SYDNEY FC TO HOST J-LEAGUE GIANTS URAWA REDS IN ASIAN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Sydney FC & Urawa Reds set to meet on 19/04/2016

The 2016 Asian Champions League group placings have finally been determined. Sydney FC find themselves in the group of death, facing Asian Champions Guangzhou Evergrande and Japan's Urawa Reds plus a play-off winner most likely to be ACL regulars Pohang Steelers.

Sydney FC will host the famed Urawa Reds on 19th April, 2016. By that stage of the competition (the 5th match) it's possible the two teams will be scrapping for the second qualifying spot behind Guangzhou Evergrande. 

For the uneducated, Urawa are the J-League's most supported team, regularly attracting more than 40,000 to club fixtures. Sadly for those loyal fans the Reds have often raised hopes only to fall short of silverware. 

The year 2015 was another such year for Urawa fans, as the Saitama club lit up the J-League with a dominant 1st Stage win only to crumble in the finals series. The Reds then went on to play bridesmaid in the Emperor's Cup Final on New Year's Day, despite starting favourites against old foes Gamba Osaka.

For Sydney FC, the 2016 ACL will be just their third appearance in the tournament. Previously the Sky Blues finished 2nd in their group (2007) however, that was in a time when qualification for the knockout stage required winning your group. Ironically Sydney FC's group included Urawa Reds back in 2007, and the two played out a nil-all draw in Saitama for the last game of the group phase. The draw denying Sydney FC the chance to advance, while Urawa went on to win the tournament. 

In other Champions League news Melbourne Victory are set to host Gamba Osaka in the last game of the group stage on 3rd May. Before that however, Kevin Muscat's men will face off against a play-off winner most likely to be Shanghai East Asia, managed by one Sven Goran Eriksson. Melbourne's other group opponent is Suwon Samsung Bluewings of South Korea. 

Australia's Adelaide United will have their work cut out for them in the Asian Champions League as they're forced to go through play-offs before enter the competition proper. The Reds - who have found a patch of form in the A-League - will need to beat Chinese club Shandong Luneng before joining a group including Sanfrecce Hiroshima, FC Seoul and dominant Thai champions Buriram United. 

EMPEROR'S CUP FINALISTS DECIDED

Urawa Reds vs Gamba Osaka in Emperor's Cup Final

Old rivalries will be renewed in the Emperor's Cup Final, when Urawa Reds face off against Gamba Osaka on New Year's Day. The Reds will be looking to make up for their finals football failings, after a promising start to the J-League season ended in tears earlier in December.

The Saitama (just north of Tokyo) based club stumbled through their semi final with Kashiwa Reysol via a 117th minute winner courtesy of Tadanari Lee. Urawa had previously knocked off quarter final opponent Vissel Kobe 3-0. The Reds picked up three first half goals in that fixture on December 26th, however, their December 29th fixture was more taxing.

Gamba Osaka's path through the quarter finals and into the final has been less troublesome. On Saturday, 26th December, Gamba got home 3-1 over Sagan Tosu, while three days later they gave the J-League champions a footballing lesson.

Inspired by another Takashi Usami brace (Usami scored twice v Sagan Tosu), Gamba demolished Sanfrecce Hiroshima 3-0. It was sweet revenge for the Osaka club who were runners up to Hiroshima in the J-League's two legged Championship Final just weeks earlier.

Hiroshima were no doubt suffering burnout. The 'purple archers' had recently won the Championship Final, before playing four matches at the FIFA World Club Cup, where they finished a respectable third.

THE FINAL

In today's final however, it's Urawa who will most likely be feeling the effects of fatigue after their 120 minute semi final with Kashiwa. In order to win the Emperor's Cup, the Reds will have to alter the 'head to head' history of this fixture.

In 2015 the teams met four times, and Gamba Osaka were victors on three occasions. The most recent being the J-League Championship Semi Final on 28th November.

Urawa's influential midfielder Yosuke Kashiwagi is in doubt also after his 39th minute injury substitution against Kashiwa.

The above factors make it hard for us to envisage a win for the Reds however, bookmakers have the Kanto club as favourites. Along with bragging rights the reward for today's winner is a place in Asian Champions League Group G with Melbourne Victory (Aust.) and the likes of Suwon Bluewings (Sth Korea). The loser will slot into Group H with Guangzhou Evergrande and Sydney FC. 

ASIAN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE DRAW COMPLETED FOR 2016

The 2016 Asian Champions League draw has been completed though there are still many unknowns. On the East side including clubs from South Korea, Japan, China and Australia, there are some headline matches already penned in.

Asian Champions League Group Stage Draw 2016

In Group G Australia’s number one ranked team Melbourne Victory will line up against Suwon Samsung Bluewings of South Korea. Suwon finished second to a dominant Jeonbuk in the K-League but the Bluewings are one of the best supported clubs in South Korea.

In Group H reigning champions Guangzhou Evergrande will travel to Sydney. The Felip Scolari managed outfit are currently preparing for the Club World Cup in Japan, but from February 2016 they’ll be busy defending their Asian Champions League title. 

Asian Champions League Group Stage Draw 2016

The Group H draw will have Sydney FC manager Graham Arnold licking his lips. Arnold has proved himself consistently successful in Australia however, his foray into J-League management was a disaster. After leaving Central Coast Mariners as a champion Arnold took up a post at Vegalta Sendai, only to walk away from the role when senior players stonewalled any new policies he looked to implement. 

Meanwhile in Group E, Jeonbuk look to have been rewarded for their total dominance in the K-League. They’ve been drawn alongside China’s FA Cup winners Jiangsu Sainty, Vietnam’s Binh Duong and a play off winner from Thailand, Myanmar or Japan. 

Though on paper Jeonbuk’s draw looks a cake walk their have been rumours of Jiangsu Sainty going on an off season spending spree, which would likely make things a little more difficult. Also in Group E, there is a strong likelihood that Japan’s Gamba Osaka will join Jeonbuk, the team that eliminated them in the 2015 competition. 

Asian Champions League Group Stage Draw 2016

As Gamba Osaka are still alive in the Emperors Cup, they’re group draw cannot be finalised. Unfortunately, the J-League has everyone in the dark as to who is their 2nd, 3rd and 4th elected teams. 

Finally in Group F there are Sanfrecce Hiroshima, FC Seoul and Buriram United. Hiroshima were recently crowned champions of Japan after winning a two legged final against Gamba. The 'purple archers' will be looking to improve upon previous efforts, as will Thailand's Buriram who crashed out after an impressive start to the Group Stage in 2015. 

Asian Champions League Group Stage Draw 2016

Australia's Adelaide United will likely play China's Shandong Luneng in a play-off for the final position in Group F.

GAMBA OSAKA INTO FINALS AS FC TOKYO DRAWS A BLANK

Gamba Osaka has qualified for the 2016 Asian Champions League and resuscitated their J-League title hopes with a 4-0 drubbing of relegated Montedio Yamagata.

Gamba will now meet Urawa Reds next Saturday to decide who will challenge Sanfrecce Hiroshima over two legs to decide the J-League Champions.

On the final day of the regular season FC Tokyo were in position to qualify for the finals series but a draw with Sagan Tosu meant Gamba swept into 3rd place via a 4-0 win, and superior goal difference. The 'Gas Men' had set the league ablaze in the first stage with the assistance of striker Yoshinori Muto, but his departure to Germany left a void that could not be filled.

FC Tokyo dominated all the stats on the final day but couldn't find that precious goal. Once again Socceroo Nathan Burns was a spectator as the red and blue racked up eleven shots to five and ten corners to three.

On the other hand Gamba Osaka simply got the job done. Their first goal didn't come easy, but once the goal was breached, the floodgates crashed open. Kotaro Omori picked up his brace in the 61st and 63rd minute. A minute later Shun Nagasawa secured victory with a header, in only his third appearance for the club. Finally, defender Koki Yonekura drove a nail into the relegated Yamagata coffin with a fourth goal in the 66th minute.

Albirex Niigata fans filled the away end at Kashiwa. 

KASHIWA v NIIGATA

Meanwhile, in one of the many dead rubbers on final day, Kashiwa and Niigata played out a 1-1 draw. The northerners had come in large numbers to the nation's capital and Ibusuki's 81st minute equaliser was just reward for the fans and players alike.

Kashiwa had gone into cruise mode after an own goal had them ahead in the 24th minute. It was not until Ibusuki was shoved in the back and awarded a penalty that the 'Sun Kings' awoke from their slumber. They rallied late but there would be no winner. A result that summed up both teams' seasons.

Despite the draw and 15th placed finish, Niigata manager Masaaki Yanigishita left the club on good terms. Fans shouted his name and cheered as he returned from the dressing rooms for a solo cheerio to the loyal Albirex Niigata fans. Few will forget his arrival and saviour of the club in 2012, when he steered the club clear of relegation on the final day.

Masaaki Yanagishita watches over Niigata for the last time.

RELEGATION

The J-League will say goodbye to Shimizu S-Pulse this season. The J-League foundation club will be relegated to J2 for the first time in their history. After sacking Afshin Ghotbi last season, the team continued to use managers as scapegoats this year. Katsuki Oenoki was axed in August but there was no saving the Shizuokans.

Midfielder Takuya Honda gave this honest reflection, to the Japan Times, "We changed managers again this season, but if the players are good enough than it doesn't matter who the manager is."

Along with Shimzu S-Pulse, Matsumoto Yamaga and Montedio Yamagata will return to J2. The pair failed to cope with the standard of the Japanese top flight after promotion just this season. Though they struggled to keep pace with the playing standard, Matsumoto's fans were a definite highlight and it their green army will no doubt be back in J1 soon.

At this moment in time it's only Omiya Ardija who are assured of promotion from J2. Battling it out for the other automatic promotion place are Jubilo Iwata and Avispa Fukuoka. Scout out a live stream or online betting account to watch tomorrow's action unfold. 

JAPAN'S TWO STAGE SYSTEM DISCUSSED

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2015 J-League Regular Season Ladder after 32 rounds.

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

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

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

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

ONE GOAL ENOUGH FOR GAMBA TO TAKE ASIAN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL PLACE

Gamba Osaka host Guangzhou Evergrande in the second leg of their Asian Champions League Semi Final tonight. The first leg ending 2-1 in favour of the Chinese club, Gamba now needs just a 1-0 victory to take their place in the ACL Final alongside Al Ahli of UAE.

RECENT FORM

Since their loss to Evergrande in China, Kenta Hasegawa's men suffered two more defeats in succession. In one, a depleted Gamba lost 2-1 to struggling Albirex Niigata in Japan's version of the League Cup, while the other loss saw them ship five goals to 7th placed Kawasaki Frontale.

Gamba Osaka vs Guangzhou Evergrande

The Kansai club have since won their next two outings. Correcting their first leg loss to Niigata they advanced to the final of the aforementioned Cup competition with a 2-0 victory, before a 2-1 win over old foes Urawa.

Importantly in the context of tonight's fixture, the clean sheet against Niigata was Gamba's first in ten matches. Can we expect the entertainers to get down and gritty against the Chinese Super League's champions elect? Probability says no.

But for their part Guangzhou Evergrande aren't exactly a tower of strength either. In their eleven ACL fixtures in 2015, Evergrande have scored 18 goals and conceded 14. More than a goal per match.

KEY PLAYERS FOR THE HOME TEAM

Gamba Osaka will be buoyed by the return of regular centre back Daiki Niwa. The 29 year old was missing for the first leg due to suspension but is back for the home tie and sure add some assuredness to the backline.

Gamba will also look for a bigger contribution from attacking midfielder Takashi Usami who was substituted in the 74th minute of the first leg. The match had started with both sides showing equal intent, however, 25-30 minutes into the match things changed.

THE FIRST LEG

Gamba were ahead via a Feng Xiaoting own goal (12th min) and the Japanese club were content to sit back and rarely send men forward in meaningful assaults on goal - totally out of character. Gamba conceded through a superb half volley from Huang, Bowen before an equally brilliant header from captain Zheng, Zhi in the 57th minute.

The post match statistics were damning for Gamba Osaka. Evergrande firing off an incredible 22 shots to Gamba's miserly 3. Being hosts those statistics should change, but will it be enough?

All the questions will be answered tonight.

Kick Off: 7pm Japan time.

GUANGZHOU EVERGRANDE v GAMBA OSAKA - ASIAN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SEMI FINAL PREVIEW

Gamba Osaka vs Guangzhou Evergrande

It's a promoters dream. Two of the continent's biggest clubs, the reigning champions of their respective leagues, and an international rivalry that dates to a time before football.

China's Guangzhou Evergrande takes on Japan's Gamba Osaka.

It's the Asian Champions League semi final, a match that doubles as a grand final for the east side of the conference. While Guangzhou is once again topping the charts in the Chinese Super League, Gamba Osaka's form in the 2nd Stage of a complicated J-League season is simmering to dangerous levels.

Currently 4th in the J-League's combined or regular table, the Osaka club will go into the two legged tie as underdogs. Torch bearers for the once vaunted but now stuttering Japanese club competition, Gamba is aiming to bring the Champions League title to Japan for the first time in seven years. The last time a Japanese club was champion it was Gamba who tore Adelaide United apart in a one sided final. 

Led by statesman Yasuhito Endo, Gamba Osaka boasts one of the most feared attacks in the AFC, with the silky Takashi Usami and the brute force of Brazilian Patric. 

After being forced to miss the quarter final tie with Jeonbuk, Usami said, "In the next match I want to show how I can contribute to the team and help us go to the final," on the AFC Official site. 

"Guangzhou is one of the best teams in Asia and they will be coming at us hard seeking the win," he added. 

Usami was instrumental in Gamba's domestic treble last year, and the flashy attacking midfielder has truly experienced a rebirth since his Munich malaise. 

Meanwhile, Guangzhou will be looking to emulate their 2013 ACL triumph. Boosted by the recent purchase of Paulinho from Tottenham, the southern Tigers host the first leg. After ditching previous manager Fabio Cannavaro, the club went for the 'slightly more experienced' Felipe Scholari. 'Big Phil' has somehow been able to inject life back into a side that has admittedly achieved everything over the last three to four years and would be excused if motivation was on the wane. 

"Every second on the field is going to be important on Wednesday," Scholari warned, and the Brazilian implored his men to keep a clean sheet and take a lead to Osaka for the second leg. 

For punters there seems to be only one team in the first leg, as Gamba Osaka have been quoted as long as $5.50 at some betting agencies. Looking at the following stats provides good reason for the bookies and desperate to be banking on a Chinese win:

• In their quarter final tie Guangzhou dispatched of Japanese club Kashiwa Reysol by roundly drubbing the Chiba club 3-1 in the first leg in Japan.
• Guangzhou is undefeated in their last 17 matches.
• Felipe Scholari is unbeaten as manager of the Chinese club.
• Guangzhou has game breaker Paulinho.
• The Tigers also have Ricardo Goulart and Chinese international Gao Lin.
• Gamba Osaka will be without regular centre-back Daiki Niwa.
• Gamba Osaka has conceded 7 goals in their last 5 matches.

For those that like an underdog, maybe you can take some solace in these stats:

• After losing their first two ACL matches this year, Gamba have gone 8 matches undefeated.
• Takashi Usami has played 29 matches and scored 19 goals this year.
• Gamba defeated their last Chinese opponent (Guangzhou R&F) 5-nil in China.
• The Japanese club has scored the most goals in the 2015 ACL with 19 goals from their 10 matches. Guangzhou Evergrande has only managed 16. 

If forced to pick a winner I have to side with Guangzhou Evergrande, as the Tigers have too many game breakers. Gamba themselves have Usami, Patric and super sub Shu Kurata as possible match winners, but the enforced change in the back-line could be the difference. 

Enjoy what should be a two-legged feast of attacking football. 

REYSOL ROCKED BY GUANGZHOU EVERGRANDE IN ASIAN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Japan's Kashiwa Reysol have given themselves a mountain to climb in their Asian Champions League Quarter Final second leg. Just over two weeks ago the Chiba based club were given a 3-1 soccer schooling by Chinese behemoths Guangzhou Evergrande.

Kashiwa went behind barely five minutes into the match courtesy of an own goal from defender Suzuki. The captain was first to a well weighted free kick from Huang Bowen, but a miscalculation meant his header found the back of the Reysol net.

For the next thirty odd minutes the home team went punch for punch with Evergrande, but they were stunned by a 40th minute pearler from Paulinho (catch it on the link). The Brazilian import played his first match for Guangzhou in July, after parting ways with Tottenham Hotspur in the EPL off season. The implausible nature of the goal meant Guangzhou's 2-nil half time buffer was buttressed by an emotional factor.

Gao Lin added his name to the score sheet in the 58th minute with his first goal of the 2015 Champions League. His was an angled header off a short corner, lobbed in by none other than Huang Bowen. The goal sent the vast contingent of away fans into raptures. Gao Lin acknowledging the away end in celebration.

Fortunately for Kashiwa there would be a postscript. Kudo's desperate effort to get to a deflected corner giving the Sun Kings a tiny ray of hope going into the second leg.

In the other quarter final in the east zone, Japan's Gamba Osaka travelled to Korea to face Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors. The Japanese club have had an indifferent season domestically after taking out the treble in 2014.

However, Gamba's efforts on the continental stage have been of strong contrast. In their first leg against Jeonbuk, the Kansai based club were able to eke out a nil all draw despite being on the wrong side of lopsided possession and shooting stats (55% - 45% & 12 - 6).

Despite the encouraging result, Gamba Osaka will still have to be on their guard this coming Tuesday as any draw apart from 0-0 will see Jeonbuk advance via the away goals rule. The glow green Korean outfit have been ultra consistent both domestically and in the Champions League, and it's hard to see them being denied. [Check 1st leg highlights here]

For Australian viewers, Alex Wilkinson will likely suit up in the centre of defence with Jeonbuk. The Aussie international has been a regular starter in what has proven to be a tough environment for Australians in the past.

J-LEAGUE REPUTATION DAMAGED IN ASIAN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Batalla of Beijing Guoan turning the Reds inside out.

J-League clubs are once again struggling in the Asian Champions League. Though the domestic competition is arguably the most popular across East Asia, the quality of the competition is in dispute as repeated failings against CSL, K-League and A-League clubs provide the evidence, the J-League is not all it's cracked up to be.

In this year's installation, J-League clubs have taken eight of 36 points available to them in the first three rounds of the ACL. Treble winners Gamba Osaka have been far and away the most disappointing. 

In their three fixtures they've gone down to China's Guangzhou R&F, Korea's Seongnam, and drawn with Buriram United of Thailand. After the failure in Korea (a match in which large numbers of Gamba fans attended) manager Kenta Hasegawa was typically apologetic, but sounded like the proverbial broken record, ". . . we will do our best in the next few games and try to qualify to the next round," he said.

Urawa Reds manager Mihailo Petrovic was still managing to find positives after his team's tepid display against Brisbane Roar on ACL Matchday 2. The manager spoke of promising signs on the training pitch, before his eerily similar, " . . . we are still in the race and will do our best to qualify for the next stage." Since the loss to Brisbane, Urawa went on to be soundly beaten by Beijing Guoan.

With Japan's best youngsters heading off to Europe at the first sign of interest it's not surprising the league is struggling to match the national team's success (in Asia). Add to that the fact Japan cannot compete with neighbouring China when it comes to luring quality imports, and you have a recipe for disaster.

Further compounding problems for the J-League's status is this year's bizarre end of season finals series puzzle. The heads of Japanese football decided with none - to little consultation of fans that the league should return to a two stage system. The explanation of the system on the J-League Official website, seems to indicate the finals series could involve three or four teams, depending on whether a stage winner also has the most points across the total 34 regular season matches. For more detail click the link provided above.

Before season kick off J-League boss Mitsuru Murai was interviewed by AFP and it was there that he stated, "I hope to see the J-League become tougher, quicker and more aggressive to help raise the level of the Japan national team." Though this would improve the league, a larger issue is the quality of imports in Japan as compared with those in China. Murai alluded to this in the interview, "The financial rewards are a little higher there so we need to do more to bring in star players." 

Unfortunately for Japan their ability to attract superstar imports will not exceed that of China's, unless there is some kind of economic upheaval in one of the two countries. So the J-League will have to rely on a new found, 'old fashioned' toughness to improve performances in ACL competition. 

KASHIWA VICTORIOUS IN ASIAN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE GROUP TIE

Kashiwa Reysol have wiped the floor with Vietnamese opponents Binh Duong in the second group match of the 2015 Asian Champions League. National team hopeful Masato Kudo contributed for the home team with a brace, while Aussie import Vrankovic provided an own goal to add to the embarrassment for Binh Duong.

In the first half, Reysol barely saw a clear cut chance until they struck the go ahead goal in the 43rd minute. Kudo found himself with time and space in the box as Christiano beat a couple of defenders before crossing a low ball in from the right.

After a strong showing until that point, Kudo's goal triggered an avalanche. In first half injury time Aussie expat David Vrankovic headed the ball into the wrong net. The defender had previously fallen foul to two high boots from the Kashiwa strike force. Tracking back into his own box while being shadowed, Vrankovic's miscued header will feature in his next pre match nightmare no doubt.

South Korean Kim, Chang Soo got scoring underway in the second half with the aid of a sublime through ball from midfielder Akimi Barada. The Bing Duong goalkeeper had no chance, as Kim's first touch - under pressure - opened up the goal and the former Busan defender finished with aplomb.

Kudo popped up for his second in the 67th minute when a corner was allowed to cross the face of goal. The forward was alone again, and he made the visitors hurt. At 4-nil the Binh Duong manager decided to hook Nigerian goalkeeper Esele. But things didn't get any better.

After some stock standard J-League lead up play, the ball was turned back to Otani from the left. The midfielder struck with a half volley from beyond the box to make it 5-0.

The visitors picked up a consolation goal to make it 5-1 at full time, but their chances of ACL knockout stage qualification have taken a massive blow. Meanwhile, Reysol the best performing of the Japanese sides will host Shandong Luneng in two weeks time.

Kashiwa currently lead Group E on for and against, as first round opponents Jeonbuk also posted a victory on Matchday 2. With J-League credibility continuing to be questioned, ACL results are of vital importance to provide tangible evidence for the competition's exalted status. After 2014 treble winners Gamba Osaka were downed 2-0 by Seongnam it's now up to Urawa (v Brisbane Roar) and Kashima (v FC Seoul) to restore some pride for the J-League on Wednesday night.

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. 

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.

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.

GAMBA'S SEASON OF WOE RECEIVES A FINAL BLOW

Gamba Osaka have hit rock bottom. After a season of torment in the J League which saw them relegated to Japan's 2nd tier for the first time, Gamba bombed out in the Emperor's Cup final to Kashiwa Reysol. It truly was a case of Gamba's J League form coming back to haunt them. After a recent undefeated run to gain entry into the Emperor's Cup final gave fans a glimmer of hope, today was the hammer blow which sent the marquee club crashing into J2 with a thud.

Ironically some Gamba fans are glad that the team didn't win the Emperor's Cup, as it would see them committed to an Asian Champions League campaign while playing for promotion in a league which involves more than 40 matches. Now it's Kashiwa who will contest the ACL in 2013 just as they did in 2012. Kashiwa put on a decent showing in 2012 making it to the knockout stage only to meet eventual winner Ulsan Hyundai first up. The win today came about via a Hirofumi Watanabe header. The centre back got himself on the end of a Jorge Wagner corner and made Gamba pay for not taking their own chances. Truly a season of despair for Gamba Osaka.

ONO RECEIVES OVATION AFTER STUNNING DOUBLE FOR WANDERERS

Shinji Ono has put on a masterclass as he took his A League club Western Sydney Wanderers into third place on the ladder. The Japanese import continues to improve as he settles into A League life. Ono Put Wests ahead on the brink of halftime with an amazing juggling volley which will find its way onto every A League highlights reel ever released.

Melbourne levelled the scores in the 72nd minute and looked set to steal the points as momentum had swung their way. Wanderers were looking tired and it was somewhat against the run of play that Ono's second goal came about. On this occasion Ono took advantage of some time given to him by the Melbourne defence, providing a neat turn as a defender strode past him expecting him to lay the ball off. But Ono turned toward goal, and sent a shot into the keeper's left corner. Brilliant!

Ono would leave the field in the 84th minute to a standing ovation, as his team held on for a forth win in their last five matches.

KOBE THE PLACE TO BE ON FINAL DAY

Ryang Yong Gi

SENDAI AND HIROSHIMA GOING DOWN TO THE WIRE

Promoters are salivating. Again! Last season the J League title came down to the last day of the season with three teams in the running on the final day (Kashiwa, Nagoya, G Osaka). This year we're three rounds out from the finish line and Hiroshima sit atop the table on 58 with Sendai in second on 56 points.

Looking at the draw it appears Hiroshima will have their toughest test of the remainder of the season this Saturday. They face an ailing Urawa Reds who are now fighting to snare the last of the ACL positions provided by the J League (the 4th to Emperors Cup winner). The team in purple will then face Cerezo Osaka and on the final day it's off to Kobe. This final match against Kobe is the proverbial banana skin as Kobe are expected to be fighting for J1 survival on the final day. The team from the town famous for beef product in Japan (wagyu) is currently two points clear of both Gamba Osaka and Albirex Niigata, who are 3rd last and 2nd last (relegation positions). There will be plenty of motivation for Kobe on final day.

Meanwhile, Sendai face Kashima this weekend who are basking in the glory of their Nabisco Cup win and will probably be under the false pretense that they are safe of the relegation dog fight. In the penultimate round Sendai face their own banana skin, playing at home to Niigata. On the final day Sendai will travel to FC Tokyo who will have nothing to play for other than impressing the boss. Overall things are tilted slightly in the favour of the underdog and I make no secret of the fact I'd love to see them take the J League title.

The relegation battle continues provide to mystique and misery. Kobe are currently survivors on 36 points while Omiya still aren't safe on 37 points despite their draw with Niigata and an upset victory against Kashiwa in recent weeks. In Omiya's favour is the fact two of their opponents (Cerezo and Jubilo) are safe and have no ACL or title aspirations either. We can virtually call the Squirrels safe. However, Kashima Antlers (39 pts) aren't safe. This weekend they face Sendai, which all things running to schedule will see the yellow team collect three points. Next week they will face Nagoya who are in the midst of the ACL battle with four other teams. But sparingly they are at home to Kashiwa on the last day who shouldn't have any special motivation.

Yasuhito Endo - Gamba Osaka

So this weekend we get a little closer to finding out who will take out the J1, who will secure an ACL spot and who can still call the J1 home. Can you imagine Gamba Osaka and Yasuhito Endo being relegated? 

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!