Daniel Jones sends in his report on Vissel’s capitulation to Marinos (and the referee!).

Some of the best passing football seen this side of 1970s Holland! Omiya never stood a chance! With Nagoya beginning their expected end of season collapse at Niigata, Kashima dropping points to Bellmare and Reds taking out Cerezo, the Championship trophy still looks as if it might be getting some blue and black ribbons in early December – but you’d expect me to say that!

Yes, Japan had ALL of the ball, ALL of the play, plenty of half-chances, but came away without the win in Seoul. What shall we do about that, Zac? Maybe less foreigners in the J.League for a start! But, let’s concentrate on the game for now ….

Jubilo took out Frontale in Kawasaki by a 3-1 score, and S-Pulse were held at home by Sanfrecce, who went through 2-1 on aggregate. It’s Jubilo’s first final for 12 years, but the neutrals, including jsoccer.com would love to see Sanfrecce win it – and the goal celebrations that go with it.

JEF Chiba destroyed J1 strugglers Kyoto Sanga 4-0 in the third round of the Emperor

Japan show the big boys who’s boss! Tevez, Mascherano and Messi all in attendance, but Japan teach them a lesson.

All the play, all the class, one less goal than the opposition – sound familiar! Hello Gamba Osaka!

Just Yano misses out from the overseas boys (bonus!?) …. new/unexpected faces in Inoha (deserves a chance), Kurihara (thought he’d had his chance – surely Gamba’s Nakzawa gets a chance next), Hosogai (gets another chance), Kanazaki (surprise, but I guess Nagoya does have one of two Japanese playing for them!), and Sekiguchi (the Vegalta boy seems to be impressing those that matter). So, where’s Hashimoto (Gamba) and Tamada (maybe he’s had his chances)? Argentina, and then Korea away – a baptism of fire for Zakka Japan! Read on for the full squad …

… after taking out Cerezo last week, they put paid to Kawasaki’s title hope this, with a vital away win. Antlers draw, Cerezo draw …. Shimizu thrashed, but it was by Nagoya who stretch their lead at the top …. a Grampus implosion is due, though …. it’s Gamba’s, or Antlers’ title!?

Tighter at the top as Nagoya and Cerezo drop points … Gamba and Frontale win to close in a little. At the bottom … well, looks like Kyoto and Bellmare are gone with any one of Vissel (fired coach), FC Tokyo (fired coach), Omiya, Sendai and Montedio. Jubilo are not out of it yet, either! And REDS are only TWO points ahead of Jubilo …. plenty left in at the top AND the bottom.