<Match Review>
Never forgetting that frustration, and to respond to those expectations with results──.
The Sec. 27 of the Meiji Yasuda J1 League against Kyoto Sanga F.C. was a must-win match to repay the heavy defeat suffered on away ground. The match started with the whistle under harsh conditions, with severe heat from daytime and air so thin it was felt even at kickoff.
In a must-win game, head coach Rikizo Matsuhashi selected a starting eleven with one change from the previous match against Shonan Bellmare. Kim Seung-gyu was placed as goalkeeper, and the back four from right to left consisted of Yuto Nagatomo, Alexander Scholz, Teppei Oka, and Kashif BANGNAGANDE. Kento HASHIMOTO and Kei KOIZUMI formed a partnership in the defensive midfield, while the attackers were Leon NOZAWA on the right and Kota TAWARATSUMIDA on the left. The two forwards were Motoki NAGAKURA and Teruhito NAKAGAWA. Additionally, Marcos Guilherme, who joined on loan from V-Varen Nagasaki, and Kizuna KOMINATO, registered as a JFA/J.League special designated player and confirmed to join the team next season, made their official match debut on the bench.
One of the key points the Blue-Red players highlighted before the match was how to avoid the opponent's pressure and connect it to their attack. Attention was focused on how Tokyo would respond to Kyoto, who launched the expected high press from the start.
1st HALF—An early concession weighs heavily, and Tokyo heads into the second half with a large deficit
In the early stages, pushed back by the opponent’s momentum, Tokyo was gradually searching for attacking options when an unexpected turn of events awaited them. At the 5th minute of the first half, against a large left cross from Kyoto, Erik, who arrived late to the contest, was called for a foul during the challenge, conceding a penalty kick. Rafael Elias calmly converted it, allowing the opponent to take the lead early on. Then, at the 11th minute, a goal kick intended to be played out from their own half went awry under pressure from the opponent, and Kim Seung-gyu was judged to have fouled an opponent, resulting in another penalty kick. Elias once again struck it with his left foot, extending the lead.
With Kyoto's pressing slightly easing after taking a two-goal lead, from around the 20th minute of the first half, Tokyo gradually began to hold possession more and increase their attacking phases. They started showing coordinated movements by switching the ball from side to side and making runs into the space ahead, creating scenes that came just one step short of scoring opportunities.
However, the opponent's defense was solid, and we were unable to insert effective vertical passes. In the 34th minute of the first half, player No. 33, Tawara Tsukida, made a solo dribble breakthrough down the left side, carried the ball into the penalty area, and unleashed a powerful shot with his left foot. Although it was saved by the opposing goalkeeper, it was an attack filled with the desire to change the flow of the game in one strike.
Kyoto continued to form a solid block, showing quick sliding and tightening the center in defense, then applying timely hard pressing. Tokyo also tried to attack, with Nozawa delivering a right cross from the right side and Nakagawa aiming for a header, but they struggled to break down the opponent who was trying to build rhythm through solid defense. As a result, Tokyo made more hesitant passes and failed to create many decisive chances for a prolonged period.
In the 45th minute, just before the end of the first half, from the flow of a long throw-in, the second ball was picked up and a cross was delivered, allowing Suzuki to skillfully finish with a diving header in front of the goal, making it 0-3. This painful concession pushed the team into a difficult scoreline.
The first half ended as it was. From behind the goal, the blue and red fans and supporters loudly chanted, "Show your spirit."
2nd HALF—A match where we couldn’t seize the momentum and were outmatched in every aspect
Even in a disadvantageous position, for the passionate support of the blue and red family, we must somehow respond with results and play in the second half. Coach Matsuhashi sent the players out without using any substitutions.
Just three minutes into the second half, Kim Seung-gyu made a fine save to prevent a decisive chance, and Koizumi picked up the rebound, carrying the ball forward with a long-range dribble before passing to the left side. Pirom Un-Prasert received the ball at full speed, accelerated down to the goal line, and crossed it back, but the opposing player blocked it. Although it unfortunately did not lead to a shot, it was a counterattack overflowing with the determination of the blue-red warriors, showing their will to turn towards the goal.
In the 17th minute of the second half, from a right cross by Nagatomo, Nagakura, who had moved into the center, delivered a powerful header at the perfect timing. However, this was stopped by a fine save from the opposing goalkeeper, and the net could not be shaken.
Tokyo, wanting to strengthen their offense, made substitutions in the 18th minute, replacing Nakagawa and Nozawa with the speedy duo Marcelo RYAN and Marcos. Marcos was entrusted with set-piece duties, and RYAN immediately got involved in chances, including unleashing a powerful shot in front of goal. In the 24th minute of the second half, Marcos took a controlled shot with his right foot from mid-range. Although this was also saved by the opposing goalkeeper diving to the side, it was a scene that suggested future potential.
However, once again, a painful goal was conceded. In the 36th minute of the second half, while trying to build up play from the goalkeeper in their own half, Matsuda was heavily pressed and lost the ball. It was then passed to the unmarked Elias, who completed a hat-trick.
In the 39th minute of the second half, Tawaratsukida and Hashimoto were substituted off, with Kyota Tokiwa brought in as defensive midfielder and Kominato, making his top team debut, introduced as the left attacker. Immediately after, Kominato appeared to score his first goal by following up on a cutback from Hian, who had broken through on a counterattack, but the goal was disallowed due to an offside call on Hian.
Player Kominato continued to show aggression in the short time he was on the field, aiming headers aggressively at cross balls. In the 3 minutes of additional time, it seemed that RIAN delivered a determined strike, but this was also ruled no goal with the support of VAR.
The match ended with the final whistle as it was. Predicting the opponent’s approach, Kyoto played the soccer they had planned, but Tokyo was overwhelmed by the opponent’s momentum from the start, conceding multiple goals and suffering a 0-4 defeat. They were unable to show the Tokyo style they had built up so far, resulting in a humiliating loss that only added to the frustration of playing away.
After the match, there were scenes of players being booed as they made their way around the stadium, but what echoed loudly was the cheer of "Take the Cup!". With just two days before the Emperor's Cup quarterfinals against the Urawa Reds, the powerful voices of the fans and supporters trying to switch their mindset once again pushed the team forward as they left the stadium.
MATCH DETAILS
<FC Tokyo>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Kim Seung-gyu
DF Yuto Nagatomo / Kashif BANGNAGANDE / Alexander Scholz / Teppei OKA
MF Kento HASHIMOTO (39th minute 2nd half: Kota TAWARATSUMIDA) / Leon NOZAWA (18th minute 2nd half: Marcos GUILHERME) / Kota TAWARATSUMIDA (39th minute 2nd half: Kei KOMINATO) / Kei KOIZUMI (32nd minute 2nd half: Keigo AZUMA)
FW Motoki NAGAKURA / Teruhito NAKAGAWA (18th minute 2nd half: Marcelo Hian)
SUBS
GK Go HATANO
DF Kanta DOI/Henrique Trevisan
FW Keita YAMASHITA
MANAGER
Rikizo MATSUHASHI
GOAL
―
<Kyoto Sanga F.C.>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Gakuji OTA
DF Shinnosuke FUKUDA (26th minute of 2nd half: Hidehiro SUGAI)/Yuta MIYAMOTO/Yoshinori SUZUKI
MF Shimpei FUKUOKA/Shohei TAKEDA (26th minute of 2nd half: Ryuma NAKANO)/Temma MATSUDA (39th minute of 2nd half: Shun NAGASAWA)/Taiki HIRATO/Hibiki SATO
FW Rafael ELIAS (39th minute of 2nd half: Masaya OKUGAWA)/Daichi HARA (18th minute of 2nd half: Fuki YAMADA)
SUBS
GK Kentaro KAKOI
DF Shogo ASADA/Hisashi APPIAH TAWIAH
MF Gustavo BAQUET
MANAGER
CHO Kwi Jae
GOAL
8th minute first half: Rafael Elias / 13th minute first half: Rafael Elias / 45th minute first half: Yoshinori SUZUKI / 36th minute second half: Rafael Elias
[Interview with Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI]
Q, please give us an overview of the match.
A, We were truly frustrated by the loss last time and approached this match with the determination that this time would be different, but unfortunately, we were defeated by an even larger margin. We conceded three goals early on due to errors, including mistakes in build-up play and passing. I believe more detailed coaching and preparation were necessary. That lapse was definitely my fault, and since we have trained these situations many times and communicated about them, I think the complacency that “this should be doable” led to these conceded goals.
However, although we were at a disadvantage during the game, there were certainly parts where we were able to carry out the attacks in the way we had prepared. Still, we couldn’t break through the opponent’s solid defense in front of the goal. Then, similarly, due to another build-up mistake, we conceded the fourth and final goal, which overturned the shape and style we were trying to implement. It was truly frustrating, and I felt my own inadequacy in this game. However, we cannot end like this; we must properly prepare again and face the next match with determination.
Q, there were many crosses from the first half and also quite a few corner kicks, but they rarely led to decisive chances. How did you view that aspect?
A, in our plan, since the opponent pushes forward on the sides, we aimed to enter from the side rather than behind them, creating a numerical advantage on the flanks. We looked to see whether the opponent was dropping back and targeted the space between the goalkeeper and the defensive line, including backward passes as part of our strategy. However, although the shape was there, the players who ultimately moved into the near post and the quality of the crosses themselves were, of course, factors, but we have yet to demonstrate sufficient quality in that area. Considering my training sessions, we have very few drills focusing on crosses, so I realize we need to do much more in that regard.
Q, Kyoto Sanga F.C. manager CHO Kwi Jae commented that while there is a trend in Japan to value the style of building play from goal kicks, he believes that the opponent’s goal kicks themselves are the real opportunities.
A, honestly, I believe there is only one thing. If I were to say it here, it would be about the sense of distance and timing. If I can more thoroughly convey to them things like "when this comes, take this position" or "at this distance, when this happens...", I believe we can effectively break the press. Of course, Kyoto is a team with very high defensive awareness from every player, so they always come back strongly, and we fully understand that they accept this and still apply pressure. However, similarly in build-up play, the opposing forwards are human too—how many times can they keep chasing? They will inevitably get exhausted and make mistakes. If we can exploit those mistakes well, we can advance with good rhythm. I think there were several such scenes.
However, the way the ball was played, the distance, and the decision-making regarding those high-risk passes were seriously lacking. Even as I watched, thinking that if I were standing there, the opponent would press in a straight line along the shortest route, my voice didn’t reach, and the ball was played anyway. I believe that if I had properly controlled it and passed it to Alexander SCHOLZ, we could have avoided the press, but due to the opponent’s pressure, my technique became unstable, leading to that situation. I truly think we need to refine those details much more.
Q, Regarding goal kicks in our own half, is the idea to draw the opponent in to tire them out and see it as an opportunity?
A, Yes. We invite the opponent in and make good use of the space behind them. Of course, this is not near the opponent’s goal, so it doesn’t directly lead to big chances. However, we don’t do this continuously for the full 90 minutes; as the opponent adapts, we observe their tactics, substitutions, and how they use their cards, and we skillfully mix in long balls as well. If we kept doing the same thing all the time, the opponent would adjust, so I think this is one of the methods we use to shake things up.
While that remains the main approach, by incorporating long balls and other variations, if we can create damage, hesitation, and situations where the opponent cannot come out, I believe we can further establish our own momentum. However, just because we can do that does not mean we can definitely shake the net. This is a preliminary stage of how to create that space. When the opponent takes the actions we are aiming for, we should firmly exploit that space.
Q, All three players who received warnings in the first half will be suspended for the next match against Nagoya Grampus. Including the Emperor's Cup quarterfinals played midweek, how will you prepare?
A, That is preparation to win. I don't think the players can stay positive after this defeat. Even if we say to forget it once or to calm down once, I think that's impossible. Even so, we have to prepare to win.
[Player Interview]
<Kento HASHIMOTO>
Q, please review the game.
A, I am at a loss for words. I am truly frustrated.
Q, Please tell us which parts you found particularly difficult against an opponent pressing from the front.
A, Conceding a goal early on made the match difficult. However, there were many chances to score in both the first and second halves. I feel that not converting those chances and the number of opportunities are issues. Given the ongoing streak of matches without results, conceding early goals like today is something the team must improve on.
Q, Although you understood the opponent's characteristics, the match ended up going their way.
A, We know that if we can successfully break free, it will lead to chances, and if we lose the ball in our own defensive area, it directly results in conceding goals. However, if the match ends up like today despite this understanding, I believe the team must have a serious discussion to prepare properly for the next game.
Q, After the match, there was encouragement from the fans and supporters saying, "Take the cup."
A, We have no choice but to switch gears. We will put everything into the Emperor's Cup, which comes in just two days.
<Marcos Guilherme Player>
Q, please review the game.
A. I believe that being able to play in a match immediately after joining was a big step forward, but it ended in a very frustrating result. We must accept this outcome and, as a team, build up so that we can make a comeback in the next match. Although I haven't fully grasped all the characteristics of my teammates, I will deepen communication properly and just keep working toward the next game.
Q. There was devoted play making use of speed in both offense and defense.
A. With the wonderful fans and supporters coming to watch, I got goosebumps when entering the pitch. Receiving such passionate support, I focused on giving my all in my play, but looking back on the match, there were many things lacking. I want to further improve the precision of my play and my physical condition.
Q: With three players suspended due to accumulated warnings for the next match, expectations for Marcos Guilherme are also rising.
A: I have also committed my life to joining Tokyo. Regardless of whether it’s an offensive or defensive role, or any position, I will simply contribute to the team’s victory. I believe I just need to express on the pitch what Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI expects from me. This time, I really want to win.
<Kizuna Kominato>
Q: This was your first appearance in the J.League. How do you look back on the match?
A: I was more frustrated about not being the first choice for substitution.
Q: What instructions did you receive from the coach?
A: Like the scene where the goal was disallowed due to offside, I was told to get into the crosses and, since we were losing, to go all out.
Q: Although your main position is forward, you played on the side. What kind of play did you want to show?
A: What I do changes, but what I can do within myself does not change depending on the position, so I played thinking I would express to the fullest what I am capable of.
Q: How do you want to build on this match going forward?
A: First of all, I believe I have to get on the pitch. I must fully accept this 0-4 result and become a player who can properly repay the many fans and supporters cheering for us with solid results.
Q. How did you feel the cheers from the fans and supporters you received on the J1 League stage?
A. So many people were chanting 'Tsuna' for me, and it was very overwhelming. I am determined to definitely score next time, and I entered the game today with that mindset, so I’m frustrated that I couldn’t respond with results.
