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?

KASHIWA WRESTLE WITH GUANGZHOU IN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

It's a promoters dream but can Kashiwa Reysol expect to compete with Guangzhou Evergrande? Over the two legs of the Champions League semi final I think not. 

Kashiwa will host Guangzhou on Wenedsay night, September 25th. The two teams met twice in 2012 during the group stage, and the result then could well be repeated this year. While in Japan Kashiwa managed a 0-0 draw, but at Tianhe Stadium Guangzhou scored a comfortable 3-1 victory. It may be stating the obvious but Kashiwa need to pull out all stocks in order to prevent away goals while at Hitachi Stadium. The 'sun kings' won't want to be travelling to China next week needing away goals in front of a likely packed house.

Working in Kashiwa's favour is their recruitment of Cleo from Guangzhou Evergrande. The forward was recently quoted by the South China Morning Post saying, "I think their strength lies in their attacking player." He put a big emphasis on the contributions of Muriqui and Elkeson, and said of his own position that he wasn't focused on revenge. Also in Kashiwa's favour, fortunately or unfortunately is the fact that their J League hopes are dashed so the Champions League is no doubt the central focus. What is questionable though is Kashiwa's topsy turvy inconsistent form this year. East Asian Soccer noted recently that Kashiwa had lost a number of matches that they were expected to win, and over a two legged semi final this is sure to 'rear its ugly head' again.  

Meanwhile, Guangzhou have all the momentum with a 6-1 aggregate win over Qatar's Lekhwiya. Apart from personal favourite Muriqui, the Japanese should watch out for fullback Linpeng Zhang. The tattooed defender will be up and down the sideline all night ensuring the Kashiwa midfield doesn't get too comfortable. Manager Marcello Lippi spoke to the AFC website recently and gave a backhanded complement saying, "I have studied lots of DVDs and looked at how Kashiwa play and they have a good balance to their side and they are very stable." He added, "They have a strong away record but I am not sure why, maybe this is due to luck."

With captain Hidekazu Otani out due to suspension, and a lack of consistency being the only constant for Kashiwa it's only stage fright that can stop Guangzhou Evergrande from qualifying for the Asian Champions League Final. The two legged final will see them meet either FC Seoul or Esteghlal.  

GUANGZHOU POISED FOR CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SEMIS

Chinese mega-club Guangzhou Evergrande are poised to win their two legged Asian Champions League quarter final and advance to the semi finals. The Tigers are 2-nil up against Saudi club Lekhwiya and travel with confidence after another successful season. They currently hold a 14 point lead with just six matches remaining in the Chinese Super League, meaning a third straight domestic league championship is likely.

An aggregate win for Guangzhou with its wealth of funds and stars to boot will set up a possible China-Japan showdown. However, Japanese club Kashiwa Reysol is no sure thing to advance from their quarter final as they're currently locked at 1-1 with Al Shabab of Saudi Arabia. Of much concern for Reysol and taciturn manager Nelsinho (quit the club a fortnight ago, only to re-commit) is the Chiba club's inconsistency. Another factor against the Japanese is the second leg will be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

In the other quarter finals Buriram of Thailand are battling to reverse a 1-nil deficit to Esteghlal. The Thais are another ACL team experiencing success on the domestic scene, with a five point buffer to their nearest rivals Muang Thong United just eight matches from the finish line. Buriram are a an incredible underdog story in this year's competition as they only made their way into the ACL via a play-off with Australian club Brisbane Roar. The Thai club will be playing under new manager Alejandro Menendez whose first game in control was a 2-nil defeat of domestic rivals BEC Tero Sasano. The manager and players are confident of overcoming their Iranian counterparts. "The team is in a good position and I have not changed a lot. There are a lot of good things in place and I will only think about changes in the future."

Meanwhile, in the other quarter final, FC Seoul host Saudi Arabia's Al Ahli. The first leg ended in a 1-1 draw with both sides confident of progressing to the Asian Champions League semi finals. Unfortunately for Al Ahli they will be without their South Korean attacker, Suk Hyun Jun who has more then four years experience in Europe. Manager Vitor Pereira had these words to say before the match, "We have a lot of respect for FC Seoul but we have confidence in our abilities and we feel we will be the team going to the semi finals."

All matches kick of Wednesday evening, 18th September, 2013.

JAPAN COAST PAST GUATEMALA - SOCCEROOS FACE BRAZIL

Japan's best: Endo, Honda, Hasebe and Nagatomo

On Friday night (06th September), Japan put the cleaners through Guatemala after the visitors put on a gritty first half. Returning from the half time break with Keisuke Honda (CSKA Moscow) and Yoichiro Kakitani (Cerezo Osaka) coming off the bench, suddenly Japan took control.

Youngster Yuya Osaka started up front for the Japanese but had very few opportunities in a first half dominated by the 'big white bus' parked in front of the Guatemala goalkeeper. The half time changes of Kakitani for Osako (Kashima Antlers) and Honda for Kiyotake (FC Nurnberg) triggered the turn around though.

Keisuke Honda added some urgency and initiative in the attacking third. The CSKA Moscow star headed home a Nagatomo cross from the left. In the 69th minute in form striker Masato Kudo of Kashiwa Reysol made it 2-nil. The goal came about through a short corner which was centred to captain Hasebe. The midfielder's through-ball for Kagawa was sublime, and in turn, the Manchester United striker made it harder for Kudo to miss the goal than score. Yasuhito Endo scored the last of the goals with a deflected free kick. Despite playing in J2 with his beloved Gamba Osaka this season, it appears Endo's class hasn't been affected.

Japan next face Ghana on Tuesday, 10th September, 2013.

SOCCEROOS SMASHED FOR SIX BY BRAZIL

Australia's national soccer team 'the Socceroos', have been given a lesson. Brazil have smashed the Socceroos 6-nil in a cakewalk that exposed the glaring gulf in class between the two teams.

The scoring got underway in the 8th minute with Jo getting the first of his double. It was a simple case of loose marking being punished brutally. Right back Ryan McGowan will be haunted by the image of Neymar for the rest of his career, after the Barcelona ace tormented the youngster for the entirety of the match. The first goal started with Neymar propping and lobbing the ball across the face of goal for Aussie left back Matt McKay to be outstretched by his opponent. But the strike would hit the upright and bounced into the path of big tall Jo. In that one goal every Australian defender was exposed. Surely centre-backs Ognenovski or Neill should have been first to that deflection. Brazil's second goal was courtesy of a brilliant volleyed finish by Jo. It was symbolic of a theme that would pervade throughout the match. Too fast, too big and too strong.

Neymar's goal in the 36th minute magnified Australia's problems with lack of speed in the centre back position. Neymar appeared super human as he strode past Neill and Ognenovski en-route to collect a through ball. His only task was to beat Chelsea reserve keeper Mark Schwarzer. A half time score line of 3-nil signalled the match was over as a contest, and all that was left was for Osieck to blood some youngsters. The fresh players didn't halt Brazil's domination though, as it ended 6-nil.

As is 'the norm', rumours are now circulating that Holger Osieck's time as Australian manager is nearing an end. Prior to the match on September 7th (Brazil time), Osieck spoke about his squad, "Some players that only have few caps have an opportunity, and we have some youngsters, Mitch Duke for instance, I want to see him and how he deals with the situation here . . ." Osieck followed through but it was surprising that Duke was afforded just 12 minutes despite the result being a formality by half-time. In addition to this youngster Tom Rogic only received 20 minutes as substitute for a severely out of touch Brett Holman. The result has caused a massive response in Australia with influential journalists and ex-Socceroos taking different approaches in the aftermath.

One thing we can all agree with is that this crop of youngsters just does not measure up to the standard that was set in Germany 2006.


Robbie Slater vents at senior players
Tom Smithies advocates managerial change

NELSINHO SAYS HELLO AGAIN TO KASHIWA

The J League has gone into a brief recess while international soccer captures our focus, but the big news in the J League is the sudden resignation and subsequent backflip of Nelsinho, the manager of Kashiwa Reysol.

The Brazilian has overseen the most successful period in the little club's history, with the club currently enjoying their second foray into Asian Champions League territory. In 2011 Kashiwa made history when they won the J League title in their return season, fresh from winning the J2 and the Emperors Cup (2010). Prior to his backflip, the manager was quoted in the Japan Times saying, "This team should be challenging at the top of the table. It's unacceptable to be in 9th or 10th place. Resigning is not something I have just decided today." Last Saturday's loss to Kashima Antlers, seemed to have been the last straw for Nelsinho. In returning to the hot seat Nelsinho now has the opportunity to take the club further into the ACL which resumes on Wednesday 18th September with their return leg in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Reysol and Al Shabab are poised at 1-1 after the first leg in Kashiwa.

Understandably, Nelsinho is a frustrated man, but were his actions just clever psychology? Able to beat the best on their day, but just as capable of 'stealing defeat from the jaws of victory', when facing lower ranked sides, the 'sun kings' haven't been shining regularly enough. Below are some of this seasons major slip ups.

• Exhibit one: July 6th, 2-3 loss at Niigata. 
• Exhibit two: May 18th, 1-3 loss at home to Cerezo Osaka.
• Exhibit three April 13th, 1-3 loss at Ventforet Kofu.

Kashiwa's current tally of 36 points sees them out of the J League title race (11 points adrift of leaders), but they're alive and kicking on all other fronts. They're now into the semi-finals of the Yamazaki Nabisco Cup, final 32 of the Emperor's Cup and of course still challenging for the Asian Champions League. Will Nelsinho's return arouse the Kashiwa Reysol squad?

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.

F MARINOS ON HUNT FOR HIROSHIMA

Yokohama F Marinos have knocked off J League strugglers Sagan Tosu overnight, to further reinforce their credentials for the J League title. While the pink shirted Tosu side are in a relegation battle, Yokohama didn't have it all their way.
The evergreen Shunsuke Nakamura put the Tri-colours in front in the 23rd minute, but Tosu didn't go away. With plenty to play for Sagan Tosu were able to jag a goal in the 56th minute. A draw would be as good as a win for Tosu as they are only one point above the relegation positions, currently filled by Shonan Bellmare, Jubilo Iwata, and Oita Trinita. But not to be outdone by his fellow elder statesman, F Marinos striker Marquinhos provided an acrobatic winner to take his team just one point from the summit. Be sure to catch that goal on youtube.

Shunsuke Nakamura

All the more pleasing for F Marinos is the fact they did this without 23 year old Manabu Saito. Most would agree the youngster's days in the J League are numbered, and the marquee leagues of Europe beckon. Along with Saito's stunning season and cache of fab-goals, F Marinos have profited off a resurgent Shunsuke Nakamura. The dead ball specialist has been much more significant then in previous seasons since his return from Europe. At 35 he is loving every minute and it isn't too far fetched to say that maybe, just maybe, the local boy could bring the title to Yokohama once again. The last time Yokohama captured the title was in 2004, in the era of the two stage season.

Elsewhere, competition leaders Hiroshima kept on their winning way with a victory over Jubilo Iwata. Hisato Sato was once again on the scoreboard in a 2-1 win. At the top end of the table Urawa slipped up against improving Nagoya Grampus. Aussie Josh Kennedy again proved a thorn in the side of J League defenders, picking up the second in a 2-nil win at home. In the other significant fixture at the top, Omiya Ardija fell further from grace, and back to the reality their tortured fans know. Cerezo Osaka put the cleaners through the home team, with Europe bound Yoichiro Kakitani grabbing two goals, in a 3-nil win.

Next week Hiroshima host Nagoya Grampus who have now strung together five wins in a row. Third placed Urawa at home to also-rans Oita Trinita, while Yokohama F Marinos take a short trip to the capital to face inconsistent FC Tokyo.

Yoichiro Kakitani inflicts pain upon Omiya Ardija