Analyzing Shonan Bellmare’s Performance Against Avispa Fukuoka: Match Recap and Tactical Review

Round 3 of the 2024 Meiji Yasuda J1 League saw nine games taking place on March 9th and 10th. Shonan Bellmare faced off against Avispa Fukuoka on the 9th at the Best Denki Stadium, ending in a 1-1 draw. Shonan had previously lost all encounters against Fukuoka in the 2023 season but managed to secure a point in their first meeting of the 2024 season.

Focusing on the match against Fukuoka, Shonan was quick to counter the opposition’s passing game, conceding an early goal in the 6th minute of the first half. A cross from Fukuoka’s Kazuya Konno found Wellington, a former Shonan player, to put them ahead. However, Shonan responded swiftly in the 13th minute with Daiki Sugioka’s pass being converted by Masao Ikeda after a sequence involving Taiyo Hiraoka and Akito Suzuki.

The match progressed without a decisive goal, with both teams unable to break the deadlock. Fukuoka currently sits at 5 points in the J1 League, while Shonan holds 4 points for the season.

Shonan’s manager, Satoshi Yamaguchi, opted for a 3-1-4-2 formation, which shifted to a 5-3-2 defensively. Despite reinforcing their defensive line, Shonan struggled with crosses, exemplified by a goal conceded from a Fukuoka cross. The team’s vulnerability to crosses stems from the center backs’ inability to track both the ball and the opposing player, as observed in Kazuki Oiwa’s mishap with Wellington.

This recurring issue has plagued Shonan, leading to four goals conceded in three league games without a clean sheet. To elevate their performance and escape the relegation battle of recent years, Shonan must address defensive lapses, especially in handling crosses. Improving their defense is imperative for Shonan to ascend in the standings and compete at a higher level.

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Zora Əhmədov

Zora Əhmədov, our dedicated statistician and lover of small leagues, is the analytical mind behind Asia.futbol's in-depth statistical analyses. Hailing from Azerbaijan, Zora's expertise lies in uncovering the hidden gems and untold stories within the lesser-known football leagues across Asia. With a sharp focus on numbers and an encyclopedic knowledge of the game, Zora's articles provide readers with a fresh perspective on the statistical side of Asian football.

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