I usually drop by the bookstores one or two times a week to browse the magazines. I have a day off tomorrow, and will probably stroll over to the shop and purchase this issue of Weekly Soccer Magazine (Shukan Sakkah Magajin). The main contents include an interview with Yuki Abe and Teruyuki Konno together (they chat at each other as well as answer the interviewer's questions), and features on Hisato Sato, Robert Cullen, Makoto Hasebe, an interview with now ex-Kashima manager Toninho Cerezo, an article on Ivica Osim through the eyes of his coaching staff, and more.I will share any juicy bits if I find anything interesting.
This issue also announces the magazine's Annual Crystal Award goes to Shunsuke Nakamura, and takes a look at his performance this year.
Speaking of Nakamura, he has posted a message following the Livingston game (where he got the last minute goal) >>click to read previous entry.
Rough Translation of Nakamura message on his website:
"It was a really cold day, and I made sure to focus on my warm up prior to the game. However because of power failure, the game was delayed almost an hour and I had to re-warm-up again. I think this delay slightly threw our rhythm off. Not just for the players, but it seemed also among the supporters too. The atmosphere was a little different than normal.
Regarding the game, we were able to go ahead with a PK, but were not able to pull the momentum our way. And when we entered the second half, the team as a whole was not moving, and we allowed the opponent the equalizer. That goal allowance was the fault/responsibility of every member of our team. We allowed ourselves to lose focus for too much of the second half.
The remaining time was running out, and the team started to rush things a little, but Telfer was different. Under these circumstances, a player would be tempted to haul in long balls, but Telfer sent me a pass with the exact timing I wanted it. I got around one defender and took the shot. When the ball went into the goal, I was really happy. It was physically and psychologically a tough match.
Next round is away at Hearts, who are in second place. Hearts have not lost a game at home yet. It will be a difficult game, but I will make the effort to move and play in such a way to be able to contribute to the team's victory."
Cerezo Osaka 0-1 Shimizu S-Pulse
>>Click for 1st half video stream digest
>>Click for 2nd half + Ext time video stream digest
(The stream may be hard to see while demand is high, so you may have to wait a day or two for uninterrupted playback)
(photo from Sponichi Annex)The tragedy continues for Cerezo. This close to a chance at a title, and they let it slip, again. After some dynamic goals against opponents like Jef Chiba and Gamba Osaka that allowed them entrance to today's round, Cerezo just could not find a way in past a much more defensive Shimizu side.Shimizu played to their strengths, and it wasn't suprising that they won this with a 1-0 scoreline and a goal from Jae Jin Cho during extended time. Following their Club Youth victory in the Sahara Cup last week >>read entry, this must be a very happy season for S-Pulse!
Urawa Reds 4-2 Omiya Ardija
>>Click for 1st half video stream digest
>>Click for 2nd half + Ext time video stream digest
(The stream may be hard to see while demand is high, so you may have to wait a day or two for uninterrupted playback)
The score at 90 minutes was 2-2, Omiya equalizing in the very last minute before the second half ended. But that second goal for Omiya (by Tomita) was the last that the Squirrels could muster. In the first half of the extended period, Reds were able to get two and proceed to the historic finals that takes place on New Year's day.
***
With the recent national team roster call-up announcement, first time call-up 21 yr old Makoto Hasebe (Urawa) probably got a lot of attention this afternoon by the media. He scored two goals today, and I can already see the headlines for tomorrow morning's sports papers... If you are curious as to what he looks and sounds like, here is a video stream of a post-game interview.
(Rough Translation) In the video interview above, Hasebe says that they "will go after the win for the title and an eye on the ticket to the ACL. We haven't really analyzed the next opponent (Shimizu) yet, but our current defense line is quite stable and the key will be how effectively we can attack. I hadn't been directly involved in many goals recently, so the goals today have increased the level of my confidence and ambition. (Shimizu) seems like a very tough defensive team, and in that they may be similar to our opponents today (Omiya). We want to play our style of football, and come out with the victory. On the pitch, I tried not to be too self-conscious of the attention I am getting (following the national team call-up), but of course I wanted to play as someone who is worthy of representing the nation, take that as my responsibility and source of pride. But I still think I have many areas of improvement, and I want to decrease the number of small errors. I want to improve the quality of my performance for the New Year's day game, and then after during the national team training camp."
So New Year's day, I will be tucked in the kotatsu eating tiny mikan and noodles, and hopefully get to see some of the Final game. Will have to wrestle the remote control away from relatives.. ;)
Kotatsu (pic): a very neat little concept. A low table that is covered by a quilt, and has a heating device on the underside of the tabletop so you can tuck your legs and hands inside the table and keep warm. Very cozy, and it tends to make you sleepy.Mikan: tangerines, a seasonal must in Japan. Get your vitamin C, and hydrate yourself in the dry climate. The thing I love about mikan is that the skins come off as easily as peeling a banana.
Noodles: in Japan, eating noodles ("soba") on New Years is also one of the traditions (of which, you can imagine, we have many). Noodles represent long life -- because...they are long... Hmmm. Rather simplistic symbolism, but there you go.
