<Emperor's Cup Quarterfinals: Urawa Reds Match Review>
The quarterfinals against the Urawa Reds at Saitama Stadium 2002. Even before kickoff, the passionate chant of "Seize the Cup" from the blue and red fans and supporters packed behind the goal boosted the team. Due to the tight schedule with only two days in between matches and the unavailability of Motoki NAGAKURA due to contract issues, five players were changed from the previous match against Kyoto Sanga F.C., and the team approached the game with full force.
From the early stages, Tokyo was pressed back by the opponent and struggled to launch attacks. Then, in the 42nd minute of the first half, they conceded a goal due to a disruption in their build-up play. They allowed the opening goal in a regrettable manner.
Determined to change the momentum, Tokyo made substitutions at halftime, bringing in Kota TAWARATSUMIDA and Kashif BANGNAGANDE. This decision shifted the course of the match.
In the 7th minute of the second half, after LORI advanced vertically down the left side and passed the ball to Marcos Guilherme, he dribbled forward and crossed it back to the center. Keigo HIGASHI connected the ball, and Marcelo RYAN scored the equalizer with a difficult turn and a right-footed finish.
Tokyo, whose attacking coordination rapidly improved and who continued to launch aggressive attacks, finally scored the goal to turn the match around in the 20th minute of the second half. From Alexander SCHOLZ's long feed, Marcos broke free, skillfully trapped the ball, and delivered the final pass, where RIAN, running in, stabbed it in with his right foot to successfully overturn the score.
In the final stages of the match, several players suffered cramps due to the congested schedule, but against Urawa’s power play, the entire team held on to their one-goal lead through 10 minutes of additional time until the final whistle. Summoning all their mental and physical strength, they endured valiantly and secured a splendid come-from-behind victory, earning their ticket to the Semifinal Round.
<Emperor's Cup Semifinal Round Preview>
Following last week, we face FC Machida Zelvia again at the Japan National Stadium. If the match is not decided within 90 minutes, it will be a one-off battle to determine the winner through extra time and, if necessary, a penalty shootout.
In the match a week ago, we struggled against Machida’s high press, man-to-man defense, and soccer centered on long balls and set plays, but we endured patiently and secured the winning goal on a counterattack late in the game. Demonstrating our fighting spirit, we earned our first victory in the fourth match against Machida.
And now, the Emperor's Cup Semifinal Round approaches. Although this will be the second consecutive match against the same opponent, last week's result offers no guarantees for this game. On the contrary, it is easy to imagine Machida switching gears and stepping up their intensity after their defeat.
However, of course, Tokyo is not backing down either. Head coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI said, "If the opponent is going to switch on their intensity, then we want to press even more switches than they do and face the challenge head-on. The players are firmly building confidence from the previous victory, but no one is thinking, 'Because that happened, we're fine.'" He remains vigilant.
The players also seem likely to approach the match with a good sense of tension. After last week's match against Machida, when the team returned to the locker room, Yuto NAGATOMO fired them up by saying, "With this win, Machida will tighten their focus. We have to bring even more power than that."
It means "Don’t let your guard down after winning." The experienced number 5 said, "We must not be satisfied with this, and we have to switch our focus toward the Emperor's Cup. I wanted to make sure we don’t become complacent just because we won the league match," explaining the reason for his rallying words.
This resonated deeply with the players. They each left focused comments, and even during training and interviews leading up to the Semifinal Round, a tightened atmosphere began to take hold. Regarding Nagatomo’s remarks, the coach said, "His leadership is not just words; it can dramatically change the atmosphere. If those receiving the message don’t fully grasp and respond to it, the scenery won’t change. I believe this is also one of our strengths," expressing confidence in the progress made toward the Semifinal Round.
This will be a game where we absolutely want to win the Semifinal Round and secure a ticket to the Final Round. Teruhito NAKAGAWA, who says his desire for the final is stronger than anyone else's, passionately expressed, "We have all connected our feelings up to this point, so we definitely want to reach the final. It has been quite a tough journey, but if we don’t defeat Machida here, nothing will have any meaning."
The stage is "Our National." We want to unite the power of the Blue-Red family and approach the must-win Semifinal Round with determination.
Everyone together, "Going to National to win."
[Interview with Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI]
Q. How do you feel now ahead of the Emperor's Cup Semifinal Round, and what kind of preparations have you made for the consecutive matches against FC Machida Zelvia?
A. Honestly, I’m looking forward to it. Having experienced last week’s match, I think there are aspects we can leverage, but how well we adapt and respond on the pitch on the day is what really matters. We have not emphasized the phrase “consecutive matches against Machida” to the players. After the previous encounter, we have shared within the team during this week’s training about “what the opponent might do” and “what we should do.” Including the content of the practice, we have been able to make good preparations.
Q. In last week’s match, were there any parts where the opponent’s formation differed somewhat from what you had anticipated beforehand?
A. There were no particularly significant differences, and we always prepare for various situations. What’s most important is for the team to properly adapt in those moments. It’s crucial for the team and players to be on the same page, but rather than emphasizing and deciding everything in advance, I believe it’s necessary to proceed with the match by skillfully adapting to what happens on the pitch.
Q. The match turned into one where you sealed the few chances you had through tenacious defense, but what kind of gains and challenges did you feel from the game?
A. I believe that by moving the ball with a bit more stability, we could have limited the opponent’s number of attacks. They simply relied heavily on long balls to press in our half, and if the ball went out over the sideline, they used long throws; if it went out over the goal line, corner kicks—basically a straightforward approach. We want to increase the number of times we try to firmly repel such situations and, as much as possible, avoid letting the game easily reach those scenarios compared to the previous match.
Q. Have you specifically focused on anything when communicating with the players regarding the match against Machida?
A. If we win the Emperor's Cup Semifinal Round, I believe we will see a different scenery. Of course, the players are preparing with that in mind, and even without me saying anything specific, they show their attitude through their daily training. On the day of the match, it all comes down to how much of the power the players have can be unleashed and how much we can help them unleash it.
[Player Interview]
<Teruhito NAKAGAWA>
Q. Considering that we also faced FC Machida Zelvia last week, what do you feel are the key points that decide the outcome of the match?
A. I think set pieces will be the key. We have maintained a high level of concentration, and the efforts we have put into practicing how to handle crosses—a previous challenge—are starting to show results.
The opponent plays man-to-man defense, and if we can successfully connect the ball at the back, I believe we can launch attacks with a good rhythm. The opponent won't easily give us freedom, so how we break through in those situations will be key. I want to skillfully engage in tactical battles with the opposing defense and exploit the spaces that open up.
Q, Is it important to maintain the right distance with your teammates while avoiding the pressure of the opponent's defense?
A, If the focus on connecting becomes too strong and that is all we do, it plays right into the opponent’s hands. Of course, playing decisively according to the situation is also important. I want to proceed with the match by skillfully combining the strengths of the players on the pitch.
Q. Please tell us about your feelings toward this match, Nakagawa.
A. We have all worked together and connected our efforts up to the Semifinal Round. Carrying everyone's hopes, including those of the players who cannot participate, we absolutely want to advance to the Final Round. To do that, we must first defeat the opponent in front of us; otherwise, everything will end without meaning. This is the stage to demonstrate what we have built up, and I believe Machida will bring extra power since they lost to us in last week's match. We must never be passive or be overwhelmed by their pressure. Everyone must work hard both in attack and defense, and we will fight to move on to the next stage. My desire to reach the Final Round is stronger than anyone else's, and I hope to enjoy playing in that situation.
<Go HATANO>
Q, We are approaching the important Emperor's Cup Semifinal Round. With Kim Seung-gyu absent due to his activities with the South Korean national team, Go HATANO's performance is highly anticipated.
A, We have prepared well for over a week. Now, I just need to demonstrate that ability in the match. I intend to continue preparing thoroughly with the remaining time and approach the game with full readiness.
Q, This is a big match that comes after a period during which I was unable to participate in games.
A, It is true that I spent a long time on the bench, but during practice and subsequent training, Ryota Inoue, the goalkeeper assistant coach, trained alongside me. For the sake of those who always support me, I want to firmly deliver results and prove my ability.
Q. What do you focus on in the match against FC Machida Zelvia?
A. Even from the last encounter, there were many aerial battles, and players like Soma and Shimoda take powerful mid-range shots, giving the impression of a wide shooting range. There is a possibility of conceding if we lose focus even for a moment, so I want to stay fully concentrated for the entire 90 minutes and be well prepared.
Q. There was a period when the team had many goals conceded from crosses and set pieces as an issue.
A. Recently, the number of goals conceded from crosses and set pieces has decreased. Even watching the last few matches, you can see many defensive players putting their bodies on the line until the very end. For me personally, it will be my first match in a while if I get on the pitch, and stopping the ball when it comes is my job. I want to protect the goal with the whole team working together.
