J's Goal has posted a video digest of this >>second leg of the playoffs between Ventforet Kofu and Kashiwa Reysol.
To see previous entry on the 1st Leg game and video digest from that game >>click here.
>>Click to launch stream of digest video for Saturday's 2nd Leg game, a look back at Kofu's day from arrival to celebration
To see previous entry on the 1st Leg game and video digest from that game >>click here.
>>Click to launch stream of digest video for Saturday's 2nd Leg game, a look back at Kofu's day from arrival to celebration
The sun rises on Kofu and sets on Kashiwa. (click photo to see original at J's Goal)Kashiwa Reysol 2-6 Ventforet Kofu
A double hat-trick from Bare (that's six goals from one man!).
I haven't seen the game, but this was almost too cruel a result for Kashiwa Reysol. Ventforet of course have been known this season in the J2 to have the attacking/finishing power (especially Bare), but it is almost unthinkable that one player could get six goals.
Kofu got the first goal at 10 minutes, which meant that Reysol were forced to go forward and take risks. The pressure must have been tremendous for Reysol. The red card at 49 mins did not help either, and I suppose the self-destruct sequence had already been punched in. I think the Reysol supporters have had a tough few years, and going to the 2nd division is not going to make things any simpler. But it is entirely possible for them to come back in 2007, and I look forward to following their progress in the J2 next year.
Welcome to the J1, Ventforet Kofu! See you next year :)
It's weird to see the same J1 teams playing against each other after the culmination of last weekend, sort of like a strange parallel universe...
Today's games were not full of surprises, aside from the 5-2 pummeling by Cerezo Osaka on Jef Chiba. Not particularly surprising that Cerezo won, but certainly the score is worth an eyebrow raise. This may yet be Cerezo's year for a title... Also nice to note is Omiya Ardija's progression to the best 8 (they beat Nagoya Grampus 2-1). And of course Kawasaki Frontale's win over Yokohama F Marinos (3-2). The teams in bold progress to the next round.
Shimizu S-Pulse 3-0 Sanfrecce Hiroshima
Jubilo Iwata 2-1 Albirex Niigata
Omiya Ardija 2-1 Nagoya Grampus
Kawasaki Frontale 3-2 Yokohama F Marinos
Urawa Reds 2-0 FC Tokyo
Cerezo Osaka 5-2 Jef Chiba
Kashima Antlers 3-0 Oita Trinita
I saw this game, and despite the final score Oita definitely had the chance to win -- if they had only scored a couple in the first portion of the game when their rhythm was phenomenal. Their organized and systematic defensive pressure on Kashima curtailed the usual Antlers passing style, and the red jerseys were making passing errors right and left.
Unfortunately for Oita, two of their key men, Magno Alves and Takamatsu, were not quite up to their usual standards. Takamatsu had two amazing opportunities in the first tenish minutes of the game, one-on-one encounters against Kashima goalie Sogahata. But he kicked both right at the gk and not terribly powerfully either.
Where Oita lacked the presence to finish properly while they had the rhythm, Kashima took advantage of their time with the ball and scored when they had the rhythm... a curving-at-the-goal free kick from Fernando. Oita were not without their chances, and could have still evened things out in the second half, but were caught unfocused on defense during a corner -- a short corner to Motoyama, and no pressure from Oita, allowed Motoyama to send in an on-target cross to the far where I think Iwamasa headed back to the near where Alex Mineiro tapped it in waist-level. The third goal was all technique, when a vertical pass to Ogasawara allowed him to dribble around some pesky Oita defense and send a square ball to an approaching Motoyama who got it low past keeper Nishikawa. Some nice saves from Sogahata and an inspiring line-clearance from Araiba when Magno Alves got past Sogahata who came out of his area, kept Oita at zero.
Where Oita played some very nice simple football on attack and organized pressure on defense, they were unable to find creativity. Kashima circumvented Oita's defensive checks by using wide side changes to throw off the marking, and though Antlers fell into their dangerous mid-game slumber after they got that first goal (in the league, this is how they ended up drawing instead of winning games), they used their set pieces to their advantage and got the crucial second.
One thing I like about Oita is that because their aim is to play simply, they seek out good opportunities for vertical passes. I think they could have put up a better fight today. Though Kashima's Ogasawara was not up to his best either, several times looking pained (he has issues with both legs), he seemed to reserve his moments and made them count. In fact, he kicked only one (I think) set piece, letting Nozawa do the honors instead (which was, in of itself kind of refreshing too).
Today's games were not full of surprises, aside from the 5-2 pummeling by Cerezo Osaka on Jef Chiba. Not particularly surprising that Cerezo won, but certainly the score is worth an eyebrow raise. This may yet be Cerezo's year for a title... Also nice to note is Omiya Ardija's progression to the best 8 (they beat Nagoya Grampus 2-1). And of course Kawasaki Frontale's win over Yokohama F Marinos (3-2). The teams in bold progress to the next round.
Shimizu S-Pulse 3-0 Sanfrecce Hiroshima
Jubilo Iwata 2-1 Albirex Niigata
Omiya Ardija 2-1 Nagoya Grampus
Kawasaki Frontale 3-2 Yokohama F Marinos
Urawa Reds 2-0 FC Tokyo
Cerezo Osaka 5-2 Jef Chiba
Kashima Antlers 3-0 Oita Trinita
I saw this game, and despite the final score Oita definitely had the chance to win -- if they had only scored a couple in the first portion of the game when their rhythm was phenomenal. Their organized and systematic defensive pressure on Kashima curtailed the usual Antlers passing style, and the red jerseys were making passing errors right and left.
Unfortunately for Oita, two of their key men, Magno Alves and Takamatsu, were not quite up to their usual standards. Takamatsu had two amazing opportunities in the first tenish minutes of the game, one-on-one encounters against Kashima goalie Sogahata. But he kicked both right at the gk and not terribly powerfully either.
Where Oita lacked the presence to finish properly while they had the rhythm, Kashima took advantage of their time with the ball and scored when they had the rhythm... a curving-at-the-goal free kick from Fernando. Oita were not without their chances, and could have still evened things out in the second half, but were caught unfocused on defense during a corner -- a short corner to Motoyama, and no pressure from Oita, allowed Motoyama to send in an on-target cross to the far where I think Iwamasa headed back to the near where Alex Mineiro tapped it in waist-level. The third goal was all technique, when a vertical pass to Ogasawara allowed him to dribble around some pesky Oita defense and send a square ball to an approaching Motoyama who got it low past keeper Nishikawa. Some nice saves from Sogahata and an inspiring line-clearance from Araiba when Magno Alves got past Sogahata who came out of his area, kept Oita at zero.
Where Oita played some very nice simple football on attack and organized pressure on defense, they were unable to find creativity. Kashima circumvented Oita's defensive checks by using wide side changes to throw off the marking, and though Antlers fell into their dangerous mid-game slumber after they got that first goal (in the league, this is how they ended up drawing instead of winning games), they used their set pieces to their advantage and got the crucial second.
One thing I like about Oita is that because their aim is to play simply, they seek out good opportunities for vertical passes. I think they could have put up a better fight today. Though Kashima's Ogasawara was not up to his best either, several times looking pained (he has issues with both legs), he seemed to reserve his moments and made them count. In fact, he kicked only one (I think) set piece, letting Nozawa do the honors instead (which was, in of itself kind of refreshing too).
Before I forget, for those of you still looking for more highlights video from the Round 34 J1 (and Round 44 J2) games, the J-league website has updated a link -- >>Click to launch video.
You can also see some of the most popular goals (from all rounds, both J1 and J2) at J's goals video archives >>here. For instructions on how to register (the English translation), >>click here.
As I mentioned before, the J-league is still busy, many teams holding out their final hopes at a title by winning the final Cup of the year, the Emperor's Cup.
Today at 1 pm, seven of the eight EC games will be played, >>Click to see list. The game between Reysol and Gamba is scheduled for December 17, since Reysol have the play-offs today.
(Click photo for original enlarged)The second leg of the now very interesting play-offs between Kashiwa Reysol and Ventforet Kofu is at 3 pm. Kashiwa veteran Myojin is expected to show up on the pitch for the all-important game despite his ankle pain/injury, ignoring the advice of doctors. This is it! The Kashiwa Shrine (photo) is conveniently located on the way from Kashiwa station to the Hitachi stadium... Even at night, the gingko tree makes a pretty picutre.
I have tried to follow the goings-on at Reysol with regard to how their management has responded to poor performance and disgusted pleas from the supporters (there was even that supporter incident that led to two main supporter groups disbanding), and from my outside (granted uninvolved) perspective, and no offense to Kashiwa supporters, I think maybe they need a year in the J2. Not only looking at this year, but at the past years as well, Kashiwa have not really done anything, seem to be too scared to move left or right, and maybe going to the J2 will be a good catalyst to take a good survey of their situation and make brave changes. Kofu will have their problems in the 1st division if they make it, but they have gone through so much in past years and overcome such adversities... that I can't help but root for them now.
____________
In other J news...
Vissel Kobe announced they will be letting go of two of their non-Japanese players, Martin Muller and Ivo Ulich.
FC Tokyo is expected to sign a one year contract with ex-Brazil international Marcio Amoroso (31 yrs). Amoroso is currently in Japan with Sao Paul FC for the Toyota Cup Club World Championship tournament. He has experience in Japan, having played for Verdy Kawasaki in 1992-93 in the satellite league, and was the top goal scorer in the satellite.
Meanwhile Lucas, FC Tokyo's Brazilian striker, is expected to leave the club in addition to Tokyo's manager Hara. The club is rumored to have negotiations almost completed with ex-Santos manager Marcello Gallo for next season.
Gamba Osaka still holds the lead in the news with the probable transfer of their Japanese striker Oguro to France's 2nd division Grenoble. Oguro is expected to stay with the club until the end of the Emperor's Cup. Of course, media were quick to switch their antennae to defender Tsune Miyamoto as well, and the verdict seems to be that the Gamba defender will be staying put. "There is still some unfinished business for me at Gamba" he said.
Urawa Reds manager Guido Buchwald has gotten an offer from the German Football association to become their Sports Director for the duration of the World Cup -- a trickly logistical problem that could be overcome if Reds ends up setting up training camp in Germany during that break period (as is the rumor right now). It would be an experience for the players, as they will be able to schedule matches with local clubs.
J League Awards
The 30 nominations for the Annual J-league Awards MVP have been selected by the league (a collection of J managers and players voted). The Best Eleven will also be chosen from this list. The three candidates for the Best Newcomer have also been determined. The awards will take place on December 20 at Yokohama Arena.
30 Candidates:
GK:
Ryota Tsuzuki (Urawa Reds)
Yoichi Doi (FC Tokyo)
Motohiro Yoshida (Cerezo Osaka)
Field Players:
Daiki Iwamasa (Kashima Antlers)
Mitsuo Ogasawara (Kashima Antlers)
Marcus Tulio Tanaka (Urawa Reds)
Makoto Hasebe (Urawa Reds)
Yuki Abe (Jef Chiba)
Yuto Sato (Jef Chiba)
Stoyanov (Jef Chiba)
Yasuyuki Konno (FC Tokyo)
Washington (Tokyo Verdy)
Juninho (Kawasaki Frontale)
Kengo Nakamura (Kawasaki Frontale)
Yoshinobu Minowa (Kawasaki Frontale)
Yuji Nakazawa (Yokohama F Marinos)
Naoki Matsuda (Yokohama F Marinos)
Takashi Fukunishi (Jubilo Iwata)
Araujo (Gamba Osaka)
Yasuhito Endo (Gamba Osaka)
Masashi Oguro (Gamba Osaka)
Fernandinho (Gamba Osaka)
Akinori Nishizawa (Cerezo Osaka)
Fabinho (Cerezo Osaka)
Bruno Quadros (Cerezo Osaka)
Yasuhito Morishima (Cerezo Osaka)
Tatsuya Furuhashi (Cerezo Osaka)
Yuichi Komano (Sanfrecce Hiroshima)
Hisato Sato (Sanfrecce Hiroshima)
Magno Alves (Oita Trinita)
Candidates for Best Newcomer:
Robert Cullen (Jubilo Iwata)
Kazuya Maeda (Cerezo Osaka)
Shuusaku Nishikawa (Oita Trinita, GK)
Personally I would like the Best Newcomer award to Oita's Nishikawa.... Goalies have a very difficult time making a mark (or even playing) in their early years, but Nishikawa made an inspiring impression this year in the games he's been thrown into.
You can also see some of the most popular goals (from all rounds, both J1 and J2) at J's goals video archives >>here. For instructions on how to register (the English translation), >>click here.
As I mentioned before, the J-league is still busy, many teams holding out their final hopes at a title by winning the final Cup of the year, the Emperor's Cup.
Today at 1 pm, seven of the eight EC games will be played, >>Click to see list. The game between Reysol and Gamba is scheduled for December 17, since Reysol have the play-offs today.
(Click photo for original enlarged)The second leg of the now very interesting play-offs between Kashiwa Reysol and Ventforet Kofu is at 3 pm. Kashiwa veteran Myojin is expected to show up on the pitch for the all-important game despite his ankle pain/injury, ignoring the advice of doctors. This is it! The Kashiwa Shrine (photo) is conveniently located on the way from Kashiwa station to the Hitachi stadium... Even at night, the gingko tree makes a pretty picutre.I have tried to follow the goings-on at Reysol with regard to how their management has responded to poor performance and disgusted pleas from the supporters (there was even that supporter incident that led to two main supporter groups disbanding), and from my outside (granted uninvolved) perspective, and no offense to Kashiwa supporters, I think maybe they need a year in the J2. Not only looking at this year, but at the past years as well, Kashiwa have not really done anything, seem to be too scared to move left or right, and maybe going to the J2 will be a good catalyst to take a good survey of their situation and make brave changes. Kofu will have their problems in the 1st division if they make it, but they have gone through so much in past years and overcome such adversities... that I can't help but root for them now.
____________
In other J news...
Vissel Kobe announced they will be letting go of two of their non-Japanese players, Martin Muller and Ivo Ulich.
FC Tokyo is expected to sign a one year contract with ex-Brazil international Marcio Amoroso (31 yrs). Amoroso is currently in Japan with Sao Paul FC for the Toyota Cup Club World Championship tournament. He has experience in Japan, having played for Verdy Kawasaki in 1992-93 in the satellite league, and was the top goal scorer in the satellite.
Meanwhile Lucas, FC Tokyo's Brazilian striker, is expected to leave the club in addition to Tokyo's manager Hara. The club is rumored to have negotiations almost completed with ex-Santos manager Marcello Gallo for next season.
Gamba Osaka still holds the lead in the news with the probable transfer of their Japanese striker Oguro to France's 2nd division Grenoble. Oguro is expected to stay with the club until the end of the Emperor's Cup. Of course, media were quick to switch their antennae to defender Tsune Miyamoto as well, and the verdict seems to be that the Gamba defender will be staying put. "There is still some unfinished business for me at Gamba" he said.
Urawa Reds manager Guido Buchwald has gotten an offer from the German Football association to become their Sports Director for the duration of the World Cup -- a trickly logistical problem that could be overcome if Reds ends up setting up training camp in Germany during that break period (as is the rumor right now). It would be an experience for the players, as they will be able to schedule matches with local clubs.
J League Awards
The 30 nominations for the Annual J-league Awards MVP have been selected by the league (a collection of J managers and players voted). The Best Eleven will also be chosen from this list. The three candidates for the Best Newcomer have also been determined. The awards will take place on December 20 at Yokohama Arena.
30 Candidates:
GK:
Ryota Tsuzuki (Urawa Reds)
Yoichi Doi (FC Tokyo)
Motohiro Yoshida (Cerezo Osaka)
Field Players:
Daiki Iwamasa (Kashima Antlers)
Mitsuo Ogasawara (Kashima Antlers)
Marcus Tulio Tanaka (Urawa Reds)
Makoto Hasebe (Urawa Reds)
Yuki Abe (Jef Chiba)
Yuto Sato (Jef Chiba)
Stoyanov (Jef Chiba)
Yasuyuki Konno (FC Tokyo)
Washington (Tokyo Verdy)
Juninho (Kawasaki Frontale)
Kengo Nakamura (Kawasaki Frontale)
Yoshinobu Minowa (Kawasaki Frontale)
Yuji Nakazawa (Yokohama F Marinos)
Naoki Matsuda (Yokohama F Marinos)
Takashi Fukunishi (Jubilo Iwata)
Araujo (Gamba Osaka)
Yasuhito Endo (Gamba Osaka)
Masashi Oguro (Gamba Osaka)
Fernandinho (Gamba Osaka)
Akinori Nishizawa (Cerezo Osaka)
Fabinho (Cerezo Osaka)
Bruno Quadros (Cerezo Osaka)
Yasuhito Morishima (Cerezo Osaka)
Tatsuya Furuhashi (Cerezo Osaka)
Yuichi Komano (Sanfrecce Hiroshima)
Hisato Sato (Sanfrecce Hiroshima)
Magno Alves (Oita Trinita)
Candidates for Best Newcomer:
Robert Cullen (Jubilo Iwata)
Kazuya Maeda (Cerezo Osaka)
Shuusaku Nishikawa (Oita Trinita, GK)
Personally I would like the Best Newcomer award to Oita's Nishikawa.... Goalies have a very difficult time making a mark (or even playing) in their early years, but Nishikawa made an inspiring impression this year in the games he's been thrown into.
Click image to see original at Yahoo SportsSo while I snoring away (I don't snore, really..) the fate of the footballing countries were determined.
Otto listed all the groups in the comments section of the last entry, thanks Otto! >>Check groups list
For Japan, I think most people were just relieved we didn't end up in the same group as Germany and the Netherlands.
Brazil
Croatia
Australia
Japan
Hmmm. Well, it's hard to say whether this is any worse or better than most of the other groups. But in a way it's great to have this all over and decided. Now we can move on to mentally preparing...
Especially important will be preparing for games against European style teams, since Croatia and Australia both play Euro-style. Fortunately there is an abundance of high quality European teams that are not going to be at the World Cup (fortunate because there is an abundance, not because they are not going to the WC), so finding high caliber opponents will be a little easier.
We saw in the Ukraine game this year that Japan still needs to figure out how to confront teams that play power football even under the most disadvantageous of situations, and it may be important to look at our squad in terms of personnel choices as well.
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