FC Tokyo in a Real Stink

Tonight's first round of the Asian Champions League sees a number of great clashes. Celebrated A-League champions Brisbane Roar take on newly promoted J-League outfit FC Tokyo, while in Japan we see two former ACL winners go head to head in Gamba Osaka and Pohang Steelers. For Australian fans their has never been greater anticipation of the tournament with Brisbane Roar touted by many as our best ever contender.

Brisbane's manager Ange Postecoglou has made no secret of his ambition in this tournament saying to The World Game (click for video of pre match interview) website "there was definitely an eye on this competition when we were kinda' putting the team together." While Brisbane had lost marquee players in Matt Mackay and Jean Carlos Solorzano since taking the 2010/2011 title, the Queenslander club were able to find capable new faces in Besart Berisha and Mohamed Adnan. The latter being slightly enigmatic, but truly fitting the 'play it out from the back' style that is now associated with Brisbane.

FC Tokyo go into the match with limited match practice and a stop-over flight via Singapore. On top of that the 'Gasmen' are missing Lucas and new captain Yohei Kajiyama so the Roar have a great opportunity to get their ACL tournament off to a positive start.

For those that like a punt, look for exotic bets like TabSportsBet's 'over 2.5 goals option. Both teams like to play the ball around and Brisbane's Postecoglou is adamant his boys will continue with his philosophy in the face of any heat the 'Gasmen' provide. Look for defender Adnan to play a significant (positive or negative) role for the home team.

Shimizu's Brosque Shines for Socceroos

Wednesday's World Cup qualifier saw the Socceroos survive a scare against a surprisingly resilient Saudi outfit. Starring for the Aussies was former Sydney-sider Alex Brosque, with two goals and an assist. Brosque's goals coming in the 43rd and 75th minutes.

The Japan based striker/midfielder revealed he was beginning to feel more at home in the Socceroos squad after some regular appearances. On his continued selection by manager Holger Osieck, Brosque said, "At the end of the day, it is about repaying that faith and showing him why he does pick you, and I guess games like tonight make you feel a lot better about being in the squad." While it sounds like Brosque may have had some issues with self belief he needn't have worried. Playing up front for the Socceroos, Brosque used his pace to run onto a  Mark Bresciano through pass and chest the ball away from his closest opponent. From there Brosque held the defender at bay and punted the ball past the keeper. His second goal in the 75th minute was a header of the highest quality, angled past the Saudi keeper making the score 3-2 Australia at that point.

The 28 year old has mentioned his ambitions to be present in Brazil 2014 on more than one occasion, and the form he displayed against Saudi Arabia will provide Holger Osieck with some welcome selection headaches. Brosque recently commented on his time in Japan saying, "I've had to develop eyes in the back of my head and play more quickly." Despite attributing some new found skills and speed of thought Brosque also sounds willing to return to Sydney at the end of the 2012 J-League season stating, ''In my heart, there is no question I'd like to come home. I still see myself as a Sydney player. I love the boys, I watch all their games on the net and I still feel like I'm a part of the club.'' 

J League - A League - Asian Champions League

East Asian Soccer. Get the latest on Japanese soccer/football scene. Amongst other topics discussed are the Asian Champions League and Australia's A-League.

The Japanese soccer scene is arguably the most colourful and vibrant in all the AFC's jurisdiction. Clubs with rich histories that date back to pre J-League days are supported fanatically all across Japan. As well as great support from local communities the J-League is run very effectively. The J-League Official Website is evidence of that with it's 100 year vision.

The Asian Champions League is a soccer competition gaining in prestige with every season that passes. Recent seasons have seen the Koreans dominate the latter stages with Pohang Steelers being crowned champions in 2009, Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma in 2010 and Jeonbuk Motors beaten finalisits in 2011. The 2012 competition looks more fascinating then ever with Chinese powerhouse Guangzhou Evergrande drawn alongside Jeonbuk and Japanese side Kashiwa Reysol.


Stay tuned to East Asian Soccer for all of the above and maybe some glossy pictures here and there. Don't forget the Asian Champions League kicks off March 6th, while the J-League gets underway March 10th. See you in the future.