Jack up the best domestic stadium!?

"Yokohama International Stadium", which was decided as the venue for the 2002 World Cup final. With a capacity of 70,000 people, this enormous structure not only had an overwhelming size, but also showcased cutting-edge technology, creating an atmosphere befitting of representing Japan. The first match of the quarterfinals of the Nabisco Cup against Yokohama F.Marinos was held at this top-class stadium. It wasn't just the players who were excited about this amazing situation. The approximately 1,000 strong cheering squad stationed in the "goal end" of Tokyo showed their excitement from before the start of the match. With only about 1,000 people in a stadium of 70,000, and of course outnumbered by the home team supporters, they fought back with their sense and ideas. They sang unique songs and chants, overwhelming the opponents and taking over the venue.

Secret plan? Or unconventional strategy?

Yokohama F.Marinos, which boasts many players from the Japan national team and is considered one of the top "talent groups" in the country, was listed as a candidate for the J1 championship this season. Just looking at the starting members for this day, there are star players like Japan national team goalkeeper Kawaguchi, defender Ihara, midfielder Miura, forward Jo, Olympic representative midfielder Nakamura, and South Korean representative midfielder Yoo... all gathered like shining stars. In contrast, Tokyo, missing key players such as midfielder Yukihiko and defenders Kobayashi and Umehara due to injuries, faced the challenge with a bold lineup that could be seen as a secret strategy. In the attacking midfield, Wada made his first start of the season, Kobayashi started for the first time in ten matches since May 9, and Kaburaki started for the first time in nine matches since May 16 as a midfielder. In the defensive midfield, Almir returned from injury and made his first start in eight matches since May 23, and Yamau was given a big opportunity as a central defender with his first start of the season... among other bold player selections that could be seen as unconventional tactics.

Wow, no way! Two goals in the first 3 minutes of the game!?

Who could have predicted such a development? The match started with action right away. Tokyo rhythmically passed the ball in midfield, then Amaral made a dribble and passed to Kobayashi on the left. Just as Kobayashi was about to start his signature dribble, he was brought down by a fierce charge. However, in the next moment, while the Marinos defense was caught off guard, Kobayashi made a brilliant pass to Kaburaki ahead. Kaburaki scored with a powerful volley, taking the lead in just one minute, the shortest time this season. There is a difference in 'game sense' between Marinos, who had been away from the main event, and Tokyo, who had just played three days ago, but more than that, Kobayashi's judgment surpassed that of a J1 player. Tokyo's momentum did not stop there. Continuing to overwhelm Marinos with their passing game, Tokyo connected through Almir and Amaral, and a decisive pass reached Wada, who had burst out on the right side just on the edge of the offside line. Wada charged towards the goal with explosive speed and took a strong shot. The Marinos goalkeeper Kawaguchi barely deflected the ball, but Kobayashi, who had run in, kicked it in powerfully, quickly putting Tokyo ahead by two goals.

"Solid defense" shines!

"There's no way Marinos will end like this..." Everyone expected a fierce comeback from Marinos. The game regained its composure afterwards, and a high-level offensive and defensive battle unfolded.

Marinos created the midfield with Miura and Nakamura, while Jo tried to find rhythm at the post. Occasionally, accurate passes from Nakamura to Yanagi and Ueno, who broke through behind Tokyo's defense, caused trouble, but shots were repeatedly saved by goalkeeper Suzuki's fine saves. Ace Jo faced a fierce charge from Yamao, who was making his first start. The hard defense that hardly allowed Jo to face forward proved the ability of the man who once played for Nagoya and was a key player for Kofu until last year. In midfield defense, Asari and Almir responded with abundant mobility, shutting down the dangerous areas where Nakamura and Yanagi entered. Additionally, against Miura, who excels at breaking through on the left side, Komine, who played as the right back, responded well. Even in one-on-one situations against the internationally speedy Miura, Komine did not lose in leg strength and prevented him from making plays. In attack, centered around Almir and Amaral, they dominated the midfield with superior passing work, while the speedy Kaburaki and Wada charged forward with the most aggressive play of the season from the sides. Their speed proved that they could compete well in J1, leading to crosses that created goal-scoring opportunities.

Go KABURAKI's final goal seals the game!

In the 32nd minute, Tokyo, under pressure, cut the ball and passed it to Almir, who was positioned on the left side of the front line. Almir evaded the approaching defender with an artistic heel kick and delivered a superb through pass to Kaburaki, who made a timely run into the center. Kaburaki calmly slotted the ball past the advancing goalkeeper to secure the third goal. In the second half, the back-and-forth battle continued. Marinos focused on forward Valmir, who came on in the second half, creating chances. However, Tokyo defended well at the last moment, blocking the shots. In attack, Fujiyama, who had been launching sharp dribbles since the first half, continued to show even sharper movements in the second half, creating multiple opportunities. Particularly, his attacking participation with speed after interceptions confused the Marinos defense. In the closing stages, there were moments when Marinos pressed hard, but everyone responded with high defensive awareness. Ultimately, the match ended with Tokyo holding on for an unexpected large-margin victory in the first leg of the quarterfinals. The next match is on the 24th (Saturday) at 19:00, welcoming Marinos to Edogawa. <Director Okuma's Comment> In terms of attack, we were able to exploit the gaps as we intended when the opponent came out. Also, keeping a clean sheet will contribute to future league matches, and I am satisfied. I want to fight in a way that leads to future success on the 24th as well.