Revenge Match

The opponent in the 2nd round of the Nabisco Cup is Ichihara from J1. In the first match held on June 12th (Saturday), Tokyo dominated both in terms of the number of shots, with 24 shots compared to Ichihara's 11, and in terms of content. Yukihiko scored in the 38th minute of the first half, and Tokyo entered the second half with a one-point lead, but they were unable to score a second goal and were defeated by consecutive equalizers and a turnaround goal. In order to advance to the next quarterfinals, they had to win the second match (away) of the day by a difference of two goals or more, which seemed possible based on the feeling of the first match. At the Ichihara Marine Stadium, the "Tokyo! Tokyo!" chant by the approximately 150-strong cheering squad from Tokyo echoed from before kickoff. In the pouring rain, the players couldn't help but be moved by the sight of the fans continuing to cheer passionately without even using umbrellas.

One-sided game

The match became one-sided for Tokyo right from the start. Tokyo focused the ball on Kagawa, who started as an attacking midfielder that day, and dominated the midfield with quick passing between right midfielder Yukihiko and forward Amaral. They created rhythm with precise direct passes that stole the show from J1, and at the right timing, Tokyo's proud full-backs surged forward, adding depth to the attack. In the 2nd minute, a sharp dribble from Kagawa led to a last pass to Okamoto, but the shot went over the bar. In the 6th minute, Yukihiko broke through deep on the right side and delivered an exquisite cross, but Amaral's header went straight to the goalkeeper. During this period, it was a completely one-sided game for Tokyo, and scoring seemed just a matter of time. In the 7th minute, Kagawa, who kept the ball on the left side, delivered a superb cross aimed between the opposing defender and goalkeeper, and Amaral dove in to score the long-awaited opening goal with a powerful diving header. Ichihara's defense was thrown off balance as the 'defensive linchpin' and Japan national team defender Nakanishi was unable to play due to injury. The checks on Amaral and the marking in midfield were weak, allowing Tokyo's elegant passing game to slice through the defense line. Even when they attacked, there was no follow-up after forward Takeda received the ball, and with only three passes connecting, they couldn't find their attacking rhythm. Tokyo's fierce assault continued, with Amaral taking a decisive shot in the 19th minute and Okamoto in the 22nd minute. The highlight came in the 31st minute when Fujiyama intercepted a pass and passed to Yukihiko on the left side. Yukihiko executed a one-two with Amaral in the center and broke through, dribbling in to score. It was a perfect combination play, textbook quality at a high level.

Complete victory! Season's highest 4 goals!

Right after the start of the second half, we were caught off guard for a moment and conceded a goal. A long pass from the Ichihara defense reached forward Takeda, who was flowing to the left side, and he headed it to the center. Henrique rushed in and easily slotted it in as goalkeeper Horiike came out. Having lost the first match after dominating the first half but conceding in the second half, a moment of anxiety crossed my mind. However, that anxiety was quickly dispelled upon seeing the players move without any signs of agitation. In the 52nd minute, Amaral delivered a cross from deep on the left side. Yukiho received it in the center, tried to evade the opponent, and was brought down for a penalty. Yukiho was the kicker, but he was thwarted by a fine save from the goalkeeper. In the 54th minute, Amaral made a powerful header from a corner kick on the left. This hit the Ichihara defense and rolled to Yukiho, who crossed it again. This time, Kagami powerfully headed it into the Ichihara goal. On the other hand, Ichihara focused on the current J1 top scorer Baron, who was brought on in the second half, but Sandro responded with tight marking. Henrique, the starting point of the attack, was also well contained by the double pivot of Asari and Koike, who did not allow him any freedom. The match continued at Tokyo's pace, but in the 86th minute, Yukiho broke free with a beautiful direct combination play with Amaral and Yukiho again on the left side, evading the rushing goalkeeper and delivering a cross. Kagami, waiting there, calmly kicked it in with the inside of his right foot, sealing the match. Just before the end of the match, a penalty was awarded due to a foul by Umeyama, but goalkeeper Horiike made a wonderful judgment to save it, ending the match. Tokyo, who maintained a dominant pace throughout the match, defeated Ichihara with a total score of 5-3, winning 2-1 in the first match and 4-1 in the second, advancing to the quarter-finals. Next, we will face the 'Star Army' Yokohama F.Marinos! (Coach Okuma's comment) In the first half, we were able to overwhelm them with our work rate, but in the second half, as our work rate dropped, we started to lose the ball more often. However, I was satisfied with the increased participation of both full-backs in the attack. Kagami performed well, and I believe his consistent performance in the B team has led to today’s result. I hope he can maintain this in the upcoming league matches.