Category Archives: In the Mix

Here will be JFL (non-league) and CUP tournaments

In the Mix, Reports

J2 Gets Closer – TWO matches to go now . . .

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Montedio Yamagata 0-2 JEF United Chiba ND.S 7,143
Oita Trinita 1-0 Avispa Fukuoka Oita Bank.D 10,617
Mito Hollyhock 0-0 Fagiano Okayama K’s denki.S 3,034
FC Machida Zelvia 1-0 FC Gifu Machida 2,618
Tokushima Vortis 2-1 Tokyo Verdy Pocarisweat.S 4,152
Giravanz Kitakyushu 2-0 Kyoto Sanga F.C. Honjo 3,916
Gainare Tottori 0-1 Roasso Kumamoto Tottori B.S 3,120
Kataller Toyama 0-2 Shonan Bellmare Toyama 3,205
Yokohama FC 3-0 Thespa Kusatsu NHK Mitsuzawa.F 4,899
Ehime FC 0-0 Ventforet Kofu Ningineer.S 3,380
Tochigi SC 3-2 Matsumoto Yamaga F.C.

The full J2 (and J1) table is (always) at http://www.jsoccer.com/tables/

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In the Mix, National Team

AFC U-19 Championship, UAE Nov.3rd onwards . . .

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The AFC Under-19 Championship takes place in the United Arab Emirates from November 3rd to 17 . . . Japan’s “younger” Samurai Blue will be there!

The Squad:
Goalkeepers—KUSHIBIKI Masatoshi (Shimizu S-Pulse), SUGIMOTO Daichi (Kyoto Sanga), NAKAMURA Kosuke (Kashiwa Reysol U-18)

Defenders—IWANAMI Takuya (Vissel Kobe), ENDO Wataru (Shonan Bellmare), MATSUBARA Ken (Oita Trinita), YAMANAKA Ryosuke (Kashiwa Reysol), SATO Kazuki (Nagoya Grampus), NARA Tatsuki (Consadole Sapporo), KAWAGUCHI Naoki (Albirex Niigata youth), UEDA Naomichi (Ozu High School)

Midfielders—OSHIMA Ryota (Kawasaki Frontale), TANABE Ryota (Nagoya Grampus), KUMAGAI Andrew (Yokohama F. Marinos), SAKAKI Shota (Consadole Sapporo), HASHIMOTO Kento (FC Tokyo), YAJIMA Shinya (Urawa Reds), NOTSUDA Gakuto (Sanfrecce Hiroshima), MATSUMOTO Masaya (JFA Academy)
Forwards—KAZAMA Kohya (Kawasaki Frontale), ONOSE Kosuke (Yokohama FC), WATARI Daiki (Giravanz Kitakyushu), KUBO Yuya (Kyoto Sanga)
The Schedule:
Japan plays Iran on November 3, Kuwait on November 5 and their final game in Group A will be against hosts United Arab Emirates on November 7. All games will be at Emirates Stadium, Ras al-Khaimah.

The Format:
The top two teams in each of the four groups will advance to the Last 8 on November 11. The semi-final will take place on November 14, with the final on November 17 in Ras al-Khaimah.

The four semi-finalists in the tournament will qualify for the 2013 FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Turkey.

The Japan squad have been in camp since October 22nd.

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In the Mix

Ｊ１成績　10月20にち

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ベガルタ仙台３-２浦和レッズ
横浜Ｆマリノス４-０ジュビロ磐田
大宮アルディージャ１-１アルビレックス新潟
川崎フロンターレ２-３ガンバ大阪
清水エスパルス１-１ヴィッセル神戸
サガン鳥栖１-３名古屋グランパス
コンサドーレ札幌０-０鹿島アントラーズ
セレッソ大阪１-１ＦＣ東京
サンフレッチェ広島１-２柏レイソル

前々節まで２位に勝点５の差をつけていたサンフレッチェ広島がホームで柏に敗れ、３位浦和を下した２位仙台（３-２）に勝点で並ばれた。順位は、得失点差でわずかに勝る広島が依然として首位を維持している。この結果、J１の覇権争いはどうやらこの２チームに絞られたようだが、何が起こるかわからないのがJリーグだ。今日勝って、浦和レッズとの差を一気に縮めたかった清水エスパルスにとっては、ヴィッセル戦の引き分けは痛い。これでリーグ制覇の夢はほぼ消え去り、残るはレッズとの３位争いとなる。だが、首位広島を倒した勢いに乗る柏レイソルもいつの間にか４位につけ、レッズとの逆転を狙っている。

順位表のもう少し下に目をやると、ホームで圧倒的な強さを誇っていたサガン守備陣が名古屋の攻めに崩され（１-３）、９位に後退。ジュビロ磐田も、実際には８-０くらいの内容で横浜Ｆマリノスに完敗（４-０）した。これでマリノスは７位、ジュビロは８位と順位が入れ替わった。

さらに下を見ていくと、セレッソ大阪とＦＣ東京の対戦は、１-１で相譲らず。これで東京が10位、セレッソが11位となり、降格圏からは少しの距離を置いている。セレッソのすぐ下には今日、ガンバ大阪にホーム戦を３-２で落とした川崎フロンターレがいる。現在16位のガンバは、ゴール数では首位広島を４点も上回る58得点の破壊的攻撃陣だが、得失点差わずか+1が示しているように守備陣に脆さをかかえる。降格争いの直接対決となった大宮‐新潟が１-１の引き分けに終わったため、大宮が勝点１の差でガンバの上に立っている。ただ、ガンバとの得失点差の15という数字が土壇場で大きな意味を持つようになるかもしれない。

それ以外の試合では、鹿島アントラーズがコンサドーレ札幌との「勝ち試合」を引き分け、まだ安全圏とは呼べない位置に勝点38でもたついている。鹿島の下には、今日エスパルスと引き分けたヴィッセル神戸が勝点35で控え、アルディージャ、ガンバ、アルビレックスと続いている。Ｊ１はどうやら、上位チームも下位チームも、最終日まで混戦が続くようだ。

In the Mix, Reports

J2 Matchday 39 – Results, table ….

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Montedio Yamagata 1-0 Giravanz Kitakyushu
Kyoto Sanga 3-1 FC Gifu
Avispa Fukuoka 2-3 Ventforet Kofu
Roasso Kumamoto 0-1 Yokohama FC
Tokyo Verdy 4-1 Tochigi SC
Machida Zelvia 2-4 Ehime FC
Shonan Bellmare 1-1 JEF United Chiba
Matsumoto Yamaga 2-1 Mito HollyHock
Tokushima Vortis 3-0 Kataller Toyama
Thespa Kusatsu 1-0 Fagiano Okayama
Gainare Tottori 1-0 Oita Trinita

Table at http://www.jsoccer.com/tables/

Starting at the top, Ventforet Kofu clinched the J2 Championship in an away victory over Avispa Fukuoka, while Kyoto Sanga put away their inconsistency for a while (?) and made 2nd spot their own with a 3-1 win over FC Gifu. Kyoto also have a game in hand – to be played this week at Tokushima Vortis – and COULD go four points clear of 3rd placed Shonan Bellmare with a win. With three games to go after that match is played, it would be a HUGE three points for the Kansai team.

Meanwhile, fighting for the play-off spots we saw Montedio Yamagata stay in the hunt with a 1-0 win over Giravanz Kitakyushu, who are now out of the running. Shonan Bellmare fought out a 1-1 draw and are in 3rd (66 points) and 6th (33) respectively. Oita Trinita went down away to Gainare Tottori in a shock result that sees Oita left in 4th on 64 points. In 5th we see Yokohama FC, who pulled off single goal away win at Roasso Kumamoto. Hanging around just outside the play-off zone, in 7th we see Tokyo Verdy, only edged out be JEF on goal difference, it must be said, who beat up Tochigi 4-1, effectively ending the losing team’s play-off hopes, although not mathematically, and this IS J2 we are discussing!

Montedio are in 8th and still in the fight and a special mention for Matsumoto Yamaga, in their debut year in J2, up to 9th (with a win over Mito HollyHock) and, technically still in with a chance, too – but, more importantly well clear of relegation and a nicely-consolidated place in J2 for 2013.

Fagiano Okayama likely lost their slim hopes of making the play-offs with a 1-0 defeat at Thespa Kusatsu, while aforementioned defeats for Kitakyushi, Mito and Tochigi sees those teams consigned to middle-table “obscurity” for this season now.

At the bottom Machida Zelvia went down 4-2 at home to Ehime FC and are now six points adrift of FC Gifu, in 21st position in J2 and are staring relegation from J2 in the face, J.League with associate members V-Varen Nagasaki well clear at the top of the JFL. For a full explanation of the possibilities of J2/JFL relegation/promotion see JSoccer Magazine Issue 5 page 27.

In J1 AND J2 we are in for BIG finish – be there with JSoccer Magazine and JSoccer.com

In the Mix, Reports

J1 Matchday 29 Round-Up

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Vegalta Sendai 3-2 Urawa Reds
Yokohama F Marinos 4-0 Jubilo Iwata
Omiya Ardija 1-1 Albirex Niigata
Kawasaki Frontale 2-3 Gamba Osaka
Shimizu S-Pulse 1-1 Vissel Kobe
Sagan Tosu 1-3 Nagoya Grampus
Consadole Sapporo 0-0 Kashima Antlers
Cerezo Osaka 1-1 FC Tokyo
Sanfrecce Hiroshima 1-2 Kashiwa Reysol

Table, as always, at http://www.jsoccer.com/tables/

It gets ever-more tight in J1 after this weekend’s results after Sanfrecce Hiroshima – sitting atop the league with a five point lead two games back – losing, at home to Kashiwa Reysol, and finding they are now on top on goal difference alone. Meanwhile 2nd placed Vegalta Sendai took out 3rd placed Urawa Reds (3-2) to, realistically make the race for the Championship a two horse race now but, as we all know in J.League, anything can still happen! Shimizu S-Pulse fans will be hoping, no perhaps that should be dreaming that the unexpected CAN occur as they close in on Urawa Reds, albeit with a home draw (1-1) against Vissel Kobe. With a win, S-Pulse might still be dreaming of a final run that brings them the title, but now, they probably have to settle for stealing that 3rd spot off Reds?! BUt, Kashiwa Reysol’s win over the top team meant that they sneaked into 4th spot and are also ready to attack Reds’ position.

Moving on down J1, Nagoya battered Sagan’s usually impregnable home fortress and took all three points (1-3) tp push them down into 9th spot, while Jubilo were indeed battered by Yokohama F.Marinos in a 4-0 win that could well have been 6 or 8-0 from many accounts. Marinos (7th) moved above Iwata (8th) with that win, albeit by just one point, and having equal goal difference.

The mid-table match-up – and mid-table is a compliment / testament to Cerezo, after their season! – ended 1-1, points shared and those teams are in 10th (Tokyo) and 11th (Cerezo) position. Moving into the relegation dogfight, Cerezo on 39 points couldn’t possibly go down now (could they!?) and sitting on the same points total are Kawasaki Frontale, who were beaten at home in a see-saw 3-2 defeat by Gamba Osaka, who have now scored 58 goals (four more than top dogs Sanfrecce!) but have a goal difference of +1! The win was vital for Gamba, as it pulled them to within one point of safety as Omiya Ardija and Albirex Niigata fought out a 1-1 draw. Omiya remain one spot (and one point) above Gamba, but have a 15 goal deficit in the goal difference category, compared to the Osaka team! Could be very important on that final day!

To round off the matches, Kashima Antlers, after “winning” an away point in a scoreless draw in Sapporo, are still not mathematically safe, having 38 points to their name, while that away point at an in-form S-Pulse was vital for Vissel, who sit in 14th position, just one, two and three points clear of Ardija, Gamba and Albirex respectively. It looks as if J1 will be going down to the final day at the top AND the bottom?!

In the Mix, Previews

J2 Promotion Play-Offs all arranged . . .

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The ticket to J1 Play-Off Semi-Finals – among the J2 teams that finish 3rd to 6th – will take place on Sunday November 18th, with both games will kicking off at 14:00 – the games will be played at the home stadiums of the teams finishing 3rd (against the team finishing 6th) and 4th, against the 5th placed team.

Unless plans have changed, a draw after 90 minutes will be enough to see the higher-placed team (host/home team) in the tie go through to the final.

The Play-Off Final – with the 3rd J1 promotion place at stake will be held on Friday November 23rd (don’t worry, it’s a National Holiday) at Kokuritsu aka National Stadium in Tokyo, kicking off at 13:00. Again, unless plans have changed, if this match ends in a draw at 90 minutes, the higher-placed team in J2 will progress and join Kofu and AN Other in J1 for 2013.

See page 26 of JSoccer Magazine Issue 5 for more details, as well as the J2 / JFL promotion/relegation possibilities.

In the Mix

JSoccer Magazine Jリーグ J1 プリビュ− 10月20日

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13:00　ベガルタ仙台 vs. 浦和レッズ　（ユアスタ）　–　レッズ、仙台優勝の望みを断ち切るか？

２位ベガルタに追いつくためには勝ちが必要なレッズ。負ければ、残り５試合で勝ち点６差になる。優勝はともかく、引き分け以上は必要な試合。首位サンフレッチェも、この試合のレッズの奮闘を期待しているはずだ。
逆に仙台にとって、勝てば勝ち点が54になり、現時点での広島の勝ち点に並ぶ。この終盤、上位チームにとって勝ち点１の重みが増し加わってきた。レッズはここ３試合で２敗、ベガルタは４試合で２敗と、首位奪取には両チームともに安定した戦い方が求められる。双方、死力を尽くしての戦いとなるこの試合、崩れるのはベガルタか。
ポポのような伏兵ではなく、信頼できるストライカーの誕生を心待ちにするレッズだが、この試合、レッズの勝利！

14:00　横浜Ｆマリノス vs. ジュビロ磐田　（日産ス）　–　引き分け？

ホームでの失点がＪ１でも最も少ないチームのひとつ、マリノスに対するは、リーグきっての攻撃陣を誇るジュビロの構図になるこの試合は、逆に言えば、得点力不足に悩むマリノスと失点の多いジュビロの対決。無敗記録を止められてからのマリノスは、サポーターもが退屈してしまう内容の試合に明け暮れている。ここ５試合でわずか１勝、勝ち点も当たり障りのない40。
だが、対するジュビロもマリノスには勝ち点わずか２差しかなく、前節も静岡ダービーを落としている。代表の前田を負傷で欠くだけに、マリノスの固い守備陣には手こずるだろう。2013年度のＡＣＬ出場権を獲得するには、どちらも勝ち点３が必要となる。だが、この試合、引き分けの気配が濃く立ちこめる。

15:00　大宮アルディージャ　vs. アルビレックス新潟　（NACK5ス）　–　降格争い、両者勝ち点１ずつを分け合うか。

互いに降格争いを演じる両チームの戦いは、実質上勝ち点６のゲーム。総得点がわずか22（グランパス戦でのあの５得点を含めて）のアルビレックスに、同じくわずか28のアルディージャ、高得点試合は期待できない。ただ、失点数が広島に次ぎリーグ２位のアルビレックス守備陣は、ＧＫの東口を今季ずっと欠くことになる。
過去に幾度も降格の危機に晒され、踏み留まってきた大宮アルディージャは、その経験が生きるかもしれない。ここ５試合で２勝３分けの成績がそれを反映しているが、降格圏をようやく脱しただけだ。アルビレックスもここ４試合、１勝３分けと粘っている。この試合、引き分け！

15:00　川崎フロンターレ vs. ガンバ大阪　（等々力）　–　ガンバ、必勝試合！

降格圏からなかなか抜け出せないガンバ、前節も仙台に痛い黒星を喫してしまったが、今節は目の上の２チームが星をつぶし合う。リーグ最高得点数を誇る攻撃陣とリーグ最悪に近い守備陣とが空回りしている。たが、今日の対戦相手の川崎には、そこに付け入るだけのしたたかさがない。
一方のフロンターレは、ここ３試合で２勝し、勝ち点を安全圏に近い39とした。前節はレイソルの１点に泣いたが、負傷者が復帰し始めているのは好材料だ。だが、残り試合をあと二つ、三つ勝たない限り、風間監督の来季の進退が窮まる。
この試合を見る限り、ガンバ大阪の必死さがフロンターレを上回るだろう。勝利のお守りレアンドロの活躍で、ガンバ大阪の勝利！

15:00　清水エスパルス vs. ヴィッセル神戸　（アウトソーシング）　–　エスパルス、ナビスコ杯決勝進出の勢いは？

先週行われたナビスコ杯で、ＦＣ東京を下し決勝進出を決めたエスパルス。そのままの勢いで勝ち点３を獲得するか、それとも勝利の美酒がまだ残る中、必死の神戸に屈するか。
出場停止の北本、代表の遠征に同行した伊野波のＣＢと、負傷の田代、大久保と、問題が絶えないヴィッセルだが、都倉の踏ん張りに期待したい。ただ、ＣＢの控え高木が出場ということになると、ヴィッセルはミスのないように細心の注意を払う必要がある。
ともに再構築を進めるチーム同士の戦いとなるこの試合だが、幸運が味方していれば上位６チームに食い込んでいた可能性もあるヴィッセルと、若さ爆発のエスパルスは、引き分け！

15:00　サガン鳥栖 vs. 名古屋グランパス　（佐賀ス）　–　ホームで強いサガンの復活か！

７位・８位対決。サガンのホーム戦無敗神話が崩されて久しいが、Ｊ１デビューの今年、総失点30は大方の予想を覆す健闘ぶりだ。前節はセレッソに屈した鳥栖だが、サポーターの目の前でもうひと踏ん張りしたい。
一方の名古屋は、ここ５試合で得点はわずか４、とりわけアルビレックス戦での０-５の惨敗は自信がくじかれる思いだったに違いない。残り試合であと３つ、４つ勝利できれば名門の誇りを維持できるが、逆に負け数が多ければ下位クラスに甘んじることになる。後は、チーム内にどれだけのものが残っているかだろう。ケネディは腰の負傷で欠場となるが、玉田、永井らにその穴を埋める奮闘ぶりを発揮してもらいたい。
この試合は、サガン鳥栖の勝利！

16:00　コンサドーレ札幌 vs. 鹿島アントラーズ　（厚別）　–　札幌の連勝はあり得ない！

前節、首位狙いの好調浦和レッズを下し、まさかの勝利に沸いたコンサドーレ札幌。Ｊ２降格の運命も決まった今、無駄な力が抜けての勝利だったが、今節の相手は過去一度として勝ち点を挙げたことのないアントラーズ。はたして奇跡は二度起こるのか。
一方の鹿島は、ナビスコ杯の準決勝でレイソルを一蹴。リーグ戦ではＦＣ東京に５-１の圧勝。今季の鹿島は調子の波が激しかったが、今は上向き調子。特にＦＷ大迫が調子を上げている。代表の前田が負傷、ハーフナーが振るわなかった今、ザッケローニ監督にアピールしたい。このチャンスを逃したら、後いつ巡ってくるか分からないのが代表の座だ。この試合、鹿島アントラーズの勝利！

18:00　セレッソ大阪 vs. ＦＣ東京　（キンチョウ）　–　浮上を続ける、セレッソ！

ここ５試合を４勝と調子の波に乗るセレッソ。「チームをまずは安全圏に」との目標を掲げて再就任したクルビ監督も責任を果たし、12月上旬には日本を後にする。後任が誰になるのか、また2013年度にあと何人の選手を海外に失うのか、セレッソの未来は未知数だ。ただ、目の前の試合を制し、明日に備えるのが今セレッソに出来るすべてだろう。
ＦＣ東京は、ここ３試合で２敗。対するセレッソより２点上回る勝ち点40で、まずは安全圏だが、この試合を落とすと自信もぐらつくことになる。アウェイ戦で森重の不在は痛いが、ポポビッチ監督はまだブチチェビッチに十分な信頼を置かず、エジミウソンに頼る傾向がある。この試合、セレッソ大阪の勝利！

19:00　サンフレッチェ広島 vs. 柏レイソル　（広島ビッグアーチ）　–　サンフレッチェ、首位の座確保！

ここ５試合を無敗のサンフレッチェ広島は、チーム状態も良く、このまま最後まで走り抜きたところだ。今節は、２位仙台と３位浦和が直接対決で星をつぶし合う。引き分けが広島の望むところか。負傷者もなく、出場停止者もない広島は、いよいよ首位固めに入る。２位、３位と差はあまりないため、この試合を落とすことは避けたい。今回のヨーロッパ遠征で再代表入りを果たした佐藤も好調を維持している。試合には出場できなかったが、意気は上がっている。
一方の柏レイソルは、ここ４試合で３敗。ナビスコ杯でも鹿島アントラーズに準決勝で敗れ、しかもレアンドロドミンゲスと菅井を欠いての試合となる。３位まで６ポイント差、対戦相手が首位チーム。ナビスコ杯での敗戦から立ち直るのは難しそうだ。この試合を勝利することの意味を知るサンフレッチェ広島とあれば、広島の勝利は必至！

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In the Mix, Previews

Matchday 29 – JSoccer Magazine Previews J1 Saturday October 20th

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13:00 Vegalta Sendai vs. Urawa Reds at Yurtec.S – Reds to Kill Off Sendai Title Hopes?

Urawa Reds need a win to match the 51 points of Vegalta Sendai – a loss and they go six points back with just five games to go. They’d probably have to give up on their championship hopes so need at least a draw, but preferably a win. Sanfrecce will probably be hoping for a draw or, perhaps a Reds win.

On Sendai’s side, a win will give them 54 points, which is what Sanfrecce sit on now – it’s tight at the top and points will be at a premium in the coming month. Reds have lost two of their last three, while Vegalta have lost two of their last four … both teams need some consistency to finish the season to overtake Sanfrecce. Something’s gotta give in this match, and I think that will be Vegalta.

Reds need a goalscorer, instead of relying on last-gasp goals from Popo, but they’ll do enough in this match – EXPECT a WIN for URAWA REDS!

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14:00 Yokohama F.Marinos vs. Jubilo Iwata at Nissan.S – Bore Draw in Order Today?

One of the best defences in J1 at home, entertaining one of the best attacks in the league? Or alternatively, Marinos don’t score too many, while Jubilo have conceded quite a few. Anything could happen! Since their extended unbeaten run came to and end Marinos have gone downhill, boring even their own fans. They’ve won one in their last five and are in No-Man’s land on 40 points.

Having said that, Jubilo are only two points ahead, but four spaces up and were stung by S-Pulse in the Shizuoka Derby last time out. They will be missing international forward Maeda to injury and may struggle to break down this stubborn Marinos defence. Nothing less than a win for either team would be enough to keep them in touch with that 3rd spot and an ACL place in 2013. But I feel this will be a DRAW! Not enough for either team!

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15:00 Omiya Ardija vs. Albirex Niigata at NACK5.S – A Point Each for Relegation Battlers?

This match really is the proverbial relegation dogfight six-pointer. While Albirex have scored only 22 goals (five of them in that one wild game against Grampus), Ardija have just 28, we shouldn’t expect a goalfest! Added to that Albirex have conceded only one more goal than leaders Sanfrecce, BUT have lost their ‘keeper Higashiguchi for the season, and much longer.

Omiya Ardija have been close to relegation over and over, that experience MAY come in useful. They have won two and drawn three of their last five games – an unbeaten run that has seen them move out of the bottom three, just. Albirex have also turned it around with three draws and a win in their last four… it looks very much to me like a DRAW today!

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15:00 Kawasaki Frontale vs. Gamba Osaka at Todoroki – Gamba to Earn Vital Win!
Gamba Osaka will feel hard done by after their loss at Sendai last league match and find themselves three points adrift of safety with the two teams above them playing each other. Gamba are the highest scorers in J1 but also have the second-worst defence in the division, but Kawasaki Frontale are not the best team to take advantage of that.

While Frontale managed to win two out of their last three to hit 39 points and be very close to safety. They lost on a single goal to Reysol last time out and, while their injury woes have cleared up, their teamwork has not really gelled all season … coach Kazama may be looking for a new job next season even if he racks up a few wins before the end of the season.

The desperation of Gamba Osaka will trump the average season that Frontale are having and, presuming that talisman Leandro is fit and raring to go, expect a VITAL WIN for GAMBA OSAKA!

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15:00 Shimizu S-Pulse vs. Vissel Kobe at OUTSOURCING.S – S-Pulse Hangover? Or Extended Run of Success?

Shimizu S-Pulse beat off FC Tokyo for a place in the Nabisco Cup Final last weekend and will either be on a high ready to add to their three wins in-a-row, including that semi-final OR they’ll be hungover from the celebrations and succumb to a Vissel Kobe that REALLY needs the points! Will they build on that today?

Vissel Kobe have been hit by centre back problems, with Kitamoto suspended and Inoha returning from national team duty to report he is three weeks out of the game. They also have Tashiro in and out of the treatment room up front, and Okubo confirmed as missing at least two weeks. It’s time for a big game from Tokura, and Vissel have to pray that the error-prone Takagi is on form if he is selected as a cover centre back today.

Both teams have been rebuilding and, with some luck it could have been Vissel in that top six spot but, instead, they find themselves fighting relegation and need the win. Do they need it more than S-Pulse? EXPECT a DRAW! Shared spoils.

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15:00 Sagan Tosu vs. Nagoya Grampus at Saga – Sagan Home Form to Return!

Just a single point separates these teams in 7th and 8th places and Sagan’s home fortress has been breached recently, although they have still conceded only 30 goals in their maiden J1 season so far and have out-paced all the critics’ expectations, but are fading now as the season draws to a close. Cerezo Osaka took them out last game and they will want to show their home fans that they have not given up on their season yet.

Even though they have only scored four goals in the last five games, two of those were wins… they have lost two of their last three, though, including that confidence-killing 5-0 defeat from Albirex Niigata. Three or four wins in their final month could give them an air of respectability, while three or four losses would see them in the bottom half… what do they have left in them? They will miss Josh Kennedy if he continues to suffer from those back injuries but Tamada, Nagai et al should take on the goalscoring and creating among themselves.

EXPECT a WIN for SAGAN TOSU!

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16:00 Consadole Sapporo vs. Kashima Antlers at Atsubetsu – Surely Sapporo Can’t Win Two In-a-Row!

Last time out in J1 everyone had Consadole Sapporo down for a thrashing at the hands of Urawa Reds, but the surprise of the day, week, month (season?) saw Reds capitulate to the already-relegated team – at home! Once the “relief” of knowing their destiny sweeps over a doomed team, perhaps a change takes place! Could they win another? They’d have to go against history, having never even gained a point against today(s opponents in the past, but nothing is impossible, is it!?

Kashima Antlers made short work of Reysol last week in their Nabisco Cup semi-final and thrashed FC Tokyo 5-1 in their last league match, their up and down season will be on an up this time out and they’ll be hoping to continue their run with a win against Consadole. Osako got back among the goals recently and, with Maeda injured and Havenaar not having the best games in the national team jersey, perhaps Osaka will feel the chance to attract the eye of national team coach Alberto Zaccheroni over the next month or so – it’s now or never, Osako! EXPECT a WIN for KASHIMA ANTLERS!

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18:00 Cerezo Osaka vs. FC Tokyo at KINCHO.S – Cerezo to Continue Rise!

Cerezo Osaka are on the up – four wins in their last five games have taken them to the brink of safety. Re-hired coach Levir Culpi has almost completed his job and will be on his way in early December, leaving a space for a new coach – who that is, and whether Cerezo can hold on to their players for 2013 will decide the future of the team. They will give their all to get the win that will almost guarantee safety.

FC Tokyo have lost two of their last three and sit two points above Cerezo on the 40 points that probably does see them safe, but losing to Cerezo will dent the confidence indeed. Morishige is an influential player to lose on an away trip to a team in form and coach Popovic has not yet shown enough faith in Vucicevic to give him the start, but he looks more the apart than Edmilson – a stopgap at best? I EXPECT a WIN for CEREZO OSAKA!

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19:00 Sanfrecce Hiroshima vs. Kashiwa Reysol at Hiroshima.B – Sanfrecce to Consolidate Top Spot.

Sanfrecce Hiroshima are unbeaten in their last five and showing the form that should keep their head above water if it continues … with the two teams closest to them playing each other it is their chance to pull away from at least one of them, perhaps both – if there is a draw there! They are reporting no new injuries and have no suspensions and will be confident and ready to consolidate their place at the top. Losing this game will be a tragedy and they will NOT let that happen. Sato will be buoyed by his recognition of national team selection – although he didn’t play on the European tour – and will be on a high that his team will join.

Kashiwa Reysol have lost three of their last four – including a Nabisco Cup semi-final against Kashima Antlers and are missing Leandro Domingues and the reliable Sugai, they realistically have nothing left to play for? Six points out of 3rd place and playing the top team today, they can expect little chance of bouncing back from their cup defeat here today. With Sanfrecce knowing how much this game means I can’t see anything other than a WIN for SANFRECCE HIROSHIMA!

Follow Alan on Twitter @JSoccerMagazine

Archives, In the Mix

Kay Bohn from Germany sends us his memories of Ground-Hopping in Japan!

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A friend and I wanted to go to Japan and, of course football had to be watched on this trip. We planned the trip for almost half a year before we finally we arrived in Tokyo on April 3rd this year.

April 4th – Kashiwa Reysol vs. Guangzhou Evergrande – AFC Champions League – 0:0 – Attendance 8,787 (1000 away fans approx.) – Kashiwa Hitachi Stadium

The first match we wanted to see was Kashiwa Reysol vs Gangzhou in the AFC Champions League. About 8,800 spectators visited the match in Kashiwa Stadium this evening. We estimated about 1.000 Guangzhou supporters were in the away end. We talked to few of them and they told us that most of them were Chinese students that live in Japan. Only a few were really from China. The football wasn’t a high level, so we weren’t surprised that the match ended 0:0. At least the support was very good. All throughout the match both supporter groups chanted non-stop. First match in Japan completed and we were ready for more.

April 7th – Kashima Antlers vs. Urawa Red Diamonds – J.League J1 – 1:3 – 23,507 (3.500 away) – Kashima Soccer Stadium

We took a train on Saturday morning to Kashima. We really expected a lot from the Urawa supporters. About 3,500 of them rocked the away sector. Great performance. Great number for away fans. The Antlers fans were also very good. Great songs, loud support.
It was a choir battle on the terraces. Also very attractive and fast football with nice goals.

April 8th – Tokyo Verdy vs. Tokushima Vortis – J.League J2 – 2:0 – 3,110 (100 away) – Ajinomoto Stadium

Ajinomoto Stadium was also a World Cup Stadium in 2002, but the second division in Japan seems not to be really attractive for the spectators, so only about 3,000 visitors came into the completely over-sized stadium for a J2 match. In a wholly grey stadium with a track for athletics the stadium seem even bigger and more empty. Not the ugliest stadium, but definitely too big for Tokyo Verdy.
About 100 away supporters that you could hear from time to time found their way to Tokyo. At least a group of about 500 people in the home section sang bravely during the match almost constantly.

After the Tokyo Verdy match we had about 1 hour and 15 minutes to get to the next match. With a Google maps printout and no local knowledge we jumped into local trains, changed trains and ran to the next stadium. We arrived a few minutes after kick off and I think even a local wouldn(t have done it better. That’s Groundhopping!! ;)

April 8th – Kawasaki Frontale vs. FC Tokyo – J.League J1 – 0:1 – 20,996 (5,000 away) – Kawasaki Todoroki Stadium

The stadium was sold out (or so they told us, the official spectator number and the capacity tell another story!) and with a little help of the friendly Kawasaki press staff we got in. About 25 % of the stadium was filled by away supporters. It was an absolutely great atmosphere with loud chants on both sides. Nice stadium, which should be unique. Nice flags on both sides and 90 minutes full support. Fast football, really nice to watch. The FC Tokyo sector exploded after the goal. It was the best match on the tour.

April 14th – Urawa Reds vs. Vissel Kobe – J.League J1 – 2:0 – 25,894 (300 away) – Saitama Stadium 2002

On Saturday we went to Saitama to see the legendary Urawa Reds in a home match in the famous Saitama World Cup Stadium of 2002. We didn’t expect to see many guests from Kobe and we got what we were expecting. About 150 supporters of Vissel Kobe found their way to Saitama. They still tried to make the best of their situation and supported their team in the rain. The game was not sold out but the home area was filled and the atmosphere was very good. Sometimes it got really loud. Very impressive support by the Urawa fans. 90 minutes at full power! Also interesting was the large number of nice flags of the supporters. Some were really big and with an ornate style.

April 15th – JEF United Chiba Ichihara vs. Fagiano Okayama – J.League J2 – 0:0 – 9,056 (200 away) – Fukuda Denshi Arena

Today we saw a very good number of spectators for a J2 match. The former J1 team, JEF, played very well but did not take their chances to win. Great support from the home sector behind the goal. About 150 away supporters also tried their best. Unfortunately no goals in this match.

It was our last match of the tour and we flew home directly the next day.

We had great time in Japan with good sport, great support and very nice and friendly people. We definitely will be back!

Kay Bohn

In the Mix

Ｊ１成績10月６日現在

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ベガルタ仙台２-１ガンバ大阪
浦和レッズ１-２コンサドーレ札幌
横浜Ｆマリノス０-０サンフレッチェ広島
ジュビロ磐田０-１清水エスパルス
セレッソ大阪３-２サガン鳥栖
鹿島アントラーズ５-１ＦＣ東京
柏レイソル１-０川崎フロンターレ
アルビレックス新潟０-０ヴィッセル神戸
名古屋グランパス０-０大宮アルディージャ

首位広島は横浜マリノスに引き分け、２位仙台がガンバ大阪を下して勝ち点差３に詰めた。仙台-ガ大阪の試合は、仙台が１-０でリードの後半33分、遠藤のＣＫからＦＷ佐藤がシュート。ゴールラインを割ったかにも見えたが、ノーゴールの判定。ベガルタはその後２点差とし、試合を決定づけた。ガンバは17位に後退するも、得点は相変わらずＪ１トップ。（失点も２位！）

３位の好位置から首位を狙う浦和レッズは、前節でＪ２への降格が決まった札幌によもやの敗戦。上位２チームとの差を縮めるチャンスを逃した。

静岡ダービーは、エスパルスが敵地で勝利を収め、ジュビロと入れ替わり４位に浮上。ＡＣＬ出場圏を視界にとらえた。エスパルスは10月13日に行われたナビスコ杯準決勝でもＦＣ東京を退け、準決勝のもう１試合で柏レイソルを制した鹿島アントラーズと、11月３日、いよいよ優勝杯を争って激突する。Ｊ１リーグのその他の試合は、柏レイソルが虎の子の１点を守り切って川崎フロンターレに勝ち、勝ち点42で、６位に順位を上げる。５位のジュビロ磐田（勝ち点42）から13位の鹿島アントラーズ（勝ち点37）まで、勝ち点わずか5点の間に９チームがひしめき合う大乱戦だ。

ＦＣ東京に５-１で大勝し勝ち点を37とした鹿島アントラーズ、サガン鳥栖を下し勝ち点を38に伸ばしたセレッソ大阪ともに、まだ完全に安全圏に入ったとはいえない。このところ低迷続きのヴィッセル神戸と、降格圏内16位のアルビレックス新潟との勝ち点差はわずか４。両チームが今節の戦いで星を分け合い足踏みする中、大宮アルディージャも名古屋グランパスとスコアレス・ドローで15位。下位チームにも厳しい戦いが続く。

Ｊ１およびＪ２の最新の成績表は、いつでも、http://www.jsoccer.com/tables/でご覧いただけます