Heavenly Mountain!

The fierce dead heat for the championship and promotion to J1 continues in the J2 League, with only five matches remaining. At this point, first place Kawasaki Frontale has 63 points, second place Tokyo has 58, and third place Oita has 54, narrowing the dream of J1 promotion (automatic promotion for the top two teams) down to these three teams. Tokyo, whose goal this season is to become the inaugural J2 Champion (champion) and achieve J1 promotion, faced a direct confrontation with first place Kawasaki Frontale, which was a crucial match. For Tokyo to keep their hopes of winning alive, they must secure a victory in this match within 90 minutes (points +3 = 58→61) and reduce the point gap with first place Kawasaki Frontale (63 points) to '2'. In the next match, Kawasaki Frontale will face strong opponent Sapporo away, while Tokyo will play against last place Kofu at home. If Tokyo wins this match, they will have a significant advantage in the next match and could potentially leap to first place. Conversely, if Tokyo loses this match and Oita secures a victory (points +3 = 54→57), the point gap with Oita will shrink to '1', making it difficult for Tokyo to secure a top two finish for promotion, let alone win the championship. Currently on a three-game losing streak and in a 'quagmire' state, possibly due to fatigue from consecutive matches in the Nabisco Cup and league, as well as the absence of their ace Amaral due to injury, Tokyo desperately wants to win this direct confrontation and ride the wave of momentum. In any case, there is no doubt that this match is a 'crucial battle' that will determine the fate of the season, and they can only aim for victory.

Impressive performance!

The expression of the players who entered the enemy territory, Todoroki, which is the venue for the decisive battle, was different from usual. There was no sign of "anxiety" or "tension" on their faces, only "determination and fighting spirit" were evident. The loud support of the fans who always warmly support them also motivated the players. On this day, the support from the "goal end" that took their usual position was hotter and more powerful than anywhere else. The approximately 13,000 Kawasaki F fans who filled the venue turned against the enemy, while the approximately 150 "goal end" supporters were fiercely agitated. The continuous chorus that started before the match surpassed that of the home team and took over Todoroki. With the best ground condition and a clear blue sky without a single cloud, the stage for the decisive battle was set, and the "life-or-death struggle" began with intense cheering in the background.

The first to strike was Tokyo. On this day, Kagawa and Okuhara, who started as a "secret weapon," immediately showcased their skills. Kagawa, expected to be a central player in the attack since the season opener, had been somewhat underwhelming, but after a stellar performance with 2 goals and 1 assist in the 2nd Round of the Nabisco Cup (vs Ichihara, 6/19), he had been struggling since then, making his first appearance in 13 matches since the game against Niigata on August 1. On the other hand, Okuhara, wearing the ace number 10, had been focused entirely on rehabilitation due to a back injury sustained before the season, making his official debut just a month ago on September 25, and has only played in 3 matches this season. The two, who were given a significant opportunity on this decisive stage, fully met the high expectations. Tokyo, with their fighting spirit and intensity, aggressively attacked from the start. In the last two matches, without Amaral, Tokyo struggled to create a focal point in the front line and lacked depth and rhythm in their attack, but Kagawa brilliantly filled that role. Utilizing his long reach, Kagawa showcased stable hold-up play in the front line. By establishing a focal point high up the pitch, Yukiho on the right side and Okuhara on the left were able to fully utilize their speed, diving into the spaces on both sides. In the 2nd minute, when Yukiho received the ball on the right side, Okuhara dashed fiercely into the space in front, responding with perfect timing. A pinpoint 50-meter pass from Yukiho reached Okuhara, who powerfully volleyed the bouncing ball into the net with his right foot, scoring the opening goal. The significant selection of the two paid off brilliantly right from the start.

A great game worthy of being called "The Battle of the Gods"!

With an early opening goal that further stirred the "goal area" behind them, Tokyo continued to press forward. Kagawa's post play and Okahara's sharp runs increased the passing options in the front line, showcasing Almir's midfield organization. On the other hand, although it seemed that Kawasaki F would lose their rhythm due to an early goal, they proved to be the top team. Without being overwhelmed by Tokyo's momentum, they firmly executed their own style of football. The Brazilian duo of TUTO and Tinga, said to be the number one top two in J2, served as the focal point in the front line, while playmaker Katsura and the tricky side midfielders Nagahashi and Kuno created a diverse range of attacks. Particularly, Nagahashi on the right side excelled in speed and technique, and there had been many patterns where they were broken down from this side. In the 7th minute, a superb cross from Nagahashi found TUTO free in the center for a header. However, the shot hit the crossbar and was saved. Gradually, Kawasaki F began to pick up the pace. In the 14th minute, once again, Nagahashi broke through on the right side and returned the ball to the center, connecting with TUTO and Tinga, leading to a shot. Sandro desperately extended his foot, and the ball deflected up, but Katsura headed it in to equalize. The match returned to square one, but Tokyo, needing to win, repeatedly launched fierce attacks down the left side with Fujiyama → Almir → Okahara, and on the right side with Umeyama → Yukihiko → Kaburaki. Kawasaki F also responded with sharp runs from both sides by Nagahashi and Kuno, and precise passing work in the center by Katsura, TUTO, and Tinga. The match turned into a fierce back-and-forth with quick transitions between offense and defense. The deadlock was broken in the 36th minute. On the left side, Tinga persistently attempted to dribble through, and the Tokyo defense could not hold back and committed a foul. From about 30 meters out with no angle for the free kick, Kuno, known for his powerful shots, took the kick. Kuno unleashed a sharp shot with a curve, which unexpectedly sailed over the head of goalkeeper Suzuki, piercing directly into the goal net. For Tokyo, who absolutely needed to win, this was a very unpleasant development. However, Tokyo did not panic that day. In the 43rd minute, Yukihiko persevered on the right side and returned the ball to the center, where Kagawa made a feint and turned to shoot! The ball found the left corner of the goal, equalizing the score. Tokyo equalized at a very good time, and just as it seemed the first half would end like this, Kawasaki F's Tinga took advantage of a gap and broke through for a one-on-one with the goalkeeper. However, the shot hit the left post and did not result in a goal. It was a match that demanded full concentration at every moment, truly worthy of being called a "mountain of heaven".

Kawasaki Frontale falls to the determination of their opponent, unable to escape the "quagmire"...

Tokyo, having equalized just before the end of the first half, connected their hopes into the second half and launched a fierce dash as it began. Yukihiko not only created chances with a forceful breakthrough on the right side but also took shots more aggressively than ever before, while Almir continuously surged forward, creating decisive opportunities with his flexible technique. However, they just couldn't score the third goal. Conversely, in the 15th minute of the second half, Kawasaki Frontale seized an additional point from a rare chance. Longbridge, who had not advanced much in the second half, took advantage of a momentary lapse in Tokyo's midfield defense to cut into the center and delivered a sharp ball to Tinga in front of the goal. Tinga, escaping a tight space with a sharp one-two with TUTO, shot with his left foot! The goalkeeper, Suzuki, unable to move a step as he couldn't see the course due to the chaos, conceded an additional point. Riding the momentum, Kawasaki Frontale launched a fierce attack to try to stop Tokyo's breath, while Tokyo, who couldn't afford to lose, also attacked desperately. In the 28th minute of the second half, Okamoto received a cross from Umeyama, and in the following 30th minute, Yukihiko faced a decisive chance from Fujiyama's dribble, but both were thwarted by the opposing goalkeeper's defense. In the 31st minute, from a right corner kick, Kagami headed the ball free, and it seemed to have gone in, but it was cleared by the opposing defender just in time. In the last 10 minutes, they raised Sandro to the front line and brought in defender Yamao as a forward, entrusting their hopes to a desperate power play, but ultimately could not break through the wall of Kawasaki Frontale, who maintained their concentration until the end, resulting in a narrow defeat. Tokyo (then Tokyo Gas FC) had their dreams of J-League promotion shattered two years ago and lost the championship at the last moment last year to Kawasaki Frontale. Having tasted bitter defeat twice, they raised the banner of 'This year for sure!' with the aim of defeating Tokyo, and this season, they finally did not give Tokyo a single win. The pride and mental strength that grew stronger with each tear shed from experiencing the pressure of promotion twice came to life here.

Tokyo, who suffered their first four consecutive defeats of the season, may be feeling the pressure for the first time. Just below them, Oita in third place is closing in with a difference of only "1" win. There is no turning back now. With only four matches left, they have no choice but to change their mindset and approach the next game. And they have no choice but to win all of them.

【FC Tokyo Player Warning】

56th minute... Kagami (1→2)

64th minute... Yukihiko SATO (0→1)

*Warning for Player '2' <as of the end of the 32nd round>

Osamu UMEYAMA, Sandro, Kensuke KAGAMI