F MARINOS ON HUNT FOR HIROSHIMA

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

Shunsuke Nakamura

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

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

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

Yoichiro Kakitani inflicts pain upon Omiya Ardija

 

Hiroshima Lead the J League

J LEAGUE LADDER STILL CONGESTED

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

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

Makino is warmly congratulated by teammate Haraguchi

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

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

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