Match Report

FC Machida Zelvia (Tokyo) 　1-7 (0-3, 1-4)　Urawa Reds (J1)

The three matches of the fourth round (Round 16) in the 95th Emperor's Cup All Japan Football Championship were held on Wednesday 11 November. FC Machida Zelvia (Tokyo) met Urawa Reds (J1) at Kumagaya Athletic Stadium in Saitama.

Machida found their feet first. They swiftly pressed from up front, and quickly counter-attacked towards Urawa’s goal. Although Urawa were one step behind at the beginning, they kept a clean sheet during the first 10 minutes to gradually start their attack.

In the 15th minute, ABE Yuki reacted to a loose ball from a corner kick, and got a shot away close to goal, only for it to hit the goalpost. After 30 minutes, SEKINE Takahiro, who dribbled up through the left wing, took a shot by cutting inside. Although NAITO Keisuke, the Machida’s goalkeeper saved it, Urawa earned a corner kick, to which HASHIMOTO Wataru reacted with a header, striking the opener.

The first goal gave Urawa some room to breathe. In the 32nd minute, LEE Tadanari, who reacted to a cross from Hashimoto, scored a goal, building a two-goal lead. After two minutes in injury time of the first half, Sekine attacked through a mistake of the opponent’s defender, and calmly slotted the ball home. The first half ended 3-0 to Urawa.

As Machida were three goals behind, they attacked back from the beginning of the second half without fear. They passed the ball around in a careful manner, giving them more time to play in Urawa’s area. After 50 minutes, TAIRA Tomohiro, who received a cleared ball from a free kick on his chest, fired a strong volley with his left foot. The goal encouraged Machida and they stayed ambitious for their second goal.

In the 64th minute, after they passed the ball around to get through the Urawa’s defenders, NAKAMURA Yuya took a ground shot. Unfortunately it hit the goalpost, but it certainly excited Machida’s supporters.

Urawa did not remain quiet. In the 65th minute, Abe, who reacted to a loose ball from a corner kick, struck a superb long-distance shot, once more building a three-goal lead. The players who came of the bench, including KOROKI Shinzo, encouraged the attack and added three more goals. Although Urawa struggled to start both in the first and the second half, they scored effectively, winning a sweeping 7-1 victory. The team will meet the winner of the match between Vissel Kobe (J1) and Yokohama F・Marinos (J1) in the semi-final.

Match detail (Japanese version only)

Coach and Players' Comments

SOMA Naoki, Coach (FC Machida Zelvia)
Many supporters from Machida came here despite it being an evening match on a weekday. Although unfortunately we couldn’t give them a victory, I think the players performed well. We wanted to keep the score at 0-0 as long as possible to make the opponent impatient.

However, since we started the game well, the opponent maintained their concentration. Then striking the opener through a set piece gave Urawa some room to breathe. We were completely defeated. I’d like to refresh my mind, so that we can bring back what we experienced to the league games.

PETROVIC, Coach (Urawa Reds)
Despite the score difference at the end, I now understand why Machida beat Nagoya Grampus as well as Avispa Fukuoka. We struggled with chasing the opponent’s two forwards in the early part of the game, and couldn’t initiate attacks from our defensive line. We couldn’t start well in the second half, either, and conceded a goal. However, the players remained calm. I think they played well with and without the ball. We faced a strong opponent, Machida, with a strong mind.

TAKAGI Toshiyuki (Urawa Reds)
My ball control was solid today. HASHIMOTO Wataru reacted well to a ball, which I sent into space from a corner kick, and struck the opener. As we didn’t start the first half well, I believe that goal impacted the game. The second goal was just like we usually practiced. We repeatedly practiced this set piece in yesterday’s session. HIRAKAWA Tadaaki sends a cross ball to LEE Tadanari, who attracts the opponent, and I take a shot. I’m pleased that I contributed to the score at a crucial point in the match.

SEKINE Takahiro (Urawa Reds)
I got through the opponent’s defenders, using their mistake, and calmly struck a goal through the goalkeeper’s legs. Finishing the first half at 2-0 or 3-0 mentally made some difference. So that goal may have decided the game. Although I also scored with a loose ball during injury time of the second half, I think I could have done more. I feel frustrated, especially because I couldn’t score a goal by dribbling through the opponent.

The 95th Emperor's Cup All Japan Football Championship

Sat. 29 August 2015 - Fri. 1 January 2016
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