Direct Confrontation!

"A direct confrontation between 2nd place (Tokyo) and 3rd place (Oita)!" This match on this day could be a crucial moment for Tokyo, as a loss would not only drop them to 3rd place but also potentially give Kawasaki Frontale, who are in first place and in good form, a chance to pull away. On the other hand, it is a match that Oita, who has persistently remained in the upper ranks, must win at all costs, as failing to do so could lead to regret later on.

Losing rhythm due to early goals conceded

In the previous match, both teams were unable to play the soccer they wanted and suffered a close defeat. On this day, both teams approached the game with an attacking formation. Tokyo deployed Almir, who was used as a defensive midfielder in the previous match, to increase the movement in the front line and create more chances. On the other hand, Oita started Choi, who along with Will, became the starting point of the attack, to enhance their offensive power.

In the first half, when the game started, Tokyo launched a strong attack. They quickly won a corner kick and Almir took a close shot. Tokyo smoothly connected the ball in the midfield with Yukihiro and Almir as the key players, and built up their attack. However, in the 6th minute, due to a momentary lapse in concentration, Tokyo fouled a player from Oita near the left penalty area, resulting in a free kick. Oita midfielder Will took the shot, which hit Tokyo's wall and changed direction, rolling into the goal. Tokyo, who conceded a goal at this early stage in the opponent's territory, lost their momentum and the game, which had been going at Tokyo's pace, suddenly shifted to Oita's pace. Oita, with Choi as the starting point, created numerous opportunities for Will to dribble and for forwards Kamiya and Shiokawa to use their speed to break through vertically and attack Tokyo's goal. In particular, Will's dribbling and passing were outstanding, making it difficult to stop him.

After that, although Oita had slightly longer ball possession, the attacking and defending were almost evenly matched. In the 18th minute, Fujiyama, who had been showing sharp dribbles towards the left side, cut inside towards the center and dribbled into the penalty area, causing the Oita defender to panic and commit a foul! They were awarded a penalty kick. Amaral calmly scored to equalize the score. However, the joy was short-lived as in the 27th minute, Oita's left side was easily penetrated and a cross was made. Oita defender Wakamatsu, who was overlapping, jumped in spectacularly and scored a diving header, once again reversing the score to 1-2.

Revival with Kagamiki's Entry!?

As the second half began, Kobayashi Seigo, who was not in good form, was substituted for Kaburaki. Kaburaki showcased his characteristic speed and agility, wreaking havoc in the front line, causing Oita's previously perfect marking to gradually falter. This allowed the midfield pressure to ease, enabling Tokyo's original passing game to start functioning. In the 58th minute, Fujiyama, holding the ball near the center circle, delivered a superb through pass to Amaral, who was making a run forward. The Oita defender, competing with Amaral, managed to catch up just in time and passed back to the goalkeeper, who handled the ball, resulting in an indirect free kick near the penalty mark. Yukiho played the free kick sideways, and Sandro unleashed a powerful shot that hit the wall, leading to a scramble from which Koike scored to equalize at 2-2. Riding the momentum, Tokyo earned a corner in the 67th minute when Kaburaki broke through on the left side, and from yet another scramble, Sandro volleyed in the third goal, successfully turning the game around. To seal the deal, in the 82nd minute, Koike, who was holding the ball in the center, delivered a perfect through pass to Amaral, who made a run forward. The opposing defender hesitated for a moment, and as they stopped, Amaral skillfully broke free and shot! He scored the fourth goal.

Afterwards, Oita also received the support of local fans and showed a desperate counterattack. The defense, led by GK Suzuki, remained focused until the end, bravely cutting through the pinch and achieving victory with a long-awaited high-scoring match since the JEF match on June 19th (Levain Cup 2nd round, 2nd leg).

＜Coach Okuma's Comment＞In the beginning, instead of being broken by the opponent, we gave away a free kick due to our own mistake, and the flow changed. It was due to a lapse in concentration, and we need to focus more. In the second half, Kaburagi's efforts on the front line shifted the opponent's marking and allowed us to pass the ball. We were also superior in terms of stamina in the second half compared to Oita. I am pleased that the defense also worked hard and put their bodies on the line.