URAWA MAKE GROUND ON J LEAGUE LEADERS

J League big guns Urawa Reds faced up to Afshin Ghotbi's Shimizu S Pulse over the weekend and returned to their Saitama home with three points. This was a feat which proved too difficult for the two teams above the Reds. Yokohama F Marinos slipped up at Kashima, while Hiroshima managed a draw at Oita.

Yousuke Kashiwagi put the Reds in front with a skillful goal in the 7th minute. The midfielder found himself in the box when a lobbed pass was sent in. Kashiwagi raced free of the back four, before chesting the ball down and sending it packing. In the 28th minute Shinzo Koroki put the visitors further in front with a typical counter attacking goal. Urawa ran out 2-nil winners and now sit just one point off leaders Hiroshima and Yokohama.

Yokohama came unstuck at Kashima after leading 1-nil at half time. F Marinos went ahead when Marquinhos got on the end of Shunsuke Nakamura's through ball in the 19th minute. It seemed like F Marinos were heading for another three points as young midfielder Manabu Saito began to influence matters. Nevertheless, Kashima stole away with the three points after Yuya Osako turned veteran defender Nakazawa inside out on two occasions. Osako who scored two times in the East Asian Cup has put Kashima in fourth place, just six points from the summit.

Meanwhile leaders Sanfrecce Hiroshima battled to a draw against strugglers Oita Trinita. Lucas Neill's J League career got off to a disappointing start after playing just 13 minutes of Omiya Ardija's loss to Kashiwa Reysol. The 'sun kings' from Kashiwa are still alive in the ACL, but the juggling act of J League and continental soccer, has affected their consistency. However, nothing could spare Omiya as Kashiwa made the most of some woeful keeping for the first goal, and doubly woeful defending for the second. Kashiwa ran out 3-2 victors after Omiya fought back to level the scores, before succumbing to some more sloppy goalkeeping.

The J League continues on Wednesday 28th August with a blockbuster clash at Yokohama, where they host Urawa. Hiroshima travel to battling Ventforet Kofu, Omiya are in nearby Kawasaki, while Kashima get a chance to climb closer to the top when they commute to Shimuzu.

Sendai Stagnant in J League Opener

Wilson of Sendai carries a heavy burden

After their round one clash with Ventrofet Kofu the message for Vegalta Sendai should be, you can't go forward by standing still. Clearly though, Sendai have not made any significant changes to tactics and obviously squad members.

The men in yellow and blue are still led by the irrepressible Ryang Yong Gi, but the graft and sheer perseverance of 2012 won't be enough this season. Sendai were able to go ahead early in the second half via a set piece. The headed goal for Watanabe came in the 49th minute, and unfortunately for the home team it only served as a message to sit back and play opportunistic soccer. Relying as they did last year on transitional play, Sendai's best moments came from crosses which were either headed astray or missed altogether.

Momentum changed after the goal and the newly promoted Kofu suddenly showed why they were comprehensive winners of J2. The visitors were very impressive down the right side, and 25 year old Yoshifumi Kashiwa should be a thorn in the side of any J1 side this year. Kashiwa showed some speed and trickery and was whipping balls into the box on a regular basis. Kofu levelled in the 73rd minute via Brazilian Hugo. It was nothing less than they deserved as the Yamanashi prefecture side began to click and ooze midfield cohesion.

The 1-1 full time scoreline was a better result for Ventrofet Kofu for obvious reasons, but scenes don't augur well for Vegalta Sendai. Manager Teguramori said of his team's playing style (earlier in the week), "I'm going to vary our play widely, but it's sometimes dangerous in the Champions League if we stick to it." Most people wouldn't notice any difference in their style in both competitions. It's all about seizing on the errors of opponents and working hard. Sendai will need more if they're to repeat last year's second placed finish.

We have an ideal style to fight in the J-League, but it’s sometimes dangerous in the Champions League if we stick to it - See more at: http://www.japantoday.com/category/sports/view/j-league-rollercoaster-rumbles-into-action#sthash.SNujb8rP.dpuf

I’m going to vary our play widely. We have an ideal style to fight in the J-League, but it’s sometimes dangerous in the Champions League if we stick to it. We need to show our (different) style for the Champions League, - See more at: http://www.japantoday.com/category/sports/view/j-league-rollercoaster-rumbles-into-action#sthash.SNujb8rP.dpuf

“I’m going to vary our play widely. We have an ideal style to fight in the J-League, but it’s sometimes dangerous in the Champions League if we stick to it. We need to show our (different) style for the Champions League,” - See more at: http://www.japantoday.com/category/sports/view/j-league-rollercoaster-rumbles-into-action#sthash.SNujb8rP.dpufSurely they can't rely on the lackadaisical Wilson to snare goals on the break this season.

Meanwhile, defending champions Sanfrecce Hiroshima went down to Urawa Reds 2-1 while at home. The setback comes after Hiroshima were upset in the ACL by Uzbek giants Bunyodkor. Urawa midfielder Yousuke Kashiwagi got scoring underway in the 38th minute, while classy forward Genki Haraguchi made it 2-nil after 51 minutes. It was too big a mountain for the home side to climb. In other results Yokohama F Marinos came from behind to win 4-2 against newcomers Shonan Bellmare, while Nagoya drew with Jubilo Iwata after taking an early lead at home. In the Saturday evening clash FC Tokyo travelled to Oita to take three points off the newly promoted Kyushu outfit.

Urawa Reds in celebration mode.

Next week all eyes will be on Saitama Stadium as Urawa host Nagoya Grampus, while Shimizu S Pulse host Yokohama F Marinos.

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.

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! 

Urawa's J League Masterclass?

Saitama Stadium played host to some torrential rain and a 5 minute masterclass from home team Urawa Reds on Saturday. The Reds led 1-nil at halftime via a Umesaki scrambled goal. The midfielder scored his second goal of the season after a cross was whipped in from the right which young gun Genki Haraguchi volleyed into the upright. Umesaki was 'johnny on the spot' when the ball rebounded into his path.

The Reds created more chances in the first half but failed to convert, again hitting the upright on one occasion. When the players walked onto the pitch for the second half they were confronted by tropical storm-like conditions. Thankfully the fans were treated to a goal feast which would warm the hearts of their cold and wet bodies. It began in the 50th minute when the home team broke from their own half after some aggressive tackling. Kashiwagi fed Hirakawa a perfect through ball from the left, the defender had no option but to run the ball into the box and shoot. When he did, he hit the target. Moments later it was Haraguchi's turn with the Reds once again in counter mode. Kashiwagi once again provided the assist and this ball truly was sublime. It seems the number eight loves a wet track: for me, the man of the match. Haraguchi's finish was expected for a player with the attention and wraps he is currently receiving. In the 54th minute Haraguchi was credited for a goal which was rightfully Kashiwagi's. An attempted clearance by a Tosu defender fell into the path of Kashiwagi who hammered it goal-ward. With the keeper beaten, Haraguchi's airborne ricochet wasn't needed but it saw him credited with the goal (check the video).

After some rapturous celebrations led by Makino the Reds decided to sit back and invite trouble. As if to match the Reds, Tosu scored three goals in four minutes between the 67th and 71st minute. A combination of lazy marking a lack of commitment saw Tosu almost snatch a point. In the 78th minute young Brazilian forward Tozim was first to a cross and headed just wide for Tosu. The team from Kyushu have shown much more resilience in their J1 debut than fellow Kyushu islanders Avispa Fukuoka last year. Avispa revisited J1 last season but were quickly sent packing as whipping boys of J1 in 2011. It's hard to see Tosu getting caught up in a relegation battle this year. For Urawa Reds though, what will be of season 2012? They sit five points off the lead with 17 matches to play. They certainly look like a harmonious unit, but the defencive lapse which saw Sagan Tosu grab three goals in the space of four minutes raises questions.

Masakatsu Sawa for Kashiwa Reysol

Elsewhere in the J League, competition leaders Vegalta Sendai continued on their merry way with a victory over Vissel Kobe. Sendai continue to be hard to beat, conceding only 15 goals and on Saturday actually being on the wrong end of a 19-9 shooting stat. It's this kind stubbornness that puts them in the champions bracket. As for the chasing pack, Sanfrecce Hiroshima fought off Jubilo Iwata with a 2-nil win putting them in 2nd place just two points off Sendai. Meanwhile, Nagoya Grampus were able to prove doubters (including me) wrong with a gutsy 2-1 win away to Kashiwa Reysol. Aussie Joshua Kennedy scored a neat flicked goal to put the Aichi team ahead but Reysol rallied to make it 1-1 soon after. With seven yellow cards issued, it was action aplenty in the Tokyo rain, but Kashiwa would go down due to an own goal in th 63rd minute.

Coming up this Saturday: Nagoya v Sendai, Hiroshima v Kawasaki, Shimizu v Kashiwa and lots more as the contenders begin to establish themselves.