Tokyo is painted in blue and red. The significant game has served to confirm this.
Seeking their first victory since the break and their first league win in nearly a month, the Blue and Red team faced off against the Green at their home ground, Ajinomoto Stadium.
This match was a must-win for them. In their last encounter, they suffered a 0-3 defeat against Kawasaki Frontale in the Tamagawa Clasico. Furthermore, their performance at Ajinomoto Stadium has been disappointing, with only 2 wins, 4 draws, and 5 losses. Both the coach and players expressed their desire to repay their fans and supporters with a victory.
This was the context in which they met Tokyo Verdy. In their previous game, they had to overcome a numerical disadvantage and a two-goal deficit to equalize in stoppage time; however, they could not secure the win.
With the team’s fate hinging on the match’s outcome, all they wanted was a victory. They aimed to establish an overwhelming mental advantage and seize control of the game.
The defensive lineup featured experienced veterans and academy graduates. Nozawa Taishi Brandon was positioned at the back, with Shirai Kosuke, Doi Kanta, Morishige Masato, and Nagatomo Yuto forming the last line from the right. Defensive midfielders Taka Yuhiro and Koizumi Kei were deployed, with Araki Ryotaro acting as an attacking midfielder. The forward trio included Diego Oliveira in the center, Nakagawa Teruhito on the right, and Endo Keita on the left.
The team had only managed one win in their last seven official matches, hoping to turn their fortunes around with this game. Dubbed “FIREWORKS NIGHT supported by Paidy”, the stadium was buzzing even before kickoff. After vibrant light displays introduced the players, they entered amidst impressive fireworks, while the stands were drenched in blue and red. The atmosphere was electric as the match commenced.
1st HALF—We maintained possession and created opportunities but failed to score.
With an enthusiastic home crowd behind them, Tokyo initiated their attacks right from the start. Attacker Araki, making his first start since the Paris Olympics, and defensive midfielder Taka kept the ball composed at the center, utilizing Diego’s hold-up play to develop an offensive rhythm. Right-back Shirai’s powerful vertical dribbling also enhanced their attacking endeavors.
Throughout the first half, while the blue and red team maintained possession, the green team concentrated on counterattacks, but it was Tokyo that carved out the first significant opportunity. In the 25th minute, Endo, advancing into the center, unleashed a low mid-range shot with his right foot that unfortunately went wide of the left post, yet Tokyo persisted in pushing towards their opponent’s goal.
A deft buildup involving Nozawa created another scoring chance in the 33rd minute. He received the ball during a sequence at the back line, with right fullback Shirai moving inside to receive a pass, turning around to find Nakagawa on the right wing. Diego then exploited the space behind the defense, drawing an opposing player, allowing Nakagawa to cut in and attempt a shot with his left foot. The effort struck the opposing defender and veered off course, but it demonstrated Tokyo’s signature attacking flair with sharp passing to threaten the opposition’s half.
In the 42nd minute, Tokyo Verdy nearly capitalized after swinging the ball from side to side. Matsumura’s left cross found Saito at the far post; however, his attempt went wide. It was a close call, but Nozawa managed to block the near shot, preventing danger.
Despite asserting their dominance, Tokyo could not find the breakthrough. Wanting to score the opening goal early to maintain momentum, they simultaneously had to focus on thwarting the opponent’s counterattacks with solid physical defense, showcasing the spirit and risk management that comes with an important match.
Ultimately, the first half concluded with the score still tied after two minutes of added time, leaving the outcome to be determined in the second half. The players returned to the locker room to the chants of fans and supporters behind the goal, urging, “We can’t lose to Verdy! Let’s show them our strength!”
2nd HALF—Scoreless draw with consecutive key saves by Taishi
The second half began with Tokyo Verdy suddenly facing a significant threat. Matsumura sent in a right cross following a counterattack, and Onaga, making a run to the far side, took a direct shot but missed the target.
Following this moment of danger, Tokyo seized an opportunity. The back line connected well, seeking openings, and several players exchanged quick one-touch passes from midfield to the left wing, where Endo directed a pass to the center. Araki collected the ball and shot with his right foot, but the effort struck an opponent and went wide, showcasing fantastic attacking speed and technique.
Tokyo maintained the upper hand in the second half, pressing toward the goal bathed in blue and red. They displayed their tactical acumen, keeping possession and opting to “start over” instead of forcing an attack. The team was aware of prior weaknesses and demonstrated growth through their fighting spirit.
They exhibited tenacity around the ball, skillfully managing the game, and employing risk management—all they needed was to score.
The defense remained highly focused. In the 68th minute, an opponent was allowed to dive for a header in the penalty area, but Nozawa made a crucial sideways dive to deflect the ball. Minutes later, in the 75th minute, an opponent made a decisive header from a corner kick, but Nozawa again delivered a remarkable save, stretching out his right hand to reach a challenging ball that bounced once from close range. Every player on the field played with exceptional concentration, pushing toward victory.
However, disaster struck for Tokyo. Morishige, while blocking an opponent’s shot, was struck on the side of his head and collapsed. There were concerns about his unconscious state, but he raised his hand in response as he was carried off on a stretcher. A concussion substitution was executed, with Oka Teppei replacing Morishige. Moreover, in the 86th minute, Nakamura Hodaka came on for Nagatomo at right back, prompting Shirai to switch to the left wing.
In the 87th minute, a counterattack from the opponent put Tokyo in jeopardy, but Nozawa made yet another crucial save against Yamami’s shot on target, cleverly altering the ball’s trajectory to protect the goal.
During six minutes of added time, as chants of “We can’t lose to Verdy” resonated from behind the blue and red goal, a fierce battle unfolded on the pitch for that one decisive point, but neither team could find the net, resulting in a scoreless draw.
This match saw both teams determined to win, yet, despite some positives, neither could walk away with a victory. The confrontation, which attracted a crowd of 39,921 at Ajinomoto Stadium, ended in a frustrating 0-0 draw.
MATCH DETAILS
GK Nozawa Taishi Brandon
DF Kosuke Shirai, Kanta Doi, Masato Morishige (38th minute of the second half: Teppei Oka), Yuto Nagatomo (41st minute of the second half: Hodaka Nakamura)
MF Takahiro (32nd minute: Harakawa Chikara), Koizumi Kei, Araki Ryotaro (32nd minute: Kobayashi Tsuyoshi)
FW Diego Oliveira, Keita Endo (70th minute: Kota Tawara), Teruhito Nakagawa (70th minute: Souma Anzai)
SUBS
GK Hatano Go
GOAL
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Goalkeeper Matthäus
Defenders: Kazuya Miyahara, Naoki Hayashi, Hideto Taniguchi
Midfielder Yuta Matsumura (41st minute: Yuya Matsuhashi), Koki Morita (21st minute: Tomoya Miki), Kosuke Saito, Masaru Onaga
FW Yamada Fuuki (21st minute of the second half: Yamami Daito), Kimura Yudai (44th minute of the second half: Yamada Goki), Someno Yuzuki
SUBS
Goalkeeper Yuya Nagasawa
DF Daiki Fukazawa
Midfielder Yuto Tsunashima
GOAL
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[Interview with Coach Peter Klamowski]
Q: Please provide an overall assessment of the match.
A: As anticipated, it was a match against Tokyo Verdy, and both teams poured their effort into it. From the outset, with the emotional support of fans and supporters, both teams contested fiercely until the very end. Performance-wise, I believe we maintained some control of the game until the 70th minute, but we needed to sharpen our attack and pose a greater threat to the opponent. In the last 20 minutes, we lost our grip, and the game opened up. The players exerted themselves for the three points, which makes it disappointing that we couldn’t secure a victory for our fans and supporters.
Q: Could you update us on Masato Morishige’s condition?
A: First and foremost, I think he played exceptionally well, moving the ball calmly to help us control the game. While he was on the pitch, the defense was solid. Unfortunately, during that time, a shot struck his head. We need further information from the medical staff now. I hope he is okay. Everyone is concerned for him and his family.
Q: You made some active substitutions, and the players brought a dynamic edge. However, control slipped away at the end. Why do you think that happened?
A: I believe the substitutes made a significant impact by fighting hard to the end. Today, Morishige was substituted due to a concussion, and all registered field players contributed. I think each player fought hard to leave an impression, but we became sluggish when faced with the opponent’s long balls, losing our control. However, I believe the players gave their all. We will continue to build on the positive aspects shown today while working on aspects that need improvement.
[Player Interviews]
Q: Your exceptional saves were critical in keeping the score at zero. Could you reflect on the match?
A: I think the first half went very well for the team. However, the game opened up in the second half, and loose balls ended up being picked up at crucial moments, which we need to improve upon. Nonetheless, it is a positive sign that the entire team worked hard to defend in front of the goal, and as the goalkeeper, I laid my body on the line, enabling us to finish without conceding. Still, we need to win and press more aggressively into the opponent’s territory. It’s an area where we must improve.
Q: During the second half, especially from the 30th minute onward, we began to open up and were pushed back considerably. What was at the forefront of your mind?
A: Given how the second half progressed, I had faith in my teammates that if we could keep the score level until the final whistle, we would surely get a chance.
Q: The four-man back line has changed since the match before last. Are you finding this challenging?
A: Regardless of who is playing, I aim to give my best effort and, in addition to focusing on my performance, I strive to maintain a positive influence on my teammates.
Q: There is noticeable growth in Brandon Nozawa. Has there been any change in your mindset before and after the Paris Olympics?
A: I am genuinely thankful to be enjoying the soccer I have always dreamed of, now as a goalkeeper for Tokyo. My ambition to take on more responsibility and to grow further is driving my development. I believe I can achieve even more.
Q: Can you reflect on the match?
A: We had chances and faced difficulties, so I’m pleased we managed a clean sheet as a defender. However, we needed a win today, so it’s frustrating that we couldn’t score. We were under pressure for much of the second half, but we made the decision to not allow the ball into the goal, which I consider a positive aspect.
Q: We held some possession in the first half, but it didn’t result in goals.
A: I made some errors, but I am determined to continue challenging myself, aiming to deliver more decisive passes. When I’m fatigued, the entire team tends to stall, and I sometimes fail to show up in passing lanes when needed. I want to vocalize more to encourage movement and guide the team.
Q: What do you believe is necessary to win a match like today’s?
A: Offensively, we need to be more potent in scoring. We must focus on getting the ball into the goal not only vertically but also during set pieces. Defensively, while we kept a clean sheet, we are indebted to Nozawa for saving two or three critical chances, and we need to eliminate those threats.
Q: You’ve had a few tough matches recently. How will you prepare for the next game?
A: We haven’t scored in three consecutive matches, so I personally aspire to become a player who can provide decisive passes. As a team, we must also coordinate our movements and run more collectively to create additional opportunities. I intend to give everything I can as we approach the next match.
Q: It must have been a grueling 90 minutes. Can you reflect on the match?
A: True to expectation, it was an intense match. We attempted to maintain possession and hold the ball longer while remaining calm when necessary. However, we also needed to target specific areas, which we discussed in our meeting about exploiting spaces as a team. I believe we could have made more proactive movements in those areas, including as individuals. In the second half, we needed to make one more effort to support the ball when it was on the side.
Q: It’s challenging not winning in the last four games, but what do you think are important points to focus on, especially as we prepare for the upcoming match against Kyoto Sanga FC?
A: We must reach a standard where intensity, ball contesting, and a passion for matches like this are the norm. I want us to respond adaptively to how we defend as a team and how we break down our opponents in attack. This applies both to the team and the individual level. With 11 games remaining, we need to be aware of our current standing and play with a strong sense of urgency.
Match Review: FC Tokyo vs. Tokyo Verdy – A Goalless Encounter
Date: Recent Match at Ajinomoto Stadium
Tokyo is blue and red. The big game has come to prove it.
Match Context
Aiming for their first win since the break and seeking their first league victory in nearly a month, the Blue and Red team faced off against Tokyo Verdy at their home ground, Ajinomoto Stadium. With pressure mounting from their recent loss to rivals Kawasaki Frontale, where they suffered a damaging 0-3 defeat in the Tamagawa Clasico, the stakes were high. The team’s home record at Ajinomoto Stadium was concerning: just 2 wins, 4 draws, and 5 losses. Both the coach and players expressed a strong desire to repay their loyal fans with a much-needed victory.
Team Setup and Strategy
Facing a critical match that could set the tone for the rest of the season, FC Tokyo adopted a solid defensive lineup featuring experienced veterans and promising academy graduates. Key players in the defensive line included:
- Nozawa Taishi Brandon (Goalkeeper)
- Shirai Kosuke (Right Back)
- Doi Kanta (Center Back)
- Morishige Masato (Center Back)
- Nagatomo Yuto (Left Back)
The midfield contingent featured Taka Yuhiro and Koizumi Kei, with Araki Ryotaro orchestrating play as an attacking midfielder. Leading the frontline were Diego Oliveira at center forward, flanked by Nakagawa Teruhito on the right and Endo Keita on the left.
Match Atmosphere
This match, dubbed “FIREWORKS NIGHT supported by Paidy,” set a thrilling atmosphere at Ajinomoto Stadium. The pre-match spectacle included dazzling fireworks and vibrant displays of blue and red across the stands, igniting anticipation among the crowd of nearly 40,000 fans.
1st Half: Missed Opportunities
First Half Summary: FC Tokyo dominated possession but struggled to find the back of the net.
From the kickoff, FC Tokyo established a commanding presence, with players maintaining high energy and composure. Midfielder Araki and defensive anchor Taka orchestrated play well, particularly through Diego’s physical presence that created room for offensive maneuvers.
Despite controlling the tempo, Tokyo could not convert their chances. The first significant opportunity came in the 25th minute when Endo’s well-placed right-footed mid-range shot veered off course, missing the target by inches.
A promising build-up followed in the 33rd minute, showcasing Tokyo’s characteristic sharp passing and movement, but another attempt from Nakagawa was deflected away. The first half concluded with both teams scoreless, and the pressure for the second half escalated.
2nd Half: Defensive Brilliance
Second Half Summary: A test of defense with multiple crucial saves.
Tokyo Verdy initiated the second half with an aggressive counter-attack, however, FC Tokyo quickly regained composure and rallied for their own opportunities. They frequently threatened Verdy’s goal but were continuously thwarted.
Nozawa Taishi made a couple of outstanding saves, including a crucial reflex dive to deny a header in the 68th minute and another incredible stop on a close-range attempt shortly after. His performance was instrumental in keeping the scoreline even.
Key Incidents
As the game progressed, FC Tokyo faced additional challenges, including an injury to veteran defender Masato Morishige, who was substituted after a concerning head incident. The game saw multiple tactical substitutions, reflecting Coach Klamoski’s strategic aim to fortify the defense while still pushing for a breakthrough goal.
Final Whistle: A Stalemate
Despite the ambition and liveliness of both sides, the match concluded in a frustrating goalless draw. FC Tokyo’s failure to convert their dominant possession into goals was a bitter pill to swallow for players and fans alike.
Match Statistics
| Statistic | FC Tokyo | Tokyo Verdy |
|---|---|---|
| Shots | 12 | 5 |
| Shots on Target | 4 | 2 |
| Possession | 62% | 38% |
| Corners | 6 | 3 |
| Fouls | 9 | 12 |
Player Interviews
Coach Peter Klamoski’s Thoughts
Reflecting on the game, Coach Klamoski stated, “We controlled the game for the first 70 minutes, but we lacked sharpness in front of goal. The last 20 minutes were challenging, and I am disappointed we couldn’t secure a win for our fans.”
Goalkeeper Nozawa Taishi
Nozawa highlighted, “I felt the team played well defensively, but we need to convert our opportunities. We can’t keep drawing games; we must aim for the win.”
Defender Doi Kanta
Doi remarked, “I’m proud of our clean sheet, but the pressure to win is real, especially after not getting a goal in recent games. We need to ensure we convert our chances moving forward.”
Next Steps and Future Matches
FC Tokyo remains determined to secure their first win in the upcoming fixtures, targeting improvements in their offensive play and maintaining their defensive resilience. The team anticipates a challenging match against Kyoto Sanga FC and is focused on turning their fortunes around.
Upcoming Fixtures
- FC Tokyo vs. Kyoto Sanga FC – Date TBA
- Future Matches – Details will follow on the official schedule page.
