Japanese Football Thread

[nakata]

【Emperor's Cup 2005】

47 qualified teams and 1 seeded university team, 2 seeded JFL teams, all J-League teams play the tornament.

The First Knockout Round Results


PS: JFL(Japan Football League) corresponds to the J-League Division 3.

TDK (Local League) 1 - 3 Ehime FC (JFL)
Kyushu INAX (Local League) 2 - 1 U18 Kashiwa Reysol (J-League Youth)
Hitachi Tochigi (Local League) 1 - 2 Ain Shokuhin (Local League)
Mitubishi Juko Nagasaki (Local League) 4 - 3 Hatushiba Hashimoto (High School)
Maruoka (High School) 0 - 3 Sagawa Kyubin Chugoku (Local League)
Biwako Seikei (University) 2 - 1 U18 Oita Trinita (J-League Youth)
FC Central Chugoku (Local League) 3 - 1 Japan Soccer Colleage (University)
Grulla Morioka (Local League) 2 - 4 Sagawa Insatsu SC (JFL)
Mie Chukyo (University) 4 - 0 Yamagata Chuo (High School)
Hachinohe (University) 2 - 6 Honda Rock (JFL)
Rosso Kumamoto (Local League) 1 - 2 Mitsubishi Mizushima (JFL)
Banditonce Kobe (Local League) 1 - 0 FC Antelope (Local League)
Takada FC (Local League) 2 - 0 Takamatsu FC (Local League)
FC Ryukyu (Local League) 5 - 2 Tokuyama (University)
SC Tottori (JFL) 1 - 0 Kanoya Taiiku (University)
Arrows Hokuriku (JFL) 4 - 2 Kansai (University)
Kochi (University) 0 - 5 FC Horikoshi (JFL)
FC Primeiro (Local League) 2 - 1 Kanazawa SC (Local League)
Chukyo (High School) 1 - 3 Sanyo Denki Tokushima (Local League)
Sapporo (University) 2 - 0 Nirasaki Astros (Local League)



Yesterday the second knockout round games were played.

The Results

Ehime FC (JFL) 5 - 1 Kyushu INAX (Local League)
Ain Shokuhin (Local League) 4 - 1 Mitubishi Juko Nagasaki (Local League)
Sagawa Kyubin Chugoku (Local League) 0 - 3 Biwako Seikei (University)
FC Central Chugoku (Local League) 0 - 5 Sagawa Insatsu SC (JFL)
Mie Chukyo (University) 1 - 2 Honda Rock (JFL)
Mitsubishi Mizushima (JFL) 2 - 0 Banditonce Kobe (Local League)
Takada FC (Local League) 1 - 6 Fukuoka (University)
FC Ryukyu (Local League) 1 - 0 Denso (JFL)
SC Tottori (JFL) 2 - 3 Sagawa Kyubin Tokyo (JFL)
Arrows Hokuriku (JFL) 3 - 1 Hamamatsu (University)
FC Horikoshi (JFL) 2 - 0 Saitama SC (Local League)
FC Primeiro (Local League) 1 - 4 Tsukuba (University)
Sanyo Denki Tokushima (Local League) 1 - 0 Toukai (University)
Sapporo (University) 0 - 1 Sendai (University)



The Third Knockout Round matches

Thespa Kusatsu (J-League Division 2) - Ehime FC (JFL)
Mito Hollyhock (J-League Division 2) - Ain Shokuhin (Local League)
Ventforet Koufu (J-League Division 2) - Biwako Seikei (University)
Avispa Fukuoka (J-League Division 2) - Sagawa Insatsu SC (JFL)
Tochigi SC (JFL) - Honda Rock (JFL)
Montedio Yamagata (J-League Division 2) - Mitsubishi Mizushima (JFL)
Honda FC (JFL) - Fukuoka (University)
Kyoto Purple Sanga (J-League Division 2) - FC Ryukyu (Local League)
Consadole Sapporo (J-League Division 2) - Sagawa Kyubin Tokyo (JFL)
Shonan Bellmare (J-League Division 2) - Arrows Hokuriku (JFL)
Yokohama FC (J-League Division 2) - FC Horikoshi (JFL)
Sagan Tosu (J-League Division 2) - Tsukuba (University)
Tokushima Vortis (J-League Division 2) - Sanyo Denki Tokushima (Local League)
Vegalta Sendai (J-League Division 2) - Sendai (University)



These games will be played on October 9.

[nakata]

【Japan NT】
Japan NT may conduct a training camp in the US in February.
---------------------------------------------------------------------

【Japanese abroad】
Le mans' Matsui was named in the best eleven players of French league Round 7 by two French media, Lequipe and Football365.

http://www.lequipe.fr/Football/EQUIPE_TYPE_D1_7.html
http://www.football365.fr/division_1/story_185030.shtml
---------------------------------------------------------------------

【J-League】
Nagoya Grampus Eight's former Brazilian international FW Luizao has transfered to Brazilian side Santos.
The transfer fee is reported to be about 3.6 million euros.
---------------------------------------------------------------------

【Pic】
FC Tokyo's former U23 Japanese international MF Ishikawa.
http://www.sponichi.co.jp/soccer/new...50920044_l.jpg
JEF United Chiba's ex-Japanese international FW Maki to sign his autograph
http://www.sponichi.co.jp/soccer/new...50920082_l.jpg
Kashiwa Reysol's training
http://www.sponichi.co.jp/soccer/new...50921030_l.jpg
Kashima Antlers' training: Brazilian FW Mineiro
http://www.sponichi.co.jp/soccer/new...50922027_l.jpg
FC Tokyo's former U23 Brazilian international FW Lucas
http://www.sponichi.co.jp/soccer/new...50922029_l.jpg
Kashima Antlers' training
http://www.sponichi.co.jp/soccer/new...50923034_l.jpg

[nakata]

J-League Round 25 matches.

September 24

15:00 Kawasaki Frontale ? - ? Omiya Ardija

15:00 Urawa Red Diamonds ? - ? Yokohama F.Marinos

15:00 Vissel Kobe ? - ? Tokyo Verdy 1969

15:30 Jubilo Iwata ? - ? Kashiwa Reysol

18:30 JEF United Chiba ? - ? Shimizu S-Pulse

19:00 Gamba Osaka ? - ? Kashima Antlers

19:00 Nagoya Grampus Eight ? - ? Cerezo Osaka

September 25

15:00 Albirex Niigata ? - ? Sanfrecce Hiroshima

15:00 FC Tokyo ? - ? Oita Trinita


http://www.livescore.com/default.dll?page=japan

[nakata]

An article of Jeremy Walker who is British journalist and has been reporting Asian football.

Monaco, Wenger, Nagoya and...Deschamps?

A few years ago, in 1994 to be precise, I was on an assignment in the United Arab Emirates.

I was walking to my seat in the Press Box at Abu Dhabi when I saw a familiar face in the stands.

At first I couldn't put a name to the face, so asked a colleague from the Asian Football Confederation who the distinguished European gentleman was in the stands.

When he said the name, instantly I recalled a recent article and photograph in World Soccer magazine.

It was Arsene Wenger.

He had just parted company with Monaco after seven years, and was in the UAE to conduct a coaching course on behalf of FIFA.

The next stop on his journey was Japan. He asked me about the J.League and said he knew the Sanfrecce coach, Baxter. But he never told me he was going for a meeting with Nagoya Grampus Eight! The rest is history.

The reason why I recall this secene is two-fold.

First, Grampus need a new manager after Nelsinho was fired on Sunday.

Second, Monaco's latest coach, Didier Deschamps, resigned on Monday.

Any connection there?

Maybe. Maybe not.

You never know in football. I am sure Deschamps will receive many offers from Europe, but, like Wenger before him, perhaps he would like a change of scenery.

During a speech at the 1998 World Cup in France, Wenger spoke of how the J.League had refreshed him. He said he was disillusioned with France, because it was the time when the Marseille match-fixing scandal was rife, and his stint in Japan had given him hope and optimism. Arsenal reaped the benefits, and still are doing.

Wenger: Monaco to Nagoya to Highbury.

Deschamps: Monaco to Nagoya? Is there a chance?

Nagoya have the money to hire Deschamps, that's for sure. Also, they are desperate, and I mean desperate with a capital "D", for a coach who can turn things around. Apart from two Emperor's Cups, Nagoya have not won any J.League honour, meaning stage championship or Nabisco Cup, although Wenger took them close.

Perhaps I am putting two and two together here and coming up with 10!

But it's worth a thought, as I am sure Wenger would recommend Deschamps to move to Japan to recharge his batteries, if that's what he needs.

ends

[nakata]

Japan colts shocked in Sendai tournament

SENDAI: The Japanese national team suffered a shock 2-5 defeat at the hands of Tohoku in the last match of the Sendai International U-18 Youth Tournament on Monday but managed to finish second overall on better goal average.

Brazil clinched the title by winning all three encounters.

Mike Havenaar gave Japan the lead in the sixth minute but Tohoku captain Ryuki Kozawa's brace in the 34th and 41st minutes helped the team from the North walk out 2-1 ahead for the breather. Tohoku scored again after the restart in the 53rd minute through Shun Ito before Havenaar netted his double to make it 2-3 in the 72nd minute. Six minutes later Masahiro Sawamoto found the net for Tohoku from a direct free kick and Yasushi Endo tallied with a chip to complete the rout.

Brazil notched their third consecutive win in the tournament after defeating Croatia by a solitary goal.

The Japanese team will have a training camp in the Korea Republic in October in preparation for the qualifiers of the AFC U-20 Championship in Kumamoto.

[nakata]

TOKYO: Japan will clash with Germany next May in a friendly international serving as a warm-up for the 2006 World Cup, informed Japan Football Association President Saburo Kawabuchi recently.

The match is scheduled to be held on May 30 in Leverkusen but will be called off if both teams are pitted in the same group for the World Cup finals, which kick off on June 9. The draw will be held in December.

Meanwhile, the Japanese national team will have a training camp in the United States in next February. According to the schedule, the domestic players will have preliminary camp in Japan in January before proceeding to the US. Europe-based players will join the team directly in the US. During the training camp, the team will play few friendly matches against North and Central or South American countries.

Kawabuchi said“It's better to have a training camp in the US than in Japan as this will reduce the travel fatigue of Europe-based players.”

[nakata]

【Japan NT】
Yokohama F.Marinos' Japanese international FW Kubo got injured again.

So much for expecting him to play the World Cup. Being healthy is one of players' most important talents.
---------------------------------------------------------------------

【Pic】
Kashima Antlers' training: Japanese international MF Ogasawara(left) and former Japanese international MF Honda
http://www.sponichi.co.jp/soccer/new...50924027_l.jpg
Jubilo Iwata's training: Former Japanese international FW Nakayama
http://www.sponichi.co.jp/soccer/new...50924025_l.jpg

[nakata]

Last week's European based Japanese players


European League Division 1

Player(Their Age/Their Club/Their clubs' place)

Okubo（23/Mallorca/Spain/19th) - Played full match
Yanagisawa（28/Messina/Italy/15th) - Substituted in 52'
Nakata（28/Bolton/England/3rd) - Played full match
Inamoto（25/WBA/England/18th) - Didn't play
Matsui（24/Le mans/France/5th）- Substituted out 86'
Nakata (26/Marseille/France/13th) - Didn't play
Takahara（26/Hamburger SV/Germany/2nd) - Didn't play
Ono (25/Feyenoord/Holland/1st) - Substituted out 82'
Hirayama (20/Heracles/Holland/8th) - Substituted in 79'
Nakamura（27/Celtic/Scotland/2nd) - Substituted out 87' and recorded 1 assist


Yanagisawa
http://www.sponichi.co.jp/soccer/new...50926119_l.jpg
Hirayama
http://www.sponichi.co.jp/soccer/new...50926120_l.jpg
Nakamura
http://www.sponichi.co.jp/soccer/new...50925086_l.jpg


Bolton's Nakata was pretty good.
His performance reminded me of his Perugia and Roma days a little.
Accoding to several papers, he got the Man of the Match.

http://sport.independent.co.uk/footb...icle315105.ece
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/footba...name_page.html



By the way, it's about time Inamoto return to Japan.
What has he been doing for 4 years since he moved to the UK?
He hasn't grown up anything...
While he was clinging to stay at English clubs, he lost starting position in Japan NT.

I was disappointed at his terrible performance in the last Friendly, Japan vs Honduras.
It's doubtful whether he is included in Japan's squad for the 2006 World Cup or not.

[nakata]

An article of Jeremy Walker who is British journalist and has been reporting Asian football.

Robson Ponte: the master craftsman

It's a familiar sight, isn't it?

The Urawa Reds No. 10, scoring goals and helping to win matches.

No, I'm not talking about Emerson, of course. He's long gone.

I'm referring to his replacement, Robson Ponte.

I must make it clear that he is Emerson's replacement by number only, not by position, as Ponte was signed to fill the gap left by Yamase's move to Yokohama F Marinos.

In fact, on the Sunday a few weeks ago when I went to Reds' Ohara training ground to find out where Emerson was, Ponte was already there and about to join from Bayer Leverkusen.

No, Tomi Maric is Emerson's direct replacement as a striker, but Ponte has softened the blow of losing their goal-scoring hero "Eme" to the riches of the Gulf.

Emerson and Ponte could not be more different, could they?

Whereas Emerson used his explosive pace and power to break down defences by smashing through the front window, Ponte is much more subtle and crafty. Ponte is more like a skilled locksmith, patiently picking the lock and entering through the back door.

In his six league games so far, Ponte has scored four goals, which is an excellent return for a midfield player, and one of the reasons why Reds cannot be written off in the title race.

Although Gamba (47 points) and Antlers (46) occupy the top two places after 24 games, Reds are not far behind in third place with 40. Urawa, of course, will be hoping for a Gamba-Antlers draw at Suita City on Saturday night, and aiming for three points themselves at home to Yokohama F Marinos. Although Marinos are out of the title race in a distant 10th with 32 points, they will make life as hard as possible for Urawa with so much pride at stake in front of a big crowd at Saitama.

With 10 league games to go, there are still 30 points available, so every team will keep fighting at the top and at the bottom.

ends

[nakata]

J-League Round 25

FT Kawasaki Frontale 2 - 1 Omiya Ardija
Crowd:7,023

Kawasaki's plyaers
http://www.jsgoal.jp/photo/00010249.html

FT Urawa Red Diamonds 0 - 0 Yokohama F.Marinos
Crowd:49,800

Urawa's ex-Japanese international FW Tanaka and Yokohama's Japanese international DF Nakazawa
http://www.sponichi.co.jp/soccer/new...50925067_l.jpg
Urawa's ex-Japanese international FW Tanaka and Yokohama's former U23 Japanese international MF Nasu
http://www.jsgoal.jp/photo/00010247.html
Urawa's supporters
http://www.jsgoal.jp/photo/00010226.html
The outside of Urawa's stadium
http://www.jsgoal.jp/photo/00010229.html

FT Vissel Kobe 1 - 1 Tokyo Verdy 1969
Crowd:12,958

Kobe's Japanese international DF Miura
http://www.jsgoal.jp/photo/00010250.html
Kobe's Japanese international DF Miura and DF Tanaka
http://www.sponichi.co.jp/soccer/new...50925076_l.jpg


FT Jubilo Iwata 1 - 0 Kashiwa Reysol
Crowd:11,589

Iwata's former Japanese international FW Nakayama.He recorded the winner from a penalty kick.
http://www.sponichi.co.jp/soccer/new...50925060_l.jpg
Iwata's former Japanese international FW Nakayama
http://www.jsgoal.jp/photo/00010259.html
Iwata's goods shop
http://www.jsgoal.jp/photo/00010224.html

FT JEF United Chiba 2 - 1 Shimizu S-Pulse
Crowd:5,805

Chiba vs Shimizu
http://www.jsgoal.jp/photo/00010261.html
Chiba's plyaers
http://www.sponichi.co.jp/soccer/new...50925054_l.jpg
Chiba's stadium
http://www.jsgoal.jp/photo/00010237.html
The peanuts sold in Chiba's stadium
http://www.jsgoal.jp/photo/00010241.html

FT Gamba Osaka 3 - 3 Kashima Antlers
Crowd:22,884

http://www.jsgoal.jp/photo/00010257.html
Gamba Osaka's Japanese international FW Oguro. He recorded 1 goal.
http://www.jsgoal.jp/photo/00010256.html
Gamba Osaka's Japanese international FW Oguro and Kashima's Japanese international GK Sogahata
http://www.sponichi.co.jp/soccer/new...50925072_l.jpg
Gamba Osaka's players
http://www.jsgoal.jp/photo/00010257.html
Kashima's Japanese international MF Ogasawara and Brazilian FW Mineiro
http://www.jsgoal.jp/photo/00010258.html
Gamba Osaka's supporters
http://www.jsgoal.jp/photo/00010248.html
Gamba Osaka's supporters
http://www.jsgoal.jp/photo/00010207.html
The outside of Gamba Osaka's stadium. Kashima's supporters
http://www.jsgoal.jp/photo/00010234.html
The outside of Gamba Osaka's stadium
http://www.jsgoal.jp/photo/00010233.html
The outside of Gamba Osaka's stadium
http://www.jsgoal.jp/photo/00010232.html
The outside of Gamba Osaka's stadium
http://www.jsgoal.jp/photo/00010206.html
The outside of Gamba Osaka's stadium
http://www.jsgoal.jp/photo/00010208.html
The outside of Gamba Osaka's stadium
http://www.jsgoal.jp/photo/00010209.html

FT Nagoya Grampus Eight 1 - 3 Cerezo Osaka
Crowd:10,353

Nagoya's players
http://www.sponichi.co.jp/soccer/new...50925059_l.jpg
Nagoya's MF Nakatani and Cerezo Osaka's former Japanese international FW Nishizawa
http://www.tbs.co.jp/supers/game/20050924_3185.html
Nagoya's supporters
http://www.jsgoal.jp/photo/00010252.html

FT Albirex Niigata 0 - 1 Sanfrecce Hiroshima
Crowd:39,621

Niigata's former U23 Japanese international DF Kikuchi and Hiroshima's FW Maeda
http://www.jsgoal.jp/photo/00010269.html
The outside of Niigata's stadium
http://www.jsgoal.jp/photo/00010264.html
The outside of Niigata's stadium
http://www.jsgoal.jp/photo/00010263.html

FT FC Tokyo 0 - 0 Oita Trinita
Crowd:20,717

FC Tokyo vs Oita
http://www.jsgoal.jp/photo/00010268.html
FC Tokyo's former U23 Brazilian international FW Lucas
http://www.jsgoal.jp/photo/00010270.html



Standing

Code:

  
                         　  Pts     P     W     D     L    GD
 1 Gamba Osaka               48 　  25    14     5     5    20
 2 Kashima Antlers           47 　  25    14     4     6    19
 3 Urawa Red Diamonds        41　   25    11     8     6    14
 4 Jubilo Iwata              41 　  25    12     5     8    11
 5 JEF United Chiba          41 　  25    11     8     6     7
 6 Cerezo Osaka              40 　  25    11     7     7     1
 7 Sanfrecce Hiroshima       39 　  25    10     9     6    11
 8 Kawasaki Frontale         37 　  25    11     4    10     4
 9 Yokohama F.Marinos        33 　  25     8     9     8    -1
10 Nagoya Grampus Eight      32 　  25     8     8     9     0
11 Albirex Niigata           30 　  25     8     6    11    -9
12 Shimizu S-Pulse           28 　  25     6    10     9    -1
13 FC Tokyo                  28 　  25     6    10     9    -2
14 Omiya Ardija              28 　  25     8     4    13   -10
15 Kashiwa Reysol            27 　  25     6     9    10    -5
---------------------------Play-Off  Zone---------------------
16 Oita Trinita              26 　  25     7     5    13   -10
---------------------------Relegated　Zone-------------------
17 Tokyo Verdy 1969          24 　  25     5     9    11   -25
18 Vissel Kobe               20 　  25     4     8    13   -23

Goal Ranking

1st Araujo 27 (former Brazilian international/Gamba Osaka)
2nd Washington 17 (former Brazilian international/Tokyo Verdy 1969)
3rd Oguro 15 (Japanese international/Gamba Osaka)
4th Edmilson 13 (Brazilian/Albirex Niigata)
5th Ogasawara 11 (Japanese international/Kashima Antlers)
5th Mineiro 11 (Brazilian/Kashima Antlers)
5th Sato 11 (Japanese/Sanfrecce Hiroshima)

Assist Ranking

1st Araujo 12 (former Brazilian international/Gamba Osaka)
2nd Endo 10 (Japanese international/Gamba Osaka)
3rd Haas 9 (Austrian international/JEF United Chiba)
3rd Santos 9 (Japanese international/Urawa Red Diamonds)
3rd Motoyama 9 (Ex-Japanese international/Kashima Antlers)
6th Oguro 8 (Japanese international/Gamba Osaka)
6th Fernandinho 8 (Brazilian/Gamba Osaka)
6th Futagawa 8 (Japanese/Gamba Osaka)
6th Komano 8 (Japanese international/Sanfrecce Hiroshima)


Gamba denied at the death

JAPAN - Gamba Osaka's hopes of securing their first ever J-League title remain in tact, but only just after a last-gasp equaliser by Brazil's Alex Mineiro gave Kashima Antlers a 3-3 draw in their top-of-the table clash.

The two shared a 2-2 draw in the second week of the season back in March and have not been outside the the top two all season, with the Antlers holding top spot until Gamba threw them off three weeks ago.

Coming up of the back of a 4-0 win over Vissel Kobe 4-0 last week, it was Kashima, J-League champions in 2001, 2000, 1998 and 1996, who took the lead after just nine minutes when Japan midfielder Mitsuo Ogasawara lashed the ball home.

Gamba, who lost 2-1 last week to lowly Kashiwa Reysol, equalised when Araujo, the league's top scorer, got on the scoresheet, but it was Ogasawara who was again on the scoresheet, with a free-kick, to give the visitors a 2-1 half-time lead.

A poor clearance by Kashima goalkeeper Hitoshi Sogahata six minutes into the second half fell at the feet of Masashio Oguro, who slotted the ball home for Gamba's second.

That appeared to be that, until a frantic last minute when Oguro set up Araujo, who second on the game looked to have sealed a 3-2 win, but poor defending allowed Mineiro to equalise in the dying seconds.

The result leaves Gamba on 48 points, one ahead of long-time leaders Kashima after 25 games. Third in the table, a further six points adrift, are Urawa Red Diamonds, whose slim title hopes were dealt a blow with a 0-0 draw with Yokohama F Marinos.

Tied in third place are also Jubilo Iwata, who beat Kashiwa Reysol 1-0 thanks to a penalty by Masashi Nakayama, and JEF United, 2-1 winners over Shimizu S-Pulse 2-1 after Seiichiro Maki scored in the 90th minute.

At the other end of the table, Vissel Kobe remain bottom of the league after a 1-1 draw ith Tokyo Verdy, one place above them.



17th and 18th place teams are relegated to the division 2.
16th place team plays against the 3rd team of the divison 2 and the winner can play the division 1

【Urawa Red Diamonds vs Yokohama F.Marinos】Urawa's supporters
【Urawa Red Diamonds vs Yokohama F.Marinos】Urawa's supporters

【Urawa Red Diamonds vs Yokohama F.Marinos】Yokohama's supporters

【FC Tokyo vs Oita Trinita】

【FC Tokyo vs Oita Trinita】FC Tokyo's supporters

[nakata]

Nakata stars on full debut


ENGLAND - Japan midfielder Hidetoshi Nakata was celebrating a stellar performance as his new club Bolton Wanderers moved up to third in the English Premier League.

Making his first start for the Trotters after moving to the Reebok Stadium from Italian high-fliers Fiorentina, Nakata shone in midfield and earned the Man-of-the-Match award in Saturday's 1-0 win over Portsmouth.

Creator of Bolton’s winning UEFA Cup goal against Lokomotiv Plovdiv on his debut and second half substitute during his team’s smash and grab at Manchester City just over a week ago, Nakata is starting to reproduce the form that was sadly lacking during his abortive spell with Fiorentina – a fact readily acknowledged by a Bolton boss Sam Allardyce.

"Nakata gave us a cutting edge which we’ve not quite had and this will make us more of an attacking force," said the man being touted as a possible replacement for England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson.

Nakata’s sublime touches were one of the many highlights in a win that saw Bolton climb to third spot in the Premiership thanks to a goal of the highest order from Kevin Nolan’s spectacular overhead kick.

Not to be outdone by his English colleague, Nakata nearly opened his goalscoring account in either half as, first, a stinging volley from Jay-Jay Okocha’s cross fizzed narrowly wide of Ashdown’s post and then, after the break, a vicious shot was deflected behind for a corner.

"Bolton are a fantastic team," the smiling Nakata said on being handed him his Man-of-the Match prize.

"I think we are enjoying it – everybody: players, staff, the team together."

In Scotland, Nakata's Japan national team colleague Shunsuke Nakamura was once again in the spotlight as the former Reggina star helped Gordon Strachan’s charges to their sixth league win of the season in what was a tense affair at Celtic Park.

The Japanese playmaker was at his infleuntial best and he was involved in both goals in Celtic's 2-1 win over Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

[Mutu]

Quote:

Originally Posted by nakata

By the way, it's about time Inamoto return to Japan.
What has he been doing for 4 years since he moved to the UK?
He hasn't grown up anything...
While he was clinging to stay at English clubs, he lost starting position in Japan NT.

I was disappointed at his terrible performance in the last Friendly, Japan vs Honduras.
It's doubtful whether he is included in Japan's squad for the 2006 World Cup or not.

Yeah, Inamoto has lost his way over the last couple of seasons. I think it was when he broke his ankle in a match against England. Since then he has struggled. I remember a couple of seasons ago when he was playing at Fulham he was brilliant, scoring lots of goals. We need to see the Inamoto of old.

Just a quick question, you mention Kubo getting injured again! Is there a feeling of worry in Japan about him not making the World Cup squad?

Also, thinking about Japan's current strikers, who will go to Germany?

Yanagisawa and Oguru are probably definites but who else. Okubo, Tamada even Hirayama?

[nakata]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mutu_20

Yeah, Inamoto has lost his way over the last couple of seasons. I think it was when he broke his ankle in a match against England. Since then he has struggled. I remember a couple of seasons ago when he was playing at Fulham he was brilliant, scoring lots of goals. We need to see the Inamoto of old.

He sometimes scored amazing goals. I remember his goal against Man Utd and hat trick against Bologna.But even if his ankle wasn't broken, it's hard to say if Inamoto had succeeded.He is always inconsistent. Anyways, he need to change his present environment.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mutu_20

Just a quick question, you mention Kubo getting injured again! Is there a feeling of worry in Japan about him not making the World Cup squad?

Also, thinking about Japan's current strikers, who will go to Germany?

Yanagisawa and Oguru are probably definites but who else. Okubo, Tamada even Hirayama?

Kubo's injurey isn't serious, so of course there's a possibility that he plays the World Cup.But I can't stand him any more. He does nothing but got injured.


Zico will give our forwards 4 spots for the World Cup.
As you say, certainly Yanagisawa and Oguro will go to Germany.
But it's hard to anticipate who can get the other two spots.


Okubo can go if he does well in Spanish league.
He is the forward I hope for most.

Tamada is one of Zico's favorites, so he may be advantageous to the competition.

Hirayama has no chance.

Takahara ranks with a delicate position.
He played for Hamburger SV as a starter last season and recorded 7 goals then, but as for this season, he lost starting position.
I don't like him very much. He is mediocre in every way.

current ranking Zico thinks

1 Kubo (If he is in good condition)
2 Yanagisawa
3 Oguro
4 Takahara
5 Tamada
6 Okubo
7 Maki
8 Suzuki
9 Hirayama

I hope Yanagisawa, Kubo, Oguro and Okubo go to Germany personally.

[nakata]

J-League Round 26 matches.

October 1

15:00 Kashiwa Reysol ? - ? Vissel Kobe

15:00 Kawasaki Frontale ? - ? Albirex Niigata

15:00 Omiya Ardija ? - ? FC Tokyo

15:00 Sanfrecce Hiroshima ? - ? Nagoya Grampus Eight

15:00 Tokyo Verdy 1969 ? - ? Jubilo Iwata

15:00 Yokohama F.Marinos ? - ? Oita Trinita

19:00 Kashima Antlers ? - ? JEF United Chiba

October 2

15:00 Cerezo Osaka ? - ? Urawa Red Diamonds

15:00 Shimizu S-Pulse ? - ? Gamba Osaka


http://www.livescore.com/default.dll?page=japan

[nakata]

【Video Clip】

J-League Round 25 Goals

Cerezo Osaka former Japanese international Nishizawa's goal
http://www.jsgoal.jp/movie/goal/asx/0194-9.asx
Kashima Antlers Japanese international Ogasawara's goal
http://www.jsgoal.jp/movie/goal/asx/0194-10.asx
Omiya Ardija Shimada's goal
http://www.jsgoal.jp/movie/goal/asx/0194-2.asx

[nakata]

【Japan NT】
Japan NT will play against Cameroon NT or Ivory Coast NT on November 16.
---------------------------------------------------------------------

【Japanese abroad】
According to Dutch paper Telegraph,
Feyenoord's Ono was named in the best eleven of Dutch league round 6
---------------------------------------------------------------------

【J-League】
JEF United Chiba's manager Ivica Osim may become Austria NT's one.
---------------------------------------------------------------------

【J-League】
Division 2 side Yokohama FC signed former Japanese international MF Mochizuki. The 32-year-old recorded the winner in Asian Cup 2000 final, Japan vs Saudi Arabia.
---------------------------------------------------------------------

【J-League】
2003 J-League Player of the Year and 2004 J-League top scorer, Brazilian FW Emerson hopes to come back to J-League.
The 23-year-old transfered from Urawa Reds to Qatari side Al Sadd for a J-League record transfer fee of 7.35 million euros in June.
But he left Al Sadd the other day.
---------------------------------------------------------------------

【J-League】
J-League president takes a positive slant on JFL side Ehime FC's promotion to J-League Division 2. He just denied they were promoted.
---------------------------------------------------------------------

【Pic】
Zico
http://www.sponichi.co.jp/soccer/new...50929060_l.jpg

[nakata]

Midweek's European based Japanese players

UEFA Cup

Nakata（28/Bolton/England) - Substituted in 66'
Nakata (26/Marseille/France) - Substituted out 45'
Takahara（26/Hamburger SV/Germany) - Substituted in 72'
Ono (25/Feyenoord/Holland) - Played full match

Ono(left)
http://www.sponichi.co.jp/soccer/new...51001059_l.jpg

[nakata]

【Japan NT】

Zico has announced his squad to face Latvia and Ukraine in October.


Goalkeepers

Yoichi Doi (FC Tokyo)
Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi (Jubilo Iwata)
Seigo Narazaki (Nagoya Grampus Eight)

Defenders

Makoto Tanaka (Jubilo Iwata)
Yoshinobu Minowa (Kawasaki Frontale)
Alessandro Santos (Urawa Red Diamonds)
Keisuke Tsuboi (Urawa Red Diamonds)
Yuichi Komano (Sanfrecce Hiroshima)
Teruyuki Moniwa (FC Tokyo)

Midfielders

Hidetoshi Nakata (Bolton/England)
Junichi Inamoto (WBA/England)
Masashi Motoyama (Kashima Antlers)
Koji Nakata (Marseille/France)
Daisuke Matsui (Le mans/France)
Shinji Ono (Feyenoord/Holland)
Shunsuke Nakamura (Celtic/Scotland)
Shinji Murai (Jubilo Iwata)

Fowards

Takayuki Suzuki (Kashima Antlers)
Yoshito Okubo (Mallorca/Spain)
Atushi Yanagisawa (Messina/Italy)
Naohiro Takahara (Hamburger SV/Germany)


Zico to announce Japan's squad
http://www.sponichi.co.jp/soccer/new...50928031_l.jpg
Kawasaki Frontale's DF Minowa (right)
http://www.sponichi.co.jp/soccer/new...50928041_l.jpg


The most disappointing thing is crap forward Suzuki's comeback.
He isn't even a starting player at Kashima.

Le mans' Matsui was called after an interval of 2 years.
The 24-year-old made his debut for Japan NT in a Confederations Cup 2003 match, Japan vs Colombia.
But he had never played for Japan NT since the game.
I'm looking forward to seeing how Zico uses him.


Mallorca's Okubo was called after an interval of 10 months.
Show your potential.


Kawasaki Frontale's Minowa was called for the first time.
I think Zico regards him as a substitute for Nakazawa.



Many important players can't play the international friendlies because they participate in J-League all-star game.
Three starting defenders, Nakazawa, Miyamoto and Kaji can't play. What a joke it is! J-League should abolish the ridiculous event.


The absent

DF Yuji Nakazawa (Yokohama F.Marinos)
DF Tuneyasu Miyamoto (Gamba Osaka)
DF Akira Kaji (FC Tokyo)
DF Atsuhiro Miura (Vissel Kobe)
MF Yasuhito Endo (Gamba Osaka)
MF Mitsuo Ogasawara (Kashima Antlers)
MF Takashi Fukunishi (Jubilo Iwata)
FW Masashi Oguro (Gamba Osaka)
FW Keiji Tamada (Kashiwa Reysol)

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Zico has already announced the line-up against Latvia NT.
He said “I'd like to test the line-up in Japan vs Honduras again though some players can't play. ”

This test may be the last chance for the marginal plaers like Inamoto, K.Nakata, Komano and Tsuboi

-------------------Yanagisawa------------Takahara------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------Nakamura-------------------H.Nakata-----------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------K.Nakata------------------Inamoto-------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------
---Santos-----------------------------------------------Komano-----
------------------Moniwa--------------Tsuboi------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------Kawaguchi-------------------------------


GK Kawaguchi (Jubilo Iwata)
DF Santos (Urawa Red Diamonds)
DF Moniwa (FC Tokyo)
DF Tsuboi (Urawa Red Diamonds)
DF Komano (Sanfrecce Hiroshima)
MF K.Nakata (Marseille/France)
MF Inamoto (WBA/England)
MF H.Nakata (Bolton/England)
MF Nakamura (Celtic/Scotland)
FW Yanagisawa (Messina/Italy)
FW Takahara (Hamburger SV/Germany)

[Mutu]

Quote:

Originally Posted by nakata

current ranking Zico thinks

1 Kubo (If he is in good condition)
2 Yanagisawa
3 Oguro
4 Takahara
5 Tamada
6 Okubo
7 Maki
8 Suzuki
9 Hirayama

I hope Yanagisawa, Kubo, Oguro and Okubo go to Germany personally.

I totally agree with you. I would definitly take Okubo over Takahara.

Also great to see Suzuki so far down that list.

[nakata]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mutu_20

Also great to see Suzuki so far down that list.

Yes, Suzuki is terrible apart from his strong body.
He always makes Japan's attack unrhythmic, and contributed to his club, Kashima's fall from the top.