Abe and Reds Within Striking Distance

Urawa Reds have closed the gap on J League leaders Sanfrecce Hiroshima to just two points. Now in third place behind Vegalta Sendai and the aforementioned, the Reds' defeat of Shimizu S Pulse over the weekend sounded an ominous warning. They are the big club and they're coming to get them (I'm talking about Sendai and Hiroshima).

The Reds travelled to Shizuoka prefecture (west of Tokyo) for their round 23 clash with Shimizu S Pulse. Punters had the game as an even money bet with Shimizu winning their last three outings including the scalps of Hiroshima and Nagoya. Early on Reds defender Tsuboi was happy to turn in his own box and pass the ball into the path of danger man Takagi. Takagi's shot was parried by the keeper and danger averted. Soon after, the Reds displayed their speedy transition skills and Hirakawa's cross from the right was met by a sublime half volley from midfielder Tsukasa Umesaki. 1-nil after eleven minutes.

Australian Alex Brosque would soon be regretting pursuing Umesaki into the box, as his tackle which looked to be all ball, was ruled a foul. Brosque had stole in from behind to dispossess Umesaki at speed, but the Reds midfielder seemed to 'come a cropper' for unknown reasons, a sudden seizure which gave the impression Umesaki could suffer some serious whiplash. However, the little battler was up on his feet within moments to witness captain Abe slot the penalty comfortably. 2-nil after twenty minutes.

The 2nd half saw Shimizu do the majority of threatening with one comical moment early on involving Reds keeper Kato crawling around amongst a scrimmage of players at the six yard box. Eventually the ball was cleared and further danger only came via a free kick, and another chance for Takagi, who had to hit a bouncing ball from the edge of the box but only succeeded in finding a pretty young fan in row z. The Reds ran out 2-nil winners while playing deep throughout the 2nd half.

Making news at the top for all the wrong reasons this week were Hiroshima and Kashiwa. Hiroshima fell to FC Tokyo at home 1-nil. Kashiwa Reysol however, lost 3-nil and were leap frogged by opponents Jubilo Iwata. Kashiwa went down 1-nil in the 5th minute and were down a man from the 18th minute when regular defender Noaya Kondo was given a straight red. Jubilo with their all Japanese line up, including international Ryoichi Maeda weren't going to be stopped. Jubilo manager Hitoshi Morishita sang the praises of his men saying, "The fact that we went on to score a third shows just how much our team has grown." The comments were made in regards to a disallowed goal early in the 2nd half.

Ryoichi Maeda in action for Jubilo Iwata - J League 2012

Elsewhere Sendai made up valuable ground to be one point from the peak after coming home stronger then lowly Omiya Ardija. In relegation news Gamba Osaka look set to survive with a 7-2 victory over the weekend and Albirex Niigata also took three points against Kashima Antlers. Antlers will definitely be looking over their shoulders as those nearby all gained ground. The most successful club in the J League's history is in real danger of being dragged into the relegation fight.

Stay tuned next week as Albirex Niigata in 3rd last (relegation zone) face Cerezo Osaka who sit just two points above them. And with Jubilo Iwata at home to Hiroshima you know things at the top will continue to astound in the J League.

Drogba Does Shanghai

DIDIER DROGBA DELIGHTS IN SHANGHAI

Didier Drogba in action for Shanghai Shenhua

Didier Drogba has lit up the Chinese Super League over the last month. With many criticising the Ivory Coast international for ditching Europe and in their words chasing money Drogba has proved he's serious. In his four matches Drogba has scored 2 goals, albeit in the one match.

Shanghai recently put Hangzhou to the sword 5-1. On that night Drogba picked up his double, while classy new Columbian import Giovanni Moreno picked up his second goal in Shanghai colours and Aussie striker Joel Griffiths also picked up one. Shanghai certainly does have an international flavour and while it seems a tough ask (given the 9 point margin between them & ACL spots), it's every promoter's dream that this club makes its way back into the ACL as soon as possible. Can you imagine Drogba and co. arriving in Australia to take on Central Coast Mariners or Melbourne Victory? Can you imagine Drogba and co. arriving in Tokyo to take on Urawa Reds, or even heading over to Sendai?

There is no doubt these are exciting times in Asian soccer. We can only hope that the current political issues engulfing the area don't escalate to the point that they affect the world of sport, because at the moment the place is buzzing.

LEWDUB REFUSES TO RETRACT STATEMENTS

Yes the J League continues to bemuse and confuse, however, this blogger (LewDub) refuses to retract his statements about who will win the J League title. Yes, Urawa slipped up against mid table Kobe. Yes, Sendai slipped up against cellar dwellers Sapporo. Yes, Kashiwa Reysol could only manage a draw against FC Tokyo, but Sanfrecce Hiroshima were able to snare three points away to Omiya. The latter result emphasises my point in previous postings that of these four teams, not every one of them can slip up to the point that none of them win the title.

While Yokohama F Marinos have made up considerable ground to be six points off J League leaders Hiroshima. Now 14 matches undefeated, the Kanagawa team has certainly surprised many with their run, after looking more like relegation material earlier in the season. But being the student of probability that I am 14 matches undefeated also means defeat is getting closer. This week Yokohama play local rivals Kawasaki who themselves will still be holding on to dreams of an ACL spot as they sit just 4 points off automatic qualification.

Check out the highlights of Yokohama's most recent outing against Niigata:

DIDIER DROGBA DELIGHTS IN SHANGHAI

Urawa Reds Blow Vital Chance

URAWA DRAW A BLANK IN J LEAGUE 

With the J League title race into the home stretch the Urawa Reds wasted a golden opportunity to put themselves into the box seat. Top of the table Hiroshima and Sendai both slipped up with the latter failing to take anything from their clash with Shimizu S Pulse. However, it will be the Reds who are 'living a life of regret', after letting a 2-nil lead slip at home to FC Tokyo.

Urawa were set to make their presence well and truly felt at the top of the table when Brazilian Marcio Richardes put them ahead 2-nil in the 36th minute, but it wasn't to be. J League 2012 is the year of the undecided. This weekend the top four placed teams managed only three out of a possible twelve points. Thankfully for the Reds, Hiroshima relinquished a 1-nil lead over Shimizu to go down 2-1, suffering two goals in the last ten minutes of regulation time. In the north Kashiwa Reysol gave up their 1-nil lead to the resurgent Niigata. Amazingly the home team (Niigata) staying in touch with Kashiwa after going a man down in the 69th minute. Meanwhile Vegalta Sendai showed their usual grit in securing a draw with Yokohama F Marinos.

With F Marinos sitting back early Sendai had the better of the play. Captain Ryang Yong Gi strolled into the box on one occasion and blasted a right foot shot wide of the far post. Alas, the teams went to the break  0-0. In the 60th minute Uchiyama headed home from a corner to put Sendai into the driver's seat, but it didn't last for long. In the 65th minute Shunsuke Nakamura wound back the clock with a stunning shot from the edge of the box. The curling left footed missile could only be deflected into the far post by the flailing hand of keeper Hayashi. In the 70th minute F Marinos would take the lead via Kanai's stooping far post header. Amazingly Marquinhos wasted a chance one on one with the keeper, and yes, he and F Marinos would regret it. Wilson was the recipient of a perfectly lobbed ball by Ryang Yong Gi, this time his touch was precise and on entry to the 18 yard box drew an obvious foul from Kurihara. Penalty! The Brazilian made no mistake, and that was all she wrote. Final score 2-2.  

As a result Sendai sit atop the table and although many expect Sendai to falter this blogger begs to differ. While teams will show more respect (by that I mean, sit back and defend) for Sendai throughout the second half of the season, the fact that nobody has stood up and confirmed their intentions to take the J League title in any immutable fashion is enough for me to say Sendai can go all the way.

Enjoy the highlights of Vegalta Sendai and Yokohama F Marinos

Cahill Comments Evoke Anger in Oz

CAHILL LOSES FANS

Tim Cahill debuts for New York against Tottenham

Tim Cahill's time with Everton is over. The Aussie favourite has opted out of the club after a couple of disappointing seasons marred by injury. Everton chairman Bill Kenwright had nothing but positive words for Cahill after eight memorable years with 'the Toffees'. Unfortunately Cahill himself soured the move by making detrimental comments about the level of the A League (Australia's professional soccer league).

Cahill will join New York aged 32 and ready to re-launch his career in a lower profile league. The MLS has attracted the likes of David Beckham, Thierry Henry and Robbie Keane along with fostering talent such as Landon Donovan, Edson Buddle and most of the US team. Australian fans had faint hopes of the midfielder returning to Australia one day, but comments during his official New York unveiling revealed a disinterest in returning to the A League. "This is a massive move for me," he said. "Moving to the A-League would have been a step backwards. And that's no disrespect." Cahill added, "It's basically, I want to still play at a high level."

It wasn't long after those damaging comments that online forums in Australia went berserk. Vitriol filled remarks have suffocated the internet. FourFourTwo Australia & TheWorldGame were websites that were host to Cahill hating. Here is a taste of the public opinion:

OH Timmy, why didn't you just spout the "new challenge" line and not even mention the A-League, let alone say it is shit.
I just lost a little bit of respect for him. by El Toro


The MLS is a step down. He never wanted to come back to the A-league. He made out that the A-league was nowhere near the standard of the MLS and that the MLS wasn't a step down from the premier league. His comments make him seem delusional. by parraboi



Tim Cahill can go **** [removed by EastAsianSoccer] himself. And I mean that with no disrespect. Definitely lost a fan with that comment. by thupercoach



Wow didnt expect cahill so be such an arse after all the love aussies have given him over the years, both the MLS and HAL are a step backwards you money grabbing jerk. The standard between the two is not very big at all, so enjoy all the nutters in Amercia you douche. by MarkD



Harry comes back and tells everyone what a good league the A League is, Timmy does not come back and sticks the knife into the A League . Timmy and Pimmy have the same opinion and they overate their ability as a player and coach ! by peter1008


As far as I'm concerned this doesn't hurt Timmy's reputation or legacy, what it does do however, is illustrate just what a great thing Harry Kewell did for Australia football. To come home to a "football backwater" that is badly administrated and poorly paid, just for the kids of tomorrow.
by Mark


The general theme of comments from fans in Australia went as above. However, some did believe that Cahill was merely stating his opinion about the level of two leagues, and favouring the American version. Most soccer fans worldwide would agree the MLS is a stronger league than the A League, as do I. But when a player so revered in Australia comes out and makes such a statement, he does irreparable damage to the game, and despite his phrasing ("And that's no disrespect"), it is showing disrespect. 


One thing is certain in the aftermath of Cahill's comments. Tim Cahill will never been seen in the same 'bright and shining light' as before. It will be very interesting to be amongst Socceroos fans the next time he wears the green and gold.

J League Title Down to Four Teams

HIROSHIMA, SENDAI, URAWA AND KASHIWA TO FIGHT IT OUT

Urawa Reds manager Mihailo Petrovic

It's time to get serious J League fans. I'm now confident enough to put in print my genuine title contenders. Okay, I'm having the ultimate each way bet by selecting four teams, but lets not forget last year's title was a three horse race up until the last 20-30 minutes of the season. Would it surprise me if that occurred again? No.

The J League ladder sees first placed Sanfrecce Hiroshima only 9 points clear of tenth placed FC Tokyo, but there are a number of reasons why the title is down to just four teams now. Now I'm not a betting man but, I can tell you it's safe to put your house on one of the following four teams winning the 2012 J League title: Sanfrecce Hiroshima, Vegalta Sendai, Urawa Reds or Kashiwa Reysol. But there is only 9 points between first and tenth, I can hear you say. And there are 15 games to go, I hear you say. Oh don't worry, I haven't forgotten King Kev and the Toon with 12 points lead back in 95/96 either.

The fact that there is only 4 points between the top four teams is the biggest factor in my selection of four, and only four contenders. The other reasons for eliminating all the other teams from the title race include, inconsistency and lack of ability. The weekend's action was enough evidence to say that many teams just lack some of the elements which make up a champion team.

Going back to our historical example in Newcastle United (95/96) there is a significant difference in the 12 point margin they had and the margin the top four teams have on the chasing pack in this year's J League. Newcastle sat atop the table on their lonesome. Sanfrecce and Sendai are tied on 37 points while Urawa and Kashiwa sit on 34 and 33 respectively. Students of probability will know that one team is more likely to behave badly than four teams. Back in 95/96 one team (yes, Newcastle United) did behave very badly. In 2012 four teams will not behave badly. Maybe one will drop out of the race early, but I'm not brave enough to predict which team that would be.

Now to focus on the 'also rans'. Jubilo Iwata's (30pts) 2-nil loss to Urawa Reds on the weekend was enough to say yes it was an apparition. Jubilo once moonlighted as a title contender, but a spate of long term injuries, and two forwards (Baek Korea and Yamazaki Japan) lost to Olympic duty mean, the goals will dry up for Maeda and co. Yokohama F Marinos (30pts) have suddenly turned up in 6th. The team from Kanagawa have not lost a J League match since April 21st. Thats 12 matches undefeated but unfortunately that run of matches includes 5 draws. As much as I'd like to see my mates in Yokohama successful, I just think they lack the potency. Put it this way, Yokohama won't be earning the nickname 'the entertainers' very soon.

Kawasaki Frontale (30pts) are one of those teams that simply lack consistency. They have something in common with Nagoya Grampus (29pts) and that is not a good quality. Nagoya are in need of an overhaul and manager Stojkovic doesn't have much time. Seriously, stop messing with us Nagoya! After 6 J League matches without loss, they head to Hokkaido to play a Sapporo team already doomed to the J2 next year. So did Nagoya show the mettle of champions and grind out a win without Kennedy, Nagai and Tamada, no! Of course not.

Sagan Tosu (28pts) are the underdog punching well above their weight. They have been steered to a successful season via smart management. They have conceded just 18 goals in 19 matches. That's equal third in terms of J League defencive records. Manager Jung-Hwan Yoon (Korea) has made his blue and pink team hard to beat: a good idea when venturing into J1 for the first time. Tosu will not win the title though because their attack is not as impressive as their defence. Finally FC Tokyo, (28pts) who are also a promoted team cannot win the title on account of a hectic playing schedule. They began the season well and after five matches sat 1 point off the lead, however, their commitments in the ACL and now the Yamazaki Nabisco Cup have proven too much for them to maintain a push for the title. The weekend's loss to 14th placed Niigata was comprehensive and they look tired. Coincidentally, Vegalta Sendai and Kashiwa Reysol are still involved in the aforementioned cup competition. Will this affect their title hopes?

Here are some highlights from the FC Tokyo v Albirex Niigata match. Niigata as predicted here at East Asian Soccer are on the way up.

   








   

J League's Sun Kings Cause S-Pulse Flatline

KASHIWA GAIN J LEAGUE MOMENTUM

Kashiwa Reysol celebrate victory over Shimizu S Pulse

In another action packed weekend of J League soccer we saw a new leader emerge and one team's hopes of snaring the title well and truly obliterated. Sanfrecce Hiroshima now lead the J League on account of a superior goals for tally. It's so close at the top that both Hiroshima and Sendai have the same goal difference but the team in violet own the number one position due to their 37 goals as opposed to Sendai's 34. Shimizu S-Pulse however, can forget about the title for 2012. In possibly the most eventful match of the season 'the Wingheads' (Shimizu) went down in a ball of flames, fighting all the way through the second half with one less player than opponents Kashiwa Reysol.

The Wingheads went into the match hoping to arrest a flagging run of form which had seen them go seven J League matches without a win. Kashiwa Reysol though, had suffered only the one loss (last week v Nagoya) in their last eight matches. To the neutrals like myself this was a spectacle and a half, but the Shimizu fans are suicidal or maybe homicidal as a result of perceived failings of referee Nishimura. However, Shimizu fans weren't complaining early on when they were recipients of a penalty for handball. Unfortunately the experienced Shinji Ono shot wide. Almost 20 minutes later in the 33rd minute Reysol had a penalty of their own after blatant handball from Keisuke Iwashita. Domingues made no mistake, but not long after it was time to line up for a another penalty. This time it was in favour of the home team, as one of the great dives was rewarded with a PK (pee kay as spoken by Japanese commentators) by referee Nishimura. Genki Omae put to rest the sins of Ono, and made it 1-1. The sides went to half time with the scores locked at 1-1 but the Wingheads were reduced to ten men. Iwashita who had received a yellow card earlier slid in recklessly and picked up a second yellow. Sayonara Iwashita!

Amazingly it was Shimizu who turned the game on its head early in the second half. In the 53rd minute Takahara got enough of his head onto the end of a free kick to bamboozle the keeper, while the 63rd minute saw Alex Brosque pounce on defencive error and streak 30 metres, before slotting across the keeper and in at the far post. But Shimizu could bask in the  glory of the 3-1 scoreline for a limited time, as the 66th minute saw referee Nishimura send off both Wagner (Kashiwa) and young defender Yoshida (Shimizu).

After the match Shimizu manager Afshin Ghotbi would comment "My feelings are mixed with pride, sorrow, hope, and disappointment." The Wingheads hung in bravely for as long as possible but eventually the heaped pressure from the Sun Kings would be unbearable. Perhaps the moment that Kashiwa equalised was the straw that broke the camel's back. It was the 88th minute when a cross was tapped by keeper Hayashi into his own crossbar and into the path of Hashimoto. He couldn't miss. The video shows Shimizu defenders bow their heads in unison. The aftermath saw two goals in injury time with Kashiwa finishing the match with momentum. They were lining up to stick the dagger in for the fourth goal (check the video), and this win is one of those galvanising moments, 5-3 the final score. Put Kashiwa Reysol in the bank as repeat ACL contestants.

Elsewhere, Gamba Osaka's nightmare season continued with a last minute loss to Yokohama F Marinos. Marinos led 1-nil after scoring late in the first half. Gamba would equalise in the 88th minute only to concede again in injury time. In other relegation news Niigata's stocks continue to rise after a hard fought draw against Urawa. Almost 34000 packed Big Swan Stadium to see the locals raise hopes of survival, despite their lack of cutting edge up front Niigata are a great chance of pulling Omiya and Cerezo into the relegation battle.

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.