CLOUD OVER GAMBA COULD HAVE SILVER LINING

 Gamba Osaka's dark days in the 2012 J League could finally brighten with a berth in the Emperor's Cup final on New Years Day 2013. The competition which provides the winner with a ticket into the Asian Champions League, will be completed tomorrow when relegated Gamba face Kashiwa Reysol.

Endo in a subdued celebration against Kashima

Gamba have won their way into the final via a recent quarter final win over neighbours Cerezo Osaka, and a semi final victory over Kashima Antlers. Their win over Kashima came via captain Yasuhito Endo's goal which many felt was a cross gone wrong. The diminutive midfielder played his part in a short corner before lobbing a ball toward the box from the left. Low and behold, the ball ended up flying beyond the keeper's reach and into the net at the far post. The 23rd minute opener was the only goal of the match, meanwhile Kashiwa Reysol won their semi against Yokohama F Marinos. Reysol went ahead in the 23rd minute due to a headed goal from 22 year old Masato Kudo. Yokohama failed to deal with a cross from Jorge Wagner and the ensuing head-tennis saw old stager Nakazawa head a ball from off his own line, only to have Kudo step into the breach and make it count. It remained 1-nil, and Kashiwa are now set to play Gamba in a repeat of the 2008 final which the Kansai club won in extra time (1-nil). Revenge beckons for Kashiwa but for Gamba it's a chance to restore some pride and gain a little redemption. The relegation of Gamba Osaka was on the radar all throughout the 2012 season, but nobody truly believed it could happen. Even when the final day of the season came around Gamba's fate was in their own hands. Amazingly the club was relegated for the first time in their history. Tomorrow's final could launch the team into Asia and give the fans some much needed hope.
Kickoff: 2pm Japan time.  4pm AEDT. 

 ACL GROUPS DECIDED FOR 2013

Of the four groups featuring teams from the east Asian leagues Group F looks the most intriguing. It features Chinese giants Gaungzhou Evergrande, Urawa Reds, Jeonbuk Hyundai and Muangthong United. Gaungzhou weren't quite comprehensive champions as they were in 2011 but the club continues to build a reputation on the Asian continent. Urawa are Japan's biggest club and they look set to return to their halcyon days which saw them take out the ACL in 2007 under Holger Osieck. From the K League second placed Jeonbuk are back to continue cementing their presence in Asia. The Korean club hailing from the south west province of Jeollabuk-do are also former champions, winning the ACL in 2006 and finishing runners up in 2011. Maungthong United were comfortable champions in Thailand and play out Nonthaburi Province (north west of Bangkok). The club known as the Twin Quilins is home to highly regarded midfielder Mario Djurvoski (Macedonia) and local boy Teerasil Dangda. Striker Dangda is rumoured to be on the radar of many clubs in Asia but while he's still at Muangthong, you can expect them to be more than a handful for their more established rivals. The first round of clashes are slated for 26th February 2013, with Guangzhou hosting Urawa while Jeonbuk travel to Muangthong. The full ACL draw can be found at this link.

Teerasil Dangda

ONO BRIDGE ON FIRE AS ADELAIDE BURNS

WESTS PUT SIX PAST ADELAIDE

Last night the Western Sydney Wanderers woke the A League to their potential. Inspired by a vociferous home crowd, the like that hasn't been heard in the A League before, Wests gave Adelaide a six goal soccer lesson.

From the outset Wests were hungrier and gave very little time to Adelaide to settle on the ball, and it was the western Sydney outfit who looked like they should be sitting second on the ladder. Enigmatic (actually a compliment) striker Mark Bridge opened the scoring after winger Hersi lobbed a ball into the box and the striker's run was untracked. It was 27 minutes later and on the stroke of half time that Bridge made it 2-nil with a goal for his 'best of' collection. Bridge took the ball on the left just outside the box, before turning defender Iain Fyfe inside out and then ramming it home off his left. Before the referee had time to call an end to the 1st half the locals had one more present for the fans. It was Kresinger and Ono combining with some heading and volleying to turn on a pretty little piece that fans will talk about for years to come. 3-nil halftime.

Most teams who go to half time with a 3-nil buffer will take their foot off the pedal in the second half, it's one of those unfortunate customs of professional soccer. But this game was different. Wests came out with the same gusto of the first half and set about 'flogging the dead horse' that was Adelaide. It was Japanese star Shinji Ono who made Adelaide pay for Galekovic's rare hiccup. A misdirected goal kick landed at the feet of an open Youssouf Hersi who headed straight to Ono, the midfielder won a race for the ball and waltzed into the box to smash a goal across the flailing Galekovic making it 4-nil (52 mins). Six minutes later Ono was provider for Bridge in what was a beautifully taken shot giving the Adelaide glove-man no hope. Low and hard into the keeper's left corner. Adelaide would go on to pick up a consolation before Joey Gibbs made it 6-1 to answer the crowds calls for a sixth goal.

Wanderers celebrate one of six goals against Adelaide

Western Sydney Wanderers are shocking the Australian soccer public with their early success, currently sitting third on the ladder. However, the success off the field is no surprise to this blogger. Being at the ground to watch the Wests v Newcastle Jets a number of weeks ago I was blown away when I witnessed the 'red and black block' (supporter group name) arrive at the ground as one, from the various waterholes in Parramatta. They appeared as the populas of Western Sydney does, a 'mongrel dog'. They're mixed blood, they're hybrid they are Western Sydney.

Next week Wests head to Perth another team on the rise. Perth beat defending champions Brisbane Roar last night and last week recorded an impressive 3-0 victory over Emile Heskey and the Jets

Niigata Faithful Get The Miracle They Deserve

MIRACLE IN NIIGATA

Bruno Lopes centre stage during J1 survival celebrations

On J League 2012 final day Albirex Niigata came from the dead to save their J1 lives. Winning against the woeful Consadole Sapporo 4-1 in front of 28055 loyal fans wasn't enough. Niigata also needed results to go their way on the final day. Amazingly Gamba Osaka lost 2-1 to Jubilo Iwata while Vissel Kobe fell to champions Hiroshima 1-0.

Braving 3-5 degrees weather and torrential rain, fans at Big Swan Stadium didn't have to wait long before seeing goals for the locals. In the 8th minute a long, high ball floated into the box and Sapporo failed to defend it adequately. Defender Shusuke Tsubouchi was loitering in the nose bleed section and simply swiveled and shot. Next up Bruno Lopes angled a header home after a corner was poorly defended. Niigata went to the break 2-nil up and in position to remain in J1 due to Kobe and Hiroshima being tied at 0-0 while Gamba Osaka were 0-1 away to Jubilo Iwata. But nobody was celebrating at this stage.

It wasn't long before Niigata fans were placed back on the precipice of elimination. In the 53rd minute 19 year old Shota Sakaki got on the end of a through ball and punished the locals bringing the deficit back to one goal. At the very same moment Sapporo scored, Gamba Osaka levelled at Iwata and the Niigata faithful were truly being forced to consider a life outside J1. Realists would be saying 'I told you so' and besides, Jubilo Iwata had nothing to play for. Fortunately this bad news was fused with some good. Hiroshima had gone ahead in Kobe in the 52nd minute. Scores remained the same at all grounds until Niigata's Alan Miniero smashed a rocket past the Sapporo keeper from around 30 metres out. The Brazilian shimmied and stepped over to put an opposing defender into blur, shaking him enough to create room for launch. Bang! The back of the net rippled and Niigata's rabid fans were in raptures. The orange had done their job, now it was all in the hands of the gods.

Kobe couldn't find a way back against the champions, meanwhile Endo netted for Gamba Osaka only to be ruled offside. But in the 85th minute despite continued raids on the Jubilo Iwata goal it was Iwata who scored via Yuki Kobayashi. Niigata fans could celebrate this goal like one of their own. And after the great escape much thanks should be heaped on manager Masaaki Yanagishita who took over mid season and turned Niigata into a team that were simply hard to beat. Yanagishita went back to basics and ensured that scoring against Niigata was difficult and just like other teams lacking star signings like Sagan Tosu they experienced some success, enough success to survive the drop.

Albirex Niigata fans greet their heroes before kick off

Elsewhere Urawa Reds rescued there ACL ticket by downing a Nagoya Grampus who simply weren't worthy of a top 3 placing. The Reds were also aided by Yokohama's defeat of Sagan Tosu. Tosu from Kyushu will be joined by another of their west Japan rivals in J1 next season with Oita Trinita winning their way into the J League via the first ever J1 promotion play-off a fortnight ago.

Stayed tuned over the coming weeks with more news from Japanese soccer via the Emperors Cup which offers a place in the ACL to the winner.

HIROSHIMA TAKE J LEAGUE TITLE

J LEAGUE TITLE FOR HIROSHIMA

In front their home fans Sanfrecce Hiroshima walked away with the 2012 J League title. With one round remaining in the J League the purple archers secured the title due to their own comprehensive 4-1 victory over Cerezo Osaka and the failing of Vegalta Sendai who slipped up to relegation resitance men Albirex Niigata.

Hiroshima were able to waltz away with the three points yesterday when Cerezo were reduced to 10 man after a controversial penalty decision. Already leading 2-nil Hiroshima didn`t need any favours but were happy to accept when one came their way (as any self respecting professional would). In the 40th minute midfielder Kohei Shimizu was fed a great through ball into the box but knowing a contest for possession was about to ensue Shimizu veered toward his opponent and upon contact fell to the ground as if hit by a truck. And that was all she wrote as J League topscorer Hisato Sato stepped up to convert from the spot.

Hiroshima manager Hajime Moriyasu appeared humble in accepting the title along with the players. Moriyasu said "I took over for a great manager and I admit there was some pressure following in his footsteps . . ." He went on to dedicate the title to current Urawa Reds manager Mihailo Pietrovic who Moriyasu says, laid the foundations at the club over six years. Champion striker Hisato Sato was typically humble as well saying, "This has happened because of all the fans that came to the stadium and watched us on television." The striker was even apologetic when he referred to the team`s brand of soccer.

Meanwhile the race for an ACL spot has exploded. There are five teams battling for the final J League offered ACL entry ticket. Sagan Tosu have shocked all by putting themselves at the forefront of the race with their shock win over Urawa. The Reds look desperately in need of an injection of hardness after falling short in the last month against teams they were expected to beat (Kawasaki Frontale 2-4, Cerezo Osaka 0-0). Urawa will host Nagoya at home in Saitama but both teams will be hanging on the result of the Sagan Tosu v Yokohama F Marinos match. Incredibly F Marinos could possibly steal away with the ACL spot on goal difference despite being 3 points adrift of Sagan Tosu. Perhaps the best placed team though is Kashiwa who face Kashima Antlers who have nothing to play for. For Kashiwa a win is enough provided that Urawa don`t win by a landslide five goal margin and Sagan Tosu get anything but a win against Yokohama.

All that is decided December 1st with kick off of all matches at 3:30pm Japan time. Don`t forget the relegation battle involving Niigata 37, Gamba 38, Kobe 39 and Cerezo Osaka 41. Two teams must be deleted from J1 existence with Consodole Sapporo already condemned. It would truly be a miracle for Niigata or Gamba to scrape out of relegation having been sat in the bottom three for the majority of the season, but in Niigata`s favour is the fact they face Consadole. Give them the three points now. Just like Gamba their fate rests in the hands of the football gods.

KOBE THE PLACE TO BE ON FINAL DAY

Ryang Yong Gi

SENDAI AND HIROSHIMA GOING DOWN TO THE WIRE

Promoters are salivating. Again! Last season the J League title came down to the last day of the season with three teams in the running on the final day (Kashiwa, Nagoya, G Osaka). This year we're three rounds out from the finish line and Hiroshima sit atop the table on 58 with Sendai in second on 56 points.

Looking at the draw it appears Hiroshima will have their toughest test of the remainder of the season this Saturday. They face an ailing Urawa Reds who are now fighting to snare the last of the ACL positions provided by the J League (the 4th to Emperors Cup winner). The team in purple will then face Cerezo Osaka and on the final day it's off to Kobe. This final match against Kobe is the proverbial banana skin as Kobe are expected to be fighting for J1 survival on the final day. The team from the town famous for beef product in Japan (wagyu) is currently two points clear of both Gamba Osaka and Albirex Niigata, who are 3rd last and 2nd last (relegation positions). There will be plenty of motivation for Kobe on final day.

Meanwhile, Sendai face Kashima this weekend who are basking in the glory of their Nabisco Cup win and will probably be under the false pretense that they are safe of the relegation dog fight. In the penultimate round Sendai face their own banana skin, playing at home to Niigata. On the final day Sendai will travel to FC Tokyo who will have nothing to play for other than impressing the boss. Overall things are tilted slightly in the favour of the underdog and I make no secret of the fact I'd love to see them take the J League title.

The relegation battle continues provide to mystique and misery. Kobe are currently survivors on 36 points while Omiya still aren't safe on 37 points despite their draw with Niigata and an upset victory against Kashiwa in recent weeks. In Omiya's favour is the fact two of their opponents (Cerezo and Jubilo) are safe and have no ACL or title aspirations either. We can virtually call the Squirrels safe. However, Kashima Antlers (39 pts) aren't safe. This weekend they face Sendai, which all things running to schedule will see the yellow team collect three points. Next week they will face Nagoya who are in the midst of the ACL battle with four other teams. But sparingly they are at home to Kashiwa on the last day who shouldn't have any special motivation.

Yasuhito Endo - Gamba Osaka

So this weekend we get a little closer to finding out who will take out the J1, who will secure an ACL spot and who can still call the J1 home. Can you imagine Gamba Osaka and Yasuhito Endo being relegated? 

NEWS BURST

Sendai in training 

SENDAI AND REDS IN VITAL J LEAGUE CLASH

Urawa Reds today face the neutral's favourite Vegalta Sendai in a bid to stay in the title race. With six matches to play (including today), the Reds cannot afford to let competition leaders Hiroshima get any further than the current six points clear.

Travelling to Vegalta's Yurtec Stadium should suit the Reds as they've made a habit of scoring on the counter this season. The locals though, have got leaders Hiroshima within grasp and they too won't be wanting to see any further distance between them and the top. Vegalta as already mentioned on this blog are the team who have scaled Fuji in order to be where they are. The Sendai region was at the centre of the 2011 earthquake and tsunami disaster and many saw there performance last year (4th in J League) as 'flash in the pan' stuff. But they're back this year and in the race for the title.

This week competition leaders Hiroshima are at home to the enigmatic Kashiwa Reysol. They should get the money there but you never know with Leandro Domingues playing for the Sun Kings. Domingues has a record for shooting on suspicion and it's proved pretty successful for the Brazilian who was topscorer in last season's J League when Kashiwa took out the title.

A LEAGUE'S SYDNEY DERBY

Australia's A League is now into the third round of the season and this week sees the first of the seven year old professional league's Sydney derbies. Highly anticipated the match sees the clash of marquee players Shinji Ono of Western Sydney Wanderers, and Alessandro Del Pierro of Sydney FC.

Ono was quick to mention his eagerness to face Del Piero upon arrival in Sydney and tonight his team which represents the blue collar, working class population of the country's biggest city are set to make life tough for the 'latte set'.

Sydney has a long history of competition between east and west in the competitive sports market that is Sydney. The most famous being the former Western Suburbs Magpies and the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles of Rugby League. Known as the 'fibros' and the 'silvertails' respectively, legend has it that the Magpies coach Roy Masters used to have his troops slapping and punching each other in the change rooms prior to kick off.
It's doubtful that will occur tonight with Wests coach Tony Popovic not known for any pugilist background.

With a sell out crowd in attendance (21500) the FFA couldn't have wished for a better start to the season as far as attendances go and hopefully Wests can slot the first official goal of their A League lives. Over their first two matches the red and black's best chances have fallen to Labinot Haliti and Mark Bridge. For the betting man, (and I'm not a betting man) look at the odds of the Wests win $3.40 at Sportingbet. While Wests have looked blunt in attack, the Sydney FC defence has been questionable and this week sees more irregular members in the central defence area. Pascal Bosschaart returns from long term injury to likely partner the nervous Mclenahan for the 'sky blues'.

A League Preview

A League Launch 2012/2013

A LEAGUE 2012/2013 PREVIEW

With genuine marquee signings arriving at three clubs in A League mark 8, Australian soccer fans have never been so excited about the domestic scene. Even the Euro-snobs have come out of the woodwork to claim allegiance to Sydney FC with their Italian international Alessandro Del Piero.

The season will kick off tonight at AAMI Park when Melbourne Heart take on Melbourne Victory. The Melbourne derby has only existed for two seasons but has quickly risen to 'most anticipated regular season match' status. Of the six fixtures between the teams it's Heart 2, Victory 1, and 3 draws. But this season's opener is set to be a one sided affair. The men in blue look a safe bet to snatch the three points, and if I were a betting man, I'd be putting a lot of money on them.

Adding to the excitement this season is another new A League club. The Western Sydney Wanderers are the latest addition to the burgeoning competition and are probably the wisest choice for an expansion club since the A League went from 8 clubs to 10. Of three expansion clubs two have gone by the wayside, those being Gold Coast United and North Queensland Fury. Many Australians would agree that the Gold Coast is notorious for chewing up sporting franchises and spitting them out. In short, the Gold Coast is a tourist mecca and the locals just won't show up. North Queensland however, were unlucky. They had poor results on field but with marquee star Robbie Fowler on board the club managed to attract respectable crowds considering their on field failings. But when owner Don Matheson realised he couldn't survive with the continued financial losses, FFA were reluctant to provide ongoing support to the club, and put a line through them prior to the 2011/2012 season. Wests though are sure to get plenty of support on account of the team being located in the soccer heartland of Australia. Adding to that is the fact western Sydney is the most populace region of the country. Bingo! As stated in a prior blog I firmly believe this club will dwarf Sydney FC within four to five seasons, and in ten years it will have as big a following as Collingwood in the AFL or Canterbury in the rugby league.

Lets move on to the brief season preview and some daring predictions.

Melbourne Heart: New manager, inexperienced manager equals interesting situation. Best attacking asset, Eli Babalj has been sold to Red Star Belgrade equals even more interesting. Weighing up these two issues I can't see the red and white half of Melbourne figuring in the top six this season. 10th.

Heskey joins Bridges at Newcastle

Newcastle Jets: The team from the Hunter region has strengthened in the off season with some great acquisitions at the back. Scott Neville from Perth Glory and Craig Goodwin from Melbourne Heart give the Jets some speed on the ground and in transition. Up front they have marquee signing Emile Heskey along with Griffiths and Bridges. Another good signing is Gold Coast's James Brown but it's the midfield which raises questions. The Jets are probably a work in progress as these comments from manager Gary van Egmond indicate, "A lot of good young players have come to our club. Obviously we have one eye on this year but also one eye on the A-League down the track." 3rd

Adelaide United: John Kosmina is back at the helm after the sacking of Rini Coolen last season. Can't see much happening at the Reds. Coolen was sacked because the Reds were deemed as dull and plain disappointing, but Kosmina has been rather pragmatic in his approach also. The only difference is his liking for blooding youngsters. Geronimo Neumann looks like a good signing in midfield but it's not enough. 9th

Sydney FC: New manager Ian Crook was assistant at Sydney FC last season. Now he gets his chance, but without creative midfielder Nicky Carle. Like a rabbit out of a hat though the club from the big city got their bling back. Triggering a domino affect Sydney signed Alessandro Del Piero. Who should suffice for the loss of Nicky Carle and add four to five thousand extra fans. Along with ADP, Sydney have Brett Emerton to nurture the youth at the club. Expect 20 year old Mitch Mallia to benefit the most. The loss of Beauchamp and the inconsistency of Pascal Bosschaart signify problems at the back. 4th

Mitch Nichols & Thomas Broich celebrate 

Brisbane Roar: Rado Vidosic takes over at the defending champions. He's no stranger as he was assistant at Lang Park last year. After winning two titles in a row its a tough assignment for Vidosic but while Roar were great to watch there was an element of predictability about them. The 'we must play out from the back' philosophy was persistent but also dangerous as the Roar found out when taking on Japan's FC Tokyo. The midfield looks exciting with the addition of Gold Coast' Ben Halloran, alongside regulars Broich and Nichols. Truly mouth watering the champions will be their again with their stability at the back and the irrepressible Berisha. 1st 

Melbourne Victory: Ange Postecoglou enters the hot seat. The club with all the expectations now has the manager who steered Brisbane to the last two titles. But will Ange try to replicate exactly what he did at Brisbane? In reference to that question Ange replied ". . . if you do that then we will finish second." Victory fans should be happy to hear that, because the losses of Kewell and Hernandez along with the fact Archie Thompson and Danny Allsop won't be getting any quicker, mean Postecoglou will have his work cut out for him. The positives for Melbourne are that Marcos Flores has arrived along with Mark Milligan and Adama Traore. However, there still seems to be some weaknesses at the back. 7th

Travis Dodd of Perth Glory

Perth Glory: Manager Ian Ferguson saved his career last season by taking the Glory to the deciding match after an indifferent start to the season. Like the manager himself Perth have a steel about them at the back with the likes of Heffernan and Pantelidis. In addition to the intimidation at the back there is the acquisition of Michael Thwaite (Gold Coast) with his passing and reading of the game. Liam Miller is back in midfield and they have an exciting prospect in Ryo Nagai from Cerezo Osaka in the J League. While there are no notable changes up front it's no loss with the A League's most plunderous striker Shane Smeltz joined by Billy Mehmet and Travis Dodd. They are genuine contenders. 2nd 

Central Coast Mariners: Central Coast are flying below the radar as per usual. All of Australia is anticipating the next phase of Tom Rogic's career. Can he deliver on the potential he showed in his debut season? Manager Graham Arnold is confident of unearthing some more young gems this season including Mitchell Duke. The club with the penchant for developing youngsters will be hoping defender Patrick Zwaanswijk is able to educate the youngsters at the back and in quick time. It's doubtful that will happen and it's doubtful the Dutchman can replicate his performance last season. 6th

Wellington Phoenix: They keep punching above their weight with so much against them. The black and gold have been successful due to their unified playing group and it seems thats a vital ingredient in such a tightly contested league. Dani Sanchez provided some Spanish creativity last season and he's back aboard while key acquisition Jeremy Brockie is back in his homeland and showing great signs in pre season matches. Also making headway was youngster Louis Fenton who manager Herbert referred to as a possible goal outlet, "If we can add a little bit of a different dimension to the goal-scoring department, our season will be better still," 5th

Western Sydney Wanderers: With no history the Wanderers have been put together in a rush. Japanese midfield genius Shinji Ono is the marquee signing and adds some international interest to the club whose focus is stated to be provided opportunities to local players. The western suburbs of Sydney has been a rich source for elite soccer talent (Harry Kewell - Tony Popovic etc.). Local boy and former socceroo Tony Popovic will manage the side in his first stint as gaffer. The well travelled former defender has earned his place at the helm and no doubt his connections with the J League had something to do with Ono's recruitment. With a solid mix of youth (Mooy, Appiah Kubi) and experience (Ono, Beauchamp, Covic), Wests have shored up the backline (Topor Stanley & Beauchamp) which any team promoted or setting out on a new venture is well advised to do. When pressed on expectations Popovic said, "We can’t guarantee results of course, but I can promise you in the first instance that we will be competitive against Central Coast in round one. Western Sydney people will see a united group of players fighting for each other." 8th

Hiroshima Edge Closer to J League Title

Hisato Sato celebrates his goal against Sagan Tosu

HIROSHIMA ROUT NEWCOMERS AND CHARGE CLEAR

They've been atop the table or thereabouts for the best part of 27 rounds, and now Sanfrecce Hiroshima have a five point margin between them and nearest rivals Vegalta Sendai and Urawa Reds.

With seven games to go the Purple Archers find themselves clear with striker Hisato Sato setting the league on fire. Sato has 20 goals from his 27 appearances, with only the second of his penalty tally converted on the weekend. His nearest rival Ryoichi Maeda of Jubilo Iwata is chasing shadows along with the rest of the league. Maeda has 12 goals from 27 matches, while Gamba Osaka's recent signing Leandro has blitzed his way to 11 goals from just 8 matches.
Surely Sato is knocking on national team manager Zaccheroni's door loud enough now. He is streets ahead of any rivals and at 30 years of age he can still figure at the 2014 World Cup in fine fettle.

The win against Sagan Tosu was never in doubt. Although taking 30 minutes to go ahead the home team would have a two goal buffer at half time. Sato picked up his first via the awarding of a controversial penalty. He went on to set up the third goal in the 58th minute, before settling the match with his second goal by lobbing an advancing Akahoshi in goal for Sagan Tosu. The goal came in injury time and put the icing on the cake as Sagan had picked up a consolation goal in the 92nd minute.

Urawa Reds lived dangerously in their defeat of Kashiwa Reysol. They went behind in the 15th minute when a corner from Reysol found its way into the six yard box and got deflected in the wrong direction. Reds keeper Nobuhiro Kato was dumbstruck when he received a ball to the head, which bounced into the crossbar and back down behind his flailing arms. Unlucky, but the Reds hadn't dominated and at times seemed more intent on laying down to grab the attention of the referee then continue to attack the Reysol goal. Evergreen Tadaaki Hirakawa was guilty along with Brazilian Marcio Richardes. Surprisingly Genki Haraguchi was replaced in the 27th minute by Popo. Umesaki fired the Reds level when Hirakawa's lead up work saw Marcio's shot blocked, the deflection was conveniently travelling in the vicinity of Umesaki who simply passed it into the back of the net.

As popstar Haraguchi sat forlorn on the bench throughout the second half it seemed his team's title aspirations were slipping away, as a draw would have left the Reds seven points from Hiroshima. But relief would come in the form of a monumental mix up at the back. For unknown reasons Koji Inada felt he should advance from his usual position and greet his defender at the edge of the eighteen yard box. But Haraguchi's replacement Popo pounced on the Reysol pow-wow and whipped the ball into an empty net. 2-1 Reds alive!

Check the video for the drama:

Meanwhile Niigata shook the 'useless in front of goal' tag as they slotted five past title pretenders Nagoya Grampus. The 22079 home fans were treated to five goals in 45 minutes, and you can bet those goal starved Niigata fans loved every minute of it. Unfortunately the boys in orange remain inside the relegation zone but hope springs eternal as the next fortnight sees them face Kobe and Omiya just two and four points ahead respectively. 

Hiroshima Lead the J League

J LEAGUE LADDER STILL CONGESTED

With 25000 plus looking on at the Hiroshima Big Arch Stadium Sanfrecce Hiroshima were able to knock off top of the table Vegalta Sendai and leapfrog them into the top spot. The result would have buoyed the other challengers for the title who took ground from the leader by way of the top two's leapfrogging. Marquee club Urawa nicked the chocolates at Yokohama while Iwata and Nagoya took three points each also.

In another dour affair at Yokohama the home team got away to a promising start with Marquinos heading home in the 5th minute. The old stager has proved his worth with 8 goals this season and he made no mistake with the cross from the right by youngster Yuji Ono. Moments later Saito would sizzle down the left flank for Yokohama and dribble into the box. The ensuing shot was fired over the bar and it was as good a chance as Yokohama would get before half time. In the 23rd minute Reds midfielder Kashiwagi would make it 1-all. The goal came about as per usual as a result of one of the Reds quick transitions. Left back Makino played a superbly weighted ball ahead of Kashiwagi who picked it up just outside the box. With the keeper out of his ground Kashiwagi lobbed the ball over the stranded gloveman and into the corner of the goalmouth. Kashiwagi is one of the form players in the J League and his contribution at Urawa shouldn't be underestimated. Further into the half Marquinos started to show some of his frustration as he bundled Hirakawa into the sideline. 

Makino is warmly congratulated by teammate Haraguchi

The match winner came in the 64th minute when Yokohama's experienced Nakazawa played a terrible pass back to his team mate on the half way line. The Reds pounced with little Brazilian Marcio Richardes setting Haraguchi loose and the forward duly took the ball and arrived at the box, unleashing a powerful shot that drew a strong parried effort from the keeper. Unfortunately for the home team it was Reds left back Makino who was first onto the scene and he made no mistake in first timing it into the back of the net. Again the Reds scored off a quick transition. This is actually a disturbing trend at the top of the J League. Vegalta Sendai have also been described as a 'fit, fast transition' team by this website. It seems to be a recipe for success in the J League at the moment. Hopefully, it's not a sign of weakness. Next year's ACL will tell that tale.

Jubilo Iwata's recent run of good form continued with victory away at Kobe. The visitors in their white strip had trailed at half time but when Ryo Okui received a second yellow in the 62nd minute things turned. Iwata were able to pinch two goals, the winner coming in the 82nd minute via Komano's assist for striker Yamada. Komano had just come off a confidence boosting performance for the national team against Iraq. Meanwhile, Nagoya's victory wasn't so hard fought. Early on Kennedy was adjudged offside when he put the ball in the back of the net, however, Grampus would go ahead in the 38th minute via a poorly defended free kick. Taguchi was the scorer, although wily defender and part time striker Tulio claimed a touch only for 'the powers that be' to rule in favour of Taguchi. In the 68th minute Kennedy would get his goal via a well executed lunging tap in. Iwata and Nagoya are both 6 points off the lead with nine league games to go.

Next week in the J League all eyes will been on Mizuho Athletics Stadium in Nagoya. Grampus face competition leaders Sanfrecce Hiroshima. The Aichi prefecture team should pack the 20000 seater stadium if good conditions prevail. Urawa host relegation battling Gamba Osaka. Sendai are at home to Kobe while Iwata host battlers Niigata.

Japan v Iraq Match Report

Okazaki and Maeda for Japan v Iraq

JAPAN 1-0 IRAQ - 2014 WORLD CUP QUALIFIER

The home of the Urawa Reds, Saitama Stadium was packed as usual. Whilst the pitch wasn't in the best condition the home team served up the standard fare for a Japan international. They were slick, persistent and winners.

The match began with Iraq applying a physical challenge but soon Japan were on top. Nagatomo's stinging shot from the left edge was a sign of things to come. Samurai Blue showed a preference for the left side and Kiyotake and Nagatomo look a great combination.

Iraq found themselves with an early opportunity when Hammadi Ahmed had the ball land at his feet from a corner in the 21st minute. Unfortunately his shot was deflected to the bye line with no corner called. Moments late Japan were ahead 1-nil via a Ryoichi Maeda header. The Jubilo Iwata forward has made a career out of using his head, and tonight was no different. This time he was on the end of some quick thinking by Komano whose throw in was chased to bye line by Okazaki (Stuttgart) and lobbed across goal. 1-nil in the 25th minute.

The remainder of the first half saw Honda marked out of the game with much of his work limited to link play with Kiyotake down the left. On the eve of half time Japan reiterated their intentions with Endo's shot from range. The Iraqi defence deflecting it clear.

Despite no Kagawa (non starter) Samurai Blue were still full of verve with Okazaki's contribution notable. Iraq came out with enterprise early in the second half winning some corners but nothing eventuated. The match then returned to the same rhythm as the first half. Iraq forced to play deep and try their luck on the counter.

Again Japan's best efforts came from the left side with another great link up by Kiyotake who set Nagatomo free down the left for a rapid fire cross into Honda (25th min). The Moscow resident headed over though. Younis' introduction for Iraq gave a burst of energy but he's involvement was limited to long balls out of defence. A definite highlight for Iraq was the dribbling effort of Jasim Kerrar as the away team began to try their luck. The midfielder took the ball from near the halfway and tricked his way deep into box. Moments later his long range shot was on target but straight to the hands of keeper Kawashima.

Maya Yoshida in action against Iraq

Japan were stirred into action and the remaining 5 minutes of the match were dictated by Samurai Blue. A number of corners resulted but the home team were unable to capitalise. Zaccheroni made his only two substitutions in the 89th and 90th minutes. Kiyotake and Maeda replaced by Hosogai and Havenaar respectively.

The home team ran out 1-nil winners with a stubborn Iraq providing decent opposition. Once again the result will leave questions lingering over Japan's ability to finish as the weight of possession was heavily in favour of Japan. Iraq did their best against a fitter and faster opponent and the visitors will still fancy themselves a chance of gaining the second automatic qualifying place from Group B.

Asian World Cup Qualifiers

JAPAN TO SEAL WORLD CUP QUALIFICATION?

Tonight in Group B of World Cup qualifying Japan host Iraq while Australia travel to the mid east to face Jordan. Currently Japan lead Group B with 7 points from three matches. Iraq meanwhile, have 2 points from two draws. At this early stage we can say with confidence that if Japan take the three points tonight, qualification for World Cup 2014 will be a formality.

Quizzed on his defencive line up, manager Alberto Zaccheroni said, "We had to change around the backline, but we have had good training and our players look fit. I have a faith in them." Japan will be without three regular defenders in Konno (Gamba Osaka), Uchida (FC Schalke 04), and Kurihara (Yokohama F Marinos). Yuzo Kurihara played a great cameo in Japan's draw with Australia in Brisbane where he grabbed a goal from a set piece. Urawa Reds defender Tomoaki Makino has been called into the squad. Surely Japan will struggle in transition as a result of the changes and Iraq manager Zico said "There are no secrets in the modern game, you can't keep anything up your sleeve any more."

Zico is well known to Japanese soccer aficionados for his contribution at Kashima Antlers in the 90's. The Brazilian was upbeat but also had this to say about Iraq's situation, "We haven't played together since July and I'm not happy we were not able to fix anything on the official FIFA Match days." This will work against Iraq and if the speed and fluidity of Japan in transition will be hampered tonight, we can say that the overall cohesion of Iraq will be tested also. This could mean a low scoring affair in Saitama.

In Amman, Jordan face Australia who also sit on 2 points from two draws. The Socceroos are expected to try the pairing of Bresciano and Mckay in central midfield after the two showed promising signs as a partnership against Lebanon. The big question mark amongst fans is where to play Holman? He is to good a player to leave out but by putting him in a striker's support role Australia miss out on a large element of what makes Holman whole: that's his work rate.

Watch and listen to Socceroos players on video below.

Sendai Hit Heights While Gamba & Niigata Stutter

Yuki Abe captain of Urawa Reds

REDS HIT HURDLE IN DERBY MATCH

The J League never fails to surprise. Title contenders Urawa Reds dawdled to a 1-1 draw with 10 man Omiya Ardija in the local derby while Gamba Osaka managed to crash back to earth via promoted Sagan Tosu 4-1. Meanwhile at the summit once again are the team from Sendai after overturning a 1-nil deficit.

The Reds with their massive support base (39814 on Saturday) managed to waste a golden opportunity to press their claims for the title. After going ahead early via Genki Haraguchi, with compliments of a casual Marcio Richardes assist the home team looked set to do just what pundits expected. And 18 minutes into the game Omiya import Novakovic received his second yellow. It seemed fairly innocuous from Novakovic, who tugged a shirt but then accidentally clipped the feet of the man in possession (Abe). Unfortunately this incident was on top of a previous foul. So Omiya were down to ten and before half time Haraguchi would be one on one with the keeper, and Brazilian Richardes directed his header into the upright from 6 yards.

The Reds would live to rue the opportunities lost as relegation battling Omiya scrounged a goal from an oblivious Urawa. A seemingly 'run of the mill' one-two from close to twenty-five metres out triggered Keigo Higashi's shot clock. Bang! Suddenly Omiya were level. The underdogs were within their right to park the bus and the closest the home team got in the second half was in the 85th minute when 24 year old defender Ugajin tried his luck from long range at a ridiculous angle and struck the woodwork. Statements on the Urawa website from manager Mihailo Petrovic were positive despite the result, "It was unfortunate that the ball hit the goal post or the goal bar several times  . . .  Nonetheless, they fought through at full stretch until the very end."

Ryang Yong Gi - Sendai

North Korean Ryang Yong Gi did the job for steady Vegalta Sendai. The team from the tsunami battered prefecture are in position to complete one of professional sports greatest triumphs. Now back on top, the club have been a permanent fixture in and around the ACL positions all season. Despite returning from the half time break 1-nil behind Kawasaki, Vegalta rallied in front of the packed Yurtec Stadium (17159). In the 56th minute midfielder Tamura leveled the scores with a well placed header, but the best was yet to come. Captain courageous Yong Gi would curl a free kick in at the keepers right upright in the 63rd minute and despite a few defensive heart tremors the home team were able to sustain the lead and go top of the table.

At the other end of the table Niigata slipped further behind fellow strugglers Cerezo Osaka. With the opportunity to leap frog the Kansai outfit Niigata were unable to score a goal again. They went down 1-nil to a Cerezo side that started to look better as the game wore on.

Next round (Sept 15th) Gamba face Niigata in the match which could decide the fate of either team's J1 survival hopes. Stay tuned! 

Abe and Reds Within Striking Distance

Urawa Reds have closed the gap on J League leaders Sanfrecce Hiroshima to just two points. Now in third place behind Vegalta Sendai and the aforementioned, the Reds' defeat of Shimizu S Pulse over the weekend sounded an ominous warning. They are the big club and they're coming to get them (I'm talking about Sendai and Hiroshima).

The Reds travelled to Shizuoka prefecture (west of Tokyo) for their round 23 clash with Shimizu S Pulse. Punters had the game as an even money bet with Shimizu winning their last three outings including the scalps of Hiroshima and Nagoya. Early on Reds defender Tsuboi was happy to turn in his own box and pass the ball into the path of danger man Takagi. Takagi's shot was parried by the keeper and danger averted. Soon after, the Reds displayed their speedy transition skills and Hirakawa's cross from the right was met by a sublime half volley from midfielder Tsukasa Umesaki. 1-nil after eleven minutes.

Australian Alex Brosque would soon be regretting pursuing Umesaki into the box, as his tackle which looked to be all ball, was ruled a foul. Brosque had stole in from behind to dispossess Umesaki at speed, but the Reds midfielder seemed to 'come a cropper' for unknown reasons, a sudden seizure which gave the impression Umesaki could suffer some serious whiplash. However, the little battler was up on his feet within moments to witness captain Abe slot the penalty comfortably. 2-nil after twenty minutes.

The 2nd half saw Shimizu do the majority of threatening with one comical moment early on involving Reds keeper Kato crawling around amongst a scrimmage of players at the six yard box. Eventually the ball was cleared and further danger only came via a free kick, and another chance for Takagi, who had to hit a bouncing ball from the edge of the box but only succeeded in finding a pretty young fan in row z. The Reds ran out 2-nil winners while playing deep throughout the 2nd half.

Making news at the top for all the wrong reasons this week were Hiroshima and Kashiwa. Hiroshima fell to FC Tokyo at home 1-nil. Kashiwa Reysol however, lost 3-nil and were leap frogged by opponents Jubilo Iwata. Kashiwa went down 1-nil in the 5th minute and were down a man from the 18th minute when regular defender Noaya Kondo was given a straight red. Jubilo with their all Japanese line up, including international Ryoichi Maeda weren't going to be stopped. Jubilo manager Hitoshi Morishita sang the praises of his men saying, "The fact that we went on to score a third shows just how much our team has grown." The comments were made in regards to a disallowed goal early in the 2nd half.

Ryoichi Maeda in action for Jubilo Iwata - J League 2012

Elsewhere Sendai made up valuable ground to be one point from the peak after coming home stronger then lowly Omiya Ardija. In relegation news Gamba Osaka look set to survive with a 7-2 victory over the weekend and Albirex Niigata also took three points against Kashima Antlers. Antlers will definitely be looking over their shoulders as those nearby all gained ground. The most successful club in the J League's history is in real danger of being dragged into the relegation fight.

Stay tuned next week as Albirex Niigata in 3rd last (relegation zone) face Cerezo Osaka who sit just two points above them. And with Jubilo Iwata at home to Hiroshima you know things at the top will continue to astound in the J League.

Drogba Does Shanghai

DIDIER DROGBA DELIGHTS IN SHANGHAI

Didier Drogba in action for Shanghai Shenhua

Didier Drogba has lit up the Chinese Super League over the last month. With many criticising the Ivory Coast international for ditching Europe and in their words chasing money Drogba has proved he's serious. In his four matches Drogba has scored 2 goals, albeit in the one match.

Shanghai recently put Hangzhou to the sword 5-1. On that night Drogba picked up his double, while classy new Columbian import Giovanni Moreno picked up his second goal in Shanghai colours and Aussie striker Joel Griffiths also picked up one. Shanghai certainly does have an international flavour and while it seems a tough ask (given the 9 point margin between them & ACL spots), it's every promoter's dream that this club makes its way back into the ACL as soon as possible. Can you imagine Drogba and co. arriving in Australia to take on Central Coast Mariners or Melbourne Victory? Can you imagine Drogba and co. arriving in Tokyo to take on Urawa Reds, or even heading over to Sendai?

There is no doubt these are exciting times in Asian soccer. We can only hope that the current political issues engulfing the area don't escalate to the point that they affect the world of sport, because at the moment the place is buzzing.

LEWDUB REFUSES TO RETRACT STATEMENTS

Yes the J League continues to bemuse and confuse, however, this blogger (LewDub) refuses to retract his statements about who will win the J League title. Yes, Urawa slipped up against mid table Kobe. Yes, Sendai slipped up against cellar dwellers Sapporo. Yes, Kashiwa Reysol could only manage a draw against FC Tokyo, but Sanfrecce Hiroshima were able to snare three points away to Omiya. The latter result emphasises my point in previous postings that of these four teams, not every one of them can slip up to the point that none of them win the title.

While Yokohama F Marinos have made up considerable ground to be six points off J League leaders Hiroshima. Now 14 matches undefeated, the Kanagawa team has certainly surprised many with their run, after looking more like relegation material earlier in the season. But being the student of probability that I am 14 matches undefeated also means defeat is getting closer. This week Yokohama play local rivals Kawasaki who themselves will still be holding on to dreams of an ACL spot as they sit just 4 points off automatic qualification.

Check out the highlights of Yokohama's most recent outing against Niigata:

DIDIER DROGBA DELIGHTS IN SHANGHAI

Urawa Reds Blow Vital Chance

URAWA DRAW A BLANK IN J LEAGUE 

With the J League title race into the home stretch the Urawa Reds wasted a golden opportunity to put themselves into the box seat. Top of the table Hiroshima and Sendai both slipped up with the latter failing to take anything from their clash with Shimizu S Pulse. However, it will be the Reds who are 'living a life of regret', after letting a 2-nil lead slip at home to FC Tokyo.

Urawa were set to make their presence well and truly felt at the top of the table when Brazilian Marcio Richardes put them ahead 2-nil in the 36th minute, but it wasn't to be. J League 2012 is the year of the undecided. This weekend the top four placed teams managed only three out of a possible twelve points. Thankfully for the Reds, Hiroshima relinquished a 1-nil lead over Shimizu to go down 2-1, suffering two goals in the last ten minutes of regulation time. In the north Kashiwa Reysol gave up their 1-nil lead to the resurgent Niigata. Amazingly the home team (Niigata) staying in touch with Kashiwa after going a man down in the 69th minute. Meanwhile Vegalta Sendai showed their usual grit in securing a draw with Yokohama F Marinos.

With F Marinos sitting back early Sendai had the better of the play. Captain Ryang Yong Gi strolled into the box on one occasion and blasted a right foot shot wide of the far post. Alas, the teams went to the break  0-0. In the 60th minute Uchiyama headed home from a corner to put Sendai into the driver's seat, but it didn't last for long. In the 65th minute Shunsuke Nakamura wound back the clock with a stunning shot from the edge of the box. The curling left footed missile could only be deflected into the far post by the flailing hand of keeper Hayashi. In the 70th minute F Marinos would take the lead via Kanai's stooping far post header. Amazingly Marquinhos wasted a chance one on one with the keeper, and yes, he and F Marinos would regret it. Wilson was the recipient of a perfectly lobbed ball by Ryang Yong Gi, this time his touch was precise and on entry to the 18 yard box drew an obvious foul from Kurihara. Penalty! The Brazilian made no mistake, and that was all she wrote. Final score 2-2.  

As a result Sendai sit atop the table and although many expect Sendai to falter this blogger begs to differ. While teams will show more respect (by that I mean, sit back and defend) for Sendai throughout the second half of the season, the fact that nobody has stood up and confirmed their intentions to take the J League title in any immutable fashion is enough for me to say Sendai can go all the way.

Enjoy the highlights of Vegalta Sendai and Yokohama F Marinos

Cahill Comments Evoke Anger in Oz

CAHILL LOSES FANS

Tim Cahill debuts for New York against Tottenham

Tim Cahill's time with Everton is over. The Aussie favourite has opted out of the club after a couple of disappointing seasons marred by injury. Everton chairman Bill Kenwright had nothing but positive words for Cahill after eight memorable years with 'the Toffees'. Unfortunately Cahill himself soured the move by making detrimental comments about the level of the A League (Australia's professional soccer league).

Cahill will join New York aged 32 and ready to re-launch his career in a lower profile league. The MLS has attracted the likes of David Beckham, Thierry Henry and Robbie Keane along with fostering talent such as Landon Donovan, Edson Buddle and most of the US team. Australian fans had faint hopes of the midfielder returning to Australia one day, but comments during his official New York unveiling revealed a disinterest in returning to the A League. "This is a massive move for me," he said. "Moving to the A-League would have been a step backwards. And that's no disrespect." Cahill added, "It's basically, I want to still play at a high level."

It wasn't long after those damaging comments that online forums in Australia went berserk. Vitriol filled remarks have suffocated the internet. FourFourTwo Australia & TheWorldGame were websites that were host to Cahill hating. Here is a taste of the public opinion:

OH Timmy, why didn't you just spout the "new challenge" line and not even mention the A-League, let alone say it is shit.
I just lost a little bit of respect for him. by El Toro


The MLS is a step down. He never wanted to come back to the A-league. He made out that the A-league was nowhere near the standard of the MLS and that the MLS wasn't a step down from the premier league. His comments make him seem delusional. by parraboi



Tim Cahill can go **** [removed by EastAsianSoccer] himself. And I mean that with no disrespect. Definitely lost a fan with that comment. by thupercoach



Wow didnt expect cahill so be such an arse after all the love aussies have given him over the years, both the MLS and HAL are a step backwards you money grabbing jerk. The standard between the two is not very big at all, so enjoy all the nutters in Amercia you douche. by MarkD



Harry comes back and tells everyone what a good league the A League is, Timmy does not come back and sticks the knife into the A League . Timmy and Pimmy have the same opinion and they overate their ability as a player and coach ! by peter1008


As far as I'm concerned this doesn't hurt Timmy's reputation or legacy, what it does do however, is illustrate just what a great thing Harry Kewell did for Australia football. To come home to a "football backwater" that is badly administrated and poorly paid, just for the kids of tomorrow.
by Mark


The general theme of comments from fans in Australia went as above. However, some did believe that Cahill was merely stating his opinion about the level of two leagues, and favouring the American version. Most soccer fans worldwide would agree the MLS is a stronger league than the A League, as do I. But when a player so revered in Australia comes out and makes such a statement, he does irreparable damage to the game, and despite his phrasing ("And that's no disrespect"), it is showing disrespect. 


One thing is certain in the aftermath of Cahill's comments. Tim Cahill will never been seen in the same 'bright and shining light' as before. It will be very interesting to be amongst Socceroos fans the next time he wears the green and gold.

J League Title Down to Four Teams

HIROSHIMA, SENDAI, URAWA AND KASHIWA TO FIGHT IT OUT

Urawa Reds manager Mihailo Petrovic

It's time to get serious J League fans. I'm now confident enough to put in print my genuine title contenders. Okay, I'm having the ultimate each way bet by selecting four teams, but lets not forget last year's title was a three horse race up until the last 20-30 minutes of the season. Would it surprise me if that occurred again? No.

The J League ladder sees first placed Sanfrecce Hiroshima only 9 points clear of tenth placed FC Tokyo, but there are a number of reasons why the title is down to just four teams now. Now I'm not a betting man but, I can tell you it's safe to put your house on one of the following four teams winning the 2012 J League title: Sanfrecce Hiroshima, Vegalta Sendai, Urawa Reds or Kashiwa Reysol. But there is only 9 points between first and tenth, I can hear you say. And there are 15 games to go, I hear you say. Oh don't worry, I haven't forgotten King Kev and the Toon with 12 points lead back in 95/96 either.

The fact that there is only 4 points between the top four teams is the biggest factor in my selection of four, and only four contenders. The other reasons for eliminating all the other teams from the title race include, inconsistency and lack of ability. The weekend's action was enough evidence to say that many teams just lack some of the elements which make up a champion team.

Going back to our historical example in Newcastle United (95/96) there is a significant difference in the 12 point margin they had and the margin the top four teams have on the chasing pack in this year's J League. Newcastle sat atop the table on their lonesome. Sanfrecce and Sendai are tied on 37 points while Urawa and Kashiwa sit on 34 and 33 respectively. Students of probability will know that one team is more likely to behave badly than four teams. Back in 95/96 one team (yes, Newcastle United) did behave very badly. In 2012 four teams will not behave badly. Maybe one will drop out of the race early, but I'm not brave enough to predict which team that would be.

Now to focus on the 'also rans'. Jubilo Iwata's (30pts) 2-nil loss to Urawa Reds on the weekend was enough to say yes it was an apparition. Jubilo once moonlighted as a title contender, but a spate of long term injuries, and two forwards (Baek Korea and Yamazaki Japan) lost to Olympic duty mean, the goals will dry up for Maeda and co. Yokohama F Marinos (30pts) have suddenly turned up in 6th. The team from Kanagawa have not lost a J League match since April 21st. Thats 12 matches undefeated but unfortunately that run of matches includes 5 draws. As much as I'd like to see my mates in Yokohama successful, I just think they lack the potency. Put it this way, Yokohama won't be earning the nickname 'the entertainers' very soon.

Kawasaki Frontale (30pts) are one of those teams that simply lack consistency. They have something in common with Nagoya Grampus (29pts) and that is not a good quality. Nagoya are in need of an overhaul and manager Stojkovic doesn't have much time. Seriously, stop messing with us Nagoya! After 6 J League matches without loss, they head to Hokkaido to play a Sapporo team already doomed to the J2 next year. So did Nagoya show the mettle of champions and grind out a win without Kennedy, Nagai and Tamada, no! Of course not.

Sagan Tosu (28pts) are the underdog punching well above their weight. They have been steered to a successful season via smart management. They have conceded just 18 goals in 19 matches. That's equal third in terms of J League defencive records. Manager Jung-Hwan Yoon (Korea) has made his blue and pink team hard to beat: a good idea when venturing into J1 for the first time. Tosu will not win the title though because their attack is not as impressive as their defence. Finally FC Tokyo, (28pts) who are also a promoted team cannot win the title on account of a hectic playing schedule. They began the season well and after five matches sat 1 point off the lead, however, their commitments in the ACL and now the Yamazaki Nabisco Cup have proven too much for them to maintain a push for the title. The weekend's loss to 14th placed Niigata was comprehensive and they look tired. Coincidentally, Vegalta Sendai and Kashiwa Reysol are still involved in the aforementioned cup competition. Will this affect their title hopes?

Here are some highlights from the FC Tokyo v Albirex Niigata match. Niigata as predicted here at East Asian Soccer are on the way up.

   








   

J League's Sun Kings Cause S-Pulse Flatline

KASHIWA GAIN J LEAGUE MOMENTUM

Kashiwa Reysol celebrate victory over Shimizu S Pulse

In another action packed weekend of J League soccer we saw a new leader emerge and one team's hopes of snaring the title well and truly obliterated. Sanfrecce Hiroshima now lead the J League on account of a superior goals for tally. It's so close at the top that both Hiroshima and Sendai have the same goal difference but the team in violet own the number one position due to their 37 goals as opposed to Sendai's 34. Shimizu S-Pulse however, can forget about the title for 2012. In possibly the most eventful match of the season 'the Wingheads' (Shimizu) went down in a ball of flames, fighting all the way through the second half with one less player than opponents Kashiwa Reysol.

The Wingheads went into the match hoping to arrest a flagging run of form which had seen them go seven J League matches without a win. Kashiwa Reysol though, had suffered only the one loss (last week v Nagoya) in their last eight matches. To the neutrals like myself this was a spectacle and a half, but the Shimizu fans are suicidal or maybe homicidal as a result of perceived failings of referee Nishimura. However, Shimizu fans weren't complaining early on when they were recipients of a penalty for handball. Unfortunately the experienced Shinji Ono shot wide. Almost 20 minutes later in the 33rd minute Reysol had a penalty of their own after blatant handball from Keisuke Iwashita. Domingues made no mistake, but not long after it was time to line up for a another penalty. This time it was in favour of the home team, as one of the great dives was rewarded with a PK (pee kay as spoken by Japanese commentators) by referee Nishimura. Genki Omae put to rest the sins of Ono, and made it 1-1. The sides went to half time with the scores locked at 1-1 but the Wingheads were reduced to ten men. Iwashita who had received a yellow card earlier slid in recklessly and picked up a second yellow. Sayonara Iwashita!

Amazingly it was Shimizu who turned the game on its head early in the second half. In the 53rd minute Takahara got enough of his head onto the end of a free kick to bamboozle the keeper, while the 63rd minute saw Alex Brosque pounce on defencive error and streak 30 metres, before slotting across the keeper and in at the far post. But Shimizu could bask in the  glory of the 3-1 scoreline for a limited time, as the 66th minute saw referee Nishimura send off both Wagner (Kashiwa) and young defender Yoshida (Shimizu).

After the match Shimizu manager Afshin Ghotbi would comment "My feelings are mixed with pride, sorrow, hope, and disappointment." The Wingheads hung in bravely for as long as possible but eventually the heaped pressure from the Sun Kings would be unbearable. Perhaps the moment that Kashiwa equalised was the straw that broke the camel's back. It was the 88th minute when a cross was tapped by keeper Hayashi into his own crossbar and into the path of Hashimoto. He couldn't miss. The video shows Shimizu defenders bow their heads in unison. The aftermath saw two goals in injury time with Kashiwa finishing the match with momentum. They were lining up to stick the dagger in for the fourth goal (check the video), and this win is one of those galvanising moments, 5-3 the final score. Put Kashiwa Reysol in the bank as repeat ACL contestants.

Elsewhere, Gamba Osaka's nightmare season continued with a last minute loss to Yokohama F Marinos. Marinos led 1-nil after scoring late in the first half. Gamba would equalise in the 88th minute only to concede again in injury time. In other relegation news Niigata's stocks continue to rise after a hard fought draw against Urawa. Almost 34000 packed Big Swan Stadium to see the locals raise hopes of survival, despite their lack of cutting edge up front Niigata are a great chance of pulling Omiya and Cerezo into the relegation battle.

Urawa's J League Masterclass?

Saitama Stadium played host to some torrential rain and a 5 minute masterclass from home team Urawa Reds on Saturday. The Reds led 1-nil at halftime via a Umesaki scrambled goal. The midfielder scored his second goal of the season after a cross was whipped in from the right which young gun Genki Haraguchi volleyed into the upright. Umesaki was 'johnny on the spot' when the ball rebounded into his path.

The Reds created more chances in the first half but failed to convert, again hitting the upright on one occasion. When the players walked onto the pitch for the second half they were confronted by tropical storm-like conditions. Thankfully the fans were treated to a goal feast which would warm the hearts of their cold and wet bodies. It began in the 50th minute when the home team broke from their own half after some aggressive tackling. Kashiwagi fed Hirakawa a perfect through ball from the left, the defender had no option but to run the ball into the box and shoot. When he did, he hit the target. Moments later it was Haraguchi's turn with the Reds once again in counter mode. Kashiwagi once again provided the assist and this ball truly was sublime. It seems the number eight loves a wet track: for me, the man of the match. Haraguchi's finish was expected for a player with the attention and wraps he is currently receiving. In the 54th minute Haraguchi was credited for a goal which was rightfully Kashiwagi's. An attempted clearance by a Tosu defender fell into the path of Kashiwagi who hammered it goal-ward. With the keeper beaten, Haraguchi's airborne ricochet wasn't needed but it saw him credited with the goal (check the video).

After some rapturous celebrations led by Makino the Reds decided to sit back and invite trouble. As if to match the Reds, Tosu scored three goals in four minutes between the 67th and 71st minute. A combination of lazy marking a lack of commitment saw Tosu almost snatch a point. In the 78th minute young Brazilian forward Tozim was first to a cross and headed just wide for Tosu. The team from Kyushu have shown much more resilience in their J1 debut than fellow Kyushu islanders Avispa Fukuoka last year. Avispa revisited J1 last season but were quickly sent packing as whipping boys of J1 in 2011. It's hard to see Tosu getting caught up in a relegation battle this year. For Urawa Reds though, what will be of season 2012? They sit five points off the lead with 17 matches to play. They certainly look like a harmonious unit, but the defencive lapse which saw Sagan Tosu grab three goals in the space of four minutes raises questions.

Masakatsu Sawa for Kashiwa Reysol

Elsewhere in the J League, competition leaders Vegalta Sendai continued on their merry way with a victory over Vissel Kobe. Sendai continue to be hard to beat, conceding only 15 goals and on Saturday actually being on the wrong end of a 19-9 shooting stat. It's this kind stubbornness that puts them in the champions bracket. As for the chasing pack, Sanfrecce Hiroshima fought off Jubilo Iwata with a 2-nil win putting them in 2nd place just two points off Sendai. Meanwhile, Nagoya Grampus were able to prove doubters (including me) wrong with a gutsy 2-1 win away to Kashiwa Reysol. Aussie Joshua Kennedy scored a neat flicked goal to put the Aichi team ahead but Reysol rallied to make it 1-1 soon after. With seven yellow cards issued, it was action aplenty in the Tokyo rain, but Kashiwa would go down due to an own goal in th 63rd minute.

Coming up this Saturday: Nagoya v Sendai, Hiroshima v Kawasaki, Shimizu v Kashiwa and lots more as the contenders begin to establish themselves. 

J League Ladder Congested

Sendai Still Top of J League

Wilson slots one away for Vegalta against Sanfrecce Hiroshima

Almost halfway through the season and still it's anyone's title in the J League. Vegalta Sendai still sit atop the table after the last two rounds saw them take on some of their closest rivals. Sanfrecce Hiroshima and Jubilo Iwata are two and five points off the pace respectively while last season's champs Kashiwa Reysol ominously edge into the frame.

Many doubt Sendai's credentials to carry off the J League title however, it's one of those seasons where nobody else has stood up to say, 'we want it more'. Perhaps the biggest mover and shaker is 2011 champion Kashiwa Reysol. Kashiwa have taken 16 points from the last 18 points available to them. Not long ago we were thinking they could be the first team to be promoted to the J1 and win the title straight up, before being relegated again the next year. That's not going to happen though, and the weekend's 6-2 drubbing of Gamba at Gamba is a clear message to all their opponents. With no more commitments to the ACL the 'Sun Kings' are definitely one to watch. Next week they take on the stuttering Nagoya at home, without the services a recently departed Hiroki Sakai, another Japanese player off to Germany.

Hiroki Sakai off to Hannover

Elsewhere at the top of the table Jubilo Iwata gave FC Tokyo a lesson 3-1 at Yamaha Stadium (Iwata). Something is definitely amiss at FC Tokyo. Even with Hasegawa playing the full 90 minutes they only picked up their goal in the 89th minute. As Hisato Sato grabbed another goal Sanfrecce Hiroshima were able to snare a point at Yurtec Stadium when they took on Vegalta Sendai. Vegalta were a little fortunate as Wilson's second goal in the 79th minute came from a defencive blunder. As for Sato, his goal was a gem tapped in off the outside of his left foot as he flew through the air to meet a bouncing cross from the right. Super!

I had the pleasure of travelling to Big Swan Stadium to watch the Albirex Niigata game against misfiring big guns Kashima Antlers. It was a truly entertaining affair with both teams efforts belying their positions on the table. The sultry and prancing Dutra putting on one of those performances that Brazilian soccer players are renowned for. He picked up a goal with a quick turn and shot from just inside the box and wowed the crowd with his backheel passes. He danced around the stage in his glowing orange boots in a free roaming role, the only blight on his game being his lethargy and some spectacular simulation. However, some might say his simulation was also part of the package, it certainly had me entertained. Poor Niigata look set for relegation though sitting second last and 5 points away from safety. They did replace their manager recently though and one thing I took from the match was their shape at the back was very stable. Good luck to them and their loyal fans. 35,506 fans turned up to see the men in orange as they fight for survival.

I look forward to seeing this table sort itself out in the coming weeks with Hiroshima hosting third placed Jubilo Iwata while Vegalta Sendai head to Kobe to take on a team on the up with newly appointed Akira Nishino. Nishino took Gamba to the ACL title in 2008 and the J League title in 2007, will he have the same success with Kobe?