A League Preview

A League Launch 2012/2013

A LEAGUE 2012/2013 PREVIEW

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

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

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

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

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

Heskey joins Bridges at Newcastle

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

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

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

Mitch Nichols & Thomas Broich celebrate 

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

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

Travis Dodd of Perth Glory

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

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

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

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

Hiroshima Edge Closer to J League Title

Hisato Sato celebrates his goal against Sagan Tosu

HIROSHIMA ROUT NEWCOMERS AND CHARGE CLEAR

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

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

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

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

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

Check the video for the drama:

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

Hiroshima Lead the J League

J LEAGUE LADDER STILL CONGESTED

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

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

Makino is warmly congratulated by teammate Haraguchi

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

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

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

Japan v Iraq Match Report

Okazaki and Maeda for Japan v Iraq

JAPAN 1-0 IRAQ - 2014 WORLD CUP QUALIFIER

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

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

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

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

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

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

Maya Yoshida in action against Iraq

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

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

Asian World Cup Qualifiers

JAPAN TO SEAL WORLD CUP QUALIFICATION?

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

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

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

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

Watch and listen to Socceroos players on video below.

Sendai Hit Heights While Gamba & Niigata Stutter

Yuki Abe captain of Urawa Reds

REDS HIT HURDLE IN DERBY MATCH

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

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

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

Ryang Yong Gi - Sendai

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

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

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

Abe and Reds Within Striking Distance

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

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

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

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

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

Ryoichi Maeda in action for Jubilo Iwata - J League 2012

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

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