Kashima Antlers claimed a League and Cup double by lifting the season-ending Emperor's Cup in front of a sell-out crowd of 46,357 fans at the National Stadium in Tokyo.
The Ibaraki giants never looked threatened after they opened the scoring in the eighth minute, when young defender Atsuto Uchida thumped an unstoppable drive into the far corner of Hiroshima shot-stopper Takashi Shimoda's goal.
Hiroshima were missing highly-rated youngster Yosuke Kashiwagi through suspension, after he picked up a yellow card in the southern club's 3-1 semi-final defeat of Gamba Osaka three days earlier. The Japan u-23 international was sorely missed, as Hiroshima rarely pressured newly crowned J-League champions Kashima, who beat Kawasaki Frontale 1-0 to reach the Emperor's Cup final.
A comfortable Kashima victory was completed when veteran striker Atsushi Yanagisawa came off the bench to set-up fellow substitute Danilo with a cushioned pass, with the former Sao Paulo midfielder fairly lashing the ball beyond Shimoda to end the scoring.
The win capped a remarkable season for Kashima - who won the treble in 2000 when they added the League Cup crown to their J-League and Emperor's Cup trophies, and who claimed the double in 2007 following their unlikely J-League triumph.
Kashima will take on Chinese side Beijing Guoan, Vietnamese outfit Nam Dinh FC and Thai team Krung Thai Bank in the group stage of the 2008 AFC Champions League, having ended the long Japanese campaign as the premier team in Japanese football.
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Showing posts with label Emperor's Cup. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Emperor's Cup. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Emperor's Cup takes centre stage
Following a dramatic end to a league campaign that saw Kashima Antlers unexpectedly lift their fifth J-League crown, the season-ending Emperor's Cup has taken centre stage in Japan.
The 87th edition of Japan's oldest sporting competition has been whittled down to the last four from the more than 6000 teams that started, with J1 sides not surprisingly claiming all four semi-final spots.
In the first semi-final, Gamba Osaka will take on Sanfrecce Hiroshima at Ecopa Stadium in Fukuroi.
Gamba booked their place in the last four with a Fifth Round win over Oita Trinita, before they needed extra-time to see off a stubborn Shimizu S-Pulse in the quarter-finals.
Hiroshima were 2-0 winners over Jubilo Iwata in their Fifth Round tie, before beating FC Tokyo by the same scoreline in their quarter-final clash.
The other semi-final sees newly crowned J-League champions Kashima Antlers take on Kawasaki Frontale at the National Stadium in Tokyo.
Kashima have relied upon goals from wantaway striker Atsushi Yanagisawa to fire them into the last four of the Cup, after Yanagisawa struck deep into extra-time against both Ventforet Kofu and non-league outfit Honda FC, as Kashima struggled to book their place in the semi-finals.
By comparison Kawasaki Frontale have enjoyed a much easier run. They beat Vissel Kobe 3-0 in the Fifth Round, before barely breaking a sweat in registering a 2-0 win over J2 side Ehime FC in their quarter-final.
The final of the Emperor's Cup will take place at the National Stadium in Tokyo on January 1.
2008 Japan fixture list announced
The 2008 fixture list for the Japan national team has been announced, with the Blue Samurai set to embark upon qualification for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.
Japan kick-off the year with friendlies against Chile and Bosnia and Herzegovina at the National Stadium in January, before their World Cup campaign gets under way against Thailand at Saitama Stadium on February 6.
Japan will also participate in the East Asian Championship, which takes place every three years and which will be hosted by China in 2008. Japan will face DPR Korea, Korea Republic and hosts China at the tournament in late February.
Takeshi Okada names training squad
New Japan coach Takeshi Okada has named his first training squad since taking over from Ivica Osim.
There were no surprises, although Kashima Antlers duo Daiki Iwamasa and Yuzo Tashiro were handed their first call-up's, as were FC Tokyo defender Yuhei Tokunaga and Gamba Osaka youngster Michihiro Yasuda.
Okada told the press that he would also consider Europe-based trio Naohiro Takahara and Junichi Inamoto of Eintracht Frankfurt and FC Basel midfielder Koji Nakata for selection in 2008. Only Takahara and Celtic midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura featured regularly in the Japan side under Ivica Osim.
Meanwhile Osim has left the intensive care unit of a Chiba hospital, as he makes a recovery from the stroke that ended his reign as Japan coach in November.
Japanese Players Overseas
Naohiro Takahara and Junichi Inamoto: Eintracht Frankfurt
Former Boca Juniors striker Naohiro Takahara has endured an injury-plagued second season at Bundesliga side Eintract Frankfurt, starting just four of his eight league appearances. Takahara's only league goal this season came in a 5-1 thrashing away at 1.FC Nürnberg.
Meanwhile Junichi Inamoto has enjoyed a brighter spell in Frankfurt, starting eleven league games at the mid-table German side.
Shunsuke Nakamura : Celtic
Scottish Player Of The Year Shunsuke Nakamura has started just seven leagues for Glasgow giants Celtic, having also endured an injury-riddled season. Nakamura's last league start came in a 3-0 win over Motherwell back on October 27, with a knee injury potentially ruling Nakamura out of Celtic's upcoming UEFA Champions League tie with Barcelona.
Celtic have refuted claims that they will allow Nakamura to exercise a get-out clause in his contract and return to former club Yokohama F. Marinos in 2008.
Daisuke Matsui : Le Mans
Winger Daisuke Matsui is back in favour at French Ligue 1 side Le Mans, with new coach Rudi Garcia's side flying high in fifth place in Le Championnat. Matsui, who is on the wish-list of Italian Serie A side Genoa, has started fifteen league games for Le Mans this season, scoring twice.
Koji Nakata : FC Basel
Former Kashima Antlers midfielder Koji Nakata has featured in all of Swiss club FC Basel's league games this season, with Basel currently six points clear of rivals FC Zürich going in to the winter break.
Tsuneyasu Miyamoto and Alex : Salzburg
Ex-Gamba Osaka defender Tsuneyasu Miyamoto has started ten of Salzburg's league fixtures, most recently in Salzburg's top-of-the-table clash with Sturm Graz on December 15.
Meanwhile ex-Japan international Alex continues to be linked with a move back to the J-League, with former club Urawa Reds the most likely destination for the versatile player.
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The 87th edition of Japan's oldest sporting competition has been whittled down to the last four from the more than 6000 teams that started, with J1 sides not surprisingly claiming all four semi-final spots.
In the first semi-final, Gamba Osaka will take on Sanfrecce Hiroshima at Ecopa Stadium in Fukuroi.
Gamba booked their place in the last four with a Fifth Round win over Oita Trinita, before they needed extra-time to see off a stubborn Shimizu S-Pulse in the quarter-finals.
Hiroshima were 2-0 winners over Jubilo Iwata in their Fifth Round tie, before beating FC Tokyo by the same scoreline in their quarter-final clash.
The other semi-final sees newly crowned J-League champions Kashima Antlers take on Kawasaki Frontale at the National Stadium in Tokyo.
Kashima have relied upon goals from wantaway striker Atsushi Yanagisawa to fire them into the last four of the Cup, after Yanagisawa struck deep into extra-time against both Ventforet Kofu and non-league outfit Honda FC, as Kashima struggled to book their place in the semi-finals.
By comparison Kawasaki Frontale have enjoyed a much easier run. They beat Vissel Kobe 3-0 in the Fifth Round, before barely breaking a sweat in registering a 2-0 win over J2 side Ehime FC in their quarter-final.
The final of the Emperor's Cup will take place at the National Stadium in Tokyo on January 1.
2008 Japan fixture list announced
The 2008 fixture list for the Japan national team has been announced, with the Blue Samurai set to embark upon qualification for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.
Japan kick-off the year with friendlies against Chile and Bosnia and Herzegovina at the National Stadium in January, before their World Cup campaign gets under way against Thailand at Saitama Stadium on February 6.
Japan will also participate in the East Asian Championship, which takes place every three years and which will be hosted by China in 2008. Japan will face DPR Korea, Korea Republic and hosts China at the tournament in late February.
Takeshi Okada names training squad
New Japan coach Takeshi Okada has named his first training squad since taking over from Ivica Osim.
There were no surprises, although Kashima Antlers duo Daiki Iwamasa and Yuzo Tashiro were handed their first call-up's, as were FC Tokyo defender Yuhei Tokunaga and Gamba Osaka youngster Michihiro Yasuda.
Okada told the press that he would also consider Europe-based trio Naohiro Takahara and Junichi Inamoto of Eintracht Frankfurt and FC Basel midfielder Koji Nakata for selection in 2008. Only Takahara and Celtic midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura featured regularly in the Japan side under Ivica Osim.
Meanwhile Osim has left the intensive care unit of a Chiba hospital, as he makes a recovery from the stroke that ended his reign as Japan coach in November.
Japanese Players Overseas
Naohiro Takahara and Junichi Inamoto: Eintracht Frankfurt
Former Boca Juniors striker Naohiro Takahara has endured an injury-plagued second season at Bundesliga side Eintract Frankfurt, starting just four of his eight league appearances. Takahara's only league goal this season came in a 5-1 thrashing away at 1.FC Nürnberg.
Meanwhile Junichi Inamoto has enjoyed a brighter spell in Frankfurt, starting eleven league games at the mid-table German side.
Shunsuke Nakamura : Celtic
Scottish Player Of The Year Shunsuke Nakamura has started just seven leagues for Glasgow giants Celtic, having also endured an injury-riddled season. Nakamura's last league start came in a 3-0 win over Motherwell back on October 27, with a knee injury potentially ruling Nakamura out of Celtic's upcoming UEFA Champions League tie with Barcelona.
Celtic have refuted claims that they will allow Nakamura to exercise a get-out clause in his contract and return to former club Yokohama F. Marinos in 2008.
Daisuke Matsui : Le Mans
Winger Daisuke Matsui is back in favour at French Ligue 1 side Le Mans, with new coach Rudi Garcia's side flying high in fifth place in Le Championnat. Matsui, who is on the wish-list of Italian Serie A side Genoa, has started fifteen league games for Le Mans this season, scoring twice.
Koji Nakata : FC Basel
Former Kashima Antlers midfielder Koji Nakata has featured in all of Swiss club FC Basel's league games this season, with Basel currently six points clear of rivals FC Zürich going in to the winter break.
Tsuneyasu Miyamoto and Alex : Salzburg
Ex-Gamba Osaka defender Tsuneyasu Miyamoto has started ten of Salzburg's league fixtures, most recently in Salzburg's top-of-the-table clash with Sturm Graz on December 15.
Meanwhile ex-Japan international Alex continues to be linked with a move back to the J-League, with former club Urawa Reds the most likely destination for the versatile player.
Copyright © Michael Tuckerman & Soccerphile.com
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Saturday, December 15, 2007
Sanfrecce Hiroshima
Sanfrecce Hiroshima have endured a horrendous season in the J-League. Relegated in a play-off with the third-place team from J2, Kyoto Sanga, Sanfrecce have played most of the season in front of sparse crowds at their cavernous Big Arch Stadium.
Today, however, there was reason to celebrate as the team in purple defeated Jubilo Iwata in the Emperor's Cup to keep their season alive. Two sublime left-footed free kicks from Koji Morisaki sealed the win in front of only 3,177 die-hard supporters.
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Today, however, there was reason to celebrate as the team in purple defeated Jubilo Iwata in the Emperor's Cup to keep their season alive. Two sublime left-footed free kicks from Koji Morisaki sealed the win in front of only 3,177 die-hard supporters.
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Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Final day fight as the J-League goes down to the wire
For the third season in a row, the J-League title race will be decided on the final day of the season.
That's because Urawa Reds lost 1-0 to second-placed Kashima Antlers in front of 62,123 fans at Saitama Stadium on November 24, thanks to midfielder Takuya Nozawa's solitary strike.
Kashima had defender Toru Araiba controversially sent off for a second bookable offence after just forty-two minutes, and referee Kenji Ogiya again grabbed the headlines when he sent off Kashima substitute Yuji Funayama for "spitting" with just seconds remaining. Urawa fans claimed that Funayama had spat in their direction, but television replays suggest that Funayama simply spat on the ground before attempting to take a throw-in.
The shock loss leaves Urawa one point ahead of Kashima in the J-League standings going into the final day of the season.
In Round 34 action, Urawa travel to Nissan Stadium where they will take on rock bottom Yokohama FC. Tens of thousands of Urawa fans are expected to make the trip to the port city for what will practically be a "home" fixture for the visiting side.
Kashima Antlers will host Shimizu S-Pulse at a packed Kashima Stadium, where Kenta Hasegawa's S-Pulse will once again hope to spoil an opponent's title hopes. Shimizu delivered a fatal blow to Gamba Osaka's chances of winning the league by beating them 3-1 at Nihondaira Stadium in Round 30, and Urawa were held to a 0-0 home draw by Shimizu in Round 32, when a Reds victory would have sewn up the title.
Elsewhere Ventforet Kofu were relegated after they slumped to a 2-1 defeat away at Kashiwa Reysol - Kofu's twentieth league defeat of a turbulent season. They will join Yokohama FC in J2 next season, with Sanfrecce Hiroshima currently occupying the promotion/relegation playoff place.
In J2, Tokyo Verdy and Consadole Sapporo are neck-and-neck on 88 points going into the final round of the season. Tokyo Verdy have a superior goal difference, whilst Kyoto Sanga FC are in third place in the standings on 85 points.
Tokyo Verdy travel to Nagai Stadium in their quest to claim the J2 crown, where they will face a tough-looking Cerezo Osaka in the final league match of the season. Consadole Sapporo arguably have an easier fixture - they host second-from-bottom Mito Hollyhock at the Sapporo Dome.
Kyoto Sanga FC travel to third-from-bottom Thespa Kusatsu, with the third placed finisher in J2 set to face Sanfrecce Hiroshima in a playoff to determine which team will take their place in the top flight next season.
Urawa Reds knocked out of the Emperor's Cup
Reigning champions Urawa Reds were dumped from the Emperor's Cup by J2 side Ehime FC on November 28, going down 2-0 to the Second Division battlers in their Fourth Round encounter.
That match had been rescheduled due to Urawa's exploits in the AFC Champions League, and the Saitama side paid the price for a poor performance, with Toshiya Tanaka scoring twice as Ehime FC registered a shock Cup victory.
Ehime FC will now face a demoralised Yokohama FC in the Fifth Round of Japan's oldest sporting competition.
Ivica Osim awakes from coma
Ivica Osim, the man who lead Japan to a semi-final place at the 2007 Asian Cup, collapsed after suffering a stroke on November 16.
The Japan Football Association revealed that the 66 year old Bosnian awoke from a coma on November 28, and has shown signs of regaining full consciousness.
Takeshi Okada likely to be named new Japan coach
With Ivica Osim unlikely to return to coaching in the foreseeable future, former Japan coach Takeshi Okada is expected to take over as coach of the national team.
Okada was coach of Japan at the 1998 FIFA World Cup, and he later went on to coach Consadole Sapporo and Yokohama F. Marinos, winning the J-League with the latter in 2003 and 2004.
Japan Olympic Team qualifies for Beijing
Yasuharu Sorimachi's team qualified for the 2008 Olympic Games the hard way, holding Saudi Arabia to a nail-biting 0-0 draw in front of 42,913 fans at the National Stadium in Tokyo on November 21.
Needing a draw to top the group and ensure qualification, Japan can thank Sanfrecce Hiroshima midfielder Toshihiro Aoyama for the point, after he cleared a goal-bound effort off the line after just nine minutes.
Japan had plenty of chances, but Shimizu S-Pulse striker Shinji Okazaki was in a profligate mood and the match ended scoreless.
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That's because Urawa Reds lost 1-0 to second-placed Kashima Antlers in front of 62,123 fans at Saitama Stadium on November 24, thanks to midfielder Takuya Nozawa's solitary strike.
Kashima had defender Toru Araiba controversially sent off for a second bookable offence after just forty-two minutes, and referee Kenji Ogiya again grabbed the headlines when he sent off Kashima substitute Yuji Funayama for "spitting" with just seconds remaining. Urawa fans claimed that Funayama had spat in their direction, but television replays suggest that Funayama simply spat on the ground before attempting to take a throw-in.
The shock loss leaves Urawa one point ahead of Kashima in the J-League standings going into the final day of the season.
In Round 34 action, Urawa travel to Nissan Stadium where they will take on rock bottom Yokohama FC. Tens of thousands of Urawa fans are expected to make the trip to the port city for what will practically be a "home" fixture for the visiting side.
Kashima Antlers will host Shimizu S-Pulse at a packed Kashima Stadium, where Kenta Hasegawa's S-Pulse will once again hope to spoil an opponent's title hopes. Shimizu delivered a fatal blow to Gamba Osaka's chances of winning the league by beating them 3-1 at Nihondaira Stadium in Round 30, and Urawa were held to a 0-0 home draw by Shimizu in Round 32, when a Reds victory would have sewn up the title.
Elsewhere Ventforet Kofu were relegated after they slumped to a 2-1 defeat away at Kashiwa Reysol - Kofu's twentieth league defeat of a turbulent season. They will join Yokohama FC in J2 next season, with Sanfrecce Hiroshima currently occupying the promotion/relegation playoff place.
In J2, Tokyo Verdy and Consadole Sapporo are neck-and-neck on 88 points going into the final round of the season. Tokyo Verdy have a superior goal difference, whilst Kyoto Sanga FC are in third place in the standings on 85 points.
Tokyo Verdy travel to Nagai Stadium in their quest to claim the J2 crown, where they will face a tough-looking Cerezo Osaka in the final league match of the season. Consadole Sapporo arguably have an easier fixture - they host second-from-bottom Mito Hollyhock at the Sapporo Dome.
Kyoto Sanga FC travel to third-from-bottom Thespa Kusatsu, with the third placed finisher in J2 set to face Sanfrecce Hiroshima in a playoff to determine which team will take their place in the top flight next season.
Urawa Reds knocked out of the Emperor's Cup
Reigning champions Urawa Reds were dumped from the Emperor's Cup by J2 side Ehime FC on November 28, going down 2-0 to the Second Division battlers in their Fourth Round encounter.
That match had been rescheduled due to Urawa's exploits in the AFC Champions League, and the Saitama side paid the price for a poor performance, with Toshiya Tanaka scoring twice as Ehime FC registered a shock Cup victory.
Ehime FC will now face a demoralised Yokohama FC in the Fifth Round of Japan's oldest sporting competition.
Ivica Osim awakes from coma
Ivica Osim, the man who lead Japan to a semi-final place at the 2007 Asian Cup, collapsed after suffering a stroke on November 16.
The Japan Football Association revealed that the 66 year old Bosnian awoke from a coma on November 28, and has shown signs of regaining full consciousness.
Takeshi Okada likely to be named new Japan coach
With Ivica Osim unlikely to return to coaching in the foreseeable future, former Japan coach Takeshi Okada is expected to take over as coach of the national team.
Okada was coach of Japan at the 1998 FIFA World Cup, and he later went on to coach Consadole Sapporo and Yokohama F. Marinos, winning the J-League with the latter in 2003 and 2004.
Japan Olympic Team qualifies for Beijing
Yasuharu Sorimachi's team qualified for the 2008 Olympic Games the hard way, holding Saudi Arabia to a nail-biting 0-0 draw in front of 42,913 fans at the National Stadium in Tokyo on November 21.
Needing a draw to top the group and ensure qualification, Japan can thank Sanfrecce Hiroshima midfielder Toshihiro Aoyama for the point, after he cleared a goal-bound effort off the line after just nine minutes.
Japan had plenty of chances, but Shimizu S-Pulse striker Shinji Okazaki was in a profligate mood and the match ended scoreless.
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Sunday, November 11, 2007
Crowds flock in as the J-League goes down to the wire
There were full houses aplenty on a weekend of drama in the J-League.
20,044 fans packed into Gamba Osaka's Expo '70 Stadium to witness Brazilian striker Bare score twice, as Gamba stayed alive in the 2007 title race by downing JEF United 2-0.
Yasuhito Endo was the architect of the victory, with the mercurial midfielder setting up both of Bare's goals in a man-of-the-match display. Bare, who was signed from Ventforet Kofu at the start of the season, took his goal tally to nineteen league goals in 28 matches, to join Kawasaki Frontale's Juninho at the top of the goal-scoring charts.
Albirex Niigata came from behind to beat FC Tokyo 2-1 in front of 37,851 fans at a wet Big Swan Stadium, with Edmilson scoring twice in the second half, to cancel out Naohiro Ishikawa's opener. Meanwhile Yokohama FC picked up their first point under Brazilian coach Julio Leal when they held hosts Kashiwa Reysol to a 1-1 draw at Kashiwanoha Stadium in Chiba.
Ventforet Kofu may have to start selling off what few assets they possess as they could be bound for J2 next season. The Yamanashi team were thumped 4-1 by Vissel Kobe at Kobe Wing Stadium - a result that leaves Kofu four points behind third-from-bottom Sanfrecce Hiroshima with three games remaining.
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20,044 fans packed into Gamba Osaka's Expo '70 Stadium to witness Brazilian striker Bare score twice, as Gamba stayed alive in the 2007 title race by downing JEF United 2-0.
Yasuhito Endo was the architect of the victory, with the mercurial midfielder setting up both of Bare's goals in a man-of-the-match display. Bare, who was signed from Ventforet Kofu at the start of the season, took his goal tally to nineteen league goals in 28 matches, to join Kawasaki Frontale's Juninho at the top of the goal-scoring charts.
Albirex Niigata came from behind to beat FC Tokyo 2-1 in front of 37,851 fans at a wet Big Swan Stadium, with Edmilson scoring twice in the second half, to cancel out Naohiro Ishikawa's opener. Meanwhile Yokohama FC picked up their first point under Brazilian coach Julio Leal when they held hosts Kashiwa Reysol to a 1-1 draw at Kashiwanoha Stadium in Chiba.
Ventforet Kofu may have to start selling off what few assets they possess as they could be bound for J2 next season. The Yamanashi team were thumped 4-1 by Vissel Kobe at Kobe Wing Stadium - a result that leaves Kofu four points behind third-from-bottom Sanfrecce Hiroshima with three games remaining.
Hiroshima were beaten 3-1 by Shimizu S-Pulse in front of 16,508 fans at Nihondaira Stadium, in an early Sunday afternoon kick-off. Japan under-22 international Yosuke Kashiwagi opened the scoring for Hiroshima, but Shimizu equalised immediately courtesy of defender Daisuke Ichikawa's rasping drive.
The visitors were proving tough to break down, but Shimizu took advantage of a contentious penalty decision just after the hour mark, as Fernandinho was adjudged to have been fouled inside the box. Jungo Fujimoto stepped up to thump home an unstoppable spot-kick, and he returned the favour by setting up Fernandinho for Shimizu's third.
In other Sunday action, 14,752 fans squeezed into the refurbished Omiya Park Stadium to celebrate Omiya's return to their spiritual home, but those fans lucky enough to find tickets were left stunned as Oita Trinita spoiled the party.
Things started well for Omiya, who opened the scoring after three minutes through midfielder Yoshiyuki Kobayashi. The Kyushu club equalised through midfielder Yoshiaki Fujita, and substitute Shunsuke Maeda silenced the capacity crowd by scoring the winner two minutes from time.
Oita's stunning win pulls them five points clear of the relegation zone. Omiya Ardija are in fifteenth on 30 points, with Sanfrecce Hiroshima currently occupying the relegation/promotion play-off place. Ventforet Kofu are second-from-bottom, while Yokohama FC have already been relegated.
The weekend action was rounded out by Kawasaki Frontale's colossal tussle with Urawa Reds. Some 23,355 fans packed Todoroki Stadium to the rafters to witness an ill-tempered contest, with Washington's penalty cancelling out Yuji Yabu's early opener for Kawasaki.
J2
The J2 title race looks set for a thrilling climax. With three rounds remaining Consadole Sapporo lead the way, but they have seen their lead at the top of the table whittled down to just two points by Tokyo Verdy.
Sapporo crashed to a 1-0 defeat to mid-table Sagan Tosu, and after Sagan Tosu dumped J1 club Albirex Niigata out of the Emperor's Cup last weekend, 7,680 fans turned out at Tosu Stadium to witness the home side add another big-name scalp to their collection.
Tokyo Verdy failed to take advantage in the wet at Ajinomoto Stadium, as they were held to a 1-1 draw by fourth-placed Vegalta Sendai in front of 16,342 fans. Korean Ryang Yong-Gi opened the scoring for the visitors, and Tokyo required a late goal from Brazilian striker Diego to take a share of the spoils.
Kyoto Sanga FC beat Montedio Yamagata 2-1 in front of 10,523 fans at Nishikyogoku Stadium, to maintain their grip on third place in the standings.
In nearby Osaka 20,170 fans turned out at Nagai Stadium, and the home fans didn't leave disappointed as Cerezo Osaka crushed visitors Avispa Fukuoka 4-0. The victory keeps Cerezo's slim promotion hopes alive.
Consadole Sapporo lead the way on 87 points, but with Tokyo Verdy breathing down their necks on 85 points, Sapporo can ill-afford another slip-up. Kyoto Sanga FC currently hold down the promotion/relegation play-off place on 81 points, but Vegalta Sendai and Cerezo Osaka are still in the race on 80 and 78 points respectively.
Emperor's Cup
The Fourth Round of the Emperor's Cup was concluded on November 7, with Gamba Osaka and Kawasaki Frontale both advancing.
Gamba had to come from behind to beat J2 side Montedio Yamagata on penalties, after Yamagata had raced out to a two goal lead courtesy of strikes from Yohei Toyota and Tatsuya Ishikawa. Gamba responded through goals from Ryuji Bando and Takahiro Futagawa, and the Osakans ultimately prevailed 5-3 on penalties.
Kawasaki Frontale had an easier time against Gamba's cross-town rivals Cerezo Osaka, winning 3-0 at Todoroki Stadium thanks to goals from Juninho, Yusuke Mori and Chong Tese. Gamba Osaka will now face Oita Trinita and Kawasaki Frontale will play Vissel Kobe in the Fifth Round of the competition.
Teruyoshi Ito reaches 400 J-League games
Shimizu S-Pulse midfielder Teruyoshi Ito became only the second player to reach 400 games in the J-League.
The gritty defensive midfielder became the first player to reach the milestone having played all 400 games for the same club, with current Nagoya Grampus Eight midfielder Toshiya Fujita having played the bulk of his games for Jubilo Iwata.
The Shimizu-born Ito started his career in the J-League's inaugural season in 1993, and he went on to be capped 27 times by his country, representing Japan at the 1998 FIFA World Cup.
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Sunday, November 4, 2007
Thine Cup Runneth Over
The action in Japan switched from league football to the knock-out variety this weekend, with Gamba Osaka winning the Nabisco League Cup by defeating Kawasaki Frontale 1-0 at a packed National Stadium in Tokyo on November 3.
Japan under-20 international Michihiro Yasuda scored the only goal in the 56th minute, but after weathering an early Kawasaki onslaught, Gamba were worthy winners.
Referee Toshimitsu Yoshida waved away appeals for a penalty in the first half after Gamba midfielder Takahiro Futagawa was seemingly brought down inside the area by Kawasaki goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima, while Brazilian ace Magno Alves thumped the post with a blistering strike late in the second half, with Kawashima well beaten.
The Fourth Round of the Emperor's Cup got under way on November 4, with JEF United going down 3-1 to visitors Oita Trinita in one of only two all-J1 encounters. Defender Masato Morishige opened the scoring for Oita after just three minutes, with striker Daiki Takamatsu adding a second ten minutes later. Brazilian marksman Reinaldo pulled a goal back for the Chiba side, but playmaker Tsukasa Umesaki added a third for Oita before half-time, to send JEF United crashing out of the competition. Omiya Ardija went down 2-0 to Yokohama FC in the other all-J1 clash, with Kunihiko Takizawa and Shingo Nejime scoring the goals for Yokohama.
One of the shocks of the day came at Big Swan Stadium in Niigata, where mid-table J2 side Sagan Tosu stunned J1 high fliers Albirex Niigata 3-2. Sanfrecce Hiroshima had no such trouble in beating J2 side Shonan Bellmare 3-0, while Vissel Kobe beat Avispa Fukuoka 2-0. Struggling Ventforet Kofu knocked out Tokushima Vortis with a 3-1 win, Nagoya Grampus Eight beat Thespa Kusatsu by the same scoreline and Kashima Antlers saw off local rivals Mito Hollyhock 2-0 in an Ibaraki derby, with Yuzo Tashiro and Mitsuo Ogasawara scoring the all-important goals.
Japan Football League's Honda FC stunned J1 outfit Kashiwa Reysol, winning 3-2 in a pulsating contest at Kashiwa Stadium. The visitors went ahead through striker Junya Nitta, before Kashiwa fought back through goals from Tatsuya Yazawa and Brazilian midfielder Alceu. Nitta's strike partner Kodei Suzuki forced the game into extra-time with a 77th minute equaliser, and Suzuki was the hero for Honda FC, scoring a dramatic last minute winner to send the Hamamatsu-based team into the Fifth Round.
Honda FC's neighbours Jubilo Iwata had no trouble disposing of Juntendo University 6-1, but Jubilo's bitter rivals Shimizu S-Pulse needed penalties after they were held to a thrilling 3-3 draw by Meiji University at Nihondaira Stadium.
Japan under-20 international Michihiro Yasuda scored the only goal in the 56th minute, but after weathering an early Kawasaki onslaught, Gamba were worthy winners.
Referee Toshimitsu Yoshida waved away appeals for a penalty in the first half after Gamba midfielder Takahiro Futagawa was seemingly brought down inside the area by Kawasaki goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima, while Brazilian ace Magno Alves thumped the post with a blistering strike late in the second half, with Kawashima well beaten.
The Fourth Round of the Emperor's Cup got under way on November 4, with JEF United going down 3-1 to visitors Oita Trinita in one of only two all-J1 encounters. Defender Masato Morishige opened the scoring for Oita after just three minutes, with striker Daiki Takamatsu adding a second ten minutes later. Brazilian marksman Reinaldo pulled a goal back for the Chiba side, but playmaker Tsukasa Umesaki added a third for Oita before half-time, to send JEF United crashing out of the competition. Omiya Ardija went down 2-0 to Yokohama FC in the other all-J1 clash, with Kunihiko Takizawa and Shingo Nejime scoring the goals for Yokohama.
One of the shocks of the day came at Big Swan Stadium in Niigata, where mid-table J2 side Sagan Tosu stunned J1 high fliers Albirex Niigata 3-2. Sanfrecce Hiroshima had no such trouble in beating J2 side Shonan Bellmare 3-0, while Vissel Kobe beat Avispa Fukuoka 2-0. Struggling Ventforet Kofu knocked out Tokushima Vortis with a 3-1 win, Nagoya Grampus Eight beat Thespa Kusatsu by the same scoreline and Kashima Antlers saw off local rivals Mito Hollyhock 2-0 in an Ibaraki derby, with Yuzo Tashiro and Mitsuo Ogasawara scoring the all-important goals.
Japan Football League's Honda FC stunned J1 outfit Kashiwa Reysol, winning 3-2 in a pulsating contest at Kashiwa Stadium. The visitors went ahead through striker Junya Nitta, before Kashiwa fought back through goals from Tatsuya Yazawa and Brazilian midfielder Alceu. Nitta's strike partner Kodei Suzuki forced the game into extra-time with a 77th minute equaliser, and Suzuki was the hero for Honda FC, scoring a dramatic last minute winner to send the Hamamatsu-based team into the Fifth Round.
Honda FC's neighbours Jubilo Iwata had no trouble disposing of Juntendo University 6-1, but Jubilo's bitter rivals Shimizu S-Pulse needed penalties after they were held to a thrilling 3-3 draw by Meiji University at Nihondaira Stadium.
The students took a shock lead ten minutes before half-time, but when Shimizu forged ahead through late goals from Akihiro Hyodo and Naoki Aoyama, the result appeared a foregone conclusion. Meiji University had other ideas, and a dramatic last minute equaliser forced the match into extra-time. They appeared to have won it when they scored first in extra-time, but when Man-Of-The-Match Aoyama headed home with five minutes of extra-time remaining, the match went to penalties.
Only the crossbar saved Shimizu S-Pulse from an embarrassing exit, with the Shizuoka side flawless from the penalty spot. Meiji rattled the woodwork with their second penalty, as the students succumbed to an agonising defeat.
FC Tokyo needed an 82nd minute winner from Japan international Yasuyuki Konno to see off Japan Football League side TDK SC 2-1, while Yokohama F. Marinos were more convincing against current JFL leaders Sagawa Kyubin SC, winning 4-1, with striker Daisuke Sakata scoring a brace.
The Fourth Round is completed on November 7 when Gamba Osaka take on J2 side Montedio Yamagata, while Kawasaki Frontale face a tough prospect in another J2 outfit in the form of Cerezo Osaka, who are involved in a desperate race for promotion from the J-League's second tier.
Copyright © Michael Tuckerman & Soccerphile.com
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