NEWS
Iwao: “I’m glad I was able to exploit that momentary gap.”
On July 1st, after the match against Sagan Tosu in Round 19 of the Meiji Yasuda Life J1 League, Ken Iwao spoke about his thoughts on the super goal and expressed his gratitude for the support of fans and supporters.
(The score was a super goal, wasn't it?)
“During the match against Kawasaki Frontale, goalkeeper coach Joao (Millet) told me, ``Galkeeper Naoto Kamifukumoto is in front, so aim for a shot on the second ball or on the restart.'' That day. We didn't have a lot of opportunities like that, but there was a scene where Sekine (Takahiro) took advantage of them and scored a goal.We are a team where the goalkeeper actively participates in the build-up today as well, and he also took care of things at the back. I knew that I was going to take a very high position.Actually, when I looked at the pitch level, I was taking a fairly high position, so I was hoping I could aim for it somewhere.It was not a second ball, but a ball that I could place and kick. So I'm glad I took the plunge and shook it off."
(In that scene, while his teammates were also standing still, it felt like Iwao was the only one who was moving in time.)
``I had an image in mind, so I thought I'd give it a try, and it seems that almost none of my teammates were looking at me either.I'm glad I was able to take advantage of that momentary gap.When I took the shot, I was like, ``Go in!'' and the ball hit the ball. I was chasing the goalkeeper and it looked like the goalkeeper was going to make it in time, so I thought it was going to be deflected.At the moment when the goal net was swinging, I couldn't see it because the opposing players were there, but the players around me were celebrating, so I thought, ``It's in!'' I was so happy.''
(There were many scenes where he threw his body out and fought in the midfield.)
“We knew that our opponent was a running team, and we prepared with the assumption that they would work hard.The team was also aware that it was a game of who would stop running first. That's what I thought personally.I was conscious of not slacking off at those points, and on the contrary, not giving myself any chances.It's a pity that I stumbled, but I'll take that into account as well. I think it's my current ability, so I'd like to reevaluate my condition and try again.''
(What about winning consecutive games with multiple points as a team?)
``I think today's score was close to a lucky goal, but our biggest goal was to get three points and go home, so I'll try to take it as a positive that we were able to achieve that goal in any way.''
(At the end, you went to greet the fans and supporters by yourself?)
``I think it was great that so many fans and supporters came and dyed the stadium red, so they could go home feeling good.Personally, I was able to relax and go home today (lol).''
Other comments and match photos can be viewed on the site members.
■Click here for site members (330 yen per month/tax included) → https://sp.urawa-reds.co.jp/
*REX CLUB LOYALTY members can use it for free.
[Urawa Reds Official Media (URD:OM)]
(The score was a super goal, wasn't it?)
“During the match against Kawasaki Frontale, goalkeeper coach Joao (Millet) told me, ``Galkeeper Naoto Kamifukumoto is in front, so aim for a shot on the second ball or on the restart.'' That day. We didn't have a lot of opportunities like that, but there was a scene where Sekine (Takahiro) took advantage of them and scored a goal.We are a team where the goalkeeper actively participates in the build-up today as well, and he also took care of things at the back. I knew that I was going to take a very high position.Actually, when I looked at the pitch level, I was taking a fairly high position, so I was hoping I could aim for it somewhere.It was not a second ball, but a ball that I could place and kick. So I'm glad I took the plunge and shook it off."
(In that scene, while his teammates were also standing still, it felt like Iwao was the only one who was moving in time.)
``I had an image in mind, so I thought I'd give it a try, and it seems that almost none of my teammates were looking at me either.I'm glad I was able to take advantage of that momentary gap.When I took the shot, I was like, ``Go in!'' and the ball hit the ball. I was chasing the goalkeeper and it looked like the goalkeeper was going to make it in time, so I thought it was going to be deflected.At the moment when the goal net was swinging, I couldn't see it because the opposing players were there, but the players around me were celebrating, so I thought, ``It's in!'' I was so happy.''
(There were many scenes where he threw his body out and fought in the midfield.)
“We knew that our opponent was a running team, and we prepared with the assumption that they would work hard.The team was also aware that it was a game of who would stop running first. That's what I thought personally.I was conscious of not slacking off at those points, and on the contrary, not giving myself any chances.It's a pity that I stumbled, but I'll take that into account as well. I think it's my current ability, so I'd like to reevaluate my condition and try again.''
(What about winning consecutive games with multiple points as a team?)
``I think today's score was close to a lucky goal, but our biggest goal was to get three points and go home, so I'll try to take it as a positive that we were able to achieve that goal in any way.''
(At the end, you went to greet the fans and supporters by yourself?)
``I think it was great that so many fans and supporters came and dyed the stadium red, so they could go home feeling good.Personally, I was able to relax and go home today (lol).''
Other comments and match photos can be viewed on the site members.
■Click here for site members (330 yen per month/tax included) → https://sp.urawa-reds.co.jp/
*REX CLUB LOYALTY members can use it for free.
[Urawa Reds Official Media (URD:OM)]
