JAPAN'S TWO STAGE SYSTEM DISCUSSED

This year the J-League has reverted to a two stage format to decide who is Japanese soccer's champion club side. A similar two stage system had been in place during the 90s and early 2000s, but the new system incorporates a convoluted mathematical process which determines if just 3 teams or a possible 5 teams contests the finals.  

Cutting through the many permutations, this year it appears there will be just three teams in the finals. Making up those teams will be Urawa (1st Stage winners), Hiroshima (likely 2nd Stage winners) and Gamba Osaka the likely 3rd placegetters in the regular season. Here, the term regular season applies to the full 34 matches rather than the 17 matches that constitutes a stage.

While many argue that an end of season finals series is an unfair way to decide a champion, East Asian Soccer disagrees. Most who are opponents of finals systems are caught up in nostalgic reminiscence of 'what football is meant to be.'

They argue that it's unfair on the team that slogged away all season and won the most matches. However, they're forgetting that all teams and players involved in competitions with end of season finals are aware at the beginning of the season, that the champion is not decided in a 'first past the post' manner. Unfair, maybe if you didn't read the rules. 

In 2015 the 1st Stage winner was Urawa Reds. We're now just two matches from the end of the 2nd Stage, and Hiroshima has a handy three point lead, buttressed by a superior goal difference over closest opponent Kashima. 

2015 J-League 2nd Stage Ladder with two matches to play.

Even if the unthinkable happened and Hiroshima failed to take three points from their last two matches (and Kashima won both or took four points), the 'purple archers' would still be involved in the finals series as the confusing system allows for 2nd and 3rd from the entire/regular season to participate in the finals also.

Looking at the regular season ladder, Sanfrecce Hiroshima are guaranteed a place in the finals, Kashima are not. The only route to the finals for Kashima is via a 2nd Stage winner ticket. The Antlers will need to take four points more than Hiroshima over the last two matches. 

2015 J-League Regular Season Ladder after 32 rounds.

2014 treble winners Gamba Osaka are far from assured a place in the finals either. Their only route to the finals is via a 3rd place finish on the regular season ladder. 

The Kansai club will have their work cut out for them, facing Hiroshima and Yamagata, while the chasing FC Tokyo meets Kashiwa and Sagan Tosu. 

Gamba will also be battling demons after recent losses in both the league cup and Asian Champions League against Kashima and Guangzhou Evergrande respectively. FC Tokyo could well collect all six points as opponents Kashiwa are resigned to a mid-table finish and Sagan Tosu are safe from relegation with nothing else to play for. 

All Round 33 fixtures kick off at 2pm Japan time. 

LEWDUB RETWEETS VOLUME 3

This week we go to the video. In a LewDub Retweets first, we feature all the important tweets and comments in East Asian Soccer over the last seven days, on video!

Look out for @SeongnamFC2014's controversial comments about Japanese Soccer teams including: Urawa Reds, Kashima Antlers and Gamba Osaka. Check the video to hear his gripe.

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@seankyaroru (the account of Sean Carroll) was at Kashima Stadium for the Antlers vs FC Seoul Asian Champions League clash. In previous ACL home matches Kashima couldn't manage 8000 fans onsite. The home team needed a win to secure qualification for the knockout stage of the competition. On the video you'll find out how many Antlers fans rocked up.

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@JSoccerMagazine spoke about the same match on Tuesday night. His summary took a more holistic stance, focusing on what the result meant for some of the other teams in Group H. Watch the video to hear a dodgy English accent, and find out who won through to the ACL Knockout Stage.

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@Franjic5 (the account of Ivan Franjic) sent his best wishes to his old teammates at Brisbane Roar. Last week they met Adelaide United in the A-League Elimination Final. Did Ivan's mates win? The video knows.

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@cantonfcnews reviewed the action from Shanghai last Friday night when Timmy Cahill's Shanghai Shenhua took on Guangzhou Evergrande. See, hear and read what happened - on the video.

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!

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.

GAMBA OSAKA SET TO WALK AWAY WITH STUNNING TREBLE

Patric lighting it up for Gamba Osaka.

They've won the Yamazaki Nabisco Cup, they now lead the J-League, and they're set to face second tier Montedio Yamagata in the Emperor's Cup Final. Though nothing is guaranteed in Japanese soccer, Gamba Osaka's treble is as good a certainty that 'the land of the rising sun can offer'.

Gamba Osaka's story is a tale of two seasons. Prior to the mid season break the blue half of Osaka were mired in the relegation zone, 14 points off competition leaders Urawa. During the World Cup though, 27 year old Brazilian Patric was signed. Along with the return to fitness of Takashi Usami whose first starting appearance was in round 12, the Brazilian led Gamba on an unimaginable run of form, that will ultimately lead to J-League glory.

Patric has picked up nine goals in his 18 J-League matches. The Brazilian taking no time to adapt, partly due to his previous experience in Japan in 2013. Unlike the svelte figure of most, this Brazilian has a physical presence (think Hulk). At 189cm Patric has been the perfect foil for the likes of Usami and Shu Kurata.

Though nothing should be taken away from Gamba Osaka, last Saturday will also be remembered as the final act in one of the J-League's great capitulations.

Urawa led the J-League from round 19; around the time title challengers Sagan Tosu inexcusably sacked their manager. Ironically it was the Kyushu club that broke Reds hearts last weekend, with a last gasp equaliser to allow Gamba Osaka to go top of the league on for and against.

Urawa had gone ahead early in the second half on the back of a penalty. As a result Sagan Tosu were down to ten men, and things were looking rosy for the Reds. But in a nightmarish finale, Japan's biggest club conceded a corner, and then, virtually conceded the title.

The twitter-sphere almost broke down in the aftermath. J-League fans the world over looked to commiserate, or with words annihilate. The highlight for me being Barry Valder's work.

Mind the profanities. 

Now, in what seems a foregone conclusion, Gamba Osaka is tasked with taking three points on the road at relegation consigned Tokushima.

Meanwhile, the Reds have to beat Nagoya while carrying the psychological baggage of seven days ago. It just won't happen.

But as per usual in the J-League there is a joker in the pack. For the title race is a 'three horse' race, with Kashima Antlers poised just two points from the summit and ready to pounce on any slip ups from the aforementioned.

J-LEAGUE TITLE URAWA'S TO LOSE

Nasu & Moriwaki celebrate as Makino looks on enviously.

With nine rounds of the J-League season remaining the title is Urawa's to lose. The Reds have a six point buffer and a cosy run over the next four rounds, which should see them open up an unassailable lead by round 29. 

Over the next four rounds Urawa travel to the abominable Cerezo, before hosting Tokushima (last place), then heading to Sendai (14th) and once again returning home for Kofu (13th). If Urawa are worthy of the title they'll take the full 12 points from these fixtures. This year the Reds have shored up their defence and now brag the stingiest back-line in the J-League, with just 20 goals conceded from 25 matches. A far cry from 2013 when they leaked 56 goals over the 34 rounds.

Meanwhile, nearest rivals Kawasaki Frontale have some tough fixtures soon, with in form Gamba Osaka in the 28th round and stuttering Sagan Tosu in the 29th round. Even with striker Yoshito Okubo in fine form it's hard to see Frontale remaining within six points (as they currently are) over the next four rounds. Kawasaki also have a difficult away trip to Niigata to deal with in the 27th round, though Niigata is currently boasting 1 win from their last 6 outings.

It's certainly mathematically possible for any of the J-League's top five teams to walk off with the title, but if Urawa extend their lead over the next four rounds, we can surely cast off Sagan Tosu who've won just two from seven since sacking their Korean manager. In fact you can cast them off now, and forget about the Champions League if you're a Tosu fan.

Meanwhile, it will take just three more rounds to determine if Gamba Osaka is officially out of the title race. This week they face Sagan Tosu, then head to Kashima (3rd) before hosting Kawasaki (2nd). It's do or die time for Gamba, and they'll need to take a minimum of 7 points from the above fixtures before eying off Urawa four matches later in round 32. For Gamba to win they'll also need Urawa to 'crash and burn' in spectacular fashion.

NOTE: Predicted tallies provided up to round 29. You do the rest. Sagan Tosu not calculated as they have no chance.

Though my prediction is that the Reds will go on to win the league, there have been plenty of examples of J-league leaders falling in the shadows of the post. Just last year it was Yokohama F Marinos who unforgivably surrendered a 5 point lead with 2 matches to play, while the Reds themselves blew it in 2007 after holding an 8 point lead with 4 rounds to play. And it was way back in July on the J-Talk Podcast that J-League pundit Alan Gibson began his 'fantastical forecasting' that Gamba Osaka could still win the title. Gamba are now 9 wins from 11 since the mid season break in June/July.

The only thing that doesn't surprise in the J-League is the tightness of the competition.

J LEAGUE TITLE IN YOKOHAMA'S GRASP

With two rounds remaining in the J-League Yokohama F Marinos are now four points clear of nearest rivals Urawa Reds. On a day when the chasing pack imploded, Yokohama toughed out a win in Shizuoka prefecture, against relegated Jubilo Iwata. It wasn't pretty but the Tri-Colours showed some champion qualities by winning while not playing 'champagne football'.

The stats tell of Yokohama's dominance but the action wasn't something that JFA will be airing in its promos for the J-League. Yokohama ended the match with 13 shots over Jubilo's 2, and a dominant 13 corners to Jubilo's 4. It was from a second half corner that the winning goal was scored. Nakamura, slightly off colour in his overall performance, sent in a corner which evaded any contact from defender or attacker as bounced inside the box. The loose ball drew an attempted smother by the Jubilo keeper and like the soccer gods had whispered something in his ear, Yuji 'Bomber' Nakazawa arrived on the scene at speed belying his age. He cleaned up the keepers scraps and made it 1-nil to Yokohama in the 69th minute. The remainder of the match saw Jubilo throw more men forward in pursuit of an equaliser, (which would not save them from relegation anyway - their fate is sealed) but it was offset by the occasional counter from Yokohama, primarily down the left through youngster Manabu Saito. F-Marinos would run out 1-nil winners with a late goal line clearance to regale about in the dressing room.

Meanwhile, Urawa Reds and Sanfrecce Hiroshima slipped up at a vital stage of the J-League. The Reds failed at home to the 'in form' Kawasaki Frontale (5 from last 6 J-League matches) while Hiroshima couldn't get past Cerezo Osaka. Brazilian Fabio Simplicio was the sole goal scorer at Kincho Stadium in Osaka, and he's put the pink half of Osaka in with a real shout of an ACL position. The Reds were unable to halt the march of Kawasaki who are also eying a place in the ACL. Kawasaki hit the front early via their Brazilian (it's a mandatory requirement) Jeci in the 12th minute. The Kanagawa side would retain that lead until Reds defender Makino thrust himself into the spotlight. Makino levelled the scores in the 57th minute, only to turn from hero to zero in two minutes. The defender was responsible for an own goal which restored Kawasaki's lead. In the dying stages Urawa had a number of corners and that man again, Makino would be involved. The defender was taken by surprise when a ball was deflected into in his path at chest height, inside the six yard box. He seemed frozen - cemented to the ground. The ball bounced off his chest aimlessly, soon after Kawasaki were off on a counter and it was the reliable Yoshito Okubo who drove the nail into Urawa's J-League coffins.

So with two rounds to go in the J-League, it's down to four teams. Cerezo Osaka will require Yokohama to lose both their matches, and hope for Hiroshima to slip up against Kashima, while they can beat Urawa on the last day to go ahead of them. Forget about Kashima. Although they face two teams above them, their goal difference is inferior by 12 to Yokohama's and though I love an equation, I can't see Yokohama going backward by six goals and Kashima forward by six. Of the chasing pack the best placed is Hiroshima. They have a 'gimme' of a match against relegated Shonan and a final round fixture against Kashima. In Hiroshima's favour is their goal difference of +19 just two inferior to Yokohama. Those two goals would be made up by virtue of their winning and Yokohama's losing over the last two rounds. It's all speculation at this stage, but no one would argue that Yokohama currently sit in the most enviable position. Their fate is own their own hands.   

F MARINOS TOP THE J LEAGUE

On Saturday afternoon Yokohama F Marinos regained the lead of the J League after downing Sanfrecce Hiroshima. The weekend was a top of the table showdown with one playing two, and three playing four. All four teams still remain in contention for the J League title, but it was F Marinos and Urawa Reds who took full advantage.

At Nissan Stadium, Yokohama and Hiroshima played a mostly dour first half with few opportunities. For Hiroshima Yojiro Takahagi proved the most threatening with two shots on goal denied by Yokohama keeper Enamoto. Yokohama's best chance of the half came and went when Shunsuke Nakamura made the mystifying decision to pass to his right rather than left where marksman Marquinhos lay in wait, bearing down on goal.

But the two teams would be separated by a piece of individual brilliance provided by youngster Manabu Saito. The left sided midfielder snaked his way past a number of defenders, to find himself in the box within shooting range. Saito let fly with an unstoppable shot into the left side of goal. It sent the 39,000 plus Yokohama fans into raptures, and it was enough for the Tri Colours to regain the lead of the J League. After the match Saito was quoted by the Japan Times saying, "Since we played Urawa Reds in the league (Aug 28) I haven't been able to play as well as I would have liked . . ." The 22 year old has enjoyed a stunning season and it wouldn't be surprising if he was the next J League star to be stolen away by the European leagues.

In the other big match of the round Urawa travelled to Kashima and took all three points. The Reds appearing in their repugnant green-blue kit went ahead after 20 minutes, when defender Daisuke Nasu headed home a corner. The second goal came via a long range strike by star Genki Haraguchi. Admittedly Haraguchi was the recipient of some woeful goalkeeping. Yuya Osako gave the home team and their 30,000 plus fans some hope in the 87th minute, after sloppy defending allowed him a shot on goal which he duly gave some violence. The match ended 2-1 and now the J League heads into its last five matches with six points separating the top five teams.

Cerezo Osaka have now joined the race for the title albeit as outsiders. They sit six points from Yokohama, but in their favour Cerezo will play three of the teams they're chasing in Hiroshima, Kashima, and Urawa. Next week: Hiroshima host Vegalta Sendai, Kashima host Kawasaki Frontale, Urawa are at home to Kashiwa Reysol, while Yokohama travel to relegated Oita, and Cerezo Osaka also travel to the island of Kyushu to face Sagan Tosu.

J LEAGUE TITLE FIGHT ANOTHER HUM-DINGER

It's a promoter's dream. Title defending Sanfrecce Hiroshima top the table on account of their superior goal difference. Within striking distance are three J League teams of undoubted marquee-edness (it's a new word). Yokohama F Marinos are level on points but trailing by one goal, Urawa Reds are within two points of leaders Hiroshima, and three points from the summit are all time champions Kashima Antlers. 

On September 13th, 2013 I made one of my boldest and dumbest J League predictions yet. Anticipating Yokohama's experienced campaigners Marquinhos and Nakamura would steer the team toward title security, I twat (that's past tense for tweet), "Looking at draw, FMarinos should get 12 points from next four matches." Yokohama managed six points from the available twelve. The first two games saw F Marinos take four points at home against Cerezo Osaka and Shimizu S Pulse. But the nervous shakes become full blown yips when they slipped at Ventforet Kofu on the weekend. Yokohama snared a point at Sendai and that was acceptable, but the debacle at Kofu could cost them the title.

The game ended in a 0-0 stalemate with Yokohama banging on the door over the last fifteen minutes, only for usually cool heads to blunder in front of goal. Shunsuke Nakamura was kept out of the game by a clogged midfield, reinforced by Kofu's five strong back-line. It was left to 23 year old Manabu Saito to inspire the team late in the game. The midfielder pounced on a poor pass and provided a 'room service' cross for striker Fujita. He missed! Soon Saito lobbed a ball from his native left side, which was half shot, and half cross. Brazilian Marquinhos flew threw the air like a flightless bird. He just couldn't meet the ball. It was inside the last ten minutes and Yokohama had begun to dominate proceedings, but for the occasional counter from Kofu. Finally in injury time a breakaway saw Saito feed the ball to Fujita who found himself one on one with the goalkeeper. His shot was smothered but the ball deflected into the path of Saito. The midfielder volleyed the bouncing ball downward but couldn't beat the relegation threatened Kofu keeper.

Meanwhile, Hiroshima have been 'making hay' with three wins from their last three outings. Although their opponents aren't the J League's most feared teams, neither were those that Yokohama faced. Hiroshima dispatched the usually stubborn Niigata 2-nil, they travelled to Kyushu and took care of Sagan Tosu 2-nil, and rounded things off with a flattering 3-1 win at home against Shimizu. Hiroshima showed champion qualities in their most recent outing. They went behind 1-nil after 71 minutes but fought back to win and regain the J League's top spot. Their next J League outing sees them face top of the table rivals Yokohama F Marinos on Saturday, 19th October.

In another fixture list convenience 3rd placed Urawa Reds travel to Kashima to take on 4th placed Antlers. Kashima Antlers are the J League's most successful club, having won seven titles since the league formed in 1993. At their most recent outing Kashima swept nearby Tokyo aside 4-1. The rout began in the 7th minute with a long range shot from Yasushi Endo, next it was Davi off the outside of his left foot in the 9th minute. 34 year old defender Ogasawara got on the score sheet with a hammering drive as the Tokyo defence continued to retreat. Rounding it off was hot prospect Yuya Osako with his goal in the 81st minute.

The Antlers have history and momentum on their side, with six wins from their last eight matches. Also on their side is the stuttering form of the three front-runners. This prompted soccer writer Chris Coll to say of the J League, "Seems like the league no one wants to win sometimes." We agree, but maybe over the last two months we've seen someone stand up and say they want to win. There are six games remaining and amongst them Kashima face both Urawa and Hiroshima. On December 7th, Kashima host Hiroshima on the last day of the season. Could this be the title decider?

URAWA MAKE GROUND ON J LEAGUE LEADERS

J League big guns Urawa Reds faced up to Afshin Ghotbi's Shimizu S Pulse over the weekend and returned to their Saitama home with three points. This was a feat which proved too difficult for the two teams above the Reds. Yokohama F Marinos slipped up at Kashima, while Hiroshima managed a draw at Oita.

Yousuke Kashiwagi put the Reds in front with a skillful goal in the 7th minute. The midfielder found himself in the box when a lobbed pass was sent in. Kashiwagi raced free of the back four, before chesting the ball down and sending it packing. In the 28th minute Shinzo Koroki put the visitors further in front with a typical counter attacking goal. Urawa ran out 2-nil winners and now sit just one point off leaders Hiroshima and Yokohama.

Yokohama came unstuck at Kashima after leading 1-nil at half time. F Marinos went ahead when Marquinhos got on the end of Shunsuke Nakamura's through ball in the 19th minute. It seemed like F Marinos were heading for another three points as young midfielder Manabu Saito began to influence matters. Nevertheless, Kashima stole away with the three points after Yuya Osako turned veteran defender Nakazawa inside out on two occasions. Osako who scored two times in the East Asian Cup has put Kashima in fourth place, just six points from the summit.

Meanwhile leaders Sanfrecce Hiroshima battled to a draw against strugglers Oita Trinita. Lucas Neill's J League career got off to a disappointing start after playing just 13 minutes of Omiya Ardija's loss to Kashiwa Reysol. The 'sun kings' from Kashiwa are still alive in the ACL, but the juggling act of J League and continental soccer, has affected their consistency. However, nothing could spare Omiya as Kashiwa made the most of some woeful keeping for the first goal, and doubly woeful defending for the second. Kashiwa ran out 3-2 victors after Omiya fought back to level the scores, before succumbing to some more sloppy goalkeeping.

The J League continues on Wednesday 28th August with a blockbuster clash at Yokohama, where they host Urawa. Hiroshima travel to battling Ventforet Kofu, Omiya are in nearby Kawasaki, while Kashima get a chance to climb closer to the top when they commute to Shimuzu.

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.

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.

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?