Unbeatable Match

Recently, Tokyo has been far from victory, suffering a humiliating V-goal loss just three days ago, while Kobe has not won a single match since the season started and finally achieved their first victory just four days ago. Winning today's match is undoubtedly very important for both teams, even though their circumstances are different. Before the match, the familiar call of "Tokyo! Tokyo!" echoed from the back stand. The "Blue-Red Army" in the goal area arrived with more than 30 members for this weekday night game against Kobe. With such strong "companions" supporting them, they cannot afford to lose. Tokyo changed their formation, moving Almir defensively back, placing Yukihiko SATO in the center, and Kobayashi on the right side to revitalize the midfield. On the other hand, Kobe started their ace, Korean national team player Hwang Seok-ju, who was rested in the match a week ago, aiming to take control of the midfield. A fierce battle for midfield dominance was anticipated for both teams.

Waking up with Kobe's opening goal

After the start of the first half, Tokyo is still sluggish. It seems that the bad image from the last few matches has not faded. On the other hand, Kobe is riding high after their victory four days ago and is attacking fiercely and boldly. In the 4th minute of the first half, a free kick from the left is easily returned, and Kobe's midfielder Nube scores the opening goal. It was a quick turn of events. However, this wakes up Tokyo. Kobe, attacking without defense, often leaves space in the midfield after the ball is cut, which Yukihiko SATO and Almir exploit with quick ball movement and effective dribbling. Yukihiko SATO is outstanding in this match, moving freely in the center like a fish in water, actively getting involved with the ball, creating chances with his signature direct passes and speedy dribbling. Almir also dazzles the opponent with his elegant technique and precise passing. On the other hand, Kobe counters with the combination of their ace Kawa, Hasebe, and Nagashima, who came on as a substitute. As initially expected, a fierce battle unfolds in the high-level midfield.

Dramatic Finale!

In the second half, Tokyo's attack gains momentum. Amaral, who has been in good form since the opening, remained stable on this day as well and became a key player in the front line. Kobayashi, who entered as a right midfielder, repeatedly bewildered Kobe's defense with his flexible dribbling, and Fujiyama, the left fullback, also tore apart Kobe's defense with one-twos with Almir and high-speed dribbling. In terms of shots in the second half, Tokyo had 11 shots compared to Kobe's mere 2 shots, and the game was completely dominated by Tokyo's pace.

However, they were just one step away from scoring, and time passed in vain. Then, in the 43rd minute of the second half, Amaral won the ball from a left corner kick and Sandro pushed it in to equalize the game. The game went into extra time as it was still tied after 90 minutes. In extra time, Tokyo continued to attack Kobe's goal. In the 12th minute of the first half of extra time, substitute Kagami made an exquisite cross from the left. Amaral then dove and headed the ball into the goal, ending the intense battle that lasted until the 102nd minute.

The confidence gained from playing an equal or better match against a J1 team and achieving a dramatic victory is significant. In the post-match press conference, coach Okuma stated, "We surpassed the opponent in terms of physicality and mentality," and seemed to feel the momentum leading to the next match. Tokyo, who advanced to the second round of the Nabisco Cup, will face JEF United Ichihara Chiba at Nishigaoka on Saturday, June 12th.