Chance to rise to the top...

"To finish the first half in first place..." This is certainly a matter of interest for each team participating in J2, and it would be a lie to say there is no interest. Unlike J1, J2 does not have significant divisions like "1st Stage / 2nd Stage" or titles such as "First Half Champion!", but being in first place at this major milestone, which is half of the 4th Round and a total of 36 matches, is still an important step. So, how can Tokyo, currently in 2nd place with 34 points until the last round (Sec. 17), take the lead at the end of this round (Sec. 18)? The answer was to win the match against Tosu within 90 minutes (no extra time wins allowed). Before the match, news came in that Oita, who had been leading with 35 points until the last round, lost to Sapporo after extra time. It was revealed that if Tokyo won within 90 minutes (adding 3 points), they would have 37 points and take sole first place. Additionally, if the match went to extra time, Kawasaki Frontale, who had been closely marking Tokyo with 33 points until the last round, had already secured a win this round (adding 3 points) to reach 36 points. Therefore, even if Tokyo won in extra time (adding 2 points) to reach 36 points, they would still be in 2nd place due to goal difference (as they were behind Kawasaki Frontale). Conversely, if they lost, the first place would go to Kawasaki Frontale (36), second to Oita (35), and Tokyo (34) would drop to 3rd place. In other words, this match became the biggest turning point of the first half where losing was not an option.

"Man" Furubei's opening goal explodes!

In light rain, the match kicked off. The venue, Tosu Stadium, is one of the wonderful stadiums in J2, alongside Sendai Stadium, characterized by its bowl-shaped seating like European stadiums. The acoustic effect is outstanding, and the support from local fans using drums and megaphones creates a thunderous sound to support the Tosu players. About 20 strong supporters who rushed from Tokyo also desperately cheered back, but they were overwhelmed in terms of volume by the Tosu supporters who are well-versed in the acoustic effects. Two minutes into the match, the cheers from the Tosu supporters momentarily stopped. Yukiho took a free kick from the left side and sent it into the goal area, where DF Kobane, who ran in, headed it in! It was a clean goal with a header, following the match against Omiya on May 2nd (Kobane, the 'man' of the day, served as the game captain for the first time that day, earning the title of 'man' among some for his masculine appearance, gentlemanly demeanor (always appearing in a suit at the match venue!), and mental toughness (having also served as captain at his previous club Fukuoka, leading the team with strong leadership)). Tokyo, wanting to build momentum from this goal, actively launched attacks centered around Yukiho and Amaral. However, on this day, with right-back Umeyama (injured) and left-back Fujiyama (accumulated warnings) absent, the team's attacking pattern involving contributions from both full-backs was diminished, making it difficult to create chances. Additionally, the ground became slippery due to the rain, reducing the accuracy of ball control, leading to frequent passing errors overall, and the rhythm of the attack did not improve.

Overcoming a tough battle with passionate defense, we have achieved our first 6 consecutive victories this season and are now in first place!

In the 32nd minute of the first half, the key player Yukihiko left the field due to injury (lumbar sprain), shifting the momentum to Tosu. Backed by a strong support, Tosu showed aggressive pressing defense from the front line, cutting off Tokyo's passing mistakes and launching counterattacks. They displayed a fast-paced passing game based on abundant physical activity, but still lacked passing accuracy and were unable to create decisive scenes. Tokyo tried to rally by focusing the ball on their 'ace' Amaral, but he was neutralized by hard marking from two defenders. In the second half, the game became one-sided in favor of Tosu. Against Tosu's fierce attacks with early crosses from the sides, Tokyo, led by goalkeeper Suzuki, fought back with a determined defense. Their solid defense, which had kept four consecutive clean sheets up to this point, remained unbroken despite changes in personnel, indicating that the team tactics had permeated all players, including forwards. In the dying moments of the match, Sandro and the defensive line, including Kobeya, put their bodies on the line to prevent a crisis, and Tokyo managed to survive a tough battle that was completely at Tosu's pace, achieving their first six consecutive wins of the season (five consecutive clean sheet victories) and reclaiming the top position since Sec. 10. <Director Okuma's Comments> There were many passing mistakes, and especially after Yukihiko left, it was a tough match completely at Tosu's pace. I believe that losing in physical activity was largely due to accumulated fatigue recently. I am satisfied with how well the defense put their bodies on the line and fought hard. While I am certainly happy to have finished the first half in first place, we have only completed half of the season. Looking ahead to the second half, I want to seize something in the upcoming Nabisco Cup that will connect to the league matches.