Silva's goal secures 1-0 victory over FC Tokyo

In the fourth preseason friendly, BVB coach Niko Kovac fielded the World Cup participants who had traveled with the team for the first time: Waldemar Anton, Felix Nmecha, Maxi Beier, Daniel Svensson, and Carney Chukwuemeka were in the starting lineup against FC Tokyo in front of 32,498 spectators, including more than 5,000 BVB fans.

After an even opening phase, the Borussians gradually found their rhythm. The first big chance fell to Fabio Silva, whose shot was just barely saved by goalkeeper Seung-gyu Kim – Bellingham had played the ball through the middle, and Chukwuemeka had flicked it on with a single touch (16th’). Just one minute later, Felix Nmecha curled a free kick just wide of the goal.

Heavy rain at around 30 degrees made conditions increasingly unpleasant. In addition, Chukwuemeka had to leave the field due to injury, and Takato Yamamoto came on for him. In the 27th minute, Maxi Beier took a shot on goal, but Kim reacted just in time to the difficult-to-control ball. In the 33rd minute, the referee stopped the game due to heavy rain and a thunderstorm warning.

After a break of about 25 minutes, Shion Homma missed a chance to put the hosts ahead. BVB then regained control. Often in the spotlight: the dynamic Fabio Silva. The forward set up scoring chances three times, but Samuele Inacio (40′), Beier from seven meters (43′), and Yamamoto (45′) were unable to capitalize on the assists. The score remained scoreless at halftime.

After the break, it was Fabio Silva—who else?—who stepped up himself: He brought down a cross from Svensson and scored on the turn to make it 1–0 for BVB (54′). Jobe Bellingham (61′) and Luca Reggiani (72′) could have extended the lead but were denied by the goalkeeper or the post. At the other end, Drewes also had to make two saves against Teruhito Nakagawa – and came out on top both times (64′, 71′). A goal by the Japanese side was disallowed due to an offside call. In a frantic closing phase with numerous stoppages, FC Tokyo tried to equalize. In stoppage time, Yan Couto and Justin Lerma were denied by Kim in the hosts’ goal. However, no further goals were scored, so the score remained 1-0 for BVB.

The match in Tokyo marks the end of the BVB Evonik Japan Tour for Borussia Dortmund. On Sunday, the Borussia Dortmund squad will fly back to Germany and continue their preparations for the new season in Dortmund. Their next friendly is scheduled for one week later (9 August) against English champions FC Arsenal (live on BVB-TV and Sky).

FC Tokyo – Borussia Dortmund 0–1 (0–0)

Friendly
Match

Drewes – Reggiani, Anton (59′ Gadou), Ritter (46′ Riedl) – Svensson (59′ Adje), Bellingham, Nmecha (46′ dos Santos, 86′ Lerma), Beier (59′ Couto) – Chukwuemeka (23′ Yamamoto, 69′ Azhil), Inacio (59′ Albert) – Silva (59′ Guirassy)Not in the squad: Mane