Tokyo is blue and red. The big match to prove that has arrived.
With the aim of their first victory since the interruption, and a league win for the first time in about a month, the blue-red army faced off against “green” at home at Ajinomoto Stadium.
A victory is absolutely required for this game. In the previous match, they lost 0-3 to Kawasaki Frontale in the Tamagawa Classico. Moreover, they have not performed well at Ajinomoto Stadium with 2 wins, 4 draws, and 5 losses, and both the coach and the players repeatedly express their desire to “respond to the fans and supporters with a victory.”
In such a situation leading up to the match against Tokyo Verdy, the teams previously faced numerical disadvantages and a two-goal deficit, equalizing with a late goal in stoppage time, but ultimately failed to secure a victory.
With the team aiming for a resurgence, what is required is only a win. They want to take the lead in the match by overwhelmingly surpassing their opponents mentally and controlling key moments.
First, the defense lineup included experienced veterans and players from the academy. Brandon Nozawa was stationed at the back, with Kosuke Shirai, Kanta Doi, Masato Morishige, and Yuto Nagatomo arranged on the final line from the right. The midfield featured a duo of Takuto Yamamura and Kei Koizumi, with Ryotaro Araki employed as an attacking midfielder. Up front, Diego Oliveira played centrally with Teruaki Nakagawa on the right wing and Keita Endo on the left.
The team has struggled recently, with only one victory in their last seven official matches, so they hope this match will be a turning point. The match held as ‘FIREWORKS NIGHT supported by Paidy’ saw the stadium heat up before the kickoff. After a player introduction with moving lights, a grand fireworks display lit up the atmosphere, with fans in the stands glowing in blue and red as the players entered the field. They welcomed the kickoff in the best of atmospheres.
1st HALF—With possession, creating chances but failing to score
With the home crowd behind them, Tokyo connected passes early on to launch attacks. The attacking midfielder Araki, starting for the first time since the Paris Olympics, and the midfielder Takuto settled the ball in the center while Diego’s hold-up play contributed to building the attacking rhythm. Right-back Shirai also added an attacking element with his powerful dribbles down the flank.
In the first half, the structure was blue-red for possession and green for counterattacks, and it was Tokyo that created the first big opportunity. In the 25th minute, Endo advanced in the center and took a ground-level shot with his right foot, which unfortunately missed to the left of the goal, but Tokyo continued to press forward toward the opponent’s goal.
In the 33rd minute, a decisive chance emerged from a clever buildup involving Nozawa. After circulating the ball at the backline, Nozawa received it, and right-back Shirai positioned himself inward to receive the pass, turning to send it to Nakagawa on the right side. Here, Diego made a run into space to draw defenders, allowing Nakagawa to cut in and take a left-footed shot. The ball deflected off a defender, changing direction and going wide, showcasing Tokyo’s quality attacking play with sharp passing.
In the 42nd minute, Tokyo V created a chance from an expansive movement across the field. Matsumura sent a left cross, which Saito connected with at the far post, but his shot went off-target. That was a close moment, but Nozawa had effectively covered the near post, successfully avoiding danger.
Despite holding the initiative, Tokyo couldn’t capitalize on their chances. Given the circumstances, an early opening goal would have been ideal, but on the other hand, their solid defensive efforts highlighted their commitment and risk management, characteristic of such an important game.
Ultimately, the first half ended after two minutes of added time with the score still tied at 0-0, leaving the outcome of the match to the second half. The players returned to the locker room encouraged by chants from the fans and supporters, “We can’t lose to Verdy! Let’s show our power!”
2nd HALF—Brandon’s big saves keep it scoreless
In the second half, Tokyo immediately faced a significant threat. Tokyo V countered with Matsumura sending in a right cross. Ongna made a direct attempt at the far side, but his shot did not connect well.
After that scare came a chance. By connecting passes at the backline, they sought opportunities as multiple players worked on a one-touch play to break down the left side. Endo then passed centrally. Receiving the ball, Araki took a shot with his right foot, which, although blocked by a defender, showcased the team’s vibrant attack filled with technique and speed.
As Tokyo continued to dominate possession in the second half, they showcased their experienced match management by holding the ball and choosing to reset and recycle attacks instead of forcing plays. The issues they had previously struggled with were being addressed as a team, demonstrating their growth.
With intensity in tackles, skill in managing the game, and focused risk management on display, they found themselves in a situation where they just needed to find the back of the net. The urgency to score built as the match progressed.
The defense remained concentrated. In the 68th minute, they allowed a free opponent in the penalty area to take a diving header, but Nozawa made an outstretched diving save. In the 75th minute, a corner kick led to a crucial heading attempt by the opponent, but again Nozawa executed a superb save, reaching out to deflect it just before it bounced down close to him. All players on the pitch stayed focused, pushing towards victory.
Tokyo faced an incident when Morishige was struck on the side of the head while attempting to block a shot and collapsed. He appeared to be unconscious, raising concern, but reacted by raising his hand while being carried off on a stretcher. A concussion substitution was applied, bringing in Teppei Oka for Morishige. Furthermore, in the 86th minute, they shifted their lineup by substituting Nagatomo for right-back Hodaka Nakamura, moving Shirai to the left side.
With only a minute left in the regulation time, a counter by the opponent put them in a tight spot, but once again, Nozawa made a big save against a dangerous shot from Yamami, denying them. Just managing to redirect it, he kept the goal intact.
During the 6 minutes of added time, the fans in the blue-red section launched the chant “We can’t lose to Verdy,” creating a loud atmosphere. On the pitch, an intense battle unfolded for the crucial single goal, but neither team could find the net, ending the match at 0-0.
The clash of wills for victory turned out to be a hard-fought draw. Despite grasping the feel of the game, they left without a win. The match at Ajinomoto Stadium drew a crowd of 39,921 but concluded in a stalemate.
MATCH DETAILS
GK Brandon Nozawa
DF Kosuke Shirai, Kanta Doi, Masato Morishige (substituted 38′), Teppei Oka, Yuto Nagatomo (substituted 41′)
MF Takuto Yamamura (substituted 32′), Kei Koizumi, Ryotaro Araki (substituted 32′, Go Kakeru)
FW Diego Oliveira, Keita Endo (substituted 70′), Teruaki Nakagawa (substituted 70′)
SUBS
GK Go Hatano
GOAL
—
GK Mateus
DF Kazuya Miyahara, Naoki Hayashi, Eito Taniguchi
MF Yuta Matsumura (substituted 41′, Yūan Matsuhashi), Koki Morita (substituted 21′, Tomoya Mikki), Kosuke Saito, Seita Ongna
FW Fuki Yamada (substituted 21′, Daito Yamami), Hayato Kimura (substituted 89′, Goki Yamada), Ituki Someno
SUBS
GK Yūya Nagasawa
DF Daiki Fukazawa
MF Yuto Tsunashima
GOAL
—
[Interview with Coach Peter Cram/strong>]
Q. Please summarize the match.
A. As expected in a match against Tokyo Verdy, both teams gave everything they had. From the start of the match, with the fans and supporters passionately backing them, I believe it was a match where both teams fought very well until the end. In terms of our performance, I think we were able to control the game to some extent until around the 70th minute, but our attack lacked a bit of sharpness, and we needed to be more threatening to the opponent. In the last 20 minutes, we lost the initiative, leading to an open match. The players gave their all to try to win three points, but I feel disappointed that we couldn’t deliver those three points for the fans and supporters.
Q. What is Morishige’s condition?
A. First of all, I think he had a really wonderful performance. He was calm and moved the ball well to control the game. While Morishige was on the field, our defense performed very strongly. During that time, a shot hit him in the head. We need to get more information from the medical team now. I hope he is okay. Everyone is thinking about him and his family.
Q. You made some aggressive substitutions. The players who came on also moved dynamically. What were the reasons for not controlling the game towards the end?
A. I think that while using the substitutes, the players left a solid impact until the end. Today also involved a substitution for Morishige due to a concussion, and all players registered on the field participated. Each player who came on tried to make an impact, but I think we lost control due to the opponent’s long balls creating gaps. However, I believe the players gave everything they could. Moving forward, I want to continue the good aspects of our performance today, while also improving areas needing improvement.
[Player Interviews]
Q. You made some crucial saves contributing greatly to the clean sheet. Reflect on the match.
A. I think the team was very good in the first half. But in the second half, we had some open play moments, and at key points, we allowed the opponent to recover and press us. Still, the whole team put their bodies on the line in front of goal, and I, as the goalkeeper, threw my body to maintain a zero score, which is a positive outcome. However, we must win; we need to threaten the opponent’s goal more. I think we need to do more in that regard.
Q. From around the 30-minute mark of the second half, the game opened up and you were pressed back frequently. What were you most focused on?
A. In that open play during the second half, I was confident that if we could hold them without conceding until the end, a chance would definitely come.
Q. The back four has changed compared to the prior two games. Are you feeling any difficulty with that?
A. Regardless of who plays, I want to maximize what can be done at that moment and ensure I also positively affect my teammates.
Q. Everyone is noticing your growth, especially post-Paris Olympics. What has changed for you?
A. I am enjoying football again as I have always admired, and I am genuinely grateful for having the privilege to play as Tokyo’s goalkeeper. My desire to grow responsibly and become a more significant presence is pushing me to improve. I believe I can do more.
Q. Reflect on the match.
A. There were chances and counter-chances, and as a player in the back, I am glad we ended with a clean sheet, but we had to win today’s match, so it’s disappointing that we couldn’t score. In the second half, there were many times we were on the defensive, but I believe we did well to ensure they didn’t score.
Q. In the first half, while there were moments of possession, it didn’t translate to goals.
A. I made some mistakes, but I want to continue to challenge myself. I aim to repeat my efforts until I can deliver more critical passes. During tired moments, we sometimes stop, even if only for an instant, without showing up in passing lanes. I want to speak up more and ask for the ball to maintain a firm requirement. I want to lead the team in these aspects as well.
Q. What do you think is necessary to win matches like today?
A. In attack, I believe we need more presence in front of the goal. I think we were lacking in intensity during set pieces as well. While we maintained a clean sheet, it was due to Brandon Nozawa stopping two or three critical opportunities. We need to eliminate those threats.
Q. It’s been a tough stretch of matches. How do you plan to prepare for the next one?
A. We’ve had three consecutive matches without scoring, so Personally, I want to become someone who can create decisive passes. As a team, to create more chances, we need to run and move more as a collective. I want to do what we can properly and approach the next match resolutely.
Q. It was a hard-fought 90 minutes. Please reflect on the match.
A. Given that it was a match in the heat, we aimed to hold the ball for a longer time to settle ourselves as a team in the first half. However, we also need to take our chances when they arise. We talked about exploiting space as a team in our meeting. I think there were more chances for individual players to break through, and in the second half, we needed to make additional movements to move behind when the ball goes to the sides.
Q. With four games without a win, it’s tough times. What key points do you think need to be addressed heading into the next match against Kyoto Sanga F.C.?
A. We need to elevate our intensity, physicality, and energy when approaching such matches into the realm of expectation. In that context, I want to adapt how we defend and attack as a team according to our opponent. That reflects both as a team and as individuals. As we now have 11 matches left, we need to be aware of our current position and maintain a sense of urgency.
