Tokushima Vortis 3-0 (1-0, 2-0) Honda FC

On Wednesday 23 December, this season’s J2 Champion Tokushima Vortis faced Honda FC (Amateur seed) at the quarterfinals of the Emperor's Cup JFA 100th Japan Football Championship. Despite giving up the initiative to the amateur side, Tokushima showcased a dominating performance to win the match 3-0.

The opening goal came in the 42nd minute when SUZUKI Tokuma displayed a spectacular individual effort to give Tokushima the lead before halftime. In the 50th minute, HAMASHITA Akira broke through the right flank and delivered a cross towards the centre, setting up Suzuki’s second goal of the match. Tokushima’s KAKITA Yuki won a PK in the 59th minute, which was converted by their captain IWAO Ken to make it 3-0.

Coach Ricardo RODRIGUEZ is set to leave the team after this season, as the Spanish coach has signed a contract with Urawa Red Diamonds for next season. Since taking the helm in 2017, Rodriguez has brought Tokushima to the pinnacle of J2 and the team will try to send off the coach on a high note at this Emperor's Cup. The team will now face Gamba Osaka (runners-up of J1) at the semi-finals.

Despite losing the match, Honda FC created plenty of close opportunities. During additional time of the first half, HARADA Kai broke loose and struck a powerful shot, but his attempt was blocked by the opposing GK. In the 52nd minute, SASAKI Toshiki fired a shot that struck the left post. Veteran striker, FURUHASHI Tatsuya, was subbed off during halftime, ending his career as a player. The 40 year old, who has played with clubs like Cerezo Osaka, commented after the match, “I was able to play football to my heart's content. I am truly thankful for that.”

Coaches and Players' Comments

Ricardo RODRIGUEZ, Coach (Tokushima Vortis)
We knew this wasn’t going to be an easy match for us. We lacked efficiency in the first half and couldn’t carry the ball upfront. However, the dynamics changed after the opening goal. We made adjustments in the second half and managed to score the second goal in the early minutes. Our opponent had to commit themselves upfront and we were able to take advantage of the situation to score our third goal. Despite winning the match with a three goal lead, we gave up plenty of close opportunities, so we must make adjustments ahead of our next match. But all and all, the players played well today.

SUZUKI Tokuma (Tokushima Vortis)
We faced an opponent who we lost to last year. In case our opponent came out applying pressure from their front line, we were planning on exploiting the gap next to their defensive midfielders. I was not able to score any goals during the regular season. I don’t think I have scored that many braces throughout my career, so I am ecstatic now. This is an opportunity of a lifetime, so we hope to capitalise on this chance and win the title.

IBATA Hiroyasu, Coach (Honda FC)
It would have been better if we could have entered the match more aggressively, but overall, our opponent was simply the better team today. We had to commit ourselves to score goals towards the end, and although we conceded some counterattacks, our players played with plenty of aggression in the second half. We had our ups and downs throughout the past seven years, but the players always strived for higher standards and we kept improving ourselves as a team. I hope the team will continue to work hard and strive for a higher level.

FURUHASHI Tatsuya (Honda FC)
We entered the match with the intention to showcase our football against the J2 champion, Tokushima. However, it turned out to be a very tough match, as we struggled to possess the ball. I was able to play football to my heart's content and I am truly thankful for that. It still feels surreal, but I think it will eventually hit me.

【1st Round】Wed. 16 September
【2nd Round】Wed. 23, Wed. 30 September
【3rd Round】Wed. 28 October, Wed. 11 November
【4th Round】Sat. 12, Sun. 13 December
【Round of 16】Sun. 20 December
【Quarterfinals】Wed. 23 December
【Semi-final】Sun. 27 December
【Final】Fri. 1 January 2021

Tournament Information