SYDNEY FC TO HOST J-LEAGUE GIANTS URAWA REDS IN ASIAN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Sydney FC & Urawa Reds set to meet on 19/04/2016

The 2016 Asian Champions League group placings have finally been determined. Sydney FC find themselves in the group of death, facing Asian Champions Guangzhou Evergrande and Japan's Urawa Reds plus a play-off winner most likely to be ACL regulars Pohang Steelers.

Sydney FC will host the famed Urawa Reds on 19th April, 2016. By that stage of the competition (the 5th match) it's possible the two teams will be scrapping for the second qualifying spot behind Guangzhou Evergrande. 

For the uneducated, Urawa are the J-League's most supported team, regularly attracting more than 40,000 to club fixtures. Sadly for those loyal fans the Reds have often raised hopes only to fall short of silverware. 

The year 2015 was another such year for Urawa fans, as the Saitama club lit up the J-League with a dominant 1st Stage win only to crumble in the finals series. The Reds then went on to play bridesmaid in the Emperor's Cup Final on New Year's Day, despite starting favourites against old foes Gamba Osaka.

For Sydney FC, the 2016 ACL will be just their third appearance in the tournament. Previously the Sky Blues finished 2nd in their group (2007) however, that was in a time when qualification for the knockout stage required winning your group. Ironically Sydney FC's group included Urawa Reds back in 2007, and the two played out a nil-all draw in Saitama for the last game of the group phase. The draw denying Sydney FC the chance to advance, while Urawa went on to win the tournament. 

In other Champions League news Melbourne Victory are set to host Gamba Osaka in the last game of the group stage on 3rd May. Before that however, Kevin Muscat's men will face off against a play-off winner most likely to be Shanghai East Asia, managed by one Sven Goran Eriksson. Melbourne's other group opponent is Suwon Samsung Bluewings of South Korea. 

Australia's Adelaide United will have their work cut out for them in the Asian Champions League as they're forced to go through play-offs before enter the competition proper. The Reds - who have found a patch of form in the A-League - will need to beat Chinese club Shandong Luneng before joining a group including Sanfrecce Hiroshima, FC Seoul and dominant Thai champions Buriram United. 

ASIAN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE DRAW COMPLETED FOR 2016

The 2016 Asian Champions League draw has been completed though there are still many unknowns. On the East side including clubs from South Korea, Japan, China and Australia, there are some headline matches already penned in.

Asian Champions League Group Stage Draw 2016

In Group G Australia’s number one ranked team Melbourne Victory will line up against Suwon Samsung Bluewings of South Korea. Suwon finished second to a dominant Jeonbuk in the K-League but the Bluewings are one of the best supported clubs in South Korea.

In Group H reigning champions Guangzhou Evergrande will travel to Sydney. The Felip Scolari managed outfit are currently preparing for the Club World Cup in Japan, but from February 2016 they’ll be busy defending their Asian Champions League title. 

Asian Champions League Group Stage Draw 2016

The Group H draw will have Sydney FC manager Graham Arnold licking his lips. Arnold has proved himself consistently successful in Australia however, his foray into J-League management was a disaster. After leaving Central Coast Mariners as a champion Arnold took up a post at Vegalta Sendai, only to walk away from the role when senior players stonewalled any new policies he looked to implement. 

Meanwhile in Group E, Jeonbuk look to have been rewarded for their total dominance in the K-League. They’ve been drawn alongside China’s FA Cup winners Jiangsu Sainty, Vietnam’s Binh Duong and a play off winner from Thailand, Myanmar or Japan. 

Though on paper Jeonbuk’s draw looks a cake walk their have been rumours of Jiangsu Sainty going on an off season spending spree, which would likely make things a little more difficult. Also in Group E, there is a strong likelihood that Japan’s Gamba Osaka will join Jeonbuk, the team that eliminated them in the 2015 competition. 

Asian Champions League Group Stage Draw 2016

As Gamba Osaka are still alive in the Emperors Cup, they’re group draw cannot be finalised. Unfortunately, the J-League has everyone in the dark as to who is their 2nd, 3rd and 4th elected teams. 

Finally in Group F there are Sanfrecce Hiroshima, FC Seoul and Buriram United. Hiroshima were recently crowned champions of Japan after winning a two legged final against Gamba. The 'purple archers' will be looking to improve upon previous efforts, as will Thailand's Buriram who crashed out after an impressive start to the Group Stage in 2015. 

Asian Champions League Group Stage Draw 2016

Australia's Adelaide United will likely play China's Shandong Luneng in a play-off for the final position in Group F.

GUANGZHOU EVERGRANDE CHASING MORE SILVERWARE IN ASIAN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL

Evergrande Taobao - not shy about being the best forever.

Guangzhou Evergrande Taobao have already won a fifth Chinese Super League title in a row, but tonight they look to add a second Asian Champions League crown to their bursting trophy cabinet.

The team from the south of China have put themselves in the box seat for the two legged ACL Final, after battling out a 0-0 draw with hosts Al Ahli in the first leg. However, they're most likely to take the field without star striker Ricardo Goulart in the decider.

Goulart's importance can't be underestimated as he tops a number of the ACL's most important stats. The Brazilian is leading goalscorer (8), leading shot taker (33) and third highest ranked creative player.

Though Evergrande Taobao can boast numerous internationals and a bevy of Chinese National Team players, Goulart's goal scoring prowess will surely be missed. To counter that, fans will put currency in the team's irrepressible manager Felipe Scolari.

Scolari has weaved a magic wand over the team since arriving, and he remains undefeated at the helm of Evergrande. He spoke at the pre match press conference regarding the significance of the match to him, "I haven't been in China for so long. But I believe this game is important for both the players and myself, and I would like to grab the next championship of my career." The Brazilian gave little indication of the team's tactics.

The challenge for Evergrande though will be to find a goal without Goulart. They have many creative outlets in, Paulinho, Elkeson and Huang Bowen, however their opponents Al Ahli can capture the title with as little as a 1-1 draw over the 90 minutes. This will no doubt affect the mindset of the usually attack minded Chinese club.

For their part Al Ahli are appearing in their first continental final. It is in fact the first time the UAE club advanced beyond the group stage of the Asian Champions League. Amongst their squad is South Korean, Kwon, Kyung-Won and Brazilian Lima.

Lima has scored in four of the five ACL games he has played for Al Ahli. Kwon Kyung-Won has plenty of big game experience having played with mighty K-League outfit Jeonbuk in their 2013 and 2014 campaigns. Perhaps though the home grown talent Ahmed Khalil will pose the biggest threat to Guangzhou Evergrande, as the 24 year old has slotted six goals in the tournament so far.

For punters it's a hard one to pick as a number of unknowns are in play. Guangzhou without Goulart, Al Ahli without regular defender Abdelaziz Hussain, who inexplicably lost the plot and received a red card in the dying minutes of the first leg.

Asked whether he felt his Chinese teammates would be suffering mentally after a disappointing draw with Hong Kong on the international scene, Zheng Zhi's response was that of a winner.

"We may suffer from that game physically and psychologically, but we're all professionals. We can recover very well. I'm confident."

Story compiled by Tony Yang & Lew Dub.

East Asian Soccer writer Tony Yang meets the prize.

ONE GOAL ENOUGH FOR GAMBA TO TAKE ASIAN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL PLACE

Gamba Osaka host Guangzhou Evergrande in the second leg of their Asian Champions League Semi Final tonight. The first leg ending 2-1 in favour of the Chinese club, Gamba now needs just a 1-0 victory to take their place in the ACL Final alongside Al Ahli of UAE.

RECENT FORM

Since their loss to Evergrande in China, Kenta Hasegawa's men suffered two more defeats in succession. In one, a depleted Gamba lost 2-1 to struggling Albirex Niigata in Japan's version of the League Cup, while the other loss saw them ship five goals to 7th placed Kawasaki Frontale.

Gamba Osaka vs Guangzhou Evergrande

The Kansai club have since won their next two outings. Correcting their first leg loss to Niigata they advanced to the final of the aforementioned Cup competition with a 2-0 victory, before a 2-1 win over old foes Urawa.

Importantly in the context of tonight's fixture, the clean sheet against Niigata was Gamba's first in ten matches. Can we expect the entertainers to get down and gritty against the Chinese Super League's champions elect? Probability says no.

But for their part Guangzhou Evergrande aren't exactly a tower of strength either. In their eleven ACL fixtures in 2015, Evergrande have scored 18 goals and conceded 14. More than a goal per match.

KEY PLAYERS FOR THE HOME TEAM

Gamba Osaka will be buoyed by the return of regular centre back Daiki Niwa. The 29 year old was missing for the first leg due to suspension but is back for the home tie and sure add some assuredness to the backline.

Gamba will also look for a bigger contribution from attacking midfielder Takashi Usami who was substituted in the 74th minute of the first leg. The match had started with both sides showing equal intent, however, 25-30 minutes into the match things changed.

THE FIRST LEG

Gamba were ahead via a Feng Xiaoting own goal (12th min) and the Japanese club were content to sit back and rarely send men forward in meaningful assaults on goal - totally out of character. Gamba conceded through a superb half volley from Huang, Bowen before an equally brilliant header from captain Zheng, Zhi in the 57th minute.

The post match statistics were damning for Gamba Osaka. Evergrande firing off an incredible 22 shots to Gamba's miserly 3. Being hosts those statistics should change, but will it be enough?

All the questions will be answered tonight.

Kick Off: 7pm Japan time.

GUANGZHOU EVERGRANDE v GAMBA OSAKA - ASIAN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SEMI FINAL PREVIEW

Gamba Osaka vs Guangzhou Evergrande

It's a promoters dream. Two of the continent's biggest clubs, the reigning champions of their respective leagues, and an international rivalry that dates to a time before football.

China's Guangzhou Evergrande takes on Japan's Gamba Osaka.

It's the Asian Champions League semi final, a match that doubles as a grand final for the east side of the conference. While Guangzhou is once again topping the charts in the Chinese Super League, Gamba Osaka's form in the 2nd Stage of a complicated J-League season is simmering to dangerous levels.

Currently 4th in the J-League's combined or regular table, the Osaka club will go into the two legged tie as underdogs. Torch bearers for the once vaunted but now stuttering Japanese club competition, Gamba is aiming to bring the Champions League title to Japan for the first time in seven years. The last time a Japanese club was champion it was Gamba who tore Adelaide United apart in a one sided final. 

Led by statesman Yasuhito Endo, Gamba Osaka boasts one of the most feared attacks in the AFC, with the silky Takashi Usami and the brute force of Brazilian Patric. 

After being forced to miss the quarter final tie with Jeonbuk, Usami said, "In the next match I want to show how I can contribute to the team and help us go to the final," on the AFC Official site. 

"Guangzhou is one of the best teams in Asia and they will be coming at us hard seeking the win," he added. 

Usami was instrumental in Gamba's domestic treble last year, and the flashy attacking midfielder has truly experienced a rebirth since his Munich malaise. 

Meanwhile, Guangzhou will be looking to emulate their 2013 ACL triumph. Boosted by the recent purchase of Paulinho from Tottenham, the southern Tigers host the first leg. After ditching previous manager Fabio Cannavaro, the club went for the 'slightly more experienced' Felipe Scholari. 'Big Phil' has somehow been able to inject life back into a side that has admittedly achieved everything over the last three to four years and would be excused if motivation was on the wane. 

"Every second on the field is going to be important on Wednesday," Scholari warned, and the Brazilian implored his men to keep a clean sheet and take a lead to Osaka for the second leg. 

For punters there seems to be only one team in the first leg, as Gamba Osaka have been quoted as long as $5.50 at some betting agencies. Looking at the following stats provides good reason for the bookies and desperate to be banking on a Chinese win:

• In their quarter final tie Guangzhou dispatched of Japanese club Kashiwa Reysol by roundly drubbing the Chiba club 3-1 in the first leg in Japan.
• Guangzhou is undefeated in their last 17 matches.
• Felipe Scholari is unbeaten as manager of the Chinese club.
• Guangzhou has game breaker Paulinho.
• The Tigers also have Ricardo Goulart and Chinese international Gao Lin.
• Gamba Osaka will be without regular centre-back Daiki Niwa.
• Gamba Osaka has conceded 7 goals in their last 5 matches.

For those that like an underdog, maybe you can take some solace in these stats:

• After losing their first two ACL matches this year, Gamba have gone 8 matches undefeated.
• Takashi Usami has played 29 matches and scored 19 goals this year.
• Gamba defeated their last Chinese opponent (Guangzhou R&F) 5-nil in China.
• The Japanese club has scored the most goals in the 2015 ACL with 19 goals from their 10 matches. Guangzhou Evergrande has only managed 16. 

If forced to pick a winner I have to side with Guangzhou Evergrande, as the Tigers have too many game breakers. Gamba themselves have Usami, Patric and super sub Shu Kurata as possible match winners, but the enforced change in the back-line could be the difference. 

Enjoy what should be a two-legged feast of attacking football. 

REYSOL ROCKED BY GUANGZHOU EVERGRANDE IN ASIAN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Japan's Kashiwa Reysol have given themselves a mountain to climb in their Asian Champions League Quarter Final second leg. Just over two weeks ago the Chiba based club were given a 3-1 soccer schooling by Chinese behemoths Guangzhou Evergrande.

Kashiwa went behind barely five minutes into the match courtesy of an own goal from defender Suzuki. The captain was first to a well weighted free kick from Huang Bowen, but a miscalculation meant his header found the back of the Reysol net.

For the next thirty odd minutes the home team went punch for punch with Evergrande, but they were stunned by a 40th minute pearler from Paulinho (catch it on the link). The Brazilian import played his first match for Guangzhou in July, after parting ways with Tottenham Hotspur in the EPL off season. The implausible nature of the goal meant Guangzhou's 2-nil half time buffer was buttressed by an emotional factor.

Gao Lin added his name to the score sheet in the 58th minute with his first goal of the 2015 Champions League. His was an angled header off a short corner, lobbed in by none other than Huang Bowen. The goal sent the vast contingent of away fans into raptures. Gao Lin acknowledging the away end in celebration.

Fortunately for Kashiwa there would be a postscript. Kudo's desperate effort to get to a deflected corner giving the Sun Kings a tiny ray of hope going into the second leg.

In the other quarter final in the east zone, Japan's Gamba Osaka travelled to Korea to face Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors. The Japanese club have had an indifferent season domestically after taking out the treble in 2014.

However, Gamba's efforts on the continental stage have been of strong contrast. In their first leg against Jeonbuk, the Kansai based club were able to eke out a nil all draw despite being on the wrong side of lopsided possession and shooting stats (55% - 45% & 12 - 6).

Despite the encouraging result, Gamba Osaka will still have to be on their guard this coming Tuesday as any draw apart from 0-0 will see Jeonbuk advance via the away goals rule. The glow green Korean outfit have been ultra consistent both domestically and in the Champions League, and it's hard to see them being denied. [Check 1st leg highlights here]

For Australian viewers, Alex Wilkinson will likely suit up in the centre of defence with Jeonbuk. The Aussie international has been a regular starter in what has proven to be a tough environment for Australians in the past.

LEWDUB RETWEETS - VOL. 2

First up in volume two, Lew Dub is looking to get the painful stuff out of the way. Last week in volume one I mentioned Seongnam FC Unofficial's account. I said that the account had mistakenly tweeted that Seongnam were safely through to the knockout phase of the ACL, but it was me who was mistaken. Craic Dealer an avid
Seongnam fan gave me the run down
on how things operate if there are three
teams tied in an ACL Group. This
situation is quite likely to arise in
Group F of the ACL where Seongnam are safe on ten and
Gamba Osaka and Buriram are on seven. Craic Dealer also exposed me to the cat obsessed account of @fresh_bizzy. Interesting if you've got some spare time.
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Second in the top five retweetables list came from Perth Glory's Rostyn Griffiths. The midfielder gave voice to something I fully support. After an investigation led by eastern state journos exposed Perth's salary cap infringements, the West Aussie club has been relegated from third to seventh, and out of the A-League Finals series. You can only speculate as to why Perth were targeted, but just like Rostyn I would love to see the books opened at a couple of big city clubs in Australia's eastern states.

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Shane Smeltz one of the A-League's greatest contributors got his just desserts during the week, and he showed some class on social media. The Kiwi was named in the A-League's Team of the Decade alongside the likes of Archie Thompson and Besart Berisha in the forward line. Though often starting as a substitute at Sydney FC this year Smeltz (85) trails Archie Thompson (88), by three goals in the A-League's all time leading scorer list.

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Somebody else got there just desserts this week, but it was a sour dish when served. Australian soccer journo Scott McIntyre made a number of disgusting tweets that targeted dead Australian and New Zealand soldiers, those without university educations, those with white skin, anyone who drinks, anyone who gambles, and anyone who has an ounce of patriotism. The tweets (five in total) came on ANZAC Day, the day when Australians stop to pay respect to those that paid the ultimate sacrifice for the freedom we enjoy now. 

As a result, McIntyre was deservedly sacked from his post at the publicly funded SBS network.  

As Scott's tweets are too offensive to display here, I've posted the response from Hungarian immigrant Les Murray. Murray a famed soccer presenter on SBS was (along with the large majority of Australia) also disgusted by the comments of his former co-worker.

Unsurprisingly Scott found a legion of like minded followers on Twitter, including a number from struggling media outlet Fairfax, who argued freedom of speech had been brought into question. But Scott's sacking is a simple case of breaking the rules of your employment contract. 

The saddest thing about the whole affair is that McIntyre doesn't have it within himself to admit his mistake. He's told lies about those that are dead and can't defend themselves. Classless. 

Just say sorry.

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Finally, from the account of Andre a regular tweeter on Japanese soccer, came this retweetable delight. Andre noted tonight's big Chinese Super League clash between Tim Cahill's Shanghai Shenhua and behemoths Guangzhou Evergrande. I agree it's a huge fixture but the fact it's coming from Andre speaks to the rise of Chinese soccer. 

LEWDUB RETWEETS!

This week East Asian Soccer and Lew Dub unveil: LewDub Retweets. In what is planned to be a weekly installment, the East Asian Soccer website in conjunction with Lew Dub's Twitter, account will trawl through what was retweet worthy over the last week. From there we will snatch the five most noteworthy re-tweets or favourites from the Lew Dub account and discuss their noteworthiness.

Without further ado, lets get stuck into LewDub Retweets Volume 1.

Number 1, comes from a favourite account of ours. It's the JSoccer Magazine Twitter account and the tweet that made us stand up and applaud gave reference to the painful Urawa Reds, and their ACL plight.

Truly tough times for Urawa fans who deserve more than they get from their beloved Reds. But who knows maybe 2015 will be their year 'domestically'.

Number 2 comes from Sebastian Hassett's account. The Sydney Morning Herald scribe paid tribute to Japan's Kashima Antlers after stealing victory in a second half schooling of Western Sydney Wanderers. It seems everyone wants to stick the boot into the Wanderers at the moment, but there is still some breath in the lungs of their Asian Champions League campaign.

WSW will need to defeat the already qualified Guangzhou Evergrande in China, and pray for a draw between Kashima Antlers and FC Seoul.




Number 3 comes from Peter Davis's account. News from the Chinese Super League. As the tweet says, Swedish international Tobias Hysen tops the CSL scorers list. But of just as much tweet-

worthiness is the fact Hysen's Shanghai East Asia (SIPG) - managed by Sven Goran Eriksson - are undefeated and top of the CSL table.




Number 4 via Seongnam's unofficial English twitter account, was a bit of lighthearted banter. The K-League team is faring better than any of their Korean counterparts currently, but the tweet could

backfire as Seongnam aren't assured of qualification for the knockout phase of the ACL while all other K-League teams are still in with a fighting chance.



Finally at Number 5 is Dean Heffernan's polite call for Wanderers' new recruit Kerem Bulut to lighten up on the gesticulation. The 'call out' came during the Asian Champions League tie with Kashima

Antlers, when the raw talent could be seen gesturing frustratedly whenever the ball didn't come to him.



No more here. That's a wrap!

BEIJING SET TO BREAK BRISBANE IN ASIAN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Dejan Damjanovic warms up alongside Batalla for Beijing

Beijing Guoan go into their clash with Brisbane Roar as virtually qualified for the Asian Champions League Knockout Stage, but that won't stop them taking three points against the Aussie club. 

The home team will as always be cheered on by around 40,000 Beijing-ites, and though they are currently experiencing a mini funk (drawn last 3 matches), they're still undefeated in their last 21 matches. 

Meanwhile, Brisbane will be fighting for their Asian Champions League lives. Of most concern for the Australians is their casualty list. Influential centre back Luke Devere is out, Shane Stefanutto is out, and along with that, Jade North will be nursing a dodgy groin, if he makes the field. Had it not been for this, I would have said Brisbane were good value. 

The Roar have definitely placed some importance on this fixture, evidenced by their decision to rest a throng of players for last Saturday's Melbourne Victory clash. Those missing in action included: Broich, McKay, Brattan, Borello and 'the slippery fish' Henrique. 

Young defender Daniel Bowles who recently returned from injury described the dressing room, "All the boys are buzzing and we will be going out there and giving it our all." Brisbane certainly have plenty of motivation, as their previous appearances in the competition have yielded little, but no one wants to go into a big match with an understrength back four. 

A patched up Brisbane did a commendable job against Muscat's Melbourne on Saturday, but being tested against unfamiliar opponents should prove too much. Not only will Brisbane face some of China's best in Yu, Dabao and Song, Boxuan, they'll also face off against classy Montenegrin Dejan Damjanovic and midfielder Pablo Batalla.

On a freezing cold night in Saitama two weeks ago Beijing Guoan looked anything but champions, still they managed to grind out a draw against Urawa. On Tuesday night, at home, at the Workers Stadium, Beijing will be up for it.

The green team have been looking on jealously for the last four years as Chinese rivals, Guangzhou Evergrande have taken all before them. This year could be the year that Beijing stamps their mark on continental football.

J-LEAGUE VS CHINESE SUPER LEAGUE IN THE ASIAN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

This week in the Asian Champions League it's Japan versus China. On Tuesday April 7th, it's Kashima Antlers vs Guangzhou Evergrande. On Wednesday April 8th, it's Urawa Reds vs Beijing Guoan and Shandong Luneng vs Kashiwa Reysol. Never has the Chinese Super League had a better opportunity to stamp it's authority over their rival than this, and particularly in the fixtures based in Japan.

First, China's inimitable Guangzhou Evergrande line up against Kashima Antlers, just two weeks after the J-League club went close to ambushing them in Canton. Kashima overturned Ricardo Goulart's classy 10th minute header when youngster Shoma Doi made it 2-1. Of course the Chinese club equalised and went ahead when new acquisition Goulart struck again. The Brazilian dashed from the centre circle after a clumsy Kashima turnover and headed straight for the box, barely veering from his path before unleashing. At 3-2 Kashima had claims for a penalty turned down in the 83rd minute (watch video and decide for yourself), but there were still more goals.

Finishing 4-3, Guangzhou Evergrande were lucky to escape in a fixture that painted a brighter picture for the struggling J-League. Kashima put on a bold show, unlike that of many a J-League side before them (in recent years). With their knockout stage hopes on death row, a desperate Antlers will surely provide another daring display on Tuesday night, worthy of the 'Champions League' tag.

Twenty four hours after Kashima fights for their Asian Champions League survival, Urawa Reds face up to a confident Beijing Guoan. The team in green from the Chinese capital are unbeaten in their last 18 matches. If you scan back to August 13th, 2014 you'll eye Beijing Guoan's loss to Guangzhou R&F. Most recently they put on a second half schooling of Tim Cahill's Shanghai Shenhua.

Urawa themselves are undefeated in four domestic outings, but the continental competition has proven a bridge too far. The J-League's leading club has been beaten in all three ACL outings. Though dispatched 2-0 by Beijing at the Worker's Stadium two weeks ago, the Japanese club had their share of opportunities. Also worth noting is that it was a goalkeeping blunder from Nishikawa in the 78th minute that allowed Beijing Guoan to go ahead.

Shandong will host the surprising Kashiwa Reysol, who have defied the trend of J-League clubs failing on the ACL stage - remaining undefeated after three matches. The Sun Kings looked a level above Shandong two weeks ago, but the Chinese club will be at home and they'll be desperate.

However, East Asia's focus will be on the clash of the heavyweights. Kashima, the J-League's most successful club faces the ignominy of being booted out of the Asian Champions League while on zero and by none other than Guangzhou Evergrande, the symbol of China's rising soccer status. Meanwhile, it will be no less shameful for Urawa. Skulking alone at the bottom of Group G with zero points, the club whose fans are undoubtedly the best in the J-League, faces the likelihood of being swept aside by the resurgent Beijing Guoan.

In Tuesday's match at Kashima the home team has the flying Mu Kanazaki (if he's recovered from a boot to the face on last Friday) lining up against ACL top goalscorer Ricardo Goulart and Elkeson. While on Wednesday at Saitama the home team will have their work cut out for them containing big Dejan Damjanovic and Chinese products Song, Boxuan and Chen, Zhizhao. Enjoy!

J-LEAGUE REPUTATION DAMAGED IN ASIAN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Batalla of Beijing Guoan turning the Reds inside out.

J-League clubs are once again struggling in the Asian Champions League. Though the domestic competition is arguably the most popular across East Asia, the quality of the competition is in dispute as repeated failings against CSL, K-League and A-League clubs provide the evidence, the J-League is not all it's cracked up to be.

In this year's installation, J-League clubs have taken eight of 36 points available to them in the first three rounds of the ACL. Treble winners Gamba Osaka have been far and away the most disappointing. 

In their three fixtures they've gone down to China's Guangzhou R&F, Korea's Seongnam, and drawn with Buriram United of Thailand. After the failure in Korea (a match in which large numbers of Gamba fans attended) manager Kenta Hasegawa was typically apologetic, but sounded like the proverbial broken record, ". . . we will do our best in the next few games and try to qualify to the next round," he said.

Urawa Reds manager Mihailo Petrovic was still managing to find positives after his team's tepid display against Brisbane Roar on ACL Matchday 2. The manager spoke of promising signs on the training pitch, before his eerily similar, " . . . we are still in the race and will do our best to qualify for the next stage." Since the loss to Brisbane, Urawa went on to be soundly beaten by Beijing Guoan.

With Japan's best youngsters heading off to Europe at the first sign of interest it's not surprising the league is struggling to match the national team's success (in Asia). Add to that the fact Japan cannot compete with neighbouring China when it comes to luring quality imports, and you have a recipe for disaster.

Further compounding problems for the J-League's status is this year's bizarre end of season finals series puzzle. The heads of Japanese football decided with none - to little consultation of fans that the league should return to a two stage system. The explanation of the system on the J-League Official website, seems to indicate the finals series could involve three or four teams, depending on whether a stage winner also has the most points across the total 34 regular season matches. For more detail click the link provided above.

Before season kick off J-League boss Mitsuru Murai was interviewed by AFP and it was there that he stated, "I hope to see the J-League become tougher, quicker and more aggressive to help raise the level of the Japan national team." Though this would improve the league, a larger issue is the quality of imports in Japan as compared with those in China. Murai alluded to this in the interview, "The financial rewards are a little higher there so we need to do more to bring in star players." 

Unfortunately for Japan their ability to attract superstar imports will not exceed that of China's, unless there is some kind of economic upheaval in one of the two countries. So the J-League will have to rely on a new found, 'old fashioned' toughness to improve performances in ACL competition. 

KASHIWA VICTORIOUS IN ASIAN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE GROUP TIE

Kashiwa Reysol have wiped the floor with Vietnamese opponents Binh Duong in the second group match of the 2015 Asian Champions League. National team hopeful Masato Kudo contributed for the home team with a brace, while Aussie import Vrankovic provided an own goal to add to the embarrassment for Binh Duong.

In the first half, Reysol barely saw a clear cut chance until they struck the go ahead goal in the 43rd minute. Kudo found himself with time and space in the box as Christiano beat a couple of defenders before crossing a low ball in from the right.

After a strong showing until that point, Kudo's goal triggered an avalanche. In first half injury time Aussie expat David Vrankovic headed the ball into the wrong net. The defender had previously fallen foul to two high boots from the Kashiwa strike force. Tracking back into his own box while being shadowed, Vrankovic's miscued header will feature in his next pre match nightmare no doubt.

South Korean Kim, Chang Soo got scoring underway in the second half with the aid of a sublime through ball from midfielder Akimi Barada. The Bing Duong goalkeeper had no chance, as Kim's first touch - under pressure - opened up the goal and the former Busan defender finished with aplomb.

Kudo popped up for his second in the 67th minute when a corner was allowed to cross the face of goal. The forward was alone again, and he made the visitors hurt. At 4-nil the Binh Duong manager decided to hook Nigerian goalkeeper Esele. But things didn't get any better.

After some stock standard J-League lead up play, the ball was turned back to Otani from the left. The midfielder struck with a half volley from beyond the box to make it 5-0.

The visitors picked up a consolation goal to make it 5-1 at full time, but their chances of ACL knockout stage qualification have taken a massive blow. Meanwhile, Reysol the best performing of the Japanese sides will host Shandong Luneng in two weeks time.

Kashiwa currently lead Group E on for and against, as first round opponents Jeonbuk also posted a victory on Matchday 2. With J-League credibility continuing to be questioned, ACL results are of vital importance to provide tangible evidence for the competition's exalted status. After 2014 treble winners Gamba Osaka were downed 2-0 by Seongnam it's now up to Urawa (v Brisbane Roar) and Kashima (v FC Seoul) to restore some pride for the J-League on Wednesday night.

WESTERN SYDNEY OUT OF FINALS CONTENTION FOR 2014/15

It's a write off! Wanderers fans prepare yourself, for there is no fairy tale ending to A-League season 2014/15.

In these dark days Wanderers fans have been surviving off the rumours of a player overhaul in the January transfer window. With loud noises surrounding a number of players, manager Tony Popovic was quoted in the Daily Telegraph today, fanning the flames, "Every player is contracted but we'll see what happens in January."

So Western Sydney can expect new recruits soon, but new recruits require time. Firstly there is integration into the playing group, then there is adapting to the playing style. Add to that the forming of on field combinations that can break open a defence.

No doubt the Wanderers need time but that is something they dont have. They face an equally desperate Central Coast today before taking on Melbourne Victory on January 6th.

Yes, the Asian Cup break will give new recruits much needed time to be integrated into the group. But Western Sydney simply have to win from this point on.

A-League ladder 01/01/2015

With Melbourne City in 6th (the last finals position) and on 16 points, the Wanderers with their two games in hand are 13 points adrift. That is simply too much to reel in when you consider they will have to negotiate the ACL from late February onward.

Only a miracle can turn this season around, and the Wanderers have surely used up all the divine assistance due to them, for a year or two at least.

ASIAN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SEMI-FINAL, SEOULED OUT

We're now into the second leg of the Asian Champions League semi-final. On the west side of the draw, Al Hilal have secured their final berth (4-2 agg.), but on the east side it's all to play for. Last season's beaten finalists FC Seoul face Western Sydney Wanderers in Parramatta, after a scoreless draw in the first leg in Seoul.

Cha Du-ri challenged by Labinot Haliti

Undefeated in their last 13 matches FC Seoul sit 5th in the K-League Classic, and are eager to return to the Asian Champions League Final. The team from the capital have some interesting stats heading into tonight's semi-final. In their last 13 matches (including all competitions) they have conceded just 6 goals and scored 18 goals. Impressive. But it's important to note that FC Seoul scored 5 goals in one match against Incheon back on the 16th August. So apart from a rare day when it all came together, FC Seoul are averaging around one goal a game. That said, manager Choi, Yong Soo was adamant the first goal would be vital and assured Korean fans saying, "We have a lot of strategies to deal with them so we are prepared."

With the Wanderers still 9 days from the kick off of the domestic season, it's hard to get a line of form for them. In the lead up to their shock two-leg victory over Guangzhou Evergrande, Wanderers had stumbled over non league Canberra 1-0 in a friendly, before being knocked out of Australia's FFA Cup by second tier club Adelaide City.

Somehow, three weeks after their giant killing effort against Guangzhou, Wanderers slogged out a 0-0 draw in Seoul, minus Tomi Juric, Brendan Santalab, Shannon Cole and Matthew Spiranovic. They'll be without Spiranovic again in the semi, but importantly goalscorers Juric and Santalab are back. This should give Wests the edge.

In addition to that FC Seoul made their incredible run to the ACL Final last year with the aid of Dejan Damjanovic. But big Dejan is no longer in Korea, he is now plying his trade alongside his former FC Seoul teammate Ha, Dae-sung at Beijing Guoan.

So on the basis that FC Seoul are unlikely to spring new tactics in a foreign land, I see Wanderers coming away victors. The home team has the cutting edge of rookie Socceroo Tomi Juric, and at some stage his influence should prove the difference. Though midfielder FC Seoul's Molina proved hard to handle in his 45 minutes in the first leg, he is no Dejan Damjanovic, and the player has received limited game time all season. Wanderers are a happy, hard working and cohesive unit. FC Seoul are not.

KOREANS SOLELY FOCUSED ON ASIAN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

The Western Sydney Wanderers story continues tonight, live from Seoul. The rising Australian club with an Asian football pioneer (Tony Popovic) at the helm, is in a place that not even the most ardent and optimistic 'red and black bloccers' would have imagined. Popovic is quietly confident stating, "We may not have the experience they have . . . but we have a lot of belief that we can make the final." Their clash against FC Seoul tonight puts them up against an experienced continental performer, who though struggling domestically are favourite for the two legged fixture.

FC Seoul fans also wear red and black

Though comfortable in their role as underdog Wanderers would have preferred to be at full strength for the first leg. But in line with their 'blue collar' support base, they'll do it tough. Poignantly it's at the pointy end that the A-League club is deprived of regulars. Tomi Juric and Brendan Santalab are Western Sydney's strike weapons, and in their absence it's hard to see the Aussie club scoring in open play. Set pieces and defencive organisation will be pivotal if the Wanderers are to be successful. Former Mariners and current Jeonbuk (1st in K-League) defender Alex Wilkinson gives the Wanderers hope, noting that though the Koreans are solely focused on the ACL, "The Wanderers have nothing to be scared of." He added, "Asian teams in general tend to struggle against really well-organised teams."

FC Seoul have under achieved in this year's K-League, up until now. Currently sitting 5th they've gone seven matches without defeat in the league since early August. Further to that, FC Seoul are on their way toward becoming a regional powerhouse, with ACL quarter final appearances in 2009, 2011, and a final appearance against Guangzhou Evergrande in 2013. Despite losing striker Dejan Damjanovic (now at Beijing Guoan) from last year's squad, FC Seoul are once again figuring at the business end of the Asian Champions League. The team from the capital can brag the second stingiest defence in the K-League, and their quarter final win over Pohang Steelers is further evidence of their 'park the bus'-edness. The game was 0-0 after 180 minutes, finally decided when Pohang choked in the penalty shoot-out.

Over the two legs there should be few chances for both teams, and it's for that reason I see FC Seoul as eventual winners. The Koreans have a few more players with that individual brilliance that can break a stalemate. Expect to see imports Mauricio Molina and new signing Everton Santos have an influence on the result of this encounter, though they may not feature in the starting eleven. Molina's willingness to shoot is something that neutrals will no doubt enjoy, and Western Sydney will do well to silence the Columbian. Many fans will also be familiar with international Cha, Du-Ri who despite his 34 years is still featuring in K-League best elevens. Though I've tipped FC Seoul to advance it's certainly not a fixture I would invest any of my hard earned on. Good luck to both teams, but just quietly I'll be hoping for the underdog to prove the doubters wrong as they did in the quarter final.    

[WATCH THIS VIDEO TO SEE SOME OF MAURICIO MOLINA'S BEST GOALS]

WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS - ASIA'S NEWEST MARQUEE CLUB

Guangzhou's manager giving the Egyptian ref some lip.

Western Sydney Wanderers have shocked the continent. Wests downed current Asian champs Guangzhou Evergrande overnight, in a match that had all the hallmarks of a classic. There was cut and thrust on the field, pure passion in the stands, and temper tantrums on the sidelines, as Marcello Lippi lost his rag in the latter stages.

After dominating the first half with their classy midfield, boasting Elkeson and Diamanti, the Chinese outfit was steamrolled in the second half. Guangzhou finished the match with a dominant 56 percent possession statistic, but the visitors produced less shots on goal than the red and black. For all their class and lack of 'fiscal restraint', Guangzhou just couldn't break down the out of season Wanderers. Not even tattooed right back Zhang, Linpeng could get beyond the well marshalled and willing defence. 

In the 60th minute the Wanderers shocked everyone, (except those that live in another reality) when they went ahead. The goal came via an innocuous looking cross that appeared manageable for your average weekend warrior, but Tom Juric's faint deflection was enough to steer the ball beyond the keeper's grasp. It's possible the keeper's vision was obstructed by his teammate Kim, Young-Gwon, who was tracking Juric. 

From that point on the temperature just continued to rise. Finally it all boiled over when Zhang, Linpeng was fouled by Iacopo La Rocca. La Rocca had jostled with Zhang until the referee blew his whistle, but in a sign of the frustration the champions were feeling, Zhang lashed out (with his back to La Rocca) and hit his opponent flush on the face with a backhander. Without hesitation Egyptian ref Mohamed Hassan flashed his red card at the right-back, kicking off a kerfuffle that didn't want to end. 

Already down to ten, things got worse for Guangzhou two minutes later. Wanderers' new signing Vitor Saba milked a foul after substitute Liu retaliated to an errant elbow from the wiry midfielder. A fraction of a second later as Saba hit the deck, Gao, Lin arrived on the scene. The striker tried to pull up - caught by surprise at Saba's theatrics - and did well to merely graze the Brazilian as he propped on his left leg. But once again referee Hassan saw red.

Saba writhes in 'pain' while Gao Lin sees red.

And so it was that mayhem ensued. Within the blink of an eye, Guangzhou's esteemed Italian manager was invading the pitch to give little Hassan some lip. It may have been deserved but Lippi can expect to be banished to the stands for the second leg. Along with a manager in the stands, Guangzhou will be without their 'go-to' striker Gao, Lin and defender Zhang, Linpeng. 

Next week sees the return leg, and it's a promoters dream. Australia's team from the football heartland, taking on the continental heavyweights, in their backyard. Vitally Wanderers go to China not having conceded an away goal, and carrying a 1-0 lead. 

CAN GUANGZHOU BE THE BEST FOREVER AGAIN?

Guangzhou celebrate Asian Champions League glory 2013.

Guangzhou Evergrande have won the last three Chinese Super League titles, along with a Chinese FA Cup in 2012, and last year's Asian Champions League crown. In his first full season as manager Marcello Lippi steered the team to the league title by a mere 18 points. But with a number of regular starters leaving the club this season, and the capture of Dejan Damjanovic by Beijing Guoan, suddenly the tigers of the south have some competition.

Beijing Guoan now trail the champions by just four points and importantly the team from the capital have a game in hand. Since returning from the summer break Beijing have captured seven of a possible twelve points. Not exactly a competition winning statistic, but the points surrendered were away from home and early in the Damjanovic era. And while Beijing's 3-0 win over Shanghai last weekend was a little flattering the green team have only one competition to focus on, unlike Guangzhou Evergrande.

With new co owners Alibaba (50% stake), Guangzhou have no problems when it comes to player recruitment, however, player retention is a problem. In 2014 Asia's number one team has had to deal with the exit of Dario Conca (off season), and club record goal scorer Muriqui (summer break). To expect Guangzhou to be as good a team as they were last year when the aforementioned were at their peak, is asking a lot. Yes, the tigers have splashed out on Alessandro Diamanti, and added another Italian Alberto Gilardino, but for all their experience it's rare that players arrive and blend with their new teammates immediately. Former Dalian Aerbin defender Li, Xuepeng is one who hasn't blended seamlessly with his new teammates. His recent arrival has coincided with the club conceding five goals in their last two matches.

For Guangzhou Evergrande to continue their dominance they'll be expected to win the Chinese Super League and the Asian Champions League. Their next assignment in the ACL (20th August) is Western Sydney Wanderers. Along with the nine hour flight, Wanderers should prove to be a stubborn opponent. Domestically Guangzhou's opponents can benefit no matter what the outcome of the two legged ACL quarter final. If they win, Guangzhou will be caught up in continental travel and a busy playing schedule. If they lose, the bubble around the team/club may finally burst.

These are interesting times for Guangzhou and if they're to 'be the best forever' in 2014, as their slogan says, it will take some quick adapting from their most recent arrivals.

MARINERS ARRIVE IN JAPAN WITH BAG OF EXCUSES IN HAND

The little club that won't go away has arrived in Japan for Match Day 6 of their 2014 Asian Champions League tilt. As if on cue the Central Coast Mariners whinging and whining came wringing out of the post match press conference on Friday (18th April), after they downed the entertaining Adelaide United.

Moss consoles Hutchinson after ACL Match Day 5

Mariners manager Phil Moss teed off at FFA for scheduling their A-League semi-final on Saturday 26th April (rather than Sunday), giving the Gosford club a limited recovery period from their bout with Hiroshima tonight. "A 24-hour turnaround from flying in from an overnight flight to playing a grand final qualifier is not acceptable," the manager moaned. Moss looked to garner sympathy from the gathered media and the public as the broken record kicked into overdrive. Year after year of their annoying existence the Mariners have tried to play the 'little battler' card, and Moss has proven that like previous managers Lawrie McKinna and Graham Arnold he has a knack for building a siege mentality around his playing group.

For all the manager's bleating about the toughness of the draw, the situation could have been avoided if Central Coast had simply finished in the top two of the A-League. If they had, the Mariners would have been in the privileged position Western Sydney Wanderers found themselves in. Wanderers had a week off after the regular season, before going into their ACL clash with Guizhou Renhe fresh as daisies, and as expected routed the Chinese outfit 5-0.

As for the Mariners' hopes against Hiroshima I'd have to give them more than half a hope. After sitting in the stands for Hiroshima's visit to Niigata over the weekend and making a miracle turnaround to write this article within days, I saw nothing in the purple team's arsenal to scare Central Coast. Hiroshima played their usual 'cat and mouse' game hoping to catch Niigata on the break, but too often their transitions were broken down by the home team.

So tonight the moment of truth arrives for the Mariners in what will definitely be a cagey affair, with both teams likely to sit back and counter attack. Yes, there was no Hisato Sato and a home ground advantage for the Mariners last time the two met, but importantly tonight a draw will be enough for the Aussie club to advance to the Champions League Round of 16 provided FC Seoul draw or win at home against Beijing.

EMBARRASSING HIROSHIMA PROOF OF J-LEAGUE'S PROBLEMS

Last week's tawdry display from Sanfrecce Hiroshima in the ACL was proof of the problems the J-League has with maintaining its status as the premier soccer competition in Asia. Hiroshima were below, below par. They were tepid! And no, I'm not just saying that because I did my dough on the Purple Archers. Their performance highlights the waning standards of the J-League: as it is pilfered of it's best talent by European clubs, can't match China's ability to attract quality foreigners, and is detrimentally affected by the closeness of it's own competition.

Hiroshima have long been a bugbear of mine. Back to back champions of the J-League, they've gotten much mileage out of playing a rather drab brand of soccer. I'm not the only one who believes this, as Chris Collins of World Football Weekly recently twat of Hiroshima, "Not sure what cattenaccio is in Japanese but they've mastered it." (March 1st). After the nine hour flight to Australia we heard stories of jetlag, but Hiroshima managed to go ahead in the 21st minute - dominating possession. However, when Central Coast Mariners fought back and took the lead, Hiroshima were lost. Unable to employ their usual 'sit and hit' tactics, Moriyasu's men had to chase the game, but found the out of form Mariners too tough to break down. Yes, Hisato Sato and 34 year old midfielder Mihael Mikic were absent, but the Mariners have a line-up that has been mined of talent, and Hiroshima should have been able to get the job done if the J-League is what it's cracked up to be.

What's stifling the J-League can't be narrowed down to one issue, but one pertinent problem is the closeness of it's own competition. J-League champions of the last five years have lost 8 matches or more out of 34 league matches. That means, virtually every fourth match, the number one team in the J-League will lose. Comparing that with leagues around the world certainly paints a poor picture of the quality of Japanese champions. Go to England's Premier League and the percentage there for the last two seasons is 1 in every 7.6 matches, in Germany it has been 1 in every 34 matches (2012/13) and 1 in every 11.3 matches in 2011/12, while in Spain it's every 19th match. In China, the losing percentage definitely indicates a true champion also, 2013 it was 1 in every 30 matches while in 2012 it was 1 in every 5. People will always debate that 'one sided leagues' or two sided leagues such as Spain's are unappealing, and I'd rather the J-League doesn't get to that extreme, but in recent years the competition's champions have merely been default, or clayton's champions.

Along with default champions Japanese players are now shining brightly on European radars. In recent times the J-League has simply been pilfered of promising talent to the point that Japanese authorities are considering putting promising young footballers on the endangered species list. Yes, the nostalgic value of playing in Europe pervades the thoughts of young football professionals and will for a long time into the future, but the recent trend has even seen the mid 20s reliable professional disappearing also. European clubs are rubbing their hands and damaging the league by selling the dream to the many technically skilled Japanese. Mu Kanazaki is a classic example. The former Nagoya Grampus wing-man was hardly the J-League's super star but he bought into the European dream and his club has lost a great professional. Replacing this kind of contributor is not easy.

And now China is rising. Foreign influence in Chinese soccer is at an all time high, and with names like Marcello Lippi and Sven Goran Eriksson in managerial roles, Chinese youngsters should only stand to benefit. What's more there is no shortage of money being splashed around in China. In fact Japanese players are probably the only nationality in Asia not flocking to the country for the riches on offer. This year we saw Evergrande purchase, Alessandro Diamanti, Jiangsu Sainty poached Dejan Damjanovic from FC Seoul, and Vagner Love moved from CSKA Moscow to Shandong Luneng. Shandong Luneng are currently topping their group in the ACL, and this is just another sign that the balance of power on the continent is shifting.

Tonight Kawasaki Frontale face Western Sydney Wanderers in Parramatta. The match comes after Yokohama F.Marinos were defeated by Melbourne Victory last night partly due to Shunsuke Nakamura not boarding the flight to Australia. For Kawasaki Frontale's sake I hope his namesake Kengo makes the trip as the J-League is on notice.

MELBOURNE VICTORY INTO ASIAN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

On Saturday night Melbourne Victory became the third Australian club into the Asian Champions League Group Stage. The Victorian club had to fight tooth and nail with Thai's Muangthong United in a play-off match ending 2-1 in front of a disappointing 8,304 fans.

Mark Milligan - standout performer despite a penalty miss

Melbourne Victory started the match a raging hot favourite; for reasons unbeknown to this writer. From the early moments though, Melbourne justified the bookies' quote, with a wealth of possession, and an opponent that was hell bent on sitting back. However, the first goal came from Muangthong United. Despite a couple of counter attacking opportunities early, Muangthong's opening goal in the 22nd minute was undeniably against the run of play. Mario Djurovski's corner was untouched as it floated beyond defender Galloway's frozen figure at the near post.

Melbourne's dominance continued unabated though. On the brink of halftime striker Archie Thompson was pushed to the ground in the box and captain Mark Milligan stepped up for the penalty. The Melbourne captain made a mess of it, slamming the ball into the upright. Melbourne returned in the second half with the same level of dominance as in the opening half. Muangthong continued to sit deep and this was a recipe for disaster not only for the Thais, but also my precious $5 wager on a tied result (after 90 mins). Eventually Melbourne got their reward though. Fullback Scott Galloway made up for his role in the goal conceded by providing the cross that James Troisi finished with aplomb. Nobody picked up the striker, and though replays showed the Socceroo hopeful was marginally offside, the 8000 odd in attendance were largely unconcerned. Melbourne's clincher came in the 83rd minute, as Muangthong failed to clear a corner sufficiently. Midfielder Leigh Broxham popped up with a drive from distance - the Muangthong goalkeeper was wrong footed by a deflection - and the match was all but over.

Running out 2-1 victors Melbourne's prize is a ticket to the Asian Champions League's group of death. They have the privilege of squaring off against current continental champions Guangzhou Evergrande, perennial knockout stage contestants Jeonbuk Motors, and Shunsuke Nakamura's Yokohama F Marinos. It's hoped the Melbourne population can finally show some appreciation for the burgeoning competition, as previous years have been witness to abysmal attendances.