In the morning, we took a walk together and prepared our condition for the afternoon match.
Even the players, on the 6th day, when you would expect signs of fatigue to show, instead their conversations increased and the morale of the mixed team was felt to be even higher.
In the afternoon, it's the final match of the league. A battle against Hangzhou Greentown.
The league is in a situation where FC Tokyo, Hangzhou Greentown, and Shandong Luneng are on an equal footing.
It became a crucial match where we couldn't afford to lose in order to show FC Tokyo's strength.
The opponent, Hangzhou Greentown, is a strong team with 8 Chinese representatives.
The team is particularly well-coordinated among Chinese teams, partly because the commander is Japanese (※ former FC Tokyo Promotion Department coach, Mr. Kobe).
Show off FC Tokyo! | Opponent Hangzhou Greentown |
The match saw Tokyo maintaining possession of the ball from the beginning.
Green City also comes to steal the ball with a press from the front line.
In the first half, Tokyo took the initiative by delicately passing and dribbling the ball, not letting up on the attack, and showing a strong defensive mindset. They also won battles for the ball and continued to show their fighting spirit, even though they couldn't score.
Tokyo further increased their attacking gear in the second half.
Gradually dominate the game in both offense and defense.
Tokyo took the lead with an own goal by Hangzhou Greentown after 57 minutes and winning a corner kick.
Tokyo, which further brought in the flow, continues to attack without loosening its grip on the goal of Ryujin.
In the 75th minute, Tokyo, who earned a free kick, sent an incredibly accurate ball with kicker Numata, and Shirodori, who was jumping in, added a goal with a header.
Substituted in the 80th minute, Shiraishi dribbled the ball and passed it to Yokota, who had escaped behind the defense line. Yokota calmly observed the goalkeeper and scored a brilliant third goal.
Tokyo fought hard with a strong spirit and won 3-0.
6th day in China. The players' feeling of "fighting with Tokyo on their backs" is gradually starting to take shape in the game.
Players fighting with Tokyo on their backs |
Tomorrow, it's the semifinal against Sydney United, a historic team that has produced many former Australian national team players.
The players are consciously recovering from dinner and preparing thoroughly for the semifinal round.
Players who have truly experienced the meaning of fighting for their country or club overseas.
I want each of us to prepare for tomorrow in order to level up.