2018 J1/J2 Play-Offs 2nd round - Yokohama FC vs Tokyo Verdy

Match Report

The Football Gods have now smiled on Verdy for two weeks in a row. However, that should not be defined as simply a case of good luck. Rather, their blessing is given in recognition of the effort and improvement the team has made.

Just one week ago, Verdy found themselves in a first-round playoff matchup against Omiya Ardija. From playing the match on the road, to the threat of elimination if they achieved a draw or less, and a numerical disadvantage after having a player sent off, the team were able to overcome many obstacles and escape with a win from a single set-piece goal. This week, much of the attention was focused on how Verdy would fill the gap left by Tatsuya Uchida’s match ban and it was the pairing of Shion Inoue and Kota Watanabe that were assigned the holding midfield role. Meanwhile, Yong-jick Lee made the start on the right wing, and Douglas returned to the bench following his injury, giving Verdy a potent roster of substitutes including the trio of Leandro, Douglas, and Alan.

As the match began, Verdy struggled to carry out their buildup in the face of intense forward pressure from the opposition. Though the players were able to win the ball from time to time and make tentative attempts to develop their passing rhythm, they were unable to secure possession on the front line and create opportunities for a shot. In the 20^th minute, Yokohama took the ball deep on the left side, after a long throw, and played a reverse cross to the far post for a free header. However, the shot flew over the bar. In the 29^th minute, Verdy were hit on the counter and an early cross was played before the defense could set, allowing Iba a headed shot that was only kept out by the right post. Despite going several minutes without penetrating into the final third, Verdy would finally create their first chance in the 33^rd minute. Ryohei Hayashi had a shot blocked in front of goal and after retrieving the rebound, Inoue passed to Watanabe who would be brought down to earn the free kick. It was a very promising position, but Sato’s effort from the set piece would be turned back by the opposition wall.

At half time, the manager made fine adjustments to the team shape and issued detailed individual instructions, hoping to aid the team after having been pushed back in the first half.

As the second half began, the opposition press continued to disrupt Verdy’s build up, but the team were able to gradually push forward by stretching the pitch and obtaining high positions in the wide areas. In the 61^st minute, Verdy earned a free kick in front of goal from 25 meters out and this time, Sato took a direct shot that looked bound for the top right corner, only to see it pushed away by the goal keeper with a good save. Although the team continued to increase their share of possession in the opposition half, the match remained tight and physical, with the majority of the players’ moves being stopped by fouls and fluency being hard to come by, limiting the number of chances that could be created. On the other hand, Yokohama broke into the Verdy box on the counter in the 71^st minute, forcing a fine save from Naoto Kamifukumoto. Verdy had already used two substitutions in the early minutes of the second half, bringing on Leandro and Kajikawa, but their final card would be played in the 74^th minute with the insertion of Douglas, who made his first appearance since recovering from injury. The new front line of Hayashi, Leandro, and Douglas was able to hold on to the ball in good areas and gradually, the team began to strengthen their attacking threat. Putting defense on the back burner, more players began making forward runs and the wide players made themselves available to initiate the play, pinning the opposition in their own area. Despite their efforts, however, Verdy were unable to overcome the calculated retreat and strong physical pressure from their opponents. The majority of their combination play thus broke down in the final stage and they were unable to create clear opportunities to score

The score was still 0-0 as the match entered the 90^th minute. Verdy had thus far held their poise, but desperation was finally beginning to show. It was at that point that the third official signaled for seven minutes of additional time. The team won a corner kick shortly afterward and Kamifukumoto began running up the pitch to join the attack, only to be sent back the manager, who stressed that there was still plenty of time. The corner kick did not lead to a chance and moments later, Ibayashi failed to deal with a high ball, allowing Yokohama to penetrate Verdy back line unmarked. Kamifukumoto left his line instantly to close down the ball holder and the shot was the team’s second close call of the day, heading just wide of the right post. Verdy wasted no time with the restart. Relying on long throw-ins and long passes, the players did everything they could to get the ball into the box but still count not produce a clear shot. As additional time progressed to the fifth minute, Sato fought for the ball near the opposition penalty area after a long feed from Kamifukumoto. The opposition were forced to concede a corner and provide one last play before the final whistle.

Additional time was in the sixth minute as Sato set the ball at the corner flag. This time, Kamifukumoto showed no hesitation in leaving his goal to join the attack. From the farthest position on the pitch from the ball, Kamifukumoto made a move to the near post as Sato began his run up. As the Verdy Keeper beat his marker to the spot and jumped earlier than anyone else, the ball from Sato reached him with impeccable timing. Kamifukumoto twists his neck to head the ball toward the far corner. The opposition keeper contorts his body to deflect the shot. The ball drops to the right of the goal. Everyone’s eyes are glued to the spot and several players nearby stretch their legs to try get a touch. The first to react, however, was the Verdy #9. With the clock showing 96 minutes, the ball finally finds the net. The green area of the stand explodes with joy. Douglas loses himself in the moment and leaps into the seats. Players from the Verdy bench rush to surround Kamifukumoto, whose brilliant header made it all possible.

There is no way to know exactly what went on in the minds of the opponent. However, their attempts to use up time with an endless series of fouls and injury breaks, from early on in the half, must in some way be a reflection of the fact that they only needed a draw to advance. On the other hand, Verdy stuck to their guns and never ceased searching for a goal, even as they lost the physical battle in one on one match ups. It was that attitude that the Football Gods chose to reward, in the last possible moment.

Verdy spent the 42 matches of the regular season with the philosophy of “partido a partido”, one match at a time. That has continued through the two playoff matches. After 44 competitive encounters, they have now reached their final “Partido”. It’s a matchup in which they will have the clear opportunity to achieve promotion to J1. Their opponents are Jubilo Iwata, who finished in 16^th position in the top flight. Just yesterday, they had suffered a dramatic turn of events that saw them drop from 13^thinto the relegation zone. It’s a matchup of th e team that advanced through the playoffs in dramatic fashion and the team that were forced into them in dramatic fashion. Watching from afar, one might be forgiven for thinking that momentum gives Verdy the advantage. However, our club still face the obstacle of playing on the road. What’s more, the opponent has shown in league play that they are capable of changing their style when necessary to secure a particular result. Now, more than ever, Verdy must continue their habit of training with the highest of quality and ready themselves for the match at hand.

To achieve a change in fortunes, they must be unchanged in their approach.

Manager Miguel Ángel Lotina

Your thoughts on the match?
It was a very competitive and emotional game. It was also one with a lot of fouls and interruptions. It was difficult for us to build fluidity, as there were long breaks after fouls so the medical staff could take the pitch. We couldn’t create any chances until the last 15 minutes. For those 15 minutes, I decided to put three forwards up top and leave space at the back as we attacked. The opposition used that space to create two or three big chances for themselves. They failed to score in those moments and in the end, we were lucky enough to get an opportunity for a goal with no time left for them to react.

What elements, other than luck, do you think contributed to your finally getting a goal?
I used the word ‘luck’ just now, but that was only in regard to the timing of the goal. I mean only that there was not enough time left for them to react. As far as other elements go, I think there were several. We continued to play in the right way for 97 minutes. I think that’s what led to the goal.

I imagine the yellow card picked up by Shion Inoue in the first half had a big impact on your game plan.
I didn’t want the same thing that happened last week to occur again. We had already lost Uchida in that match and I did not want a repeat. Shion played very well, but given the physical nature of the match, there were a lot of fouls. I made the judgment that the risk of him picking up a second card was fairly high and changed things as a result.

I imagine you must have originally been hoping to reserve that substitution to bring on Alan Pinheiro.
I think that’s probably right. If I have one substitution left, the way I use it is partly determined by the circumstances. In this case, I judged that the high number of fouls in the match was likely to result in a second yellow card.

Your opponents for the penultimate match are Jubilo Iwata. What are your impressions of them?
I’d prefer to speak about Jubilo after we’ve had a bit of a chance to calm down. Of course, I know that they are a top-flight team and they will be playing at home. I understand that they are in a superior position. However, we are hungry and playing in a beautiful match like the next one is something that is very important for us. Our ambition is brimming over as we approach that encounter.

Are there any positive elements or growth the team has earned by playing in these two playoff matches?
I am overwhelmingly happy with the team. We knew that the playoff would be very difficult and every player rose to that opportunity with excitement. With that said, in enjoying ourselves, we must also do all the things that we have worked on throughout the year. Their excitement must build from that foundation.

FW 9Douglas Vieira

Your thoughts on the match?
It was a very difficult game. Yokohama were not playing for a draw, they came to win and that made it extremely challenging for us. In the midst of that, we believed in ourselves and by continuing to fight, even in the final moments of additional time, I was lucky enough to have the ball drop in front of me in the end. I am glad I was able to put it into the net.

Tell us about your goal.
Of course, we expected that set pieces would provide us some big chances today. The team came together as one to get a goal, no matter how. Not just myself, but every member of the squad was concentrating and I think our determination to keep fighting until additional time was what led to the goal. What you can tell from that goal is that all of us were committed to scoring and showed the desire to get it done. I happened to be the one who scored, but it was all about the emotions of the team as a whole, for example Kami(fukumoto) joining the attack, and it was because of everyone that the opportunity arrived. That’s how I look at it.

Do you have anything you’d like to say to Kamifukumoto for setting up such a dramatic goal?
I hope he’ll assist me in the next match as well.

You’re now only one step away from promotion to J1.
We’ve been fighting throughout the season. The way we’ve come together and competed together has led to this result. It was a difficult year in which we didn’t even know if we’d be in the playoff until the final week. We’ve now fought these two very difficult matches in the playoff without any elements in our favor. By achieving results in the face of those challenges, our teamwork has grown even more. In the next match, we will respect our opponents but also continue the style that we’ve played with since the first week. If we prepare well, I know that we will reach the objective we’ve all been seeking, which is promotion to J1.

GK 21Naoto Kamifukumoto

Tell us about what led up to that incredible goal.
At first, I thought I would wait on the far side and aim for the second ball, but then I changed my mind. As I was moving up the pitch, I thought it might be better to run to the near side and try to make direct contact with the ball. At that point, the ball came straight from Yuhei to me. I didn’t think the ball was actually going to come my way, but I knew that I would be free at that moment. I’ve never been the type of player who scores from headers, so all I could think about was getting it on target. I thought maybe it would hit the keeper’s legs and roll free. It really was a goal that carried everyone’s thoughts and feelings.

On the set piece just before the goal, you stayed back in defense.
I wanted to join the attack, but the manager signaled from the bench for me to stay back. I wanted to contribute and help the team score the goal we needed, so I tried to signal that intent. However, I thought it would also be important to honor the manager’s plan, so I followed his instructions.

Was participating in the attack this way something you imagined?
I didn’t foresee leaving the goal and joining the attack, but to get the goal we needed, I realized that set pieces were going to be important. As long as it was 0-0, I knew that we would have to score, so by joining the attack, I want to create the mood that this was the moment and help the team. I was determined that I would influence the match in that moment and create the conditions we needed for the goal. I was prepared to fight at that point if that’s what it took to win.

Despite the difficult nature of the match, did you feel fortune would smile in the end?
As everyone saw, we suffered under their physical pressure and the mental pressure was beyond anything we’ve experienced to this point. They really made things difficult for us and we couldn’t achieve our game plan. Even so, I think our determination to stick with our style, no matter what they threw at us, was a bigger factor. We were able to try many things, despite the situation.

Did you speak to Sato before he took the kick?
No, not at all.

Did your teammates say anything to you after the match?
They told me I’m pretty good with my head.

When we think about goalkeepers heading goals in the playoff, Norihiro Yamagishi comes immediately to mind.
I didn’t score with mine, so I don’t think I can be compared with him. I was reminded of my level as a player in that way, today. I just knew that everyone wanted to win and let that carry me.

DF 3Akira Ibayashi

Your thoughts on the match?
I think we won in that way because we were able to hold them to zero.

The team’s desperation seemed to lead to more mistakes at the close of the match.
Yes, we were in a hurry, but we had to take risks to get a goal at that point and we needed to play in a manner that led us forward. If this had been a league match, I would have slowed things down and passed the ball in the way we like, but the more time passed, the more we began to hurry mentally.

It was a major accomplishment to stifle their counter attacks and hold them to zero, late.
We knew they would be dangerous on the counter. However, we had to take risks and attack, so we just hoped they wouldn’t score from those situations.

I’m sure you had multiple game plans ready, in the case of whether or not their best player, Leandro, would be able to appear.
We don’t change our defensive approach depending on who we play, but if Leandro had made an appearance, it would given them more options from set pieces and we would have had to be careful to only foul them when they were further away from goal.

You and Taira stayed tight to their other key man, Iba.
I think we did the minimum of what we had to do. The most important thing was that we not let him score, so I’m happy with our performance in that regard.

I’m sure it was tough, the longer the match went on without a goal.
Our opponents likely saw our match against Omiya, so we expected that they wouldn’t come in with a passive approach. It was a very tough match.

You had to remain mentally tough, as well, due to all the fouling and constant time wasting. Can you tell us what you focused on in that aspect?
For myself, I just tried to talk to everyone and tell them to stay calm. If we were to get frustrated by their delay tactics, it would affect the precision of our play, so whenever there was a pause in the action, I tried to be proactive in talking to everyone. We had too many people picking up cards and there was some wasteful play on our part, so I hope we can cut down on that next time.

After winning against Omiya a man down, you again survived difficult circumstances to win today. Surely this must give you a budding confidence?
In an important match like this, set pieces will always play a major role and with us having to win and not concede, it gives those of us in defense an increased awareness of the danger.

FW 11Ryohei Hayashi

I’m sure that, ideally, this was a match in which you would have liked to score more.
Yes. However, the opposition also worked very hard and unlike the Omiya match, they pressed us from the front, so we expected the first half to be that kind of difficult affair. It was because we remained patient that we were able to get the goal in the end. After the Omiya match, we were confident that as long as the score was 0-0, we would have a chance. Especially in the second half, we were confident we could score and that allowed us to keep playing.

In the first half, you seemed to have trouble in getting past the opposition’s first line of pressure.
The match will always be different, depending on how the opposition chooses to apply their pressure, so games like this happen as well. Even so, we still have to show what it is that we’ve been trying to do and challenge ourselves. Without that, we would be lost when we’re struggling. Instead, we were able to stick to our philosophy and I think that helped us to overcome the obstacles.

Tell us your feelings about that dramatic goal.
It’s not often that we, as players, are rewarded in that way. There are only 22 players that stand on that pitch and I was happy that I was allowed to play for the full 90 minutes. In the past, I’ve experienced promotion with Kashiwa and Yamagata, so I feel almost like a contract specialist in promotion. That’s important to me, both in terms of confidence and luck. To be honest, I hope that we will move up smoothly at this point and I know that this team has the ability to do that. We know that with a win, we can reach J1. We’ve already won two straight and now we just need one more. I want to join everyone and move in one direction towards our goal.

Both matches had their own obstacles to overcome and yet, you got the win.
When playing in a tournament, it’s important for teams to win in this way and build momentum. It means a lot that we’ve become strong enough to win those matches. However, the most important match to win is the next one against Jubilo. We will do our best in training to prepare.

I imagine that a team that wins this way will be a worry for the opposition as well.
Yes, I’m sure that’s the case. I doubt they’re shaking in their boots or anything, but I’ll bet they would rather not play us right now.

MF 20Shion Inoue

You inadvertently picked up a card in the first half and that seemed to make things difficult for you, individually.
When you’re playing with that much intensity, I think a truly good player is one who keeps their cool and makes the right decisions. That’s a lesson I learned, today.

You seemed to have trouble getting past the opponent’s first line of pressure.
We wanted to draw them off to one side and then develop from there, but we ended up being pinned in those wide areas and the moves ended there. I think we should have developed with more patience by involving the holding midfielders and keeper.

Did the pressure they made you feel have an effect?
I think that was part of it and it was also that we were a bit tight. Mentally, we had some players, including myself, that weren’t poised enough to see the whole pitch and what was happening around them. If we had played just a bit more in our usual style, I think we could have had a better match.

So things were difficult mentally, even after your experience in the Omiya match?
The Omiya match was played in a completely different atmosphere and I believe all the players felt something different this time around. I’m sure that will change again in the next match, so we need to prepare to give our best possible performance.

As a holding midfielder, I’m sure you had to manage risks in defense even more than usual, with Uchida out.
I was conscious of trying to maintain balance, but I realized that if that meant not playing to my strengths, there was no value, so I tried to keep that in mind as well. I just tried to maintain balance.

The play was stopped frequently for fouls and that made it difficult for the team to find a rhythm.
If the play had continued without stopping, I think we might have had a chance at winning the second ball and grasping the momentum, but we fouled a lot and gave them the chance to restart, which made things difficult. Even then, however, I think the fact that we stayed patient and held the score at 0-0 made it possible for us to win.

DF 4Yuki Kagawa

You tried to rally the supporters at one point.
For us, the voices of the supporters are an important element and make it feel like we’re all fighting together, so I tried to bring that out.

How did you feel when that dramatic goal went in?
At that moment, I had a clear view of what was happening from the front, so the emotions leapt out of me. I was very happy.

You were matched up with their keyman Kitazume. What did you concentrate on in that aspect?
When we had the ball, they were able to drop back and erase the space. I think they were trying to stretch our shape. When they were on the counter, they were able to build speed and penetrate into our area several times, so I guess that’s something I have to work on. I have to stop them higher up the pitch, before they get forward into our area. Our next opponent is Iwata and they are very potent in attack, so I definitely need to improve there.

In the first half, you couldn’t achieve your game plan of building up on one side and then switching the play to the other.
It was different from the Omiya match. They had a five-man defensive block and a good strategy that made things hard for us in the first half. In the second half, however, there was more space and I was able to make runs in one v one situations or get into the final third. I wish we had scored a goal from that play. However, I’m also glad we were able to score at the close of the match.

Do you think that holding them goalless was a big factor in getting the win?
Since the rules allowed them to advance with a draw or better, it would have been very hard for us if we had conceded. There were some dangerous moments in the second half, but we buckled down and defended well. That will give us confidence. Ending the Omiya match with them goalless also gave us confidence.

Still, there were some moments in the second half where you seemed to lose poise and upset the flow of play with mistakes.
We let the play get a bit too open, but other than that, I think the fact that we held them to 0-0 shows that we stuck with our plan and we still won with that one goal.

Did your success in the Omiya match help you to win today, as well?
We held the score to 0-0 until the very end and as a result, we knew we could continue to fight for a goal, as we had in the last match.

You had different obstacles to overcome in each of the two playoff matches.
Winning at the end of the second half is different from a normal victory and gives us greater momentum.

I imagine that a team that wins this way is sure to be a worry for the opposition as well.
I think that if the tables were turned and we had to face someone like us, I would find it very difficult. Our next opponent is Iwata and I’m sure they will carry the pride of a team from J1, so I hope we can show them the strength of a team that’s worked our way up to their level and done everything that we can to win.

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