. 15 against Yokohama F. Marinos, Kota TAWARATSUMIDA sent a left cross that was picked up by Kuryu MATSUKI, who gently provided a sideways pass. Yuto NAGATOMO then ran in and powerfully struck it in with his right foot.
"I thought I would hit it directly and with a good impact. It felt like I was close to being in a trance. I tend to tense up when I think about strange things. I think it was good that I was able to hit it without thinking too much."
This is the second goal of the season. In the 14th round against Nagoya Grampus, he came on as a substitute and continued to assist with a strong underlap and a right-footed cross, showing his tenacious defense and consistently producing results on the attacking end.
And this equalizing goal was the first goal in 5,118 days for jersey number 5 at Ajinomoto Stadium. "Embarrassing," he said with a wry smile, as he shared his thoughts.
"Since the game where I scored a super volley when I traveled to Italy in 2010, I feel like some of the fans and supporters may have forgotten that I can score. I have also been able to assist and be involved in the attack. I have a sense of growth and I believe I can continue to show my new growth."
In the week leading up to the Yokohama FC match, there were a series of events that renewed the determination of player Yuto Nagatomo. Following Makoto Okazaki, who has fought alongside him as a member of the Japan national team, Makoto Hasebe also announced his retirement. In this match against Yokohama FC, Masato Morishige, who is of the same generation, was left out of the bench. Furthermore, the competition for positions within the team is intensifying. In light of this situation, his heart was burning with even more passion than usual.
"There is definitely a sense of loneliness when it comes to the news of two players retiring. I also feel a sense of crisis that if I don't continue to show results, the day will come when I have to take off my spikes. So today, I was more focused than usual and really put my heart into it. There is a lot of competition within the team, and if I can't show results, I might end up on the bench. If we have the same performance, the team will likely use younger players. As for myself, I always play with the mindset that it could be my last game. Even though I had the thought that I might be taken off if I didn't perform well in this game, I was able to score with a strong determination. I want to continue to fight tenaciously on this pitch and have the determination to keep living."
After a long time, a soul-stirring equalizer was scored at Ajinomoto Stadium. It has been about 14 years since the day when I greeted with "Bonjourno" while wearing sunglasses and received a loving booing. Although the distance may be different, I shot a super goal with a similar trajectory. And after scoring, I used my whole body to stir up the stadium to create an atmosphere of a comeback, and shouted many times. It was exactly the same scene as 14 years ago that was unfolding at Ajinomoto Stadium.
"But in the end, the team didn't win, so that's still frustrating. I may have shouted, but we still didn't win in the end."
Although I scored a goal, the game ended in a disappointing 1-1 draw. Of course, I am not satisfied with the result. I shine in order to contribute to victory. What I gained in this game of determination was the feeling that I can still do more, and the frustration of not being able to win the game. With those thoughts in my heart, the 37-year-old full-back has pledged to continue growing and fully committing to victory.
Match Preview
The Levain Cup 3rd Round match against Sagan Tosu, which took place on Wednesday, ended in a penalty shootout after extra time and advanced to the playoff round.
In the 11th minute of the second half, Masato MORISHIGE scored the first goal from Riki HARAKAWA's corner kick. However, in the additional time of the second half, they allowed an equalizing goal and the game went into extra time. After that, both teams refused to give in and it ended up in a penalty shootout. All 5 players from Tokyo were successful, and Taishi Brandon NOZAWA, the goalkeeper, stopped the 5th player from Tosu, ending the fierce battle.
The outstanding goalkeeper TERRY proudly stated about the last penalty kick stop, "I was able to bring the opponent into my range while watching them and using my tactics. It was a victory that we all won together, and I think everyone is a hero." Thanks to the victory that the team grabbed together, it should give us momentum for the league matches where we have been winless for 3 games.
This round, we welcome Gamba Osaka to our home stadium. G Osaka will come to Ajinomoto Stadium in a more advantageous position schedule-wise compared to Tokyo, as they had a Levain Cup 2nd Round match on Wednesday. It will be a test of Tokyo's true strength whether they can overcome the tough consecutive matches. With players like Diego OLIVEIRA, who missed the Tosu match, and Yuto NAGATOMO, who was selected for the Japan national team, Tokyo will aim for victory with a united effort.
This week's matchday program is here
[Interview with Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q, Sagan Tosu match was a tough game that went into penalty kicks.
A, it was a very tough match, but I am proud of the players who gave their all and fought through the full 120 minutes. However, I think it would have been best if we could have settled the match within 90 minutes. We had chances to score additional goals and put the opponent further behind while leading 1-0. Since it was a cup match, we anticipated that it would require hard work until the very end, and the players demonstrated a mentality worthy of winners.
Q, it seemed like the defense line was set at a higher position than usual.
A, it was one way to develop our style of play and a choice to fight aggressively. Rather than adapting to the opponent, we want to continuously promote growth. After winning the ball with aggressive defense, quickly sensing where the space is and going to score. Attack and defense are always connected. Growth in this area is important.
Q, Gamba Osaka, who we will be facing this round, is a team with a very high awareness of connecting from the back.
A, it is a match against a good team, and I think it will be a tough game this round as well. There is also a possibility that unexpected phenomena may occur on the pitch. We just need to fully demonstrate our way of playing and performance against the opponent. That is exactly the football we desire. Of course, there will be times during the match when we cannot express our style of soccer, but it is important to adjust and coordinate on the pitch.
[Player Interview]
<Kuryu MATSUKI>
Q, We won against Sagan Tosu in the Levain Cup and advanced to the next stage. How do you want to continue this victory?
A, we had not been able to win away games against Tosu as a team, so I think it was good to win in any way possible. Of course, we need to work as a team to address the areas that need improvement in terms of content, but I want to use this victory as a starting point to develop a 'winning habit.'
Q: Please tell us your impression of Gamba Osaka.
A, first of all, I think we just need to express our own style of soccer. We want to maintain solid ball possession and create many opportunities that lead to goals. Rather than prioritizing defense to reduce conceding goals, we want to firmly establish rhythm in attack and take control of the entire match. We aim to organize what kind of play is required both offensively and defensively and approach the game accordingly.
Q, It seems like the team is aiming to score additional points, rather than just playing defensively and trying to win.
A, I believe that aggressive play is our strength, and defensively, we also set a high defensive line. Going on the attack increases the risk of conceding goals, but our priority is to score first. If we can also fix the issues in defense, I think we will improve even more in both offense and defense. In the Levain Cup match against Sagan Tosu, we played with a high line and a high-press defensive approach. Although we did concede a goal, the awareness to win the ball back high up the pitch reaffirmed one of our strengths. The players in the back line each have high individual abilities, and trusting those players behind us, we forwards want to strongly focus on pressing from the front.
<Taishi Brandon NOZAWA>
Q, thanks to the performance of Taishi Brandon NOZAWA, we were able to win the penalty kick battle against Sagan Tosu.
A, By stopping the fifth kick, I ended up standing out, but it was thanks to everyone successfully converting all five kicks and the teammates' hard work throughout the 120 minutes. I believe each player demonstrated their ability to draw victory closer on the pitch. During the penalty shootout, I focused on watching the opponent and not letting myself be drawn into their range. By bringing the situation into my own range, I was able to make the crucial save in the final moment. As a team, I think we fight greedily no matter who takes the field. Being able to unite and win in the tournament-style Levain Cup amid consecutive matches will surely lead to future success.
Q, It seems that your playing time is increasing and your condition is also improving.
A, There are many aspects such as timing and coordination that can only be felt during matches, which come from accumulating playing time. By playing, I find my own rhythm and establish a cycle, and I am also grateful to have been able to participate in three consecutive official matches recently. From here, I need to demonstrate even higher quality play and contribute to the team's victory with a sense of tension.
Q, Please tell me the key to winning against Gamba Osaka.
A, Gamba Osaka has offensive power, and I have the impression that they are a “tough team” to face, but I think the important thing is to play with our own rhythm and sense of speed. I think the opponent will connect the ball with short passes, but it is important to maintain high intensity in both offense and defense and to have an aggressive attitude in challenging them.
<Keita ENDO player>
Q, In the Levain Cup Sagan Tosu match, it was my first official game appearance in a while.
A, since it was my first official match in a while, I was originally scheduled to play for about 20 minutes, but because the game went into extra time, I ended up playing for a total of about 60 minutes. Having been sidelined since mid-April, I feel a great significance in being able to return to the match. There have been absolutely no setbacks such as injuries or poor condition, and I am grateful for the support from the rehabilitation team. Personally, I want to get as close to 100 percent as possible in terms of match sharpness and stamina.
Q, What are the points you felt when you returned to the pitch after being away from the game for a while?
A, there is no big sense of accomplishment, but the most important thing is that we were able to return to the official match pitch.Since the previous game was a cup match, the result of winning was prioritized over the content. My own play is still to come, and if I look back on the Tosu match, I think that winning and moving on to the next round is everything.
Q, How do you want to contribute to the team with the upcoming league, Levain Cup, and Emperor's Cup matches?
A, the period I was away from the team coincided with a stretch of consecutive matches, which caused some inconvenience. Because of that, I will work to make up for the lost time and bring positive elements to the team. Gamba Osaka, including their newly signed foreign players, gives the impression of having a strong attacking lineup. With the performances of players like Usami and others in good form, I think they are a high-level team both offensively and defensively. However, first and foremost, we just need to play our own football and aim for victory.
