Japanese Soccer News
J-League News: Gamba open up four point lead, as Urawa stumble at home
2005 J-League champions Gamba Osaka have opened up a four point lead at the top of the J-League table, after they plunged JEF United further into crisis with a 2-1 win at Fukuda Denshi Arena in Chiba.
Former Sagan Tosu striker Tatsunori Arai opened the scoring for JEF United with an acrobatic volley, before Gamba midfielder Tomokazu Myojin equalised midway through the second half. With a minute remaining Gamba were awarded a contentious free-kick on the edge of the penalty area, and Japan midfielder Yasuhito Endo made no mistake, smashing an unstoppable drive passed Tomonori Tateishi in the United goal.
The loss means that JEF United are now entrenched in the relegation zone, with Bosnian coach Amar Osim under intense scrutiny at the under-performing club.
51,829 fans turned out at Saitama Stadium, but home team Urawa Reds were unable to keep pace with Gamba at the top of the table, as they could only manage a 1-1 draw with visitors Yokohama F. Marinos.
Ex-Urawa midfielder Koji Yamase opened the scoring for Yokohama, before Brazilian defender Fabio Nene scored the equaliser - his second goal in as many league games.
The top five is rounded out by Kawasaki Frontale, Kashiwa Reysol and Shimizu S-Pulse but only Frontale managed to take anything from their most recent match, drawing 1-1 at home with lowly Omiya Ardija, while Kashiwa and Shimizu lost on the road to Vissel Kobe and Sanfrecce Hiroshima respectively.
At the foot of the J-League, Yokohama FC still prop up the standings despite a 2-1 win over Oita Trinita in their most recent match. Forty year old veteran Kazuyoshi Miuri opened the scoring against Oita, before influential midfielder Tomoya Uchida headed home a second. Shota Matsuhashi's goal for Oita was little more than a consolation, as the Kyushu club slumped to their seventh loss in thirteen games.
Nabisco League Cup
Group A
The 2007 League Cup group stage came to a thrilling conclusion on May 23, with several clubs still in contention to join Asian Champions League participants Kawasaki Frontale and Urawa Reds in the last eight of the competition.
Sanfrecce Hiroshima topped Group A, courtesy of a 1-0 win over two-time defending champions JEF United. They were joined in the quarter-finals by Gamba Osaka, who overcame a slow start in the competition to finish as one of the two best second-placed finishers.
JEF United coach Amar Osim is now under intense pressure, after the 2005 and the 2006 champions were knocked out of this season's competition at the group stage.
Group B
Group B was the tightest of all the League Cup groups. Amazingly, all four teams in the group finished level on eight points - while two teams scored and conceded the same number of goals.
Omiya Ardija finished bottom of a group that they had lead for the majority of the group stage, after losing 3-0 to Shimizu S-Pulse. Kashiwa Reysol hammered Yokohama F. Marinos 3-0, but neither Shimizu, nor Kashiwa benefited from their wins.
It was Yokohama F. Marinos who progressed to the quarter-finals on a tie-breaker rule, after they finished with an identical goal difference to Shimizu S-Pulse. Yokohama went through courtesy of possessing a superior head-to-head record against Shimizu, with the other three teams knocked out of the tournament.
Group C
Group C was a more straight-forward affair, with FC Tokyo booking their progression to the knock-out stages courtesy of a 2-1 away win over neighbours Yokohama FC. Jubilo Iwata beat struggling Oita Trinita 3-1 in Kyushu, but only the capital club went through to the last eight.
Group D
Group D was another tight affair, with three teams still in contention on the final match-day. Kashima Antlers won the group courtesy of a 3-0 win over Ventforet Kofu at Kose Sports Park Stadium, but the majority of the 8,844 fans in attendance were celebrating when news filtered through that Kofu had also qualified as one of the two best second-placed finishers.
Albirex Niigata were the unlucky team to miss out. They would have finished as the group runner-up, but Brazilian midfielder Marcio Richards saw his second-half penalty saved by Nagoya Grampus Eight goalkeeper Seigo Narazaki, as the match finished 0-0 in front of 28,660 disappointed fans in Niigata.
The two-legged quarter-finals take place in July, and they will see Gamba Osaka take on arch-rivals Urawa Reds, Kawasaki Frontale meet Ventforet Kofu, FC Tokyo face a grudge match with giants Yokohama F. Marinos and 2006 runner-up Kashima Antlers meet Sanfrecce Hiroshima.
Asian Champions League
Urawa Reds joined Kawasaki Frontale in the last eight of the Asian Champions League, when they drew 0-0 with Sydney FC in front of 44,793 fans at Saitama Stadium.
The point was enough to see Urawa advance to the knock-out stages, although they were pushed all the way by 2005 Australian champions Sydney FC. The two clubs drew 2-2 at Aussie Stadium in March, and they could not be separated at Saitama Stadium on May 23, although Brazilian striker Washington missed a glorious chance in the final minute of the match.
2007 JOMO All-Star Game
The 2007 JOMO All-Star Game between Japan East and Japan West will take place on at Ecopa Stadium in Fukuroi on August 4.
With team selections made according to public votes, several of the J-League's most popular players are vying to make their respective teams.
The match should see the likes of Shimizu S-Pulse's popular midfielder Jungo Fujimoto do battle with Kawasaki's Kengo Nakamura, while forty year old Yokohama FC veteran Kazuyoshi Miura is another player who can expect to take part in the match, which marks the resumption of football in Japan after the mid-season summer break.
Copyright © Michael Tuckerman & Soccerphile.com
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Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Monday, May 28, 2007
Osim names squad for friendlies
Osim names squad for friendlies
The more things change, the more they stay the same.
Japan national team manager Ivica Osim on Sunday named two more old boys to his squad in the run-up to this summer’s Asian Cup.
FC Basel’s Koji Nakata (56 caps) and Nagoya Grampus Eight goalkeeper Seigo Narazaki (50 caps) join Celtic’s Shunsuke Nakamura and Eintracht Frankfurt striker Naohiro Takahara as the latest everpresents from the Zico era to be brought back into the fold.
Osim named 27 players to his squad that will face Montenegro in Shizuoka on June 1 and Colombia in Saitama on June 5 as tune-ups for the continental competition being co-hosted by Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand this July.
Two-time defending champions Japan play Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Vietnam in the group stage of the competition.
SQUAD:
GK
Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi (Jubilo Iwata)
Seigo Narazaki (Nagoya Grampus Eight)
Eiji Kawashima (Kawasaki Frontale)
DF
Yuji Nakazawa (Yokohama F Marinos)
Koji Nakata (FC Basel)
Keisuke Tsuboi (Urawa Reds)
Yuichi Komano Sanfrecce Hiroshima)
Hiroki Mizumoto (JEF United Chiba)
Naoaki Aoyama (Shimizu S-Pulse)
MF
Shunsuke Nakamura (Celtic)
Hideo Hashimoto (Gamba Osaka)
Naotake Hanyu (JEF United Chiba)
Yasuhito Endo (Gamba Osaka)
Kengo Nakamura (Kawasaki Frontale)
Keita Suzuki (Urawa Reds)
Yuki Abe (Urawa Reds)
Yasuyuki Konno (F.C. Tokyo)
Satoru Yamagishi (JEF United Chiba)
Jungo Fujimoto (Shimizu S-Pulse)
Koki Mizuno (JEF United Chiba)
Keisuke Honda (Nagoya Grampus Eight)
Akihiro Ienaga (Gamba Osaka)
FW
Naohiro Takahara (Eintracht Frankfurt)
Ryuji Bando (Gamba Osaka)
Seiichiro Maki (JEF United Chiba)
Hisato Sato (Sanfrecce Hiroshima)
Kisho Yano (Albirex Niigata)
Copyright (c) C.G. Williams & Soccerphile
The more things change, the more they stay the same.
Japan national team manager Ivica Osim on Sunday named two more old boys to his squad in the run-up to this summer’s Asian Cup.
FC Basel’s Koji Nakata (56 caps) and Nagoya Grampus Eight goalkeeper Seigo Narazaki (50 caps) join Celtic’s Shunsuke Nakamura and Eintracht Frankfurt striker Naohiro Takahara as the latest everpresents from the Zico era to be brought back into the fold.
Osim named 27 players to his squad that will face Montenegro in Shizuoka on June 1 and Colombia in Saitama on June 5 as tune-ups for the continental competition being co-hosted by Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand this July.
Two-time defending champions Japan play Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Vietnam in the group stage of the competition.
SQUAD:
GK
Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi (Jubilo Iwata)
Seigo Narazaki (Nagoya Grampus Eight)
Eiji Kawashima (Kawasaki Frontale)
DF
Yuji Nakazawa (Yokohama F Marinos)
Koji Nakata (FC Basel)
Keisuke Tsuboi (Urawa Reds)
Yuichi Komano Sanfrecce Hiroshima)
Hiroki Mizumoto (JEF United Chiba)
Naoaki Aoyama (Shimizu S-Pulse)
MF
Shunsuke Nakamura (Celtic)
Hideo Hashimoto (Gamba Osaka)
Naotake Hanyu (JEF United Chiba)
Yasuhito Endo (Gamba Osaka)
Kengo Nakamura (Kawasaki Frontale)
Keita Suzuki (Urawa Reds)
Yuki Abe (Urawa Reds)
Yasuyuki Konno (F.C. Tokyo)
Satoru Yamagishi (JEF United Chiba)
Jungo Fujimoto (Shimizu S-Pulse)
Koki Mizuno (JEF United Chiba)
Keisuke Honda (Nagoya Grampus Eight)
Akihiro Ienaga (Gamba Osaka)
FW
Naohiro Takahara (Eintracht Frankfurt)
Ryuji Bando (Gamba Osaka)
Seiichiro Maki (JEF United Chiba)
Hisato Sato (Sanfrecce Hiroshima)
Kisho Yano (Albirex Niigata)
Copyright (c) C.G. Williams & Soccerphile
Friday, May 25, 2007
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Thursday, May 24, 2007
Future hangs in the balance
Future hangs in the balance
Socceroos coach Graham Arnold has a problem and, like so much in life, it boils down to a question of balance.
Not long ago, he was merely interim Socceroos coach Graham Arnold, the man tasked with plugging the unenviable gap created by Guus Hiddink's departure after the World Cup.
Now the interim tag has been binned, and the former international striker has his heart set on the long-term post of coaching Australia to the 2010 World Cup.
How does he snare the nation's top footballing job for the immediate future?
Well holding aloft July's Asian Cup would of course be excellent interview material for the man who hasn’t yet won all over his critics despite his approachable demeanour and a string of OK results.
But therein lies the heart of the problem. Despite a dose of swagger from Australia's leading lights, taking out the premier regional crown at the first attempt won't quite be the jaunt some are expecting.
Naturally, the region's current ranked No.2 nation has high expectations, but competing with the AFC's aristocrats, particularly in the sweltering conditions at their Bangkok base, is going to need an Australian squad close to its strongest - just as Hiddink enjoyed 12 months ago.
However, the dilemma is that if Arnold continues naming his strongest side, how are his peripheral squad members and local A-League players ever going to gain enough international experience to seriously compete for a place in South Africa in three years time.
Choices, choices.
"With the World Cup qualifying program coming up there's going to be a huge emphasis on A-League players," Arnold confirmed to reporters after announcing his 23-man squad for the June friendly against nemesis Uruguay.
"The short-term picture is obviously the Asian Cup but I'd rather look at the big picture as well.
"This is a good chance to look at A-League players to see who can step up to the mark because if I don't learn about them in (friendly) games when will we learn about them?"
Arnold's biggest concern is that up to 10 of the stars which shone for Hiddink in Germany won't make the trip to Southeast Asia.
Confirmed absentees include then-captain Craig Moore and German-based striker Josh Kennedy through injury while Zeljko Kalac, Stan Lazaridis and Tony Popovic have retired.
Arnold has this week also placed huge question marks over the availability of left-sided defender Scott Chipperfield and striker John Aloisi through personal reasons and injury respectively while goalkeeper Ante Covic has slipped from favour and Harry Kewell and Tim Cahill are returning from long-term layoffs.
That already leaves the Socceroos desperately lacking in depth without considering the possible international retirements of Aloisi, Josip Skoko and even talismanic striker Mark Viduka after the finals.
"I believe I'm a long way down the track of convincing him not to retire after the Asian Cup but if a player decides that there's nothing you can do to change his mind," Arnold said of the off-contract Viduka, who finished the English Premiership season in a hurry with 16 goals in 22 games.
"I definitely think he's got another World Cup in him. The way he's played this year convinces me that as long as Mark's happy off the field he takes that onto the field."
Pointedly, Arnold's squad to face Uruguay next weekend features just three of the heroes who defeated the South Americans on penalties in that famous World Cup playoff in November 2005.
But then this, Arnold admits, is a transitional era for Australia, although he also, somewhat hopefully, describes the squad picked to face their old enemy as 'the future of Australian football'.
"If I look at a backline, for example, of (Brett) Emerton, (Lucas) Neill, (Patrick) Kisnorbo and (Michael) Thwaite, that could be the backline for the 2010 World Cup," he added.
The problem, critics of the national team's development argue, is that those names are hardly likely send a shiver down the spines of prospective qualifying opponents.
At least, Arnold can rely on the likes of goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer, Vinnie Grella, Mark Bresciano and Jason Culina as well as Cahill and Kewell for the charge to South Africa.
The speed at which he introduces the remaining starters is one he will doubtless spend many a sleepless night worrying about.
Copyright © Marc Fox and Soccerphile.com
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Socceroos coach Graham Arnold has a problem and, like so much in life, it boils down to a question of balance.
Not long ago, he was merely interim Socceroos coach Graham Arnold, the man tasked with plugging the unenviable gap created by Guus Hiddink's departure after the World Cup.
Now the interim tag has been binned, and the former international striker has his heart set on the long-term post of coaching Australia to the 2010 World Cup.
How does he snare the nation's top footballing job for the immediate future?
Well holding aloft July's Asian Cup would of course be excellent interview material for the man who hasn’t yet won all over his critics despite his approachable demeanour and a string of OK results.
But therein lies the heart of the problem. Despite a dose of swagger from Australia's leading lights, taking out the premier regional crown at the first attempt won't quite be the jaunt some are expecting.
Naturally, the region's current ranked No.2 nation has high expectations, but competing with the AFC's aristocrats, particularly in the sweltering conditions at their Bangkok base, is going to need an Australian squad close to its strongest - just as Hiddink enjoyed 12 months ago.
However, the dilemma is that if Arnold continues naming his strongest side, how are his peripheral squad members and local A-League players ever going to gain enough international experience to seriously compete for a place in South Africa in three years time.
Choices, choices.
"With the World Cup qualifying program coming up there's going to be a huge emphasis on A-League players," Arnold confirmed to reporters after announcing his 23-man squad for the June friendly against nemesis Uruguay.
"The short-term picture is obviously the Asian Cup but I'd rather look at the big picture as well.
"This is a good chance to look at A-League players to see who can step up to the mark because if I don't learn about them in (friendly) games when will we learn about them?"
Arnold's biggest concern is that up to 10 of the stars which shone for Hiddink in Germany won't make the trip to Southeast Asia.
Confirmed absentees include then-captain Craig Moore and German-based striker Josh Kennedy through injury while Zeljko Kalac, Stan Lazaridis and Tony Popovic have retired.
Arnold has this week also placed huge question marks over the availability of left-sided defender Scott Chipperfield and striker John Aloisi through personal reasons and injury respectively while goalkeeper Ante Covic has slipped from favour and Harry Kewell and Tim Cahill are returning from long-term layoffs.
That already leaves the Socceroos desperately lacking in depth without considering the possible international retirements of Aloisi, Josip Skoko and even talismanic striker Mark Viduka after the finals.
"I believe I'm a long way down the track of convincing him not to retire after the Asian Cup but if a player decides that there's nothing you can do to change his mind," Arnold said of the off-contract Viduka, who finished the English Premiership season in a hurry with 16 goals in 22 games.
"I definitely think he's got another World Cup in him. The way he's played this year convinces me that as long as Mark's happy off the field he takes that onto the field."
Pointedly, Arnold's squad to face Uruguay next weekend features just three of the heroes who defeated the South Americans on penalties in that famous World Cup playoff in November 2005.
But then this, Arnold admits, is a transitional era for Australia, although he also, somewhat hopefully, describes the squad picked to face their old enemy as 'the future of Australian football'.
"If I look at a backline, for example, of (Brett) Emerton, (Lucas) Neill, (Patrick) Kisnorbo and (Michael) Thwaite, that could be the backline for the 2010 World Cup," he added.
The problem, critics of the national team's development argue, is that those names are hardly likely send a shiver down the spines of prospective qualifying opponents.
At least, Arnold can rely on the likes of goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer, Vinnie Grella, Mark Bresciano and Jason Culina as well as Cahill and Kewell for the charge to South Africa.
The speed at which he introduces the remaining starters is one he will doubtless spend many a sleepless night worrying about.
Copyright © Marc Fox and Soccerphile.com
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You Do Thumb Thing To Me
In order to improve, we have to evolve. Way back in 1782, a Judge decreed that a husband may continue to beat his wife, as long as the stick with which he administers the castigation is not thicker than his thumb. Some called this political correctness gone mad, but I prefer to think of Judge Buller as a progressive idealist.
Football has also had its fair share of forward thinkers. In 1987, the football league introduced the antidote to dull end-of-season match-ups. It wasn’t a time-machine to talk Mrs Mourinho out of that extra glass of wine; but it was the next best thing; the play-offs literally revolutionalised the beautiful game.
With the possible exception of a stag-party in Amsterdam, or a minor operation for the wife, watching the play-off finals is as close to a perfect weekend as you’re likely to find. The only way to improve the experience is if a little profit can be made, and as luck would have it, a pearl of a punt has brazenly presented itself in the Championship finale.
If somebody offered you 7/5 on the outcome of a coin-toss, you’d rip their arm off; that’s why Jackiey Goody flopped as a bookmaker. Derby are trading at 2.40 on the exchanges to win promotion, even though they’re facing a West Brom side who finished a distant eight points behind them in the league. It’s time to stand up and bet like a man; I’m asking the wife for a few quid to get on.
Michael Jackson and Robbie Williams should both start for Blackpool against Yeovil; the league one play-off will either be a thriller or a camp useless sorry excuse for entertainment. The red-hot Seasiders are on a nine match winning streak; I’ll be getting involved at a balcony-dangling 13/10.
Saying goodbye to the Gay Meadow may sound like a sequel to Brokeback Mountain, but it’s a reality for fans of Shrewsbury Town. All Bristol Rovers are interested in is the taming of the Shrews, the Pirates will land the spoils at 7/5.
It’s 1/100 that the Scottish FA cup final proves a more entertaining spectacle than the dross served up in the English showpiece. A young lady actually fell asleep in the boozer where I watched the ‘action’, although that was my fault.
I normally avoid taking an interest in a match with a heavy Scottish contingent; you just can’t trust a footballer whose idea of lean cuisine is to lightly dip a Mars bar in a deep-fat fryer. Celtic have lost three of their last four matches though, the 10/1 for a Dunfermline upset is sitting on the verge of appealing.
The Republic of Ireland look a great bet in their International friendly. It’s been alleged that the Bolivian team are dismayed with this fixture; they were hoping to meet Scotland to get a little bit of business done on the side. Get your green on the Irish at 5/4.
The Welsh are also in action against New Zealand, and somewhat surprisingly, there’s not a rugby ball or a nervous farm animal to be seen. The following few words are rarer than a Robbie Savage appearance on QI; Wales should win this match. The 1/2 for a Welsh win is the prize lamb in the paddock.
I asked the wife if there was anything she would change about my body; she said there was just one little thing. Personally, I just want wider thumbs. This week’s accer is the actual definition of perfection; Derby, Blackpool, Real Madrid and Seville will all oblige at an impeccable 12/1.
Copyright (c) Gerry McDonnell & soccerphile.com
Football has also had its fair share of forward thinkers. In 1987, the football league introduced the antidote to dull end-of-season match-ups. It wasn’t a time-machine to talk Mrs Mourinho out of that extra glass of wine; but it was the next best thing; the play-offs literally revolutionalised the beautiful game.
With the possible exception of a stag-party in Amsterdam, or a minor operation for the wife, watching the play-off finals is as close to a perfect weekend as you’re likely to find. The only way to improve the experience is if a little profit can be made, and as luck would have it, a pearl of a punt has brazenly presented itself in the Championship finale.
If somebody offered you 7/5 on the outcome of a coin-toss, you’d rip their arm off; that’s why Jackiey Goody flopped as a bookmaker. Derby are trading at 2.40 on the exchanges to win promotion, even though they’re facing a West Brom side who finished a distant eight points behind them in the league. It’s time to stand up and bet like a man; I’m asking the wife for a few quid to get on.
Michael Jackson and Robbie Williams should both start for Blackpool against Yeovil; the league one play-off will either be a thriller or a camp useless sorry excuse for entertainment. The red-hot Seasiders are on a nine match winning streak; I’ll be getting involved at a balcony-dangling 13/10.
Saying goodbye to the Gay Meadow may sound like a sequel to Brokeback Mountain, but it’s a reality for fans of Shrewsbury Town. All Bristol Rovers are interested in is the taming of the Shrews, the Pirates will land the spoils at 7/5.
It’s 1/100 that the Scottish FA cup final proves a more entertaining spectacle than the dross served up in the English showpiece. A young lady actually fell asleep in the boozer where I watched the ‘action’, although that was my fault.
I normally avoid taking an interest in a match with a heavy Scottish contingent; you just can’t trust a footballer whose idea of lean cuisine is to lightly dip a Mars bar in a deep-fat fryer. Celtic have lost three of their last four matches though, the 10/1 for a Dunfermline upset is sitting on the verge of appealing.
The Republic of Ireland look a great bet in their International friendly. It’s been alleged that the Bolivian team are dismayed with this fixture; they were hoping to meet Scotland to get a little bit of business done on the side. Get your green on the Irish at 5/4.
The Welsh are also in action against New Zealand, and somewhat surprisingly, there’s not a rugby ball or a nervous farm animal to be seen. The following few words are rarer than a Robbie Savage appearance on QI; Wales should win this match. The 1/2 for a Welsh win is the prize lamb in the paddock.
I asked the wife if there was anything she would change about my body; she said there was just one little thing. Personally, I just want wider thumbs. This week’s accer is the actual definition of perfection; Derby, Blackpool, Real Madrid and Seville will all oblige at an impeccable 12/1.
Copyright (c) Gerry McDonnell & soccerphile.com
Monday, May 21, 2007
Japanese Soccer News
J-League News: Gamba still top, but Urawa are closing in
There is a familiar look to the top of the J-League, where Gamba Osaka and Urawa Reds currently occupy the top two positions.
The two clubs clashed in front of 55,258 fans at Saitama Stadium on May 13, where the shares were spoiled in a 1-1 draw, after Bare's early opener was cancelled out by Washington.
Washington endured a frustrating afternoon against Gamba, first seeing a goal chalked off for a foul on thirty-seven minutes, before Gamba goalkeeper Yosuke Fujigaya saved Washington's spot-kick after sixty-four minutes. The temperamental striker finally got on the score-sheet after seventy-six minutes, as the honours were shared in Saitama.
Gamba got back to winning ways on May 19, beating Kashiwa Reysol 2-1 in wet conditions at Expo '70 Stadium in Osaka. Ex-Ventforet Kofu striker Bare scored his seventh goal of the season to open proceedings. Midfielder Takahiro Futagawa then produced an early contender for goal-of-the-season, with a stunning thirty yard strike that rocketed passed Yuta Minami in the Kashiwa goal.
On the stroke of half-time former Bayer Leverkusen front-man Franca played in strike partner Tadanari Ri, and the Japan under-22 international produced a clinical finish to beat Fujigaya in the Gamba goal. That's how the scoreline stayed, as the second half failed to match the excitement of the first.
In Aichi-ken 34,347 fans turned out at Toyota Stadium, but the home fans left disappointed as Urawa snatched a 2-1 win over Nagoya Grampus Eight. With Marcus Tulio Tanaka missing through a thigh injury, Brazilian defender Fabio Nene stepped in, and he opened the scoring by heading home Robson Ponte's twenty-seventh minute corner.
Norwegian international Frode Johnsen equalised when he ghosted in behind the Urawa defence to volley home Shohei Abe's left-wing cross, as the two teams went in level at the break. It took until the eighty-fourth minute for Urawa to conjure a winner, when Washington stabbed home from twelve yards to maintain the pressure on Gamba Osaka at the top of the table.
The match between Omiya Ardija and Yokohama FC was delayed for twenty minutes as a ferocious storm swept over Komaba Stadium, drenching the 9,466 fans in attendance. It was the home side who ultimately came out on top, with an eighty-third minute Daisuke Tomita winner relieving some of the pressure on new coach Robert Verbeek. The win lifts Omiya above Yokohama FC, although Omiya are still second-from-bottom on the J-League table.
JEF United turned in a diabolical performance at Fukuda Denshi Arena, losing 3-1 to visitors Sanfrecce Hiroshima, for whom Ueslei scored a hat-trick inside half an hour.
The problems began for United when veteran goalkeeper Tomonori Tateishi raced towards the corner flag to intercept a stray ball. Ueslei arrived first, and his cross was handled on the goal line by Koji Nakajima. Referee Yuichi Nishimura was lenient in showing Nakajima a yellow card, but Ueslei was less generous, and he converted the spot-kick after just six minutes of play.
Ueslei's second goal was another comedy of errors, as his weak left wing cross eluded everyone in the United defence and crept inside Tateishi's near post. The thirty-five year old Brazilian could hardly be described as one of the faster players in the J-League, yet after thirty-six minutes he managed to shake off defender Hiroki Mizumoto and race onto a through ball, before expertly finishing passed the hapless Tateishi to complete his hat-trick.
Koki Mizuno managed a late consolation goal, but the worrying sight of Naotake Hanyu being stretchered from the field after a sickening head clash ensured that JEF United's day went from bad to worse. The players were booed off the pitch by sections of the United faithful, and Bosnian coach Amar Osim is now under pressure to keep his job.
In the Sunday fixtures, Jubilo Iwata twice came from behind at home against Vissel Kobe, only to fall 3-2 to a late Leandro winner. Yusuke Kondo opened the scoring for the visitors at Yamaha Stadium, and Leandro added a second after just fourteen minutes of play.
Jubilo stormed back through goals from Robert Cullen and Sho Naruoka, however Leandro's seventy-sixth minute winner ensured the points went back to Kansai, as Kobe move up to ninth place in the J-League, one point behind eighth placed Jubilo.
Ex-Jubilo favourite Takashi Fukunishi scored the only goal at Nissan Stadium, as FC Tokyo beat hosts Yokohama F. Marinos in a match between teams from Japan's two largest cities.
Consadole Sapporo are five points clear at the top of the J2 standings, after their recent 3-0 home win over bottom club Mito Hollyhock.
Vegalta Sendai missed a chance to close the gap on second placed Montedio Yamagata, when they were beaten 2-1 by Tokushima Vortis at Yurtec Stadium.
Cerezo Osaka have dropped down to eleventh place in J2, after they were beaten 2-0 at home by second-from-bottom Ehime FC.
Asian Champions League
Kawasaki Frontale booked their passage to the quarter-finals of the Asian Champions League with a 3-0 win over Arema Malang at Todoroki Stadium on May 9 - becoming the first Japanese team to qualify for the knock-out stages since the tournament was revamped in 2003.
Captain Kengo Nakamura scored twice for the home team, before Taku Harada wrapped up proceedings for Kawasaki. Last season's J-League runner-up travel to Thailand for their final Group F encounter on May 23, where they will take on Bangkok University.
2006 J-League champions Urawa Reds are having a tougher time sealing qualification. They currently top Group E, but they face 2005 A-League champions Sydney FC in a do-or-die showdown at Saitama Stadium on May 23.
Urawa must avoid defeat in that match to seal their progression to the quarter-finals. Things could be worse for the defending J-League champions, with Sydney FC midfielder Ufuk Talay having hit the crossbar from a penalty in Sydney's most recent 0-0 draw at home to Shanghai Shenhua United.
That means that Sydney FC trail Urawa by a point in Group E, and they will need to overcome a hostile home crowd at Saitama Stadium if they are to book a passage to the last eight of the competition.
Japan National Teams
Japan National Team
Japan recently completed a twenty-four man training camp in preparation for the upcoming Kirin Cup.
The biggest surprises were call-up's for Yokohama F. Marinos defender Takanobu Komiyama and Kawasaki Frontale's Masaru Kurotsu. Kashiwa Reysol's Naoya Kondo, Jubilo Iwata's Shinji Murai and Keita Sugimoto of Nagoya Grampus Eight were also called up for the camp.
Japan take on Montengro in the first match of the 2007 Kirin Cup at Ecopa Stadium in Fukuroi on June 1st. They then meet Colombia at Saitama Stadium on June 5.
Japan Olympic Team
Japan had already advanced to the final qualifying round for the Beijing Olympics, however they still managed a comfortable 4-0 win over Hong Kong to seal top spot in Group B of the qualification tournament.
Kashiwa Reysol striker Tadanari Ri opened the scoring in Hong Kong on May 16, before tall FC Tokyo striker Sota Hirayama added a second for Japan, shortly before the break.
Second half goals from Nagoya's Keisuke Honda and JEF United's Koki Mizuno wrapped up the points for Japan, who face Malaysia at the National Stadium in Tokyo in their final group match on June 6.
Japan Under-17 National Team
Japan have been drawn in Group D for the upcoming FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Korea Republic, where they will face Haiti, Nigeria and France for a place in the knock-out stages of the tournament.
Japanese Players Overseas
Masashi Oguro : Torino
Former Gamba Osaka striker Masashi Oguro has reportedly refuted suggestions that he could be on his way to Omiya Ardija, after a poor first season in Italian football. Oguro has made just seven appearances for Torino in Serie A, with his club still not mathematically safe from the drop going into the final game of the season.
Mitsuo Ogasawara : Messina
On-loan Kashima Antlers midfielder Mitsuo Ogasawara is another player rumoured to be on his way back to the J-League. He is out of the first team picture at Messina, with the Sicilian club having already been relegated to Serie B. Despite earlier claiming that he would try his luck with another team in Italy, Ogasawara could be on his way back to Kashima for the second half of the J-League season.
Daisuke Matsui : Le Mans
Daisuke Matsui is another Japanese player likely to be on the move, after falling out of favour at French Ligue 1 outfit Le Mans. Matsui scored in Le Mans' 1-1 draw at home to Nantes on May 6, before setting up the winner for Brazilian striker Grafite in Le Mans' 1-0 away win over Toulouse on May 10. Despite his good form Matsui is reportedly heading for the exit door, with several Ligue 1 outfits having reputedly tabled offers for the former Kyoto Sanga FC star.
Junichi Inamoto : Galatasaray
Galatasaray suffered another blow as their disappointing season winds to a close, when they were recently beaten 2-1 at home by bitter rivals Fenerbahce. Ex-Fulham and West Bromwich Albion midfielder Junichi Inamoto has been a virtual ever-present for Galatasaray this season, and he looks set to extend his stay at the Turkish giants.
Naohiro Takahara : Eintracht Frankfurt
Japan international Naohiro Takahara finished the season as Eintracht Frankfurt's top goal-scorer, having hit the back of the net eleven times in the Bundesliga. Frankfurt narrowly managed to avoid relegation, and they will miss Takahara during pre-season training for the 2007-08 season, when he represents Japan at the Asian Cup.
Copyright © Michael Tuckerman & Soccerphile.com
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There is a familiar look to the top of the J-League, where Gamba Osaka and Urawa Reds currently occupy the top two positions.
The two clubs clashed in front of 55,258 fans at Saitama Stadium on May 13, where the shares were spoiled in a 1-1 draw, after Bare's early opener was cancelled out by Washington.
Washington endured a frustrating afternoon against Gamba, first seeing a goal chalked off for a foul on thirty-seven minutes, before Gamba goalkeeper Yosuke Fujigaya saved Washington's spot-kick after sixty-four minutes. The temperamental striker finally got on the score-sheet after seventy-six minutes, as the honours were shared in Saitama.
Gamba got back to winning ways on May 19, beating Kashiwa Reysol 2-1 in wet conditions at Expo '70 Stadium in Osaka. Ex-Ventforet Kofu striker Bare scored his seventh goal of the season to open proceedings. Midfielder Takahiro Futagawa then produced an early contender for goal-of-the-season, with a stunning thirty yard strike that rocketed passed Yuta Minami in the Kashiwa goal.
On the stroke of half-time former Bayer Leverkusen front-man Franca played in strike partner Tadanari Ri, and the Japan under-22 international produced a clinical finish to beat Fujigaya in the Gamba goal. That's how the scoreline stayed, as the second half failed to match the excitement of the first.
In Aichi-ken 34,347 fans turned out at Toyota Stadium, but the home fans left disappointed as Urawa snatched a 2-1 win over Nagoya Grampus Eight. With Marcus Tulio Tanaka missing through a thigh injury, Brazilian defender Fabio Nene stepped in, and he opened the scoring by heading home Robson Ponte's twenty-seventh minute corner.
Norwegian international Frode Johnsen equalised when he ghosted in behind the Urawa defence to volley home Shohei Abe's left-wing cross, as the two teams went in level at the break. It took until the eighty-fourth minute for Urawa to conjure a winner, when Washington stabbed home from twelve yards to maintain the pressure on Gamba Osaka at the top of the table.
The match between Omiya Ardija and Yokohama FC was delayed for twenty minutes as a ferocious storm swept over Komaba Stadium, drenching the 9,466 fans in attendance. It was the home side who ultimately came out on top, with an eighty-third minute Daisuke Tomita winner relieving some of the pressure on new coach Robert Verbeek. The win lifts Omiya above Yokohama FC, although Omiya are still second-from-bottom on the J-League table.
JEF United turned in a diabolical performance at Fukuda Denshi Arena, losing 3-1 to visitors Sanfrecce Hiroshima, for whom Ueslei scored a hat-trick inside half an hour.
The problems began for United when veteran goalkeeper Tomonori Tateishi raced towards the corner flag to intercept a stray ball. Ueslei arrived first, and his cross was handled on the goal line by Koji Nakajima. Referee Yuichi Nishimura was lenient in showing Nakajima a yellow card, but Ueslei was less generous, and he converted the spot-kick after just six minutes of play.
Ueslei's second goal was another comedy of errors, as his weak left wing cross eluded everyone in the United defence and crept inside Tateishi's near post. The thirty-five year old Brazilian could hardly be described as one of the faster players in the J-League, yet after thirty-six minutes he managed to shake off defender Hiroki Mizumoto and race onto a through ball, before expertly finishing passed the hapless Tateishi to complete his hat-trick.
Koki Mizuno managed a late consolation goal, but the worrying sight of Naotake Hanyu being stretchered from the field after a sickening head clash ensured that JEF United's day went from bad to worse. The players were booed off the pitch by sections of the United faithful, and Bosnian coach Amar Osim is now under pressure to keep his job.
In the Sunday fixtures, Jubilo Iwata twice came from behind at home against Vissel Kobe, only to fall 3-2 to a late Leandro winner. Yusuke Kondo opened the scoring for the visitors at Yamaha Stadium, and Leandro added a second after just fourteen minutes of play.
Jubilo stormed back through goals from Robert Cullen and Sho Naruoka, however Leandro's seventy-sixth minute winner ensured the points went back to Kansai, as Kobe move up to ninth place in the J-League, one point behind eighth placed Jubilo.
Ex-Jubilo favourite Takashi Fukunishi scored the only goal at Nissan Stadium, as FC Tokyo beat hosts Yokohama F. Marinos in a match between teams from Japan's two largest cities.
Consadole Sapporo are five points clear at the top of the J2 standings, after their recent 3-0 home win over bottom club Mito Hollyhock.
Vegalta Sendai missed a chance to close the gap on second placed Montedio Yamagata, when they were beaten 2-1 by Tokushima Vortis at Yurtec Stadium.
Cerezo Osaka have dropped down to eleventh place in J2, after they were beaten 2-0 at home by second-from-bottom Ehime FC.
Asian Champions League
Kawasaki Frontale booked their passage to the quarter-finals of the Asian Champions League with a 3-0 win over Arema Malang at Todoroki Stadium on May 9 - becoming the first Japanese team to qualify for the knock-out stages since the tournament was revamped in 2003.
Captain Kengo Nakamura scored twice for the home team, before Taku Harada wrapped up proceedings for Kawasaki. Last season's J-League runner-up travel to Thailand for their final Group F encounter on May 23, where they will take on Bangkok University.
2006 J-League champions Urawa Reds are having a tougher time sealing qualification. They currently top Group E, but they face 2005 A-League champions Sydney FC in a do-or-die showdown at Saitama Stadium on May 23.
Urawa must avoid defeat in that match to seal their progression to the quarter-finals. Things could be worse for the defending J-League champions, with Sydney FC midfielder Ufuk Talay having hit the crossbar from a penalty in Sydney's most recent 0-0 draw at home to Shanghai Shenhua United.
That means that Sydney FC trail Urawa by a point in Group E, and they will need to overcome a hostile home crowd at Saitama Stadium if they are to book a passage to the last eight of the competition.
Japan National Teams
Japan National Team
Japan recently completed a twenty-four man training camp in preparation for the upcoming Kirin Cup.
The biggest surprises were call-up's for Yokohama F. Marinos defender Takanobu Komiyama and Kawasaki Frontale's Masaru Kurotsu. Kashiwa Reysol's Naoya Kondo, Jubilo Iwata's Shinji Murai and Keita Sugimoto of Nagoya Grampus Eight were also called up for the camp.
Japan take on Montengro in the first match of the 2007 Kirin Cup at Ecopa Stadium in Fukuroi on June 1st. They then meet Colombia at Saitama Stadium on June 5.
Japan Olympic Team
Japan had already advanced to the final qualifying round for the Beijing Olympics, however they still managed a comfortable 4-0 win over Hong Kong to seal top spot in Group B of the qualification tournament.
Kashiwa Reysol striker Tadanari Ri opened the scoring in Hong Kong on May 16, before tall FC Tokyo striker Sota Hirayama added a second for Japan, shortly before the break.
Second half goals from Nagoya's Keisuke Honda and JEF United's Koki Mizuno wrapped up the points for Japan, who face Malaysia at the National Stadium in Tokyo in their final group match on June 6.
Japan Under-17 National Team
Japan have been drawn in Group D for the upcoming FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Korea Republic, where they will face Haiti, Nigeria and France for a place in the knock-out stages of the tournament.
Japanese Players Overseas
Masashi Oguro : Torino
Former Gamba Osaka striker Masashi Oguro has reportedly refuted suggestions that he could be on his way to Omiya Ardija, after a poor first season in Italian football. Oguro has made just seven appearances for Torino in Serie A, with his club still not mathematically safe from the drop going into the final game of the season.
Mitsuo Ogasawara : Messina
On-loan Kashima Antlers midfielder Mitsuo Ogasawara is another player rumoured to be on his way back to the J-League. He is out of the first team picture at Messina, with the Sicilian club having already been relegated to Serie B. Despite earlier claiming that he would try his luck with another team in Italy, Ogasawara could be on his way back to Kashima for the second half of the J-League season.
Daisuke Matsui : Le Mans
Daisuke Matsui is another Japanese player likely to be on the move, after falling out of favour at French Ligue 1 outfit Le Mans. Matsui scored in Le Mans' 1-1 draw at home to Nantes on May 6, before setting up the winner for Brazilian striker Grafite in Le Mans' 1-0 away win over Toulouse on May 10. Despite his good form Matsui is reportedly heading for the exit door, with several Ligue 1 outfits having reputedly tabled offers for the former Kyoto Sanga FC star.
Junichi Inamoto : Galatasaray
Galatasaray suffered another blow as their disappointing season winds to a close, when they were recently beaten 2-1 at home by bitter rivals Fenerbahce. Ex-Fulham and West Bromwich Albion midfielder Junichi Inamoto has been a virtual ever-present for Galatasaray this season, and he looks set to extend his stay at the Turkish giants.
Naohiro Takahara : Eintracht Frankfurt
Japan international Naohiro Takahara finished the season as Eintracht Frankfurt's top goal-scorer, having hit the back of the net eleven times in the Bundesliga. Frankfurt narrowly managed to avoid relegation, and they will miss Takahara during pre-season training for the 2007-08 season, when he represents Japan at the Asian Cup.
Copyright © Michael Tuckerman & Soccerphile.com
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Japanese Soccer News _21
J-League News: Gamba still top, but Urawa are closing in
There is a familiar look to the top of the J-League, where Gamba Osaka and Urawa Reds currently occupy the top two positions.
The two clubs clashed in front of 55,258 fans at Saitama Stadium on May 13, where the shares were spoiled in a 1-1 draw, after Bare's early opener was cancelled out by Washington.
Washington endured a frustrating afternoon against Gamba, first seeing a goal chalked off for a foul on thirty-seven minutes, before Gamba goalkeeper Yosuke Fujigaya saved Washington's spot-kick after sixty-four minutes. The temperamental striker finally got on the score-sheet after seventy-six minutes, as the honours were shared in Saitama.
Gamba got back to winning ways on May 19, beating Kashiwa Reysol 2-1 in wet conditions at Expo '70 Stadium in Osaka. Ex-Ventforet Kofu striker Bare scored his seventh goal of the season to open proceedings. Midfielder Takahiro Futagawa then produced an early contender for goal-of-the-season, with a stunning thirty yard strike that rocketed passed Yuta Minami in the Kashiwa goal.
On the stroke of half-time former Bayer Leverkusen front-man Franca played in strike partner Tadanari Ri, and the Japan under-22 international produced a clinical finish to beat Fujigaya in the Gamba goal. That's how the scoreline stayed, as the second half failed to match the excitement of the first.
In Aichi-ken 34,347 fans turned out at Toyota Stadium, but the home fans left disappointed as Urawa snatched a 2-1 win over Nagoya Grampus Eight. With Marcus Tulio Tanaka missing through a thigh injury, Brazilian defender Fabio Nene stepped in, and he opened the scoring by heading home Robson Ponte's twenty-seventh minute corner.
Norwegian international Frode Johnsen equalised when he ghosted in behind the Urawa defence to volley home Shohei Abe's left-wing cross, as the two teams went in level at the break. It took until the eighty-fourth minute for Urawa to conjure a winner, when Washington stabbed home from twelve yards to maintain the pressure on Gamba Osaka at the top of the table.
The match between Omiya Ardija and Yokohama FC was delayed for twenty minutes as a ferocious storm swept over Komaba Stadium, drenching the 9,466 fans in attendance. It was the home side who ultimately came out on top, with an eighty-third minute Daisuke Tomita winner relieving some of the pressure on new coach Robert Verbeek. The win lifts Omiya above Yokohama FC, although Omiya are still second-from-bottom on the J-League table.
JEF United turned in a diabolical performance at Fukuda Denshi Arena, losing 3-1 to visitors Sanfrecce Hiroshima, for whom Ueslei scored a hat-trick inside half an hour.
The problems began for United when veteran goalkeeper Tomonori Tateishi raced towards the corner flag to intercept a stray ball. Ueslei arrived first, and his cross was handled on the goal line by Koji Nakajima. Referee Yuichi Nishimura was lenient in showing Nakajima a yellow card, but Ueslei was less generous, and he converted the spot-kick after just six minutes of play.
Ueslei's second goal was another comedy of errors, as his weak left wing cross eluded everyone in the United defence and crept inside Tateishi's near post. The thirty-five year old Brazilian could hardly be described as one of the faster players in the J-League, yet after thirty-six minutes he managed to shake off defender Hiroki Mizumoto and race onto a through ball, before expertly finishing passed the hapless Tateishi to complete his hat-trick.
Koki Mizuno managed a late consolation goal, but the worrying sight of Naotake Hanyu being stretchered from the field after a sickening head clash ensured that JEF United's day went from bad to worse. The players were booed off the pitch by sections of the United faithful, and Bosnian coach Amar Osim is now under pressure to keep his job.
In the Sunday fixtures, Jubilo Iwata twice came from behind at home against Vissel Kobe, only to fall 3-2 to a late Leandro winner. Yusuke Kondo opened the scoring for the visitors at Yamaha Stadium, and Leandro added a second after just fourteen minutes of play.
Jubilo stormed back through goals from Robert Cullen and Sho Naruoka, however Leandro's seventy-sixth minute winner ensured the points went back to Kansai, as Kobe move up to ninth place in the J-League, one point behind eighth placed Jubilo.
Ex-Jubilo favourite Takashi Fukunishi scored the only goal at Nissan Stadium, as FC Tokyo beat hosts Yokohama F. Marinos in a match between teams from Japan's two largest cities.
Consadole Sapporo are five points clear at the top of the J2 standings, after their recent 3-0 home win over bottom club Mito Hollyhock.
Vegalta Sendai missed a chance to close the gap on second placed Montedio Yamagata, when they were beaten 2-1 by Tokushima Vortis at Yurtec Stadium.
Cerezo Osaka have dropped down to eleventh place in J2, after they were beaten 2-0 at home by second-from-bottom Ehime FC.
Asian Champions League
Kawasaki Frontale booked their passage to the quarter-finals of the Asian Champions League with a 3-0 win over Arema Malang at Todoroki Stadium on May 9 - becoming the first Japanese team to qualify for the knock-out stages since the tournament was revamped in 2003.
Captain Kengo Nakamura scored twice for the home team, before Taku Harada wrapped up proceedings for Kawasaki. Last season's J-League runner-up travel to Thailand for their final Group F encounter on May 23, where they will take on Bangkok University.
2006 J-League champions Urawa Reds are having a tougher time sealing qualification. They currently top Group E, but they face 2005 A-League champions Sydney FC in a do-or-die showdown at Saitama Stadium on May 23.
Urawa must avoid defeat in that match to seal their progression to the quarter-finals. Things could be worse for the defending J-League champions, with Sydney FC midfielder Ufuk Talay having hit the crossbar from a penalty in Sydney's most recent 0-0 draw at home to Shanghai Shenhua United.
That means that Sydney FC trail Urawa by a point in Group E, and they will need to overcome a hostile home crowd at Saitama Stadium if they are to book a passage to the last eight of the competition.
Japan National Teams
Japan National Team
Japan recently completed a twenty-four man training camp in preparation for the upcoming Kirin Cup.
The biggest surprises were call-up's for Yokohama F. Marinos defender Takanobu Komiyama and Kawasaki Frontale's Masaru Kurotsu. Kashiwa Reysol's Naoya Kondo, Jubilo Iwata's Shinji Murai and Keita Sugimoto of Nagoya Grampus Eight were also called up for the camp.
Japan take on Montengro in the first match of the 2007 Kirin Cup at Ecopa Stadium in Fukuroi on June 1st. They then meet Colombia at Saitama Stadium on June 5.
Japan Olympic Team
Japan had already advanced to the final qualifying round for the Beijing Olympics, however they still managed a comfortable 4-0 win over Hong Kong to seal top spot in Group B of the qualification tournament.
Kashiwa Reysol striker Tadanari Ri opened the scoring in Hong Kong on May 16, before tall FC Tokyo striker Sota Hirayama added a second for Japan, shortly before the break.
Second half goals from Nagoya's Keisuke Honda and JEF United's Koki Mizuno wrapped up the points for Japan, who face Malaysia at the National Stadium in Tokyo in their final group match on June 6.
Japan Under-17 National Team
Japan have been drawn in Group D for the upcoming FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Korea Republic, where they will face Haiti, Nigeria and France for a place in the knock-out stages of the tournament.
Japanese Players Overseas
Masashi Oguro : Torino
Former Gamba Osaka striker Masashi Oguro has reportedly refuted suggestions that he could be on his way to Omiya Ardija, after a poor first season in Italian football. Oguro has made just seven appearances for Torino in Serie A, with his club still not mathematically safe from the drop going into the final game of the season.
Mitsuo Ogasawara : Messina
On-loan Kashima Antlers midfielder Mitsuo Ogasawara is another player rumoured to be on his way back to the J-League. He is out of the first team picture at Messina, with the Sicilian club having already been relegated to Serie B. Despite earlier claiming that he would try his luck with another team in Italy, Ogasawara could be on his way back to Kashima for the second half of the J-League season.
Daisuke Matsui : Le Mans
Daisuke Matsui is another Japanese player likely to be on the move, after falling out of favour at French Ligue 1 outfit Le Mans. Matsui scored in Le Mans' 1-1 draw at home to Nantes on May 6, before setting up the winner for Brazilian striker Grafite in Le Mans' 1-0 away win over Toulouse on May 10. Despite his good form Matsui is reportedly heading for the exit door, with several Ligue 1 outfits having reputedly tabled offers for the former Kyoto Sanga FC star.
Junichi Inamoto : Galatasaray
Galatasaray suffered another blow as their disappointing season winds to a close, when they were recently beaten 2-1 at home by bitter rivals Fenerbahce. Ex-Fulham and West Bromwich Albion midfielder Junichi Inamoto has been a virtual ever-present for Galatasaray this season, and he looks set to extend his stay at the Turkish giants.
Naohiro Takahara : Eintracht Frankfurt
Japan international Naohiro Takahara finished the season as Eintracht Frankfurt's top goal-scorer, having hit the back of the net eleven times in the Bundesliga. Frankfurt narrowly managed to avoid relegation, and they will miss Takahara during pre-season training for the 2007-08 season, when he represents Japan at the Asian Cup.
Copyright © Michael Tuckerman & Soccerphile.com
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There is a familiar look to the top of the J-League, where Gamba Osaka and Urawa Reds currently occupy the top two positions.
The two clubs clashed in front of 55,258 fans at Saitama Stadium on May 13, where the shares were spoiled in a 1-1 draw, after Bare's early opener was cancelled out by Washington.
Washington endured a frustrating afternoon against Gamba, first seeing a goal chalked off for a foul on thirty-seven minutes, before Gamba goalkeeper Yosuke Fujigaya saved Washington's spot-kick after sixty-four minutes. The temperamental striker finally got on the score-sheet after seventy-six minutes, as the honours were shared in Saitama.
Gamba got back to winning ways on May 19, beating Kashiwa Reysol 2-1 in wet conditions at Expo '70 Stadium in Osaka. Ex-Ventforet Kofu striker Bare scored his seventh goal of the season to open proceedings. Midfielder Takahiro Futagawa then produced an early contender for goal-of-the-season, with a stunning thirty yard strike that rocketed passed Yuta Minami in the Kashiwa goal.
On the stroke of half-time former Bayer Leverkusen front-man Franca played in strike partner Tadanari Ri, and the Japan under-22 international produced a clinical finish to beat Fujigaya in the Gamba goal. That's how the scoreline stayed, as the second half failed to match the excitement of the first.
In Aichi-ken 34,347 fans turned out at Toyota Stadium, but the home fans left disappointed as Urawa snatched a 2-1 win over Nagoya Grampus Eight. With Marcus Tulio Tanaka missing through a thigh injury, Brazilian defender Fabio Nene stepped in, and he opened the scoring by heading home Robson Ponte's twenty-seventh minute corner.
Norwegian international Frode Johnsen equalised when he ghosted in behind the Urawa defence to volley home Shohei Abe's left-wing cross, as the two teams went in level at the break. It took until the eighty-fourth minute for Urawa to conjure a winner, when Washington stabbed home from twelve yards to maintain the pressure on Gamba Osaka at the top of the table.
The match between Omiya Ardija and Yokohama FC was delayed for twenty minutes as a ferocious storm swept over Komaba Stadium, drenching the 9,466 fans in attendance. It was the home side who ultimately came out on top, with an eighty-third minute Daisuke Tomita winner relieving some of the pressure on new coach Robert Verbeek. The win lifts Omiya above Yokohama FC, although Omiya are still second-from-bottom on the J-League table.
JEF United turned in a diabolical performance at Fukuda Denshi Arena, losing 3-1 to visitors Sanfrecce Hiroshima, for whom Ueslei scored a hat-trick inside half an hour.
The problems began for United when veteran goalkeeper Tomonori Tateishi raced towards the corner flag to intercept a stray ball. Ueslei arrived first, and his cross was handled on the goal line by Koji Nakajima. Referee Yuichi Nishimura was lenient in showing Nakajima a yellow card, but Ueslei was less generous, and he converted the spot-kick after just six minutes of play.
Ueslei's second goal was another comedy of errors, as his weak left wing cross eluded everyone in the United defence and crept inside Tateishi's near post. The thirty-five year old Brazilian could hardly be described as one of the faster players in the J-League, yet after thirty-six minutes he managed to shake off defender Hiroki Mizumoto and race onto a through ball, before expertly finishing passed the hapless Tateishi to complete his hat-trick.
Koki Mizuno managed a late consolation goal, but the worrying sight of Naotake Hanyu being stretchered from the field after a sickening head clash ensured that JEF United's day went from bad to worse. The players were booed off the pitch by sections of the United faithful, and Bosnian coach Amar Osim is now under pressure to keep his job.
In the Sunday fixtures, Jubilo Iwata twice came from behind at home against Vissel Kobe, only to fall 3-2 to a late Leandro winner. Yusuke Kondo opened the scoring for the visitors at Yamaha Stadium, and Leandro added a second after just fourteen minutes of play.
Jubilo stormed back through goals from Robert Cullen and Sho Naruoka, however Leandro's seventy-sixth minute winner ensured the points went back to Kansai, as Kobe move up to ninth place in the J-League, one point behind eighth placed Jubilo.
Ex-Jubilo favourite Takashi Fukunishi scored the only goal at Nissan Stadium, as FC Tokyo beat hosts Yokohama F. Marinos in a match between teams from Japan's two largest cities.
Consadole Sapporo are five points clear at the top of the J2 standings, after their recent 3-0 home win over bottom club Mito Hollyhock.
Vegalta Sendai missed a chance to close the gap on second placed Montedio Yamagata, when they were beaten 2-1 by Tokushima Vortis at Yurtec Stadium.
Cerezo Osaka have dropped down to eleventh place in J2, after they were beaten 2-0 at home by second-from-bottom Ehime FC.
Asian Champions League
Kawasaki Frontale booked their passage to the quarter-finals of the Asian Champions League with a 3-0 win over Arema Malang at Todoroki Stadium on May 9 - becoming the first Japanese team to qualify for the knock-out stages since the tournament was revamped in 2003.
Captain Kengo Nakamura scored twice for the home team, before Taku Harada wrapped up proceedings for Kawasaki. Last season's J-League runner-up travel to Thailand for their final Group F encounter on May 23, where they will take on Bangkok University.
2006 J-League champions Urawa Reds are having a tougher time sealing qualification. They currently top Group E, but they face 2005 A-League champions Sydney FC in a do-or-die showdown at Saitama Stadium on May 23.
Urawa must avoid defeat in that match to seal their progression to the quarter-finals. Things could be worse for the defending J-League champions, with Sydney FC midfielder Ufuk Talay having hit the crossbar from a penalty in Sydney's most recent 0-0 draw at home to Shanghai Shenhua United.
That means that Sydney FC trail Urawa by a point in Group E, and they will need to overcome a hostile home crowd at Saitama Stadium if they are to book a passage to the last eight of the competition.
Japan National Teams
Japan National Team
Japan recently completed a twenty-four man training camp in preparation for the upcoming Kirin Cup.
The biggest surprises were call-up's for Yokohama F. Marinos defender Takanobu Komiyama and Kawasaki Frontale's Masaru Kurotsu. Kashiwa Reysol's Naoya Kondo, Jubilo Iwata's Shinji Murai and Keita Sugimoto of Nagoya Grampus Eight were also called up for the camp.
Japan take on Montengro in the first match of the 2007 Kirin Cup at Ecopa Stadium in Fukuroi on June 1st. They then meet Colombia at Saitama Stadium on June 5.
Japan Olympic Team
Japan had already advanced to the final qualifying round for the Beijing Olympics, however they still managed a comfortable 4-0 win over Hong Kong to seal top spot in Group B of the qualification tournament.
Kashiwa Reysol striker Tadanari Ri opened the scoring in Hong Kong on May 16, before tall FC Tokyo striker Sota Hirayama added a second for Japan, shortly before the break.
Second half goals from Nagoya's Keisuke Honda and JEF United's Koki Mizuno wrapped up the points for Japan, who face Malaysia at the National Stadium in Tokyo in their final group match on June 6.
Japan Under-17 National Team
Japan have been drawn in Group D for the upcoming FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Korea Republic, where they will face Haiti, Nigeria and France for a place in the knock-out stages of the tournament.
Japanese Players Overseas
Masashi Oguro : Torino
Former Gamba Osaka striker Masashi Oguro has reportedly refuted suggestions that he could be on his way to Omiya Ardija, after a poor first season in Italian football. Oguro has made just seven appearances for Torino in Serie A, with his club still not mathematically safe from the drop going into the final game of the season.
Mitsuo Ogasawara : Messina
On-loan Kashima Antlers midfielder Mitsuo Ogasawara is another player rumoured to be on his way back to the J-League. He is out of the first team picture at Messina, with the Sicilian club having already been relegated to Serie B. Despite earlier claiming that he would try his luck with another team in Italy, Ogasawara could be on his way back to Kashima for the second half of the J-League season.
Daisuke Matsui : Le Mans
Daisuke Matsui is another Japanese player likely to be on the move, after falling out of favour at French Ligue 1 outfit Le Mans. Matsui scored in Le Mans' 1-1 draw at home to Nantes on May 6, before setting up the winner for Brazilian striker Grafite in Le Mans' 1-0 away win over Toulouse on May 10. Despite his good form Matsui is reportedly heading for the exit door, with several Ligue 1 outfits having reputedly tabled offers for the former Kyoto Sanga FC star.
Junichi Inamoto : Galatasaray
Galatasaray suffered another blow as their disappointing season winds to a close, when they were recently beaten 2-1 at home by bitter rivals Fenerbahce. Ex-Fulham and West Bromwich Albion midfielder Junichi Inamoto has been a virtual ever-present for Galatasaray this season, and he looks set to extend his stay at the Turkish giants.
Naohiro Takahara : Eintracht Frankfurt
Japan international Naohiro Takahara finished the season as Eintracht Frankfurt's top goal-scorer, having hit the back of the net eleven times in the Bundesliga. Frankfurt narrowly managed to avoid relegation, and they will miss Takahara during pre-season training for the 2007-08 season, when he represents Japan at the Asian Cup.
Copyright © Michael Tuckerman & Soccerphile.com
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Saturday, May 19, 2007
Mixed Season For Korea's English Quartet
As the referee blew his whistle at the end of Saturday’s FA Cup final between Manchester United and Chelsea ended, he also called time on the 2006/07 English season.
So what better time to take a quick look at how the English Premier League’s quartet of South Korean football stars have fared?
Park Ji-sung (Manchester United)
Korea’s Premier League pioneer Park has been unlucky.
The midfielder was solid rather than spectacular in his first campaign at Old Trafford and his legion of fans were hopeful he would hit the heights in the second.
He didn’t at first. An ankle injury sustained in September kept him out of action for three months. Upon his return in at the end of the year, the former PSV Eindhoven star started to find his rhythm. As United battled for glory in England and Europe, Park started to add the one thing that had been missing since he joined the club in July 2005 – goals.
Two of them came against Bolton in March. One more was added in the next game against Blackburn which took his return for the season to an impressive five goals in 14 games. That was Park’s last contribution to United’s title challenge as the knee ligament damage that he picked up during that game on March 31 necessitated surgery in April and recovery in the summer.
Despite the injuries Park should be pleased with his contribution to the United cause and the fact that he is the first Asian player to win a Premier League championship medal.
“Park has been a great player for us. His energy and his work rate are great. He always makes space for the players and runs for the team. I have played a few times with him in computer games.He's a good player but a bad loser. He tends to shout a lot when he loses” – Manchester United and England striker Wayne Rooney.
Lee Young-pyo (Tottenham and South Korea)
Like Park, Lee’s season was going well before it also came to a premature end on the operating table.
The left-back almost left Spurs last August. Only a last-minute change of mind prevented him from joining Italian giants Roma.
It was a brave decision as, at that point, Lee had lost his place in the starting eleven to Cameroonian rival Benoit Assou-Ekotto. The Korean fought his way back into the affections of coach Martin Jol and made a total of 31 appearances before damaging his knee ligaments against Sevilla on April 6.
Lee remains a player that divides opinion among Tottenham fans. Some feel he is lacking as a defender while others believe he is under-rated and consistent.
“I will not join Roma. I changed my mind for personal reasons. I will explain in more detail when I arrive in Korea but it had nothing to do with religion.” – Lee Young-pyo.
Seol Ki-hyeon (Reading and South Korea)
Seol’s season has been the proverbial roller-coaster ride.
The attacker joined newly-promoted Reading FC last summer and, like the team, he adjusted to life in the top tier with the minimum of fuss. So much so that he was named as the club’s best player for both August and September.
As autumn faded, so did Seol’s form. This is hardly a new phenomenon as fans of previous clubs Wolverhampton Wanderers and Anderlecht would confirm.
From the end of December to the end of March, “The Sniper” failed to start a single game. There were rumours of moves to other teams, there still are, but as the season entered its final leg, Seol was recalled to the line-up and scored his fourth goal of the season on the final day.
Unfortunately however, the player is due to have an ankle operation and will probably miss the Asian Cup in July.
“It takes time to get used to the Premier League and playing in a new team, but I feel that I've fitted in well,” Seol Ki-hyeon.
Lee Dong-gook (Middlesbrough)
The Lion King is the newest of the quartet and the only one currently injury free, though that could be because he has had little playing time since heading to England’s north-east in January.
Lee has yet failed to score despite hitting the post in his first game. In his defence, he has only made three starts and it is next season when the pressure will be on the former Pohang player to start performing.
"He just needs time on the field to get used to the game here. But he has got clear quality, you can see that in training. We know he is really going to come through more next season." Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate
Copyright: John Duerden & Soccerphile
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So what better time to take a quick look at how the English Premier League’s quartet of South Korean football stars have fared?
Park Ji-sung (Manchester United)
Korea’s Premier League pioneer Park has been unlucky.
The midfielder was solid rather than spectacular in his first campaign at Old Trafford and his legion of fans were hopeful he would hit the heights in the second.
He didn’t at first. An ankle injury sustained in September kept him out of action for three months. Upon his return in at the end of the year, the former PSV Eindhoven star started to find his rhythm. As United battled for glory in England and Europe, Park started to add the one thing that had been missing since he joined the club in July 2005 – goals.
Two of them came against Bolton in March. One more was added in the next game against Blackburn which took his return for the season to an impressive five goals in 14 games. That was Park’s last contribution to United’s title challenge as the knee ligament damage that he picked up during that game on March 31 necessitated surgery in April and recovery in the summer.
Despite the injuries Park should be pleased with his contribution to the United cause and the fact that he is the first Asian player to win a Premier League championship medal.
“Park has been a great player for us. His energy and his work rate are great. He always makes space for the players and runs for the team. I have played a few times with him in computer games.He's a good player but a bad loser. He tends to shout a lot when he loses” – Manchester United and England striker Wayne Rooney.
Lee Young-pyo (Tottenham and South Korea)
Like Park, Lee’s season was going well before it also came to a premature end on the operating table.
The left-back almost left Spurs last August. Only a last-minute change of mind prevented him from joining Italian giants Roma.
It was a brave decision as, at that point, Lee had lost his place in the starting eleven to Cameroonian rival Benoit Assou-Ekotto. The Korean fought his way back into the affections of coach Martin Jol and made a total of 31 appearances before damaging his knee ligaments against Sevilla on April 6.
Lee remains a player that divides opinion among Tottenham fans. Some feel he is lacking as a defender while others believe he is under-rated and consistent.
“I will not join Roma. I changed my mind for personal reasons. I will explain in more detail when I arrive in Korea but it had nothing to do with religion.” – Lee Young-pyo.
Seol Ki-hyeon (Reading and South Korea)
Seol’s season has been the proverbial roller-coaster ride.
The attacker joined newly-promoted Reading FC last summer and, like the team, he adjusted to life in the top tier with the minimum of fuss. So much so that he was named as the club’s best player for both August and September.
As autumn faded, so did Seol’s form. This is hardly a new phenomenon as fans of previous clubs Wolverhampton Wanderers and Anderlecht would confirm.
From the end of December to the end of March, “The Sniper” failed to start a single game. There were rumours of moves to other teams, there still are, but as the season entered its final leg, Seol was recalled to the line-up and scored his fourth goal of the season on the final day.
Unfortunately however, the player is due to have an ankle operation and will probably miss the Asian Cup in July.
“It takes time to get used to the Premier League and playing in a new team, but I feel that I've fitted in well,” Seol Ki-hyeon.
Lee Dong-gook (Middlesbrough)
The Lion King is the newest of the quartet and the only one currently injury free, though that could be because he has had little playing time since heading to England’s north-east in January.
Lee has yet failed to score despite hitting the post in his first game. In his defence, he has only made three starts and it is next season when the pressure will be on the former Pohang player to start performing.
"He just needs time on the field to get used to the game here. But he has got clear quality, you can see that in training. We know he is really going to come through more next season." Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate
Copyright: John Duerden & Soccerphile
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Thursday, May 17, 2007
My French is just Shocking
The FA cup final is a great British tradition, like a one shot tennis rally or stitching up the Irish.
This year, the top two teams in the country will go head to head in the greatest exhibition since Lady Godiva whipped out her milk dispensers in a brave bid to flee Coventry on the back of one on the Van Nistelrooy clan.
Most bookmakers are treating this year’s showpiece as a ‘Wolverhampton brother and sister match’, they just can’t separate them.
For my money, Manchester United have a definite edge. The Red Devils have looked hotter than a vindaloo-eating, three sweater-wearing, fever-riddled Anna Kournikova all season long; the 10/11 for United to lift the trophy is practically unmissable.
I refuse to shy away from the difficult questions. Why is it that Jose Mourinho can be arrested for harbouring a potentially dangerous dog, yet Lenny Henry roams the streets with impunity? There is no greater lover of dogs than Mourinho, with the possible exception of Park Ji-Sung. I find the 9/5 for a Manchester United win in 90 minutes completely barking.
Chelsea will have their supporters at 9/5, but the vibes emanating from the Bridge are far from positive. Uncertainty surrounds the future of Lampard, and John Terry’s contract talks break down more often than my old escort. I sometimes wish that Wayne Rooney had never given me her number.
Rooney, Ronaldo and Giggs are all match-winners on their day, but Paul Scholes holds the key to a United victory. Gattuso recently suggested that Scholes likes to take his little matter into his own hands; in fairness to Gattuso, it was an educated guess from the ginger evidence. The 14/1 for a Scholes opener is my best attempt at finding value in the first goalscorer market.
Chelsea’s injury crisis may well be a blessing in disguise. As Carvalho knows only too well, Wayne Rooney has previous for walking all over a Ballack. Correct score betting is always a tough nut to crack; I’ll take a small interest in a 3-1 win for Man U at 25/1.
Gary Neville looks likely to miss the match, so referee Steve Bennett may well be the busiest person on the pitch. Bennett once sent off Tim Cahill for lifting his shirt when celebrating a goal, Ashley Cole is said to be seething with the appointment. This match will be fiery; backing a red card to be shown may pay dividends at 3/1.
The new Wembley may well be pleasing to the eye, but their prices are an absolute disgrace. Cheeseburgers are £5 and a hot dog is £4; maybe Ashley was right all along. Bookies are offering odds on the first player to be carded; Ashley Cole is worth a small punt at 14/1.
The Scottish Premier league is not so different from its English counterpart, apart from the blood alcohol level of the supporters. The in form Hearts have peaked at the business end of the season; they look a great punt at even money to see off Kilmarnock.
I’ve promised the wife a curry if the weekend accer obliges, as long as she sits opposite Chris Tarrant. Manchester United, Hearts, Rangers and Real Madrid are the selections, the payout is a spicy 22/1.
Copyright (c) Gerry McDonnell & soccerphile.com
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This year, the top two teams in the country will go head to head in the greatest exhibition since Lady Godiva whipped out her milk dispensers in a brave bid to flee Coventry on the back of one on the Van Nistelrooy clan.
Most bookmakers are treating this year’s showpiece as a ‘Wolverhampton brother and sister match’, they just can’t separate them.
For my money, Manchester United have a definite edge. The Red Devils have looked hotter than a vindaloo-eating, three sweater-wearing, fever-riddled Anna Kournikova all season long; the 10/11 for United to lift the trophy is practically unmissable.
I refuse to shy away from the difficult questions. Why is it that Jose Mourinho can be arrested for harbouring a potentially dangerous dog, yet Lenny Henry roams the streets with impunity? There is no greater lover of dogs than Mourinho, with the possible exception of Park Ji-Sung. I find the 9/5 for a Manchester United win in 90 minutes completely barking.
Chelsea will have their supporters at 9/5, but the vibes emanating from the Bridge are far from positive. Uncertainty surrounds the future of Lampard, and John Terry’s contract talks break down more often than my old escort. I sometimes wish that Wayne Rooney had never given me her number.
Rooney, Ronaldo and Giggs are all match-winners on their day, but Paul Scholes holds the key to a United victory. Gattuso recently suggested that Scholes likes to take his little matter into his own hands; in fairness to Gattuso, it was an educated guess from the ginger evidence. The 14/1 for a Scholes opener is my best attempt at finding value in the first goalscorer market.
Chelsea’s injury crisis may well be a blessing in disguise. As Carvalho knows only too well, Wayne Rooney has previous for walking all over a Ballack. Correct score betting is always a tough nut to crack; I’ll take a small interest in a 3-1 win for Man U at 25/1.
Gary Neville looks likely to miss the match, so referee Steve Bennett may well be the busiest person on the pitch. Bennett once sent off Tim Cahill for lifting his shirt when celebrating a goal, Ashley Cole is said to be seething with the appointment. This match will be fiery; backing a red card to be shown may pay dividends at 3/1.
The new Wembley may well be pleasing to the eye, but their prices are an absolute disgrace. Cheeseburgers are £5 and a hot dog is £4; maybe Ashley was right all along. Bookies are offering odds on the first player to be carded; Ashley Cole is worth a small punt at 14/1.
The Scottish Premier league is not so different from its English counterpart, apart from the blood alcohol level of the supporters. The in form Hearts have peaked at the business end of the season; they look a great punt at even money to see off Kilmarnock.
I’ve promised the wife a curry if the weekend accer obliges, as long as she sits opposite Chris Tarrant. Manchester United, Hearts, Rangers and Real Madrid are the selections, the payout is a spicy 22/1.
Copyright (c) Gerry McDonnell & soccerphile.com
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Seoul Score, Seongnam Soar, Suwon Solid
After going for almost 700 minutes of K-League football without scoring, FC Seoul’s coach Senol Gunes would have tried anything to break the drought. It is unknown however if it was the Turk who booked the half-time entertainment for the game against Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors on May 12.
It could be a coincidence that the team scored shortly after the FC Seoul shirt-sporting saxophonist belted out ‘Dancing Queen’ though maybe not.
Almost two months and seven games since last hitting the back of the net, Lee Sang-yeop swept home a spilled shot from close range against the Asian Champions.
The Jeonbuk net rippled six minutes from the end and, as one would expect, it caused a great deal of excitement among the goal-starved fans and players. So much so that just 30 seconds later, the Asian Champions equalized.
The scoreline stayed 1-1 which sees Seoul slip to sixth, ten points behind unbeaten leaders Seongnam.
The seven-time champions are relentless. Seongnam are unbeaten not only in this K-League season so far but for the last seven games of 2006. Three more points came on Sunday evening with a 2-1 win that was more comfortable than the scoreline suggests against a struggling Busan I’Park team. The visitors’ late consolation was only the sixth goal that Seongnam ‘keeper Kim Yong-dae has conceded this season.
Just as solid these days, if not quite as dynamic in attack, are last-season’s runners-up, Suwon Samsung Bluewings. It is fortunate for the league that the Bluewings are managing to keep the yellow machine in sight at the top of the table.
Suwon’s defence is a miserly one, always giving the three-time champions a chance to collect three points. They have been doing without Ahn Jung-hwan who has played little part in recent games. The Lord of the Ring has been given more time by coach Cha Bum-keun to adapt to life back in the K-League but the striker may need more than time.
Cha has steered his team, not always smoothly but very effectively, into a winning run that now stretches to six games in both league and cup. Momentum is a powerful ally and it is something that currently resides in both Seongnam and Suwon.
If it is to be found anywhere else in the 14-team competition then it is in Gyeongnam FC. Three wins out of three in the league has sent the team into third.
It has been something of a surprise. The southerners only entered the league in 2006 and endured a predictably difficult first season. There was optimism that the second campaign would improve after coach Park Hang-seo managed to prise Popo from Busan I’Park but the team’s transformation is one of the stories of the season so far.
Popo helped Busan last season with 13 goals and seven assists and since the Brazilian joined Gyeongnam, he has been just as good – five goals and five assists from the first ten games.
Unlike at Busan, Popo has someone to play with. Coach Park pulled off a master stroke in picking up the hitherto unknown Brazilian striker Everaldo Cabore. The 27 year-old has taken to the K-league like few imports before him have as his place at the top of the scoring charts suggests.
Pohang Steelers are perhaps a little fortunate that the goal drought in the capital has been occupying much of the media in this Seoul-centric nation. Until a midweek win in the Hauzen Cup on May 16, the title hopefuls had gone 12 games without a win.
Like Seoul, Pohang had a good start with ten points from the opening four games to fall back on but the team currently stands in tenth – not what was expected from the team tipped to challenge for the title.
Veteran midfielder Kim Ki-dong is also surprised.
“It’s the first time to have this run of bad form in my professional life,” the 34 year-old said. "The atmosphere at Pohang at the moment is one of confusion. Even in the cafeteria it is hard to eat.”
K-League Standings:
1: Seongnam 24 2: Suwon 21 3: Gyeongnam 17 4: Ulsan 15 5: Jeonbuk 14 6: Seoul 14 7: Jeju 13 8: Daegu 12
Copyright: John Duerden & Soccerphile
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It could be a coincidence that the team scored shortly after the FC Seoul shirt-sporting saxophonist belted out ‘Dancing Queen’ though maybe not.
Almost two months and seven games since last hitting the back of the net, Lee Sang-yeop swept home a spilled shot from close range against the Asian Champions.
The Jeonbuk net rippled six minutes from the end and, as one would expect, it caused a great deal of excitement among the goal-starved fans and players. So much so that just 30 seconds later, the Asian Champions equalized.
The scoreline stayed 1-1 which sees Seoul slip to sixth, ten points behind unbeaten leaders Seongnam.
The seven-time champions are relentless. Seongnam are unbeaten not only in this K-League season so far but for the last seven games of 2006. Three more points came on Sunday evening with a 2-1 win that was more comfortable than the scoreline suggests against a struggling Busan I’Park team. The visitors’ late consolation was only the sixth goal that Seongnam ‘keeper Kim Yong-dae has conceded this season.
Just as solid these days, if not quite as dynamic in attack, are last-season’s runners-up, Suwon Samsung Bluewings. It is fortunate for the league that the Bluewings are managing to keep the yellow machine in sight at the top of the table.
Suwon’s defence is a miserly one, always giving the three-time champions a chance to collect three points. They have been doing without Ahn Jung-hwan who has played little part in recent games. The Lord of the Ring has been given more time by coach Cha Bum-keun to adapt to life back in the K-League but the striker may need more than time.
Cha has steered his team, not always smoothly but very effectively, into a winning run that now stretches to six games in both league and cup. Momentum is a powerful ally and it is something that currently resides in both Seongnam and Suwon.
If it is to be found anywhere else in the 14-team competition then it is in Gyeongnam FC. Three wins out of three in the league has sent the team into third.
It has been something of a surprise. The southerners only entered the league in 2006 and endured a predictably difficult first season. There was optimism that the second campaign would improve after coach Park Hang-seo managed to prise Popo from Busan I’Park but the team’s transformation is one of the stories of the season so far.
Popo helped Busan last season with 13 goals and seven assists and since the Brazilian joined Gyeongnam, he has been just as good – five goals and five assists from the first ten games.
Unlike at Busan, Popo has someone to play with. Coach Park pulled off a master stroke in picking up the hitherto unknown Brazilian striker Everaldo Cabore. The 27 year-old has taken to the K-league like few imports before him have as his place at the top of the scoring charts suggests.
Pohang Steelers are perhaps a little fortunate that the goal drought in the capital has been occupying much of the media in this Seoul-centric nation. Until a midweek win in the Hauzen Cup on May 16, the title hopefuls had gone 12 games without a win.
Like Seoul, Pohang had a good start with ten points from the opening four games to fall back on but the team currently stands in tenth – not what was expected from the team tipped to challenge for the title.
Veteran midfielder Kim Ki-dong is also surprised.
“It’s the first time to have this run of bad form in my professional life,” the 34 year-old said. "The atmosphere at Pohang at the moment is one of confusion. Even in the cafeteria it is hard to eat.”
K-League Standings:
1: Seongnam 24 2: Suwon 21 3: Gyeongnam 17 4: Ulsan 15 5: Jeonbuk 14 6: Seoul 14 7: Jeju 13 8: Daegu 12
Copyright: John Duerden & Soccerphile
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Wednesday, May 16, 2007
FiFA World Rankings May 2007
FiFA World Rankings May 2007
Italy stay top of the FIFA World Rankings. Brazil leapfrog Argentina to move in to second. England are in 8th after poor Euro 2008 qualifying results.
1 Italy
2 Brazil
3 Argentina
4 France
5 Germany
6 Netherlands
7 Portugal
8 England
9 Spain
10 Czech Republic
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Italy stay top of the FIFA World Rankings. Brazil leapfrog Argentina to move in to second. England are in 8th after poor Euro 2008 qualifying results.
1 Italy
2 Brazil
3 Argentina
4 France
5 Germany
6 Netherlands
7 Portugal
8 England
9 Spain
10 Czech Republic
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Friday, May 11, 2007
Neill brave but ignorant
Lucas Neill is no stranger to going out on a limb.
Neill, a regular in the Socceroos backline and one of Australia's star turns in last year's World Cup, has been hammered from all quarters following his well-documented decision in the transfer window to snub Liverpool - and what turns out to be a possible appearance in the Champions League final - in favour of a relegation battle at cashed-up West Ham.
Before that his name was central to the debate of diving in modern football after conceding a stoppage time penalty to Italy's Fabio Grosso in Australia's heartbreaking second round World Cup loss to the eventual champions 11 months ago.
And now Neill's at it again, this week boldly predicting an unblemished Australian success at July's Asian Cup finals.
Critics might suggest the 29-year-old, in the midst of a relegation dogfight at the foot of the English Premier League table, is hardly in the best position to judge the relative merits of Group A challengers Thailand, Oman and Iraq.
But when asked about his expectations for Australia's maiden AFC adventure, Neill responded by confidently boasting he expects Graham Arnold's Socceroos to remain unbeaten throughout the tournament.
Then, just for good measure, Neill also noted that they wouldn't even need a fully fit Tim Cahill or Harry Kewell to breeze through the group stage although conceded the recovering pair would have to be back to their best in the knockout stage to negotiate the likes of Japan and South Korea (Neill's tips for success).
Australia could face a possible quarter-final clash against Japan, a repeat of the World Cup opener which the Socceroos won 3-1 last year.
"I really think we've got a squad that can handle the conditions, enough of us have played on the biggest stage now that we won't be intimidated by the teams we're going to play against and I really see the standard we're expecting to set taking us all the way to the end," Neill said in a teleconference with reporters on Thursday.
While on Cahill and Kewell he added: "There might be a couple of games where they might not have to be 100 per cent fit or 100 per cent on their games. We might be able to get away with them being 90 or 95 per cent of their best."
But how could Neill know?
Speaking on the eve of West Ham's crunch match against Manchester United on the final day of the English season, surely Neill's immediate thoughts revolved around how to control the likes of Rooney and Ronaldo and preserve the London club's Premiership status.
But even without that significant distraction, you have to wonder whether the Australians are being caught up in their own hype.
It could be devastating to the chances of the Socceroos, currently ranked second in Asia behind Iran, if they blindly assumed that being the sole AFC nation to progress past the group stage at the World Cup makes them heavy Asian Cup favourites.
Much of Neill's absolute faith in Australia's chances of going undefeated comes from last year's pre-World Cup build-up under departed coach Guus Hiddink, a program which resulted in Australia being considered among the fittest and most prepared sides in Germany.
He also said that the conditions across co-hosts Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam will be a 'leveller', hinting that Australia's vital acclimatisation camp in Singapore during June would be preparation enough for the extreme climate expected in Bangkok around kick-off time (90 percent humidity and a 50 per cent chance of rain on matchdays).
Of course, Australia's almost wholly European-based squad is not foolish enough to believe that playing on variable pitches at extreme temperatures will not provide its share of challenges, and time will reveal any degree of overconfidence from Neill and his colleagues.
Local followers only hope that two warm-up matches - against arch-rivals Uruguay on June 2 and Singapore on June 30 - is sufficient to avoid any embarrassment when they come face-to-face with Oman, Gulf Cup finalists in January remember, in their group opener.
It might just not be the walk in the park some are predicting.
Copyright © Marc Fox and Soccerphile.com
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Neill, a regular in the Socceroos backline and one of Australia's star turns in last year's World Cup, has been hammered from all quarters following his well-documented decision in the transfer window to snub Liverpool - and what turns out to be a possible appearance in the Champions League final - in favour of a relegation battle at cashed-up West Ham.
Before that his name was central to the debate of diving in modern football after conceding a stoppage time penalty to Italy's Fabio Grosso in Australia's heartbreaking second round World Cup loss to the eventual champions 11 months ago.
And now Neill's at it again, this week boldly predicting an unblemished Australian success at July's Asian Cup finals.
Critics might suggest the 29-year-old, in the midst of a relegation dogfight at the foot of the English Premier League table, is hardly in the best position to judge the relative merits of Group A challengers Thailand, Oman and Iraq.
But when asked about his expectations for Australia's maiden AFC adventure, Neill responded by confidently boasting he expects Graham Arnold's Socceroos to remain unbeaten throughout the tournament.
Then, just for good measure, Neill also noted that they wouldn't even need a fully fit Tim Cahill or Harry Kewell to breeze through the group stage although conceded the recovering pair would have to be back to their best in the knockout stage to negotiate the likes of Japan and South Korea (Neill's tips for success).
Australia could face a possible quarter-final clash against Japan, a repeat of the World Cup opener which the Socceroos won 3-1 last year.
"I really think we've got a squad that can handle the conditions, enough of us have played on the biggest stage now that we won't be intimidated by the teams we're going to play against and I really see the standard we're expecting to set taking us all the way to the end," Neill said in a teleconference with reporters on Thursday.
While on Cahill and Kewell he added: "There might be a couple of games where they might not have to be 100 per cent fit or 100 per cent on their games. We might be able to get away with them being 90 or 95 per cent of their best."
But how could Neill know?
Speaking on the eve of West Ham's crunch match against Manchester United on the final day of the English season, surely Neill's immediate thoughts revolved around how to control the likes of Rooney and Ronaldo and preserve the London club's Premiership status.
But even without that significant distraction, you have to wonder whether the Australians are being caught up in their own hype.
It could be devastating to the chances of the Socceroos, currently ranked second in Asia behind Iran, if they blindly assumed that being the sole AFC nation to progress past the group stage at the World Cup makes them heavy Asian Cup favourites.
Much of Neill's absolute faith in Australia's chances of going undefeated comes from last year's pre-World Cup build-up under departed coach Guus Hiddink, a program which resulted in Australia being considered among the fittest and most prepared sides in Germany.
He also said that the conditions across co-hosts Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam will be a 'leveller', hinting that Australia's vital acclimatisation camp in Singapore during June would be preparation enough for the extreme climate expected in Bangkok around kick-off time (90 percent humidity and a 50 per cent chance of rain on matchdays).
Of course, Australia's almost wholly European-based squad is not foolish enough to believe that playing on variable pitches at extreme temperatures will not provide its share of challenges, and time will reveal any degree of overconfidence from Neill and his colleagues.
Local followers only hope that two warm-up matches - against arch-rivals Uruguay on June 2 and Singapore on June 30 - is sufficient to avoid any embarrassment when they come face-to-face with Oman, Gulf Cup finalists in January remember, in their group opener.
It might just not be the walk in the park some are predicting.
Copyright © Marc Fox and Soccerphile.com
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Wednesday, May 9, 2007
64 Seconds in Paris
I’m not one of those parents who wrap their children up in cotton wool; I refuse to even pay for pyjamas. I do try my best to keep little Goliath away from television that he may find disturbing though, which normally involves avoiding programmes with Noel Edmonds.
Manchester United’s title winning celebrations at Eastlands caught me completely off-guard. The sight of a topless Rio Ferdinand should have set alarm bells ringing, but as he was next to a bare-chested Ronaldo; all I could think of was grabbing a can of Tango from the fridge.
Before I could reach the kitchen, the camera switched to widescreen to show Wayne Rooney with his hands gently caressing the bottom of his shirt. As Rooney’s intentions became clear, i lurched for the remote control in a desperate yet futile attempt to save Goliath from the grisly spectacle.
The wee man was left traumatised by the ensuing pictures, and he’s visited the sea-life centre on many occasions. Manchester United were in a similar state in ’95 when the Hammers cost United the title; the Red Devils will finally take revenge at 3/5.
Jose Mourinho has rightly apologised for his over-the-top personal attack on Ronaldo. Judging a man as a result of his background is completely out of order; that’s the kind of thing a Frenchman would do. I’m surrendering to the 8/13 for a Chelsea win over Everton.
Reporting a crime to the filth has a certain stigma attached to it, like being seen in public with a Sweaty, but few would argue with Dabo’s decision to tuck up Joey Barton. Michael Ball’s stamp on Ronaldo would suggest that Barton has been a real influence on his team-mates; I’m putting my foot down, get on Spurs at 1/2 to see off Man City.
Charlton may have suffered the ignominy of relegation, but like Arnold Schwarzenegger, they’ll be back, probably harassing women. I’m getting my hands on the 2/5 for a Liverpool win over the Addicks.
I’m not one to point fingers, unless I see an overweight ginger-haired kid with glasses, but Freddie Shepherd should shoulder the blame for Newcastle’s awful season. A draw between the disappointing Watford and Newcastle will come as no surprise at 12/5.
Paris Hilton has found herself looking at a prison sentence, or to use the correct term; she’s gone for a Barton. (It’s heartbreaking when your favourite movie stars let themselves down.) That young lady needs to be scared straight; it would take me just over a minute. I’m currently getting stuck into the 11/10 for a Blackburn win over Reading.
Cesc Fabregas is a quality footballer, but I suspect that he may also lead a secret life as a superhero. Fabman’s noble quest is to mildly annoy tubby midfielders. An Arsenal win over Pompey is the call at an absolutely fabulous 6/4.
I have to take my hat off to Neil Warnock. The Sheffield United manager has only found himself in one touchline ruck this season; that’s a remarkable show of restraint from the combustible northerner. Sheffield United can put the nail in Wigan’s Premiership coffin at a placid 13/10.
Sammy Lee has always been a winner. The Bolton manager once played a starring role in Liverpool’s FA youth cup winning team; but he was 37 at the time. The wife is also a little person, but it doesn’t hold her back; I just put a chair by the sink. There’s nothing small about the 3/1 for an Aston Villa win over Bolton.
I’ll try anything once, except enter a pie-eating contest with Mark Viduka. I must have a go on Middlesbrough at 10/11 against Fulham.
Paris Hilton and I have a lot in common, we’re both reluctant to do a little bird. Aston Villa, Chelsea, Man Utd and Middlesbrough form a weekend accer that I am genuinely excited about; the payout is a salacious 18/1.
Copyright (c) Gerry McDonnell & soccerphile.com
Manchester United’s title winning celebrations at Eastlands caught me completely off-guard. The sight of a topless Rio Ferdinand should have set alarm bells ringing, but as he was next to a bare-chested Ronaldo; all I could think of was grabbing a can of Tango from the fridge.
Before I could reach the kitchen, the camera switched to widescreen to show Wayne Rooney with his hands gently caressing the bottom of his shirt. As Rooney’s intentions became clear, i lurched for the remote control in a desperate yet futile attempt to save Goliath from the grisly spectacle.
The wee man was left traumatised by the ensuing pictures, and he’s visited the sea-life centre on many occasions. Manchester United were in a similar state in ’95 when the Hammers cost United the title; the Red Devils will finally take revenge at 3/5.
Jose Mourinho has rightly apologised for his over-the-top personal attack on Ronaldo. Judging a man as a result of his background is completely out of order; that’s the kind of thing a Frenchman would do. I’m surrendering to the 8/13 for a Chelsea win over Everton.
Reporting a crime to the filth has a certain stigma attached to it, like being seen in public with a Sweaty, but few would argue with Dabo’s decision to tuck up Joey Barton. Michael Ball’s stamp on Ronaldo would suggest that Barton has been a real influence on his team-mates; I’m putting my foot down, get on Spurs at 1/2 to see off Man City.
Charlton may have suffered the ignominy of relegation, but like Arnold Schwarzenegger, they’ll be back, probably harassing women. I’m getting my hands on the 2/5 for a Liverpool win over the Addicks.
I’m not one to point fingers, unless I see an overweight ginger-haired kid with glasses, but Freddie Shepherd should shoulder the blame for Newcastle’s awful season. A draw between the disappointing Watford and Newcastle will come as no surprise at 12/5.
Paris Hilton has found herself looking at a prison sentence, or to use the correct term; she’s gone for a Barton. (It’s heartbreaking when your favourite movie stars let themselves down.) That young lady needs to be scared straight; it would take me just over a minute. I’m currently getting stuck into the 11/10 for a Blackburn win over Reading.
Cesc Fabregas is a quality footballer, but I suspect that he may also lead a secret life as a superhero. Fabman’s noble quest is to mildly annoy tubby midfielders. An Arsenal win over Pompey is the call at an absolutely fabulous 6/4.
I have to take my hat off to Neil Warnock. The Sheffield United manager has only found himself in one touchline ruck this season; that’s a remarkable show of restraint from the combustible northerner. Sheffield United can put the nail in Wigan’s Premiership coffin at a placid 13/10.
Sammy Lee has always been a winner. The Bolton manager once played a starring role in Liverpool’s FA youth cup winning team; but he was 37 at the time. The wife is also a little person, but it doesn’t hold her back; I just put a chair by the sink. There’s nothing small about the 3/1 for an Aston Villa win over Bolton.
I’ll try anything once, except enter a pie-eating contest with Mark Viduka. I must have a go on Middlesbrough at 10/11 against Fulham.
Paris Hilton and I have a lot in common, we’re both reluctant to do a little bird. Aston Villa, Chelsea, Man Utd and Middlesbrough form a weekend accer that I am genuinely excited about; the payout is a salacious 18/1.
Copyright (c) Gerry McDonnell & soccerphile.com
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
J. League Results
Sunday 6 May
After ten rounds of the 2007 J-League season Gamba Osaka despite being held 1-1 at home to S-Pulse. Urawa Reds were also held by lowly Ardija 1-1, so may be life is looking up for Omiya's new Dutch coach Robert Verbeek.
In J2, Montedio are the new leaders just above Consadole. Verdy produced an unexpected 1-4 thrashing of Sanga in Kyoto to keep coach Rui Ramos in employment.
Yokohama FC 0 Vissel Kobe 3
Gamba Osaka 1 Shimizu S-Pulse 1
Oita Trinita 1 Sanfrecce Hiroshima 2
Omiya Ardija 1 Urawa Reds 1
Albirex Niigata 3 Ventforet Kofu 1
JEF United 1 Kashiwa Reysol 1
Jubilo Iwata 1 Nagoya Gampus Eight 0
Kashima Antlers 1 Yokohama F Marinos 1
Kawasaki Frontale 5 FC Tokyo 2
Leading Positions
Gamba P10 Pts 21
Reds P10 Pts 19
Frontale P10 Pts 18
Reysol P10 Pts 18
Jubilo P10 Pts 18
J2
Montedio P13 Pts 27
Consadole P13 Pts 27
Avispa Fukuoka P12 Pts 24
Vegalta Sendai P13 Pts 23
Bellmare P13 Pts 21
Kyoto Sanga P13 Pts 20
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After ten rounds of the 2007 J-League season Gamba Osaka despite being held 1-1 at home to S-Pulse. Urawa Reds were also held by lowly Ardija 1-1, so may be life is looking up for Omiya's new Dutch coach Robert Verbeek.
In J2, Montedio are the new leaders just above Consadole. Verdy produced an unexpected 1-4 thrashing of Sanga in Kyoto to keep coach Rui Ramos in employment.
Yokohama FC 0 Vissel Kobe 3
Gamba Osaka 1 Shimizu S-Pulse 1
Oita Trinita 1 Sanfrecce Hiroshima 2
Omiya Ardija 1 Urawa Reds 1
Albirex Niigata 3 Ventforet Kofu 1
JEF United 1 Kashiwa Reysol 1
Jubilo Iwata 1 Nagoya Gampus Eight 0
Kashima Antlers 1 Yokohama F Marinos 1
Kawasaki Frontale 5 FC Tokyo 2
Leading Positions
Gamba P10 Pts 21
Reds P10 Pts 19
Frontale P10 Pts 18
Reysol P10 Pts 18
Jubilo P10 Pts 18
J2
Montedio P13 Pts 27
Consadole P13 Pts 27
Avispa Fukuoka P12 Pts 24
Vegalta Sendai P13 Pts 23
Bellmare P13 Pts 21
Kyoto Sanga P13 Pts 20
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Monday, May 7, 2007
Korea: Goalless In Seoul
It’s all gone wrong for FC Seoul. As world leagues go, the K may be a low-scoring one but no goals in the last 582 minutes is not what the club had in mind when seemingly defensive-minded coach Lee Jang-soo was jettisoned at the end of last season for the supposedly attacking Senol Gunes.
In the middle of March however, Gunes was starting to think that the whole East Asia thing was a walk in the park. Not only did he steer Turkey to third place in at the 2002 World Cup, he won his first five games in South Korea without conceding a goal.
Three of those games were in the league and not surprisingly, FC Seoul were top of the standings. March 18 seems like a long time ago but that was when the team last scored a K-League goal. Six games later – two defeats and four goalless draws- and only the ineptitude of others keeps the capital outfit in the relatively lofty position of fifth.
The Turk was, and still is, the story of the season though headlines tend to include the word ‘crisis’ these days and it is becoming less and less of a surprise when Seoul add another 90 minutes to their unwanted collection.
Also unwelcome for the 2002 UEFA Coach of the Year is the number of injuries his players. Most of the team’s strikers have been struggling for fitness though with creativity drying up in midfield, they weren't getting many chances anyway.
"Of course the most important thing is victory but I will try to give fans football that they can love. I like Barcelona. They always play at a high tempo as well as with a good strategy. I want to adopt that model as the one for my team. About a month after the season starts, fans will be able to see the kind of football I want,” said Gunes just before the season started.
In fact after a month of the season, fans were seeing the kind of football that they had seen many times before.
Korean fans are usually patient but there have been signs of discontent. Gunes’s refusal to play mercurial Portuguese playmaker and crowd favourite Ricardo Nascimento is not going down well in north-west Seoul.
These days a large banner can be seen featuring the long-haired midfielder can be seen behind the goal, with the words “Please Use” emblazoned across it.
Something similar written across the back of the net may be useful.
As expected, champions Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma are experiencing no such problems. After nine games, the seven-time title-winners are the only unbeaten team and lead Suwon Samsung Bluewings by three points.
Gyeongnam FC are the surprise package and sit in third. Another surprise is the performances of two title favourites Pohang Steelers and Ulsan Hyundai Horang-I. The south-eastern pair sit in eighth and ninth respectively.
Asian Cup
South Korean cup Pim Verbeek was hit with a double whammy in the second half of April when it was announced that Lee Young-pyo and Park Ji-sung had both undergone knee operations and were both highly doubtful for the Asian Cup.
Lee was the first to go under the knife after injuring knee ligaments against Sevilla in the UEFA Cup. The under-rated Tottenham left-back had been in consistent form for the London club and his experience, versatility and talent will be missed if he doesn’t return in time for the Jakarta games against Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Indonesia.
The same can be said of his former PSV Eindhoven partner in crime. Park was in fine form for United and had just scored his third goal in two games when he collected the injury against Blackburn Rovers.
Initial reports suggested that there was little to be concerned about as the May 5 Manchester Derby was penciled in for his return. It was not to be and the 26 year-old flew to America for an operation and, if Manchester United can be beleived, won’t be back until August.
Seoul United.
It may not be of much interest to Ben Johnson, but his ‘victory’ in the 1988 Olympic 100 metre race is still the most famous sporting moment that has been witnessed in Seoul Olympic Stadium.
On April 25, at the same cavernous arena which stands on the south bank of the Han River, a South Korean third division football game between Seoul United and Changwon Dudae FC proved to be a slightly more low-key affair than the race which sent shockwaves around the world almost 19 years ago.
It was still historic. Just a few metres away from the spot where the vacant-eyed Canadian crossed the finish line; a white football rolled over the halfway line to signal the start of Seoul United’s life as a football club in the K3 league.
With some of the 14 teams in the top tier K-League struggling to attract fans, those that do battle two divisions further down the ladder would probably expect to be watched by no more than the players’ family or friends but April 21 was different. Among the dignitaries present were KFA President and FIFA Vice-President Chung Mong-joon and national team coach Pim Verbeek.
It may have been the official launch of the league but the day was all about Seoul United. The club’s name and its Newcastle United/Juventus-like black-and-white stripes shirts have been around the capital and its football scene since the turn of the century. That was when the idea of a “people’s club” for Seoul was born.
In a K-League dominated by clubs backed by big business, those people set about creating the first club that would be run by the fans. Followers could become shareholders in Seoul United and would take the decisions. Dismissed as romantics and dreamers by some in the media, the game against Changwon was vindication for those who had worked so hard. It was only the first step and it will be a long time before there is a chance of seeing the black and white stripes in the top flight of Korean football.
The K3 division is an amateur league and consists of ten teams. There is, as yet, no promotion to the second tier league in the country – known as the National League. However, the KFA will allow four or six K3 clubs into the FA Cup later in the year with the chance of facing one of the big boys from the K-League.
For the moment, it is time to focus on building a team and a season. The result wasn’t the most important aspect of the day but an entertaining game finished 2-2.
Copyright: John Duerden & Soccerphile
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In the middle of March however, Gunes was starting to think that the whole East Asia thing was a walk in the park. Not only did he steer Turkey to third place in at the 2002 World Cup, he won his first five games in South Korea without conceding a goal.
Three of those games were in the league and not surprisingly, FC Seoul were top of the standings. March 18 seems like a long time ago but that was when the team last scored a K-League goal. Six games later – two defeats and four goalless draws- and only the ineptitude of others keeps the capital outfit in the relatively lofty position of fifth.
The Turk was, and still is, the story of the season though headlines tend to include the word ‘crisis’ these days and it is becoming less and less of a surprise when Seoul add another 90 minutes to their unwanted collection.
Also unwelcome for the 2002 UEFA Coach of the Year is the number of injuries his players. Most of the team’s strikers have been struggling for fitness though with creativity drying up in midfield, they weren't getting many chances anyway.
"Of course the most important thing is victory but I will try to give fans football that they can love. I like Barcelona. They always play at a high tempo as well as with a good strategy. I want to adopt that model as the one for my team. About a month after the season starts, fans will be able to see the kind of football I want,” said Gunes just before the season started.
In fact after a month of the season, fans were seeing the kind of football that they had seen many times before.
Korean fans are usually patient but there have been signs of discontent. Gunes’s refusal to play mercurial Portuguese playmaker and crowd favourite Ricardo Nascimento is not going down well in north-west Seoul.
These days a large banner can be seen featuring the long-haired midfielder can be seen behind the goal, with the words “Please Use” emblazoned across it.
Something similar written across the back of the net may be useful.
As expected, champions Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma are experiencing no such problems. After nine games, the seven-time title-winners are the only unbeaten team and lead Suwon Samsung Bluewings by three points.
Gyeongnam FC are the surprise package and sit in third. Another surprise is the performances of two title favourites Pohang Steelers and Ulsan Hyundai Horang-I. The south-eastern pair sit in eighth and ninth respectively.
Asian Cup
South Korean cup Pim Verbeek was hit with a double whammy in the second half of April when it was announced that Lee Young-pyo and Park Ji-sung had both undergone knee operations and were both highly doubtful for the Asian Cup.
Lee was the first to go under the knife after injuring knee ligaments against Sevilla in the UEFA Cup. The under-rated Tottenham left-back had been in consistent form for the London club and his experience, versatility and talent will be missed if he doesn’t return in time for the Jakarta games against Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Indonesia.
The same can be said of his former PSV Eindhoven partner in crime. Park was in fine form for United and had just scored his third goal in two games when he collected the injury against Blackburn Rovers.
Initial reports suggested that there was little to be concerned about as the May 5 Manchester Derby was penciled in for his return. It was not to be and the 26 year-old flew to America for an operation and, if Manchester United can be beleived, won’t be back until August.
Seoul United.
It may not be of much interest to Ben Johnson, but his ‘victory’ in the 1988 Olympic 100 metre race is still the most famous sporting moment that has been witnessed in Seoul Olympic Stadium.
On April 25, at the same cavernous arena which stands on the south bank of the Han River, a South Korean third division football game between Seoul United and Changwon Dudae FC proved to be a slightly more low-key affair than the race which sent shockwaves around the world almost 19 years ago.
It was still historic. Just a few metres away from the spot where the vacant-eyed Canadian crossed the finish line; a white football rolled over the halfway line to signal the start of Seoul United’s life as a football club in the K3 league.
With some of the 14 teams in the top tier K-League struggling to attract fans, those that do battle two divisions further down the ladder would probably expect to be watched by no more than the players’ family or friends but April 21 was different. Among the dignitaries present were KFA President and FIFA Vice-President Chung Mong-joon and national team coach Pim Verbeek.
It may have been the official launch of the league but the day was all about Seoul United. The club’s name and its Newcastle United/Juventus-like black-and-white stripes shirts have been around the capital and its football scene since the turn of the century. That was when the idea of a “people’s club” for Seoul was born.
In a K-League dominated by clubs backed by big business, those people set about creating the first club that would be run by the fans. Followers could become shareholders in Seoul United and would take the decisions. Dismissed as romantics and dreamers by some in the media, the game against Changwon was vindication for those who had worked so hard. It was only the first step and it will be a long time before there is a chance of seeing the black and white stripes in the top flight of Korean football.
The K3 division is an amateur league and consists of ten teams. There is, as yet, no promotion to the second tier league in the country – known as the National League. However, the KFA will allow four or six K3 clubs into the FA Cup later in the year with the chance of facing one of the big boys from the K-League.
For the moment, it is time to focus on building a team and a season. The result wasn’t the most important aspect of the day but an entertaining game finished 2-2.
Copyright: John Duerden & Soccerphile
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Friday, May 4, 2007
World Soccer News
World Soccer News 05/04/07
European soccer leagues Twenty two titles awarded
No less than 22 league championships throughout Europe have been resolved to date, including those in the countries where the competitions are played within a calendar year. League titles have been decided in France, Italy, Holland, Scotland and Greece, while dramatic outcomes are expected in Spain, Germany, Poland and Czechia.
The most dramatic finish occurred in Holland, where AZ Alkmaar under Louis van Gaal had all the trumps in their hands to win the league for the first time in 26 years. Of the three clubs going into the last day even on points, AZ had by far the best goal difference and needed any win away to lowly Excelsior to clinch the title. On the other hand, PSV were in the worst position having let slip an eight point advantage over AZ and ten points' over Ajax in the past two months.
Miraculously, AZ were beaten by Excelsior, on their way to the play-offs to avoid relegation, while Ajax beat Willem II with an insufficient 2-0 in Tillburg. In the meantime, PSV thrashed Vitesse 5-1, edging Ajax by a single goal for their third successive title. In fact, if Ajax had won by three goals they would have been champions!
League champions
Armenia: Pyunik Erevan (for 2006)
Austria: Salzburg
Belarus: Bate Borisov (for 2006)
Cyprus: Apoel Nikosia
Estonia: Levadia Tallinn (for 2006)
Faroe Islands: Hb Torshavn (for 2006)
Finland: Tampere Utd. (for 2006)
France: Lyon
Greece: Olympiacos
Croatia: Dinamo Zagreb
Ireland: Shelbourne (for 2006)
Iceland: Hafnarfjordur (for 2006)
Italy: Inter
Kazakhstan: Astana (for 2006)
Latvia: Ventspils (for 2006)
Lithuania: Kaunas (for 2006)
Netherlands: PSV (by a single goal over Ajax)
Norway: Rosenborg (for 2006)
Romania: Dinamo Bucharest
Russia: CSKA (for 2006)
Scotland: Celtic
Sweden: Elfsborg (for 2006)
Races nearly resolved
Just a step separates FC Kobenhavn from the Danish title, since no team have ever dropped a 16 points' advantage with six matches to go. Slovenia's Domzale and Serbia's Red Star have all but clinched their respective titles having ten points more than their immediate persuers.
Denmark: Kobenhavn +16 over Midtjylland
Luxembourg: Dudelange +11 over Etzella and Differdange
Hungary: Debrecen + 8 over MTK
Malta: Marsaxlokk +12 over Sliema
Moldavia: Sheriff +17 over Zimbru
Slovenia: Domzale +10 over Gorica
Serbia: Red Star +10 over Partizan
Drama in sight
In Germany, Schalke and Werder are competing at wasting chances of securing the title and Stuttgart's bid is gaining momentum with three matches to go as two points separate three teams. In Portugal, champions Porto have already lost five games but neither Sporting nor Benfica have capitalized. Anderlecht look like a safe bet in Belgium in spite of just a two point lead over Racing Genk, while the Polish and Czech champions will not be known until the last day.
Belgium: Anderlecht +2 over Genk
Czechia: Slovan Liberec +1 over Sparta and +2 over Slavia
England: Manchester Utd. +5 over Chelsea
Germany: Schalke +1 over Stuttgart, +2 over Werder
Poland: Belchatow and Zaglebie (L) tied
Portugal: Porto +3 over Sporting:
Spain: Barcelona +1 over Sevilla, +2 over Real Madrid
Switzerland: Zurich +3 over Basel
Ukraine: Dinamo Kijev +3 over Shakhtar
Angelo Peruzzi bids farewell
Lazio goalkeeper Angelo Peruzzi (37) announced the end of his playing career last Sunday after a goalless derby with Roma. The former Roma, Juventus and Inter keeper had planned to quit at the end of the season, but an injury to a finger sped up his decision with four matches to go. Peruzzi played 31 times for Italy and gained notoriety in 1990 when he was suspended for eight months due to a positive doping test.
Sepp Blatter: "South Africa is FIFA's plan A and B"
FIFA's threats to strip South Africa of the 2010 World Cup upset the whole African continent, prompting chairman Sepp Blatter to go back on his words criticizing the pace at which the designated hosts have been making progress with the infrastructure.
"Our plan A is South Africa, the plan B is also South Africa and there is no plan C," said Blatter, who had previously warned that FIFA was eyeing other options such as Mexico and Spain which already have the facilities in place.
"Yes, there are certain difficulties over items like security, but I am fully convinced it will be a precious World Cup," said Blatter.
It will be curious to note whether there will be similar concern within FIFA's pals UEFA in two years time when the sensationally elected Euro 2012 hosts Poland and Ukraine present delays in all aspects regarding infrastructure.
Erwin Koeman quits Feyenoord
Erwin and Ronald Koeman used to win things simultaneously. In 1988 their clubs, KV Mechelen and PSV Eindhoven, respectively, collected the European Cup Winners' Cup and the Champions' Cup. The same year both of them starred in the Dutch squad that won the European Championship in Western Germany. This season Ronald won the Dutch league with PSV, but Erwin's Feyenoord finished a dismal seventh, which prompted the elder brother to resign.
"After such a poor finish, I cannot be a hundred-percent motivated to coach the team in the playoffs for the UEFA Cup, which is of crucial significance for Feyenoord," admitted Koeman, who had taken over from Ruud Gullit two years ago.
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European soccer leagues Twenty two titles awarded
No less than 22 league championships throughout Europe have been resolved to date, including those in the countries where the competitions are played within a calendar year. League titles have been decided in France, Italy, Holland, Scotland and Greece, while dramatic outcomes are expected in Spain, Germany, Poland and Czechia.
The most dramatic finish occurred in Holland, where AZ Alkmaar under Louis van Gaal had all the trumps in their hands to win the league for the first time in 26 years. Of the three clubs going into the last day even on points, AZ had by far the best goal difference and needed any win away to lowly Excelsior to clinch the title. On the other hand, PSV were in the worst position having let slip an eight point advantage over AZ and ten points' over Ajax in the past two months.
Miraculously, AZ were beaten by Excelsior, on their way to the play-offs to avoid relegation, while Ajax beat Willem II with an insufficient 2-0 in Tillburg. In the meantime, PSV thrashed Vitesse 5-1, edging Ajax by a single goal for their third successive title. In fact, if Ajax had won by three goals they would have been champions!
League champions
Armenia: Pyunik Erevan (for 2006)
Austria: Salzburg
Belarus: Bate Borisov (for 2006)
Cyprus: Apoel Nikosia
Estonia: Levadia Tallinn (for 2006)
Faroe Islands: Hb Torshavn (for 2006)
Finland: Tampere Utd. (for 2006)
France: Lyon
Greece: Olympiacos
Croatia: Dinamo Zagreb
Ireland: Shelbourne (for 2006)
Iceland: Hafnarfjordur (for 2006)
Italy: Inter
Kazakhstan: Astana (for 2006)
Latvia: Ventspils (for 2006)
Lithuania: Kaunas (for 2006)
Netherlands: PSV (by a single goal over Ajax)
Norway: Rosenborg (for 2006)
Romania: Dinamo Bucharest
Russia: CSKA (for 2006)
Scotland: Celtic
Sweden: Elfsborg (for 2006)
Races nearly resolved
Just a step separates FC Kobenhavn from the Danish title, since no team have ever dropped a 16 points' advantage with six matches to go. Slovenia's Domzale and Serbia's Red Star have all but clinched their respective titles having ten points more than their immediate persuers.
Denmark: Kobenhavn +16 over Midtjylland
Luxembourg: Dudelange +11 over Etzella and Differdange
Hungary: Debrecen + 8 over MTK
Malta: Marsaxlokk +12 over Sliema
Moldavia: Sheriff +17 over Zimbru
Slovenia: Domzale +10 over Gorica
Serbia: Red Star +10 over Partizan
Drama in sight
In Germany, Schalke and Werder are competing at wasting chances of securing the title and Stuttgart's bid is gaining momentum with three matches to go as two points separate three teams. In Portugal, champions Porto have already lost five games but neither Sporting nor Benfica have capitalized. Anderlecht look like a safe bet in Belgium in spite of just a two point lead over Racing Genk, while the Polish and Czech champions will not be known until the last day.
Belgium: Anderlecht +2 over Genk
Czechia: Slovan Liberec +1 over Sparta and +2 over Slavia
England: Manchester Utd. +5 over Chelsea
Germany: Schalke +1 over Stuttgart, +2 over Werder
Poland: Belchatow and Zaglebie (L) tied
Portugal: Porto +3 over Sporting:
Spain: Barcelona +1 over Sevilla, +2 over Real Madrid
Switzerland: Zurich +3 over Basel
Ukraine: Dinamo Kijev +3 over Shakhtar
Angelo Peruzzi bids farewell
Lazio goalkeeper Angelo Peruzzi (37) announced the end of his playing career last Sunday after a goalless derby with Roma. The former Roma, Juventus and Inter keeper had planned to quit at the end of the season, but an injury to a finger sped up his decision with four matches to go. Peruzzi played 31 times for Italy and gained notoriety in 1990 when he was suspended for eight months due to a positive doping test.
Sepp Blatter: "South Africa is FIFA's plan A and B"
FIFA's threats to strip South Africa of the 2010 World Cup upset the whole African continent, prompting chairman Sepp Blatter to go back on his words criticizing the pace at which the designated hosts have been making progress with the infrastructure.
"Our plan A is South Africa, the plan B is also South Africa and there is no plan C," said Blatter, who had previously warned that FIFA was eyeing other options such as Mexico and Spain which already have the facilities in place.
"Yes, there are certain difficulties over items like security, but I am fully convinced it will be a precious World Cup," said Blatter.
It will be curious to note whether there will be similar concern within FIFA's pals UEFA in two years time when the sensationally elected Euro 2012 hosts Poland and Ukraine present delays in all aspects regarding infrastructure.
Erwin Koeman quits Feyenoord
Erwin and Ronald Koeman used to win things simultaneously. In 1988 their clubs, KV Mechelen and PSV Eindhoven, respectively, collected the European Cup Winners' Cup and the Champions' Cup. The same year both of them starred in the Dutch squad that won the European Championship in Western Germany. This season Ronald won the Dutch league with PSV, but Erwin's Feyenoord finished a dismal seventh, which prompted the elder brother to resign.
"After such a poor finish, I cannot be a hundred-percent motivated to coach the team in the playoffs for the UEFA Cup, which is of crucial significance for Feyenoord," admitted Koeman, who had taken over from Ruud Gullit two years ago.
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Wednesday, May 2, 2007
McCaffrey’s Gone Flat
You have to admire the Chinese. Their ability to knock up a wall and eat with sticks is impressive enough, but it’s their work in the field of insightful proverb creation where they truly excel.
‘Give a man a fish and he’ll eat for a day; teach him how to fish and he’ll bore you in conversation’ is one of theirs, and never a truer word was spoken.
Personally, the phrase i use most often is ‘good things come in little packages’, but it is a blatant lie. Good things do come to those who wait though; and after a four year hiatus, the Premiership trophy is on its way back to Old Trafford.
United can wrap up the title at Eastlands against a Manchester City side who have only scored 10 goals at home all season. Another blank for Psycho’s mob will leave them with the worst record since the latest offering from the sexually ambiguous Robbie Williams. I’m only going one way in this match; United will see off a Barton-less City at 8/15.
It’s been another fantastic season for Sam Allardyce, if we choose to disregard the odd episode of Panorama. The threat of a Glasgow kiss has forced the big man to walk away from the Reebok; West Ham can take full advantage at 5/4.
The press believe that the Hammers were only spared a points deduction for rule-breaking as they pleaded guilty at the last minute. I guess throwing your hands up to a mistake is always the right course of action; I await a statement from Mr and Mrs McCaffrey. I’m admitting to a little interest in Tevez to score at any time at 15/8.
Arsenal and Chelsea meet for the first time since the Snarling Cup final where Adedayor saw red for looking like Eboue. An Arsenal win over a deflated Chelsea resembles value at 19/10.
I would hate to see anyone lose their job, with the possible exception of Tim Lovejoy, but the omens do not look good for Glenn Roeder. Fat Freddie has allegedly been courting Sven Goran Eriksson (It’s a step up for Sven after Ulrika) and Big Sam is also in the frame. A Newcastle win over Blackburn at 13/10 will keep Roeder in his position, for now.
Gareth Southgate is better than Pele; the Middlesbrough manager can keep Wood on a permanent basis. I’m getting up early to back Boro at 5/2 to beat Wigan.
A few members of the betting community are still sore with Harry Redknapp. It’s not a result of the great ‘next Pompey manager’ sting of 2005; it’s the fact that he’s almost certainly partly responsible for Jamie. All will be forgiven if Pompey leave Goodison Park with a point at 12/5.
The Villa have a 100% record at home to Sheffield United in the Premiership, but admittedly, that form is older than Helen Chamberlain. History is against the Blades, recent form is also against them, but perhaps most tellingly of all, the G man is against them. The Villa will turn it on at 11/10.
Lefty lunatic Michael Moore made the point that soldiers on the front line are rarely sons of influential people, but Prince Harry’s decision to toil for the oil has bucked that trend. His old man is understandably anxious though; keep your chin up Major. It’ll be a major surprise if Spurs fail to beat Charlton; I’m getting involved at a slick 7/5.
The last three matches between Reading and Watford may have finished goalless, but the Hornets are now easier to beat than a Frenchman in Manchester. The Royals can consolidate their UEFA Cup spot at a fighting 4/9.
Appointing a boss on a temporary basis can occasionally pay dividends, but Lawrie Sanchez is the worst caretaker since Ian Huntley. Liverpool have won their last two meets with Fulham by four clear goals, a great week for the Reds is about to get better at 13/10.
Banking the cash from last week’s winning accer may appeal to some, but I plan to roll over the profit like it was Kate Moss. Newcastle, Reading, West Ham and Aston Villa are the four good-things, the payout is a titillating 14/1.
Copyright (c) Gerry McDonnell & soccerphile.com
‘Give a man a fish and he’ll eat for a day; teach him how to fish and he’ll bore you in conversation’ is one of theirs, and never a truer word was spoken.
Personally, the phrase i use most often is ‘good things come in little packages’, but it is a blatant lie. Good things do come to those who wait though; and after a four year hiatus, the Premiership trophy is on its way back to Old Trafford.
United can wrap up the title at Eastlands against a Manchester City side who have only scored 10 goals at home all season. Another blank for Psycho’s mob will leave them with the worst record since the latest offering from the sexually ambiguous Robbie Williams. I’m only going one way in this match; United will see off a Barton-less City at 8/15.
It’s been another fantastic season for Sam Allardyce, if we choose to disregard the odd episode of Panorama. The threat of a Glasgow kiss has forced the big man to walk away from the Reebok; West Ham can take full advantage at 5/4.
The press believe that the Hammers were only spared a points deduction for rule-breaking as they pleaded guilty at the last minute. I guess throwing your hands up to a mistake is always the right course of action; I await a statement from Mr and Mrs McCaffrey. I’m admitting to a little interest in Tevez to score at any time at 15/8.
Arsenal and Chelsea meet for the first time since the Snarling Cup final where Adedayor saw red for looking like Eboue. An Arsenal win over a deflated Chelsea resembles value at 19/10.
I would hate to see anyone lose their job, with the possible exception of Tim Lovejoy, but the omens do not look good for Glenn Roeder. Fat Freddie has allegedly been courting Sven Goran Eriksson (It’s a step up for Sven after Ulrika) and Big Sam is also in the frame. A Newcastle win over Blackburn at 13/10 will keep Roeder in his position, for now.
Gareth Southgate is better than Pele; the Middlesbrough manager can keep Wood on a permanent basis. I’m getting up early to back Boro at 5/2 to beat Wigan.
A few members of the betting community are still sore with Harry Redknapp. It’s not a result of the great ‘next Pompey manager’ sting of 2005; it’s the fact that he’s almost certainly partly responsible for Jamie. All will be forgiven if Pompey leave Goodison Park with a point at 12/5.
The Villa have a 100% record at home to Sheffield United in the Premiership, but admittedly, that form is older than Helen Chamberlain. History is against the Blades, recent form is also against them, but perhaps most tellingly of all, the G man is against them. The Villa will turn it on at 11/10.
Lefty lunatic Michael Moore made the point that soldiers on the front line are rarely sons of influential people, but Prince Harry’s decision to toil for the oil has bucked that trend. His old man is understandably anxious though; keep your chin up Major. It’ll be a major surprise if Spurs fail to beat Charlton; I’m getting involved at a slick 7/5.
The last three matches between Reading and Watford may have finished goalless, but the Hornets are now easier to beat than a Frenchman in Manchester. The Royals can consolidate their UEFA Cup spot at a fighting 4/9.
Appointing a boss on a temporary basis can occasionally pay dividends, but Lawrie Sanchez is the worst caretaker since Ian Huntley. Liverpool have won their last two meets with Fulham by four clear goals, a great week for the Reds is about to get better at 13/10.
Banking the cash from last week’s winning accer may appeal to some, but I plan to roll over the profit like it was Kate Moss. Newcastle, Reading, West Ham and Aston Villa are the four good-things, the payout is a titillating 14/1.
Copyright (c) Gerry McDonnell & soccerphile.com
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
Learning from their mistakes
Learning from their mistakes
Australia's football hierarchy has reacted to its clubs flagging performances on Asian soil during the Champions League by scrapping plans for a Brisbane-based get-together before the Asian Cup finals in favour of an acclimatisation training camp in Singapore.
“The camp in Singapore will give us a good indication of what to expect at the Asian Cup,” declared Socceroos coach Graham Arnold last week. “Acclimatisation will be a key to success at the tournament so training and playing in Singapore will get us in good shape for the conditions that we will face for the tournament."
Welcome news indeed, and proof of the gravity with which Football Federation Australia is holding the Socceroos' maiden venture into Asian competition.
Over the past couple of months we've seen how the Australian clubs in the ACL have been caught with their trousers around their ankles by supposedly inferior opponents, particularly in tired-looking second-half displays by Adelaide in Vietnam and Sydney in Indonesia.
Sure, a lack of regular match action has some claims, but the A-League sides have comfortably proven that simply turning up a few days beforehand and expecting to roll over the opposition is a theory fast losing credibility down under.
As Arnold added in a far-ranging interview with the Sydney Morning Herald over the weekend, "They're 50 per cent better at home, so when we go to these types of nations we have to make sure we have a minimum of a week to prepare properly, otherwise we'll get ourselves into trouble." A little tactless perhaps, but spot on.
Of course, the climatic conundrum is effectively multiplied for Arnold. Not only is Australia, geographically, not even in Asia, the basis of his Asian Cup squad will come from the English Premiership, a league played across the northern winter save for a few months of relative sunshine at its beginning and end. Derby days in Liverpool and London aren’t exactly the ideal preparation for an Asian Cup opener against Oman in Bangkok.
Then there's Australia's glaring lack of experience playing in the types of conditions you can expect in Thailand in July. The Socceroos have played just three matches on Asian soil since joining the AFC 16 months ago with only four players - Scott McDonald, Michael Beauchamp, Luke Wilkshire and Brett Holman, not exactly what you'd call the big guns - involved in all three of the away trips to Kuwait City, Manama and Guangzhou.
Worryingly for Arnold, the list of those who haven't been involved in any of the three trips, for a variety of reasons, includes World Cup stars Tim Cahill, Brett Emerton, Josh Kennedy, Harry Kewell and Craig Moore.
Cahill, Kennedy, Kewell and Moore are the quartet giving Arnold most headaches with just 10 weeks until Australia's cup opener. All four are rated by Arnold as a major concern with the coach now openly saying that if any of them make it, it will be a fantastic luxury for the side.
Arnold and team manager Gary Moretti jetted over to Europe a week ago to assess the players' progress and build some bridges with a handful of (particularly English) club managers. Once again the cause of the Australian national team doesn’t exactly seem in the best interests of the clubs with a healthy chunk of pre-season set to be missed if the Socceroos make it all the way to the final. Cahill, for instance, hasn’t had a proper break for four years after playing in the 2004 Olympics, 2005 Confederations Cup and last year's World Cup.
Any absences from those four might open the door for one of Rob Baan's up-and-coming under-23s who have been pitting their wits against Asia's best sides leading into next year's Olympics in Beijing. "I'm definitely taking some young players to the Asian Cup - some will be train-on players and some will be in the actual squad," Arnold has said.
Baan's Olyroos captain is Mark Milligan, a player who was a surprising choice by Guus Hiddink 12 months ago for Germany and one who adds crucial versatility across the defence and midfield. Milligan has also been in action for Sydney FC in the ACL.
The other player making a dramatic statement of intent is Bruce Djite. The powerful US-born forward has been knocking down the door after becoming an ever-present for the under-23s under Baan and has also been elevated to the post of No.1 striker at Adelaide United after Shengqing Qu's release.
Copyright © Marc Fox and Soccerphile.com
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Australia's football hierarchy has reacted to its clubs flagging performances on Asian soil during the Champions League by scrapping plans for a Brisbane-based get-together before the Asian Cup finals in favour of an acclimatisation training camp in Singapore.
“The camp in Singapore will give us a good indication of what to expect at the Asian Cup,” declared Socceroos coach Graham Arnold last week. “Acclimatisation will be a key to success at the tournament so training and playing in Singapore will get us in good shape for the conditions that we will face for the tournament."
Welcome news indeed, and proof of the gravity with which Football Federation Australia is holding the Socceroos' maiden venture into Asian competition.
Over the past couple of months we've seen how the Australian clubs in the ACL have been caught with their trousers around their ankles by supposedly inferior opponents, particularly in tired-looking second-half displays by Adelaide in Vietnam and Sydney in Indonesia.
Sure, a lack of regular match action has some claims, but the A-League sides have comfortably proven that simply turning up a few days beforehand and expecting to roll over the opposition is a theory fast losing credibility down under.
As Arnold added in a far-ranging interview with the Sydney Morning Herald over the weekend, "They're 50 per cent better at home, so when we go to these types of nations we have to make sure we have a minimum of a week to prepare properly, otherwise we'll get ourselves into trouble." A little tactless perhaps, but spot on.
Of course, the climatic conundrum is effectively multiplied for Arnold. Not only is Australia, geographically, not even in Asia, the basis of his Asian Cup squad will come from the English Premiership, a league played across the northern winter save for a few months of relative sunshine at its beginning and end. Derby days in Liverpool and London aren’t exactly the ideal preparation for an Asian Cup opener against Oman in Bangkok.
Then there's Australia's glaring lack of experience playing in the types of conditions you can expect in Thailand in July. The Socceroos have played just three matches on Asian soil since joining the AFC 16 months ago with only four players - Scott McDonald, Michael Beauchamp, Luke Wilkshire and Brett Holman, not exactly what you'd call the big guns - involved in all three of the away trips to Kuwait City, Manama and Guangzhou.
Worryingly for Arnold, the list of those who haven't been involved in any of the three trips, for a variety of reasons, includes World Cup stars Tim Cahill, Brett Emerton, Josh Kennedy, Harry Kewell and Craig Moore.
Cahill, Kennedy, Kewell and Moore are the quartet giving Arnold most headaches with just 10 weeks until Australia's cup opener. All four are rated by Arnold as a major concern with the coach now openly saying that if any of them make it, it will be a fantastic luxury for the side.
Arnold and team manager Gary Moretti jetted over to Europe a week ago to assess the players' progress and build some bridges with a handful of (particularly English) club managers. Once again the cause of the Australian national team doesn’t exactly seem in the best interests of the clubs with a healthy chunk of pre-season set to be missed if the Socceroos make it all the way to the final. Cahill, for instance, hasn’t had a proper break for four years after playing in the 2004 Olympics, 2005 Confederations Cup and last year's World Cup.
Any absences from those four might open the door for one of Rob Baan's up-and-coming under-23s who have been pitting their wits against Asia's best sides leading into next year's Olympics in Beijing. "I'm definitely taking some young players to the Asian Cup - some will be train-on players and some will be in the actual squad," Arnold has said.
Baan's Olyroos captain is Mark Milligan, a player who was a surprising choice by Guus Hiddink 12 months ago for Germany and one who adds crucial versatility across the defence and midfield. Milligan has also been in action for Sydney FC in the ACL.
The other player making a dramatic statement of intent is Bruce Djite. The powerful US-born forward has been knocking down the door after becoming an ever-present for the under-23s under Baan and has also been elevated to the post of No.1 striker at Adelaide United after Shengqing Qu's release.
Copyright © Marc Fox and Soccerphile.com
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