TEN AND A HALF TIPS FOR A GREAT ASIAN CUP

1. For foreigners, Don't Tip! In Australia it's not regular practice to tip, and that's due to our generous wages. No doubt many tourists would have discovered this already, but please don't waste your money tipping, as I and all of Australia would hate to see an expensive trend start.

2. Be in Brisbane for the weekend of January 16th-18th. On Friday you can see Japan take on Iraq, and the following night witness Australia vs Korea Republic. This is as good as the Asian Cup will offer in the Group Stage.

3. Buy tickets to another Asian Cup game. They're so cheap, FFA is almost giving them away. If the 2011 Asian Cup in Qatar had a depressing off field theme, it was the excess of empty seats. It's hoped Australia can delete those scenes from Asian Cup memories.

4. Don't catch the train from Sydney Airport to Sydney itself. It's outrageously expensive. If possible catch a taxi with friends to your accommodation. Taxis are also expensive but you can split the cost among friends or fellow travellers.

5. When in Sydney visit the Queen Victoria Building. To do this you can take a train to Town Hall station, and the majority of exits from the station place you right there in the building. There's shopping, coffee, sushi and more. Oh, and it's a really cool old building with a unique timber constructed elevator.

6. Hire a car. If you arrive in Sydney and want to catch the Japan vs Palestine match in Newcastle, I recommend this option over the train trip. We don't have Shinkansen or fast trains, and the Country Link train ride from Strathfield Station to Newcastle is certainly not cosy.

By hiring a car you'll have the chance to stop off at Gosford on the way to Newcastle. And despite my constant niggling of the Central Coast Mariners and Gosford in general, it's actually a great little holiday town.

7. Please don't be offended when customer service staff in shops throughout the country ignore you. This happens to everyone, local or visitor. Unfortunately in Australia the customer is only a distraction to store staff's conversations and social media activity.

8. Take in the Western Sydney Wanderers home game at Parramatta's Pirtek Stadium on January 6th. There is no other team that can match Wanderers for whole crowd participation. You can take a train to Parramatta station and the ground is just a ten minute walk from there. Mind you, you'll probably have to buy tickets at the away supporters end.

9. Once again,when in Sydney (excuse me but I'm local) be sure to take a train to Circular Quay Station. Yes, I am biased, but there is no better 'get off' location in the world for a train station. I know this will spark debate, so please feel free to send all correspondence to my twitter account lewdub@NaoetsuCafe.

10. If you visit any Australian beaches, please take care. Unfortunately many locals and tourists have lost their lives in the surf. Our beaches are beautiful, but they're also Dangerous.

10.5 If you're going to bet on the Asian Cup, don't bet on Australia. The Asian Cup could not have arrived at a more ill timed period in Australian soccer history. A spate of big name retirements, injuries to key youngsters, and a poorly timed systemic overhaul have all but scuppered the chances of the home team.

Good luck, and enjoy the lucky country.

EAST ASIAN SOCCER - NEWS ROUND-UP

Usami and Patric embrace.

In Japan Gamba Osaka completed the domestic treble, after defeating second tier Montedio Yamagata in the Emperor's Cup Final. 

Just one week earlier Gamba had captured the J-League title, and with little time to celebrate, the Kansai natives were facing an upbeat Yamagata club who had just won promotion to J1 for 2015. It didn't take long for Gamba's class to tell though, with in form Takashi Usami finding the back of the net in the 4th minute, before Patric doubled the lead in the 22nd minute. 

In the second half the underdogs jagged a goal to restore hope, but once again Usami asserted the authority of the J-League champions. The match ending 3-1, Usami with two goals and an assist.

Stunningly the man of the match was still ignored by national team manager Javier Aguirre. True, the Samurais have a wealth of attacking midfielders, but this blogger was not the only one shocked by his absence in Japan's Asian Cup squad.

ASIAN CUP SQUAD

Japan's national team was officially announced on Monday. See below -

In a scoop for the Newcastle region where the Japanese squad will be based during the tournament, a friendly was recently announced for January 4th. The Japanese will take on New Zealand's most famous club side, Auckland City in Cessnock, while also taking on local side Lambton Jaffas in a behind closed doors trial. The Kiwi team has been a regular representative for Oceania at the Club World Cup, and turned a few heads this year after defeating Algeria's ES Setif. 

GK - Eiji Kawashima, Masaaki Higashiguchi, Shusaku Nishikawa
DEF- Yuto Nagatomo, Masato Morishige, Kosuke Ota, Uchida, Maya Yoshida, Tsukasa Shiotani, Gotoku Sakai, Gen Shoji
MF- Yasuhito Endo, Yasuyuki Konno, Makoto Hasebe, Shinji Kagawa, Hiroshi Kiyotake, Gaku Shibasaki,
ATT- Yohei Toyoda, Shinji Okazaki, Keisuke Honda, Yu Kobayashi, Takashi Inui, Yoshinori Muto.

ASIAN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE DRAW ANNOUNCED

The 2015 Asian Champions League draw has been completed, though there are still some unknowns,

In a promoters dream Western Sydney Wanderers have been grouped with Chinese gargantuans Guangzhou Evergrande. 

Fans of both clubs will not have forgotten 2014's cage fight in the ACL quarter finals. The match saw Marcello Lippi enter the playing field at Parramatta, after two controversial red cards were handed out to superstars Zhang Linpeng and Gao Lin. 

Joining them in Group H is the J-League's most successful club, Kashima Antlers. The Antlers enjoyed a return to prominence in the J-League, inspired by the form of youngster Gaku Shibasaki. Just as mouth watering is the prospect of Koreans FC Seoul coming through the play-off phase to join the triplet of talent in Group H. FC Seoul featured in the 2013 ACL Final against Guangzhou, while in 2014 they crashed out to Wanderers in the semi finals.

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.

CAN URAWA FINALLY PUT THE DOUBTERS TO REST?

Abe, Makino and Koroki are joined by an unknown Red.

This Saturday at 2pm Japan time, Urawa take on Gamba Osaka in the match that should end the argument over who will be this year's J-League champions.

With three matches remaining in the J-League, it's hard to deny Urawa their place as champions elect. They're currently five points clear of closest opponent Gamba Osaka and have led the competition for the past 13 rounds. The Reds had a shaky October, where they lost to Vegalta Sendai, and drew with Kofu and Kashima. But their win against Yokohama in the port city on 3rd November, could jolt the team in the right direction. Meanwhile, rivals Gamba gave up two points when they drew with Sendai in their most recent J-League fixture.

It's hard to believe that Gamba Osaka were in Japan's second tier last year, but five rounds into the 2014 season it was obvious. The blue half of Osaka was battling away in 14th position while city rival Cerezo Osaka was out of the boxes like an underfed greyhound. Gamba's rivals had gone on an off season spending spree that had this blogger so impressed I tipped them to be title challengers.

How wrong I was. Cerezo's early form went south, while Gamba turned a corner and have barely had their foot off the throttle. Since the mid season break in July, Gamba Osaka have won 13 of 17 J-League matches.

Poignantly, it was three rounds ago that the blue team did drop some points, and then again, unexpectedly against 14th placed Vegalta Sendai. It begs the question: Have Endo and co. peaked too soon? 

The above graph clearly illustrates how Gamba have stalked the Reds since round 27. But in round 30 the Kansai based team were within three points, now they lay five points away. Gamba simply must win today.

Critics of Urawa have branded them a reincarnation of the Sanfrecce Hiroshima outfit that Reds manager Mihailo Petrovic led until the end of 2011. The index of players that once wore violet but now sport red includes: Tomoaki Makino, Tadanari Lee, Ryota Moriwaki, Shusaku Nishikawa (GK), and Yosuke Kashiwagi, who elected to board the Shinkansen for Urawa before manager Petrovic. 

Perhaps most important of all Petrovic's recruits is Shinzo Koroki who actually arrived via Kashima. The 28 year old is top scorer for the Reds with 12 goals this season. 

Adding intrigue to today's clash is the injury cloud over Urawa's top scorer. Koroki was missing for the team's last J-League outing against Yokohama F Marinos, but the player himself was adamant he would get some game time even if he risked long term injury as a result. 

"I came to the Reds to help them win a championship. It would kill me if I couldn't even make the bench for the biggest game of the season with the title on the line," Koroki was quoted as saying in the Japan Times. 

Today we find out if Koroki and the other hand picked recruits can deliver Urawa's second J-League title.

JAPAN SIX, HONDURAS ZERO. THE EMPEROR STRIKES BACK?

Keisuke Honda gives the thumbs up

On Friday night Japan's Samurais thumped Honduras 6-0, in what was a welcome goal bonanza for the reigning Asian Cup champions. But was it a sign that the once mighty emperors of Asia had bounced back to their best? Surely a six goal drubbing in international football is a sign that something is drastically wrong with your opponent. Nevertheless, confirmation will soon come in Japan's next match, when they take on 2015 Asian Cup hosts Australia.

Australian fans know only too well the hidden truths that lie behind a 6-0 defeat. The Socceroos were victims of two in succession in 2013, when Brazil and then France thrashed an uninspiring and lazy Aussie outfit. Manager of the time Holger Osieck was under intense media scrutiny after qualifying the team for the World Cup, but not blooding enough youth players. 

Like Australia in 2013, Honduras are experiencing a rough patch. After a disastrous World Cup conceding eight goals and scoring one, the NAFFH signed Hernan Medford to manage the national team. Since then, Honduras have secured two wins from seven matches. Knocking off the might of Belize and Nicaragua. 

A humble manager, Javier Aguirre wasn't getting carried away after Japan's slaughter of Honduras. With an eye on the fixture list he said, "I want to take a good look at the 23 players I will take to the Asian Cup and want to beat Australia." At one stage in the Mexican's short reign it appeared the international career of Gamba Osaka's legendary midfielder Yasuhito Endo may have been over. But 'Yatto' was recalled on Friday night (along with Hasebe, Konno & Uchida), and unsurprisingly it coincided with a return to form for the Samurais.

Interestingly, Australia's first eleven is still very unsettled. In terms of squad the Socceroos have been hit with a wave of injuries since Ange Postecoglou's installment as manager, preventing the team from developing the cohesion that is required for his preferred style. In a tell tale sign of doubt during a Monday night press conference, Postecoglou said, "Regardless of what we do tomorrow night it’s all about the first game of the (Asian Cup) tournament."

In stark contrast, Aguirre said ahead of the Honduras and Australia friendlies, “These two games are not about what I can try out,  they’re about looking ahead to the Asian Cup and winning.”

So Osaka, the foodies capital is host to the Socceroos on Tuesday night. But it's more than likely  that Japan, with their reloaded (Brazil 2014) squad, will be making a meal out of the Aussies. 

JETS SET TO BLOW THE MARINERS OUT OF THE WATER

Captain Kew, boss Stubbins and Flores

The Jets have been the most disappointing A-League club over the last seven seasons. Since winning the A-League Champions title in 2007/08 the Jets have made the finals once (09/10) and finished 7th three times. In a ten team competition there is no consolation in finishing mid-table. Even worse, the club has had to witness derby rival Central Coast Mariners win a title in 2012/13 and watch as they dominate the derby fixture. 

This year the Jets are being touted as wooden spoon favourites. And it's no wonder, with new manager Phil Stubbins greeted by the departures of topscorer and A-League Golden Boot, Adam Taggart along with Josh Brillante, junior Socceroo Connor Chapman, James Brown, Emile Heskey, Craig Goodwin and captain Ruben Zadkovich.. But in Newcastle's favour is the signing of striker Jeronimo Neumann, Ecuadorian Edson Montano and former Mariner Marcos Flores.

The off season recruitment has been about finding goals. Last season the Jets scoring summary reads as: 34 goals in 27 matches. On closer investigation the statistics scream goal drought. Of the 34 goals, five came in a promising victory over Wellington, and 16 were provided by Adam Taggart. Thus, Neumann and Flores are vital signings, and favourite son Joel Griffiths should not be forgotten either. 

This week in the lead up to the derby Marcos Flores lit the flame by calling out the Mariners organisation. The midfielder was disappointed in the treatment dished out to him after his full knee reconstruction in the 2013/14 season. The 28 year old said, ". . . when you get hurt in that way you feel that you are going to get support and they didn’t (support me). After three years in this country I packed my suitcase thinking that I wasn’t going to come back."

Flores and that infectious attitude

But the Argentine is back, and he's just the antidote for a disjointed Newcastle attack. Despite the numerous Young Socceroos that Gary van Egmond had recruited to the club, the Jets appeared to be a team of individuals in 2013/14. If injury free Flores will provide the link between defence and attack, and his infectious enthusiasm should bind the team.

As for the derby, the odds are stacked against the Jets. They've won once in 16 visits to Central Coast and the Mariners haven't been beaten in the last five clashes with Newcastle. Add to that the fact the Jets crashed out of the FFA Cup in the first round, and you wonder about the intelligence of the above headline. But Newcastle are a club ready to blast off. There is just far too much class in the team for them to continue under performing. At $4.00 punters would be mad not to take the odds in the derby.

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.

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.

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]

THE PAINS OF POSTECOGLOU

After a World Cup tournament that saw the Socceroos exceed expectations, the mood around the national team was notably positive. But there are plenty of questions to be answered. Manager Ange Postecoglou was elected under a banner of 'better football', but with no concrete sign of that in Brazil, the Victorian has a limited time to implement his patented 'Roarcelona' style, if at all. After a fifth successive defeat and seven matches without a victory, the managerial honeymoon is about to end.

Socceroos manager Ange Postecoglou

While some hailed a brand new style in Brazil under the new gaffer, there were others including myself who failed to see any significant change. In the World Cup, Ange put his tactical ideologies aside in order to preserve national pride. The crossing and fewer passes completed provide evidence of that. But three losses from three didn't ring alarm bells for some pundits. Hence the familiar commiserative sentiments from overly positive types. Craig Foster's blog summarised the performance as, ". . . two close and competitive matches where Australia surprised many and gained a high level of respect and one football lesson." It's the phrase 'high level of respect' that has a familiar sound of satisfaction in defeat, that concerns me. As Robbie Slater's column in the Sunday Telegraph outlined today, punching above your weight and earning respect means nothing, unless combined with victory.  

The Socceroos have a limited time in preparation for the Asian Cup in January, and if Ange plans to implement the 'Roarcelona' style in that short period, he puts Australia's hopes in peril. Most alarming about a style revamp, is the timeline and ability to implement a football philosophy when your playing staff return to club outfits, that play in contrasting styles. Australia has a match against Saudi Arabia on Tuesday morning (5am AEST), and two listed for October against UAE and Qatar. These fixtures will provide evidence of the manager's intentions. With Australia expected to win all of those matches, Ange could be tempted to take the style over substance approach.

Public expectation is high, and the Asian Cup presents a situation diametrically opposed to the 2014 World Cup. The pressure is on, and players shouldn't feel compelled to play the ball out from the back if they're not capable. Fortunately, Postecoglou's Aussies have not mirrored his Brisbane Roar outfit. However, it's quite likely that the Roarcelona style is part of the 'Ange agenda'. With teams like Iran, whose style of pragmatism partnered with technical ability await, I'm crossing my fingers the manager puts style aside for now, and chooses trophies over ideology.  

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.

NIIGATA IN J-LEAGUE SLIDE

Niigata and FC Tokyo came into their 16th round J-League clash with just three points separating them. At 22 and 19 respectively both are still in with a shout of the ACL places, but both could be dragged into the relegation battle.

Early in the piece FC Tokyo had the home crowd concerned with some cleverly constructed attack on the perimeter of the box. But as is oft the case with pretty play there was no end product. Shortly after, the Niigatians did have cause for concern, when Michael James's failed clearance lead to a cross being whipped in. FC Tokyo's 22 year old midfielder Yoshinori Muto obliged with a tap in, in the 17th minute.

The remainder of the first half saw an increasingly impatient Niigata resorting to long range shots, with midfielder Leo Silva trying his luck a number of times. Despite the reckless shooting Silva is a genuine star for the northerners. Along with his attacking play comes a work ethic not often associated with Brazilian imports.

The second half started like the first ended, with Niigata in the FC Tokyo defensive third, launching regular raids and coming up empty handed. Right-back Matsubara's overlapping runs were a highlight, but his crosses were unable to break a staggered eight man defence.

The story would remain the same for the rest of the match. The most realistic chances falling to Okamoto and Yamamoto. The former weaving his way through a mini battalion, only for his shot to be a mere stab, which the keeper happily swallowed up.

For their part FC Tokyo offered very little by way of attack, but they didn't need to. They picked up the prized 'go ahead goal' early, and as the away team, they were unconcerned with entertainment value. Ironically it would be them who had the best chance to score in the second half, when Edu found himself staring down a stranded goalkeeper. The advancing Niigata forces had been dispossessed and Edu skilfully slalomed past the keeper, only for his goal bound shot to be redirected by a desperate Matsubara - sliding in, in a nick of time.

But for all Niigata's labour the 1-0 scoreline which arrived in the 17th minute would remain, allowing FC Tokyo to level with them on the J-League table. The 'gas-men' on the way up, while Niigata continue to slide. Though Hideya Okamoto did provide some hope for the home team last night, the locals will be yearning for the return of forward Kengo Kawamata. And more specifically, Kawamata in his ruthless 2013 guise.

JAPAN'S FATE IN THE HANDS OF THE GODS

Here is a short video piece East Asian Soccer put together to try to clarify the Japan situation. Put simply, Japan must win and Ivory Coast must not win.

Japan can advance if Ivory Coast draws with Greece but thats when mathematics starts to play games with your head. NOTE: There is also a variable where Greece can go past Japan on goal difference. Greece would have to win handsomely and that's highly unlikely but Brazil 2014 has seen plenty of goals so far.

There are myriad scenarios above and Japan have got themselves in an undesirable situation, but it's not unbelievable that they beat an already qualified Columbia, and Greece playing with the belief they can still qualify certainly have the motivation to beat Ivory Coast.

Good luck to Japan. Even with this predicament they look the most likely of teams from the Asian Confederation to advance. 

KOREA REPUBLIC GIVEN A SOCCER SCHOOLING BY ALGERIA

In November 2013 East Asian Soccer predicted it would be a bad World Cup for the Asian Confederation. We were right. But of all the Asian teams in the tournament Korea Republic were the ones we pinned our hopes on. A relatively do-able group, with Russia, Algeria and Belgium. But oh how they've failed.

The Red Devils now need to win by at least a two goal margin against Belgium and hope the Russia v Algeria clash goes their way.

AUSSIES TO TAKE POINTS OFF HOLLAND. THAT AINT DOUBLE DUTCH.

Holland's number one hacker - Nigel de Jong

They're the team everyone's talking about. In their World Cup opener Holland thrashed 2010 champions Spain 5-1. Wow! Now the Dutch move onto soccer's downtrodden, mistreated and inglorious - Australia. The stereotyped ruffians, and technically barren Socceroos have a line up dominated by international rookies, with a spattering of proven pros. How can they beat Holland?

Thanks largely to a supportive media coverage, Australia's 3-1 loss to Chile has bet met with hope and positivity. As stated in my previous posting, there is a real 'feel good factor' reverberating around the Socceroos. They're young, energetic, and manager Ange Postecoglou has them believing they can beat anyone. Being a realist I don't believe that, but I sure as hell think they can get something from an overrated Dutch outfit.

On Australia's side is history and psychology. The pair has played three times previously for one Australian victory and two draws. In those three matches we've seen a measly five goals.

In terms of psychology let's face it, Australia is not a big scalp for Holland and never has been. The Dutch mindset will be 'get through this match without injury', and 'get through this match without yellow cards'. They're already thinking about a possible date with Brazil in the round of 16. Seriously, would the world be saying "wow!", if the Dutch do as expected and beat Australia? No. The Oranje will be going through the motions.

To illustrate my point about complacency I'll turn to Daniel Garb's interview with Holland manager Louis Van Gaal. Asked about the 'head to head' history of the two nations Van Gaal replied, "the statistics say that the Netherlands never have won from Australia." Van Gaal surprised the interviewer, but poignantly the 62 year old had a wry smile on his face after delivering that tasty little morsel. The Dutch are aware of Tim Cahill and the history, but in the back of their minds they think it's a certain three points.

So an over confident Holland will arrive in Porto Alegre having scored five goals against Spain - three from long balls and two that could be attributed to goalkeeping blunders. Applying a little perspective, we would all agree Holland are not four goals better than Spain, it was a once in a lifetime event. I've put my money where my mouth is - will you do the same?

$50 on the Socceroos 

 

19/1. That's easy money!

SOCCEROOS: THE GOOD NEWS AND THE BAD NEWS

THE GOOD NEWS

The Socceroos - team photo Brazil 2014

For the Socceroos, Brazil 2014 has had a 'feel good factor' that can only be compared to Germany in 2006. Why are we feeling good? The media has united behind the team. England fans would envy the Socceroos outfit for the positively joyous coverage the young squad has received from the media. It's a totally different story to South Africa 2010 when the media savaged the team.

If we wind the clock back four years to the Socceroos camp in South Africa, life was very different. The 'professional' media were hungry with 'Pim Hate', and one journo even made South Africa the locale for his own 'Harry Hunt'. Contrastingly, barely a mention has been made of the selection of an unfit and injured Bresciano, or Jedinak's separate training sessions at this year's tournament. Good!

The team is in a good place mentally. Manager Ange Postecoglou has a lot to do with this. Postecoglou broke the mould with Brisbane Roar, when he steered the Queenslanders to two Championships and a record breaking 36 matches undefeated. Most notable though is the style of play that Postecoglou instills in his teams. It was so free flowing and fluid that Brisbane Roar earned the nickname, 'Roarcelona'.

THE BAD NEWS 

The bad news is Australia's team of international rookies faces Chile in their World Cup opener. Forget that they are ranked 48 places higher than Australia in FIFA's world rankings, and just check their style. They were so easy on the eye in South Africa (qualified for final 16), and results say La Roja have only improved since then. Chile have won five of their last seven matches, knocking off England 2-0 (at Wembley) and demolishing Costa Rica 4-0 along the way. Note that their striker Alexis Sanchez only plays for Barcelona.

Alexis Sanchez - Chile

The worst news for Australia is that we have a new central defencive pairing. On any other day Alex Wilkinson and Mathew Spiranovic would come under scrutiny as individuals, in regards to their capability against the world's best. In Brazil, the pair is standing alongside each other with the job of plugging holes and blocking shots from the likes of Sanchez, Van Persie and David Villa. The world cup opener is just the second time the two have played alongside each other.

Unfortunately the Socceroos are set to get a red hot taste of reality when Chile hits them tomorrow. As a usually optimistic fan of the Socceroos, I hope I'm stunningly wrong, but common sense tells us that raw enthusiasm and media support can't get you past the world's best.

Fingers crossed Australia.

MELBOURNE'S NEW TRADITION A WINNER

Melbourne Heart officially re-badged as Melbourne City

Melbourne Heart have officially re-badged themselves as Melbourne City FC, with a brand new emblem and a brand new home kit to boot. The name had been public knowledge for some time as the City Football Group (owners of Manchester City and New York City) had bought the club in January this year but the new home kit and logo haven't been met with total support. On the upside the club did make the re-badging announcement in conjunction with news of David Villa's signing.

While some fans have greeted the new kit with lukewarm enthusiasm due to the ownership's discarding of Melbourne Heart/City's red and white history, the red and white stripes are still in circulation as the club's away kit. The new emblem, possibly the ownership's cleverest coup sports a close replication of the city of Melbourne's flag, encircled by a sky blue ring. Importantly the city of Melbourne flag includes a red and white cross of St George. The red and white aspect of the new emblem no doubt pleasing some fans.

The Melbourne City emblem. Looks like soccer.

While it is only for a ten week guest player stint the signing of David Villa is massive. The news is not only good for Melbourne City fans but the A-League in general. With the soccer world heading into a World Cup it's a beautiful thing to have one of Spain's mainstays announcing his plans to grace the A-League. Villa is expected to play his part for Melbourne City between October and December before heading off to New York City for the MLS.

David Villa signs with Melbourne City FC

If there is a loser in all of this, it's Melbourne Victory. The club whose fans set the platform in the early years of the A-League is now set to be usurped by their city rivals. Regularly referring to the themselves as the biggest club in the competition, it's likely they'll no longer be the biggest club in their own state. Melbourne City whom when known as Melbourne Heart I labelled as lacking identity, have now got an identity. City is  the child of wealthy and respected parents with a core group of passionate fans that is set to grow with more marquee signings, and that ever so important ingredient - success. Good luck City!

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.

WANDERERS POISED TO TOP CHAMPIONS LEAGUE GROUP

Australian soccer has officially proved itself worthy of respect amongst Asia's top professional leagues. Last night Western Sydney Wanderers shocked K-League opponents Ulsan Hyundai with a 2-nil win in Korea Republic. In an even bigger shock Melbourne Victory defeated continental king-pins Guangzhou Evergrande in Melbourne in front of 13,000 plus fans.

Wanderers now sit atop Group H with just one group match remaining. The fact that match is against strugglers Guizhou Renhe has this blogger labelling it a foregone conclusion that Wests are going to top their group. Arguments for this fate tempting prediction are plenty.

1. Guizhou Renhe will make the more than 9 hour flight to Sydney with absolutely no motivation as they cannot advance from the group.
2. Wanderers will be fresh as there is no action for teams one and two from the A-League in this the first weekend of the finals series. 
3. Wanderers are currently on 9 points as are Kawasaki, but the J-League team is less likely to take all three points against a desperate Ulsan Hyundai fighting for survival on 7 points. 
4. If Kawasaki do win it's unlikely they'll surpass Wanderers goal difference as the A-League team is likely to rout Guizhou Renhe.

After topping their group Wanderers will then face off with the runner up of Group F, likely to be Sanfrecce Hiroshima or FC Seoul. Currently Central Coast Mariners (6pts) have a slim one point lead in Group F, but tonight they host FC Seoul (5pts), whom will likely bring them back to earth. Mariners travel to Hiroshima the following week after having played their A-League semi final against Adelaide. The Gosford team just can't do it.

As for Melbourne Victory well done to them. They toppled Lippi's Guangzhou and have their qualification fate in their own hands. Unfortunately they'll have to travel to Korea Republic to take on ACL regulars Jeonbuk. It's a mountain of a task, but they could take some momentum into the match if they add to their defeat of Guangzhou, with a semi final victory over Sydney FC in the A-League on Friday. 

ASIAN CUP DRAW AND BRISBANE ROAR

Mike Mulvey - Brisbane Roar

Over the weekend Brisbane Roar claimed the A-League Premiership. It was the Queensland club's second A-League Premiership and first under management of Englishman Mike Mulvey. In Australia since the 1980s the Manchester born manager has proven the entrenched ideology that prevails in this country's soccer community is wrong. Yes, an Englishman can be a successful manager, and yes an Englishman can manage a team that plays attractively. Mulvey took the helm at Brisbane Roar in December of 2012 after Rado Vidosic's short lived tenure came to an end. The club had previously won two championships 2010/11 & 2011/12 (Postecoglou managing before moving to Melbourne) and a premiership 2010/11 so it would come as no surprise that their was an expectation for success. Mulvey managed to rescue the 2012/13 season with a respectable finish, just one win from a grand final berth. But the season wasn't void of the usual fan sub groups calling for the manager's head.

Brisbane fans a little premature in 2013

Brisbane Roar returned in 2013/14 as good as ever. Their memorable goal against Melbourne Victory involving 21 passes will be the goal of the season for any purest. Despite the absence of Besart Berisha for much of the season due to injury and suspension the team has jelled to a level comparable to the Postecoglou period. Although due to the ideology of the community here, Mulvey's deeds will probably need to double those of Postecoglou for him to get the same kudos. Good luck converting the un-believers Mike.

ASIAN CUP DRAW 

Tomorrow the Sydney Opera House plays host to the 2015 Asian Cup Draw. The competition will be hosted by Australia, with host cities including: Sydney, Newcastle, Brisbane, Canberra and Melbourne. There have already been many predictions of disastrous groups for the home team as the seedings have already become publicised. There are three teams Australian is certain not to face in the Group phase due to seedings though, and they are Iran, Japan and Uzbekistan. The proverbial 'group of death' would combine Australia, Korea Republic (Sth Korea), and Iraq plus any team from Pot 4.

Sydney Harbour Bridge & Sydney Opera House

The draw will take place on Wednesday, 26th March, at 7pm AEDT. The draw is telecast live on cable television provider Foxsports.

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.

WHO OWNS OSAKA? CEREZO V GAMBA

The 2014 J-League season sees the return of Gamba Osaka to J1 after a brief visit to the second tier. Fans will be treated to the usual two derbies this season but Gamba may find things have changed

 It's been a lively off season for the J-League, and Cerezo Osaka have led the market exchanges. I'm not sure whether the foray into the Asian Champions League this year has been a motivator but the Yanmar owned club have gone on an unrestrained player buy-up. Uruguayan star Diego Forlan leads the signings. "I've never received such a reception," he said. The striker has already made an appearance off the bench in Cerezo Osaka's opening ACL match.

The pink half of Osaka have beefed up their attacking stocks with the purchase of Aria Jasuru Hasegawa from FC Tokyo. Australians will remember him well, particularly Brisbane Roar fans who witnessed him tear Brisbane apart with his silky technique and fab passing game in the 2012 ACL. Australians will also be familiar with Ryo Nagai and Mitch Nichols who both joined the club during the off-season. Nichols has a clever passing game and is a Socceroos candidate for Brazil 2014. Ryo Nagai's career has been littered with injuries but when the winger is injury free he adds plenty of speed and attacking thrust. The two will most likely feature as squad players only, with the likes of Yoichiro Kakitani in front of them in midfield. Kakitani scored an extraordinary 21 J-League goals in 2013, but unfortunately for Cerezo fans Kakitani is rumoured to be on the move mid season. 

 For Gamba Osaka returning to the J-League was a formality. The first victory for Gamba was retaining a large number of their J1 squad. Inspiring national team midfielder Yasuhito Endo stayed on at the relegated club and Gamba were able to win the 42 match J2 by a narrow four point margin. Most impressive in Gamba's visit to J2 was Takashi Usami who returned from an unsuccessful stint in Germany to score 19 goals in 18 appearances. However, fast-forward to the present and Usami is out for at least the first eight weeks of the season with an ankle injury.

The traditional Kansai region heavyweights (Gamba) have been overshadowed in the transfer market by Cerezo, and their biggest signings come in the form of Masaaki Higashiguchi and Brazilian Lins. Higashiguchi is a quality keeper, transferred from Albirex Niigata. Having watched a lot of Niigata I'll say it's a good purchase, and he's a keeper capable of higher honours. Lins is a 26 year old striker with a wealth of experience in Brazil, including the Serie A where he scored 11 goals last season. But on the balance of things it looks a tough task for Gamba Osaka to match their city rivals in 2014. With former FC Tokyo manager Ranko Popovic now in charge at Cerezo fans can expect sexy football and possibly an inaugural J1 title. Meanwhile, Gamba fans should be pleased with a mid table finish, although even that may be a little optimistic.

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.  

HARRY'S HOPES FOR BRAZIL GET A BOOST

Harry Kewell - Melbourne Heart 2013/14

He's Australia's most celebrated soccer player, and though many wouldn't have believed it in 2001 it looks as though Harry Kewell will play in three World Cups. With Robbie Kruse's heart breaking ACL tear virtually ruling the 25 year old out of Brazil, Kewell's stocks took a boost. Now back from his own injury woes, there is a groundswell of support for the talisman. But he needs to convince one more man; Ange Postecoglou.

After failing to qualify for the 2002 World Cup, it seemed Harry Kewell would suffer the fate of so many great Aussie soccer players. The World Cup looked the impossible dream after Uruguay gave the Socceroos another taste of, 'so close yet so far'. However, Australia went on to reach the 2006 World Cup and 2010 World Cup with Harry Kewell playing a role on both occasions. Harry's late goal against Croatia sent Australia through to the knockout stage in Germany but his experience in South Africa was nightmarish. Brought down in the box against Ghana and ignored, he was later red carded for handball. Good and bad, Harry has seen it all, and the wealth of knowledge at his disposal can only benefit the youth around him.

Harry's chances of travelling to Brazil looked slim just over a month ago, when he had yet to complete 90 minutes for Melbourne Heart. But gradually Kewell has built up match fitness, and it's no coincidence that Melbourne Heart's on-field fortunes have taken a turn for the better since the return of Harry. Coinciding with Kewell's lift in form and game time was the devastating news of Robbie Kruse's ACL injury. The 25 year old attacker will need to perform a miracle to be ready by May 13th, when the preliminary 30 man squad is announced. The standard recovery time for ACL injuries is a minimum of six months before the individual can return to high impact activity that soccer involves, and Socceroos manager Ange Postecoglou is a staunch advocate of players with game time under their belt. This fact virtually rules Kruse out.

So it all comes down to Postecoglou. Is there some lingering discontent between Kewell and Postecoglou after Harry's departure from Melbourne Victory in 2012? Will the manager dig in stubbornly against the tide of momentum being built by Kewell's form, and advocates such as Slater and Harper? The two were heard in pre and post match discussions on Friday night (31st January), building the case for Harry, and with Australia's slated friendly with Ecuador set for March 5th, we will soon know if there are any skeletons in the closet.