2007.12.12
"The match is a once-in-a-lifetime chace. We will do our best and enjoy football", said Urawa Reds
defender Tulio. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Kashima Antlers beat Sanfrecce Hiroshima 2-0 in National Stadium Tokyo.
Kashima won the league-cup dobule title of this season.
Kashima has being losing the league champion status for several years'
depression, but the 2007 new coach Oswaldo de Oliveira made steady efforts
to chang the club to be the top again.
Final: Boca 2 - 4 AC Milan
2006 top scorer Washington announced in his blog that he is moving (to
Fluminense?) and today's FCWC match is the last for Washington with the
Reds.
|
| In urawa-reds.co.jp |
|
| In acmilan.com |
|
| Also in fifa.com |
|
| And such a picture from a Japanese paper |
2007.12.10
Urawa won to meet AC Milan on Thursday. Urawa 3-1 Sepahan, FIFA Club World Cup 2007 Japan
2007.12.09
Etoile Sportive du Sahel from Tunisia stuns Pachuca Mexico
Late goal from Sahel leads them to set up the semi-final against Boca Juniors
in Tokyo National Stadium.- Dec 9, 2007Having sharp offence, Pachuca had an advantage in the match of similar nature teams, but Pachuca faild to score. Sahel is not easy for Boca.
Tomorrow is the first appearance of a Japanse club to the world cup.
Red blooded eleven, let the world know our pride!
2007.12.08
Hiroshima relegated
Kyoto Sanga won the J1/J2 playoff on 2-1 aggregate (1st Kyoto 2-1 Hiroshima,
2nd Hiroshima 0-0 Kyoto) and is promoted to J1 2008. - Dec 8, 2007
Hiroshima, having many national players, failed to play at their top form. They will play J2 league for their second time (last time 2003 season).
Promotion to J1: Consadore Sapporo (J2 1st), Tokyo Verdy 1969 (J2 2nd), and Kyoto Sanga (playoff winner)
Relegation to J2: Yokohama FC (J1 18th), Ventforet Kofu (J1 17th), and Sanfrecce Hiroshima (playoff loser)
2007.12.07
FIFA Club World Cup Japan 2007 Opening
Sepahan 3. Waitakere 1.As Waitakere did their best, they made good Japanese atmosphere in National Stadium Tokyo. Japanese can find interst in any match even if the match is neutral. They wish to find some quality, wish to learn from it. Or they loves underdog charm if the player works hard.
2007.12.05
"The game?", Osim said
JFA revealed that Mr. Osim awoke recently and started talking with
family. His first words was "the game?". Todays paper reported.
Osim asks about game after waking from coma
TOKYO, Dec 5 (Reuters) - Stroke-victim Ivica Osim's first words after waking from a coma were "What happened in the game?" Japanese media reported on Wednesday. The Bosnian, who suffered a serious stroke on Nov. 16, was eating ice cream and joking with family members, although the 66-year-old remains in intensive care. "His first words were symbolic of how he has poured his life and soul into soccer," Japan Football Association (JFA) secretary general Kozo Tajima told reporters. Osim, who awoke from his coma last week but had been initially unable to speak, was fed ice cream and pudding by his wife Asima, according to the popular Nikkan Sports daily.
When she asked if the ice cream was too cold for him, Osim showed his sharp wit was returning.
"Well if it wasn't cold it wouldn't be ice cream, would it?" he said with a smile. Osim collapsed at his home in Chiba, near Tokyo, last month while climbing the stairs after watching soccer on television. The JFA will unveil former Japan coach Takeshi Okada as Osim's replacement later this week. http://football.guardian.co.uk/breakingnews/feedstory/0,,-7127971,00.html
2007.12.04
Okada gets official nod from JFA
Takeshi Okada accepted new Japan national coach.
He is known as one of the best Japanese coach, but his soccer is
reverse of Osim's. No message has given from JFA that they
wish to keep on Osim's or not.
Aren't JFA putting Osim's football away without discussion?
3 December, 2007, Daily Yomiuri
Takeshi Okada's return as national coach received the official greenlight as the Japan Football Association's board of executive managing directors unanimously approved his appointment on Monday.
"The vote was unanimous," JFA president Saburo Kawabuchi said. "We certainly appreciate his commitment in this time of crisis.
http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/sports/20071204TDY24302.htm
While Osim is reported that he started talking with his families.
2007.12.01
Kashima Antlers won 2007 J.League
Unacceptable ... but football continues.
|
| They painted Yokohama Red, but |
Reds flop lets Antlers snatch Japanese title
1 Dec 2007. Reouter
Urawa Reds surrendered their Japanese title to Kashima Antlers after slumping to a 1-0 defeat at relegated Yokohama FC on Saturday.
Kashima took full advantage, beating Shimizu S-Pulse 3-0 at home for their ninth successive win to snatch the J-League title from under Urawa's noses on the final day of the season.
Having started the day a point behind the Reds, it was Kashima's fifth championship after lifting the trophy in 1996, 1998, 2000 and 2001.
There was nothing but misery for Urawa, who have been in free-fall since being crowned Asian champions last month, blowing a 10-point lead at the top of the J-League.
A run of four J-League games without a victory was followed by a humiliating Emperor's Cup exit against second division Ehime FC in midweek and they never looked like beating Yokohama FC.
http://uk.reuters.com/article/worldFootballNews/idUKT32833420071201?pageNumber=2&virtualBrandChannel=0
2007.11.30
2007 J.League Final Tomorrow
J.League final match day is scheduled on 1st December. In the Saturday afternoon, 2007 J.League champion plate is awarded the leader Leader Urawa or follower Kashima with one point behind. Urawa only got three points in last four league matches, on the other Kashima won eight consecutive matches. For J2, Tokyo Verdy almost confirmed the promotion by the goal difference, and Sapporo and Kyoto compete for promotion or playoff.
All J2 matches are schduled to be kicked off at 12:00, and J1 at 14:30.
JUST BEFORE THE DOUBLE CROW WINNER
"We do the sama way we have done with confidence. I am sure we can give another present for supporters", said Robson Ponte.
2007.11.29
Osim, "No, Okada"
28 Nov. Tokyo Sports reportedSome might believe that Osim awoke and spoke when they looked the large letter "Osim, No, Okada" on today's TOKYO -joke understanding- SPORTS' banner.
Most paper reports it is the decision that Mr. Okada is the replacement of for coach Osim and no paper throw out doubts of the choice reason. Okada is known as one of the most experienced coach in Japan, but if they know the J.League, they must know Okada is quite differnet from Osim. Didn't JFA asked Osim for his method or only for his personality? We believed the choice of Osim is the new consecutive buildup plan, or JFA only has the ad-hoc measures?
Only the tabloid paper tells the reality.
2007.11.28
Urawa New Scene
I drop into Urawa on busy Wednesday evening. The east side of the Urawa
station used to be quiet, but in this autumn, huge commercial
establishment was opened. The photo is the red colored tree
in front of the new scene of Urawa.
Urawa 0. Ehime 2. Emperor's Cup 4th round
2007.11.27
Osim Reacting
Director of JFA said Osim reacted to his family's voices on 26th evening.
It was the first time since he went to the hospital on 16th early morning.
JFA begins negociating with Mr. Takeshi Okada for the national coach.
2007.11.25
2010 World Cup Asian Qualifier 3rd round draw
Group 1. Australia, China, Iraq, Qatar
Group 2. Japan, Bahrain, Oman, Thailand
Group 3. South Korea, North Korea, Jordan, Turkmenistan
Group 4. Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan, Lebanon, Singapore
Group 5. Iran, Kuwait, UAE, Syria
Winners and runner-ups of each groups go to the final round.
Final round: Ten teams are divided into two groups. Each winner and runner-up go to South Africa. 5th place of Asia goes to inter-continental play off.
2007.11.24
Urawa suspended by Kashima
Kashima Antlers won 0-1 in Urawa Reds' home. This was Urawa's first defeat in nine matches. Kashima is one point hehind Urawa.
League final games are scheduled on 1st December 14:30.
Mr. Ivica Osim's condition (updated)
Michel Platini asks Ogura Junji, FIFA executive board, he wishes to visit Osim's hospital (24th Nov)
Dragan Stojkovic came beck to Japan to make a contrat with Nagoya and warries about Mr. Osim (23rd Nov.)
Mr. Osim is still kept unconscious in ICU. (23rd Nov. JFA announcement)
2007.11.21
Japan qualify for Olympic 2008 men's soccer
Japan 0 - 0 Saudi Arabia, Kokuritsu Tokyo
2008 Olympic Asian Qualifying
Mr. Osim's condition update
Condition not changed. (21st Nov. Monday evening, JFA announcement)
2007.11.19
Mr. Ivica Osim's condition (updated)
Mr. Osim is still unconscious and
remains in serious condition,
but he has cleared his first hurdle.
He is gradually moving toward recovery.
(19th Nov. Monday evening, JFA announcement)2007.11.18
Urawa draw but 4 points clear with two games remaining
| Urawa vs Shimizu 0-0 | - Urawa: 70 pts |
| Kashima vs Kashiwa 1-0 | - Kashima: 66 pts |
| FC-Tokyo vs G-Osaka 1-1 | - G-Osaka: 65 pts |
Mr. Ivica Osim's condition (updated)
Mr. Osim collapsed at his home in Chiba after 2 a.m. 16th Friday, being kept unconscious by doctors in ICU. (17th Nov. Saturday evening, JFA annoucement)
The situation is still unpredicable, but he is getting over a critical condition because of his phisical strength and effective treatment. (18th Nov. Sunday evening, JFA announcement)
2007.11.16
Japan's coach Osim has stroke
We all worried about Osim's condition. TV reports the news of the
national VIP.
Japan's coach Osim has stroke
TOKYO (AFP) Japan coach Ivica Osim, a Bosnian who led the former Yugoslavia to the 1990 World Cup quarter-finals, suffered a stroke Friday and is in serious condition, the Japan Football Association said.
"His situation is very unstable and at this stage it is not appropriate to give prospects for the long-run," association president Saburo Kawabuchi said. "I hope he survives."
Kawabuchi, who fought back tears as he announced the news, said Osim collapsed overnight in suburban Tokyo and was rushed to hospital, where he was in intensive care.
http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5jZzMjGv7Frb_B33N_Ox77p2NJUhA
2007.11.14
Urawa Reds wins Asia
2007.11.13
AFC Champions League Final Second Leg. 14th Nov Wed 19:20
Holger Osieck's comment for the final - from the official press conference
Q: What is the meaning of winning the championship tomorrow for Urawa?
Osieck: You come to Japan and see Urawa town in Saitama city, what do you think about Urawa town? Now whole city are prepared for the match and all people in Saitama are supporting us hardly really wanting Urawa's victory. The match tomorrow is very important not only for giving them a victory experience, but also for rewarding them for what they have done for us. Saitama is the district where the soccer is more than an entertainment, but has a social significance. So, we will win tomorrow, develop this wonderful thing, and spread to other Asian countries.
Comments from Luka Bonacic (Sepahan)
Q: Can you sleep tonight?
Bonacic: Coach is such a business that we can be nervous before the match. But, I promise you! We will play excellent soccer. I don't know it is difficult or not, we will play the match that tomorrow's soccer can help making more friends in the world, like FIFA says. Win or lose, it is not important. A loss is only a result.
All the Pride
Win the Asia.
Everything is set for the final.
2007.11.11
Urawa is 5 points ahead for G-Osaka with three matches to play
Kawasaki Frontale 1. Urawa Reds 1. J.League leader Urawa draw with Kawasaki and won this seasons' 69th point.
Urawa returned from Iran on Thursday evening and there were less than three days' interval for this Sunday afternoon match. There is a discussion of "turn over" for players, but Urawa coach Holger Osieck denied the needs for it. Players seem to have good conditions. Having good enemy Kawasaki, they organized the game heartily and both team concentrated all through the game. Everthing is ready to answer for this years' effort and two years of efforts of Urawa Reds.
Urawa meets Sepahan in home Saitama Stadium on Wednesday for the AFC Champions league title.
2007.11.07
Isn't it good? This is the Urawa Reds way. Sepahan 1-1 Urawa. ACL final 1st leg
Precious goal from Urawa midfielder Robson Ponte lead Urawa and resulted
1-1 draw. 2nd leg will be in Saitama on 14th November.
2007.11.07
AFC Champions League Final 1st TODAY
Sepahan vs Urawa Reds 16:00 local (21:30 JST) Esfahan, IRAN
"Importance of away goals" is the common opinion from Japanese media.
210 minutes' scoreless semifinals against Kawasaki Frontale demonstrate Sepahan's
skillful game planning.
Soma Naoki, ex Japan International, commentates Urawa's toughness on the paper El Gorazo. "They can keep up with any games. They can let the opponent play, but they won't lose. It is because they are quite strong".
This is Urawa's first appearance in Arab, and the first ACL final for Japanse club. Come on Urawa Reds.
2007.11.03
Gamba Osaka won the J.League YAMAZAKI NABISCO Cup
|
|
"Give Osaka the cup!" Beloved Cookie, Beloved Cup |
As this competition is the league cup and used to be regarded as the one next to the league title and the emperor's cup, thanks to the cousecutive sponsorship of Yamazaki Nabisco Co Ltd, it became very beloved cup in Japan. The company has been supporting the cup since its inception in 1992 and helped to award 100,000,000 JPY (=0.9M USD) to the winners. In addition, Urawa went to the final in 02, 03, 04 and ticket competition occured, the status of this cup final became higher. Japan soccer fans must thank Yamazaki Nabisco for the cup support and sample cookies feeding in the stadium!
2007.10.24
Urawa Reds progressed to the ACL final
Urawa 2. Seongnam 2 ( 4 - 4 on aggregate). Extra time 0 - 0. 5 PK 3.
Urawa Thrilled With ACL Final Spot
"Lady luck was smiling on us," said Urawa's German coach Holger Osieck after the game.
"It was very close though. Both teams kept a high tempo even in extra time. It was an amazing game."
"Not much separated the two teams in the end. I'm thrilled about the victory tonight, honestly. We're in the final now.
"We aren't representing just Urawa, but representing all of Japan. And I want to make sure we represent them well. I think you were all witnesses to a very dramatic game."
http://goal.com/en/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=457759
2007.10.23
ACL semifinal 2nd leg tomorrow
Urawa Reds vs Seongnam Chunma in Saitama stadium 19:30 24th October.
2007.10.20
Urawa shines in difficult away Chiba
Chiba 2. Urawa 4."It was a spectacle. Many supporters pushed players. Many goals and many chances. The spectacle match is composed of two teams." said Chiba coach Amar Osim.
We wish to see this kind of match every week, but the match quality can depend on players' phisical condition. As Urawa men are relieved of overload schedule, attractive match came back today.
Urawa's challenge to J.League and ACL continues.
2007.10.17
Japan 4. Egypt 1. Friendly
The 2007 final match for Japan national team was held in Osaka. 2010 World Cup qualification for Japan will start in February 2008.
As TV says the match was titled "AFC Asia Africa Challenge Cup", did AFC really present the cup?
While U22 struggles for 2008 Olmpic Game in Doha.
2008 Olympic Asian Qualifying Final Round Group C
2007.10.15
Nagoya asks Pixy to be a new coach
The official Nagoya Grampus Eight admitted they are approaching Dragan Stojkovic
to ask to be a Nagoya's coach from J.League 2008 season.
He has quit the Red Star president recently.
2007.10.03
Asian Quality
Seongnam Ilhwa 2. Urawa Reds 2. AFC Champions League Semifinal 1st Leg
Urawa in Seongnam
ACL semi-final in far east was very exciting.
Two clubs representing J.League and K.League represented Asian football quality. It was a quiet at first and both targeted the goal in their way based on the defense organization. It has a kind of elegance.
Though Urawa's quarter-final in Jeonju was rough, this match was very clean. Jeonju was seeded that quarter-final was the first appearance of thier ACL 2007 as definding champion, but Seongnam was different. Seongnam have the pride of surviving the serious ACL group league and the leader of K.League as well. As you might think this match was lack of the speed, but if you regularly follow the J.League or K.League and you know the tight situation of them, you can understand how they played their best for their pride.
In Japan, there is the debate of the issue of the turnover (see the 2007.09.23 article). Kawasaki Frontale let eight men off from the league match and prepared for ACL (and lost the ACL). The right or wrong is disccused but if they are eager for the league, they do not do that. Urawa and Seongnam are leading the league and there is no way to keep the players off from the pitch. Playing throungh the year 2007 and wishing to enjoy the fruits of efforts, the meaning of this match is very important.
Urawa got valuable two away goals and are coming back to Japan. The second leg is scheduled on 24th October.
2007.09.30
Urawa five victories in two weeks
Urawa Reds won three strait J.League matches and both of ACL home-and-away
quarter-finals in these busy two weeks from 15th September.
These victories made Urawa lead the local league by six point to Gamba
Osaka and advance to semi-finals in Asian championship.
Urawa did not start this season completely in phisical and tactics, but basd on their defense abilities Urawa's organization goes better week by week. They have seven matches for the "J" and four matches for the Asia.
Late goal from Robson Ponte convinced us he is the ruler of the pitch.
Urawa 1. Niigata 0 on rainy Saitama Stadium.
2007.09.26
Land of 1000 bodychecks? No, Only Football. Urawa Reds
Urawa 4. Jeonju 1. (quarter final aggregate)Reds goto semi-final.
The match became rough and Urawa sufferd late tackles, but Urawa squad played cool. Winning both home and away match for defending champion Jeonju was the big difficulty but they did it.
2007.09.25
Urawa Reds in Korea. ACL Q-Final 2nd Leg
More than 3000 Urawa supporters visit Jeonju to support Urawa Reds challenge,
26th September.
Urawa official says 500 police and 150 private bodyguard will welcome them.
It is reported average Jeonbuk audiences are less than 5000.
How do the No.1 supporters in Asia enjoy away match.
1st leg. 19th Sep. Urawa 2-1 Jeonbuk
We are Reds
2007.09.23
ACL or J.League? Urawa won the toughest match, while Kawasaki throw up? of 0-4 defeat.
The 26th week of the J.league is the middle day of the home and away
of AFC Champions league quarter final for Urawa Reds and Kawasaki
Frontale. The league leader Urawa beat the current-best-team Yokohama
F-Marinos by the score of 1-0 in Yokohama. The match was so tough
that best players payed thier full effort to the match. On the other,
the mid of the league Kawasaki gave absenses to 8 best players
of starting 11 from last Wednesday's ACL. The result was the complete
loss by Kashiwa Raysol. The answer for ACL Q-final will be on next
Wedney, and another answer will be told on 1st December. J-League has so-called "best-member-regulation" that the starting eleven of the league and league cup match MUST include 6 members who played from the start at least one match of the predeceasing five matches. Today's Kawasaki does not violate the regulation.
2007.09.19
Urawa 2-1 Jeonbuk, Sepahan 0-0 Kawasaki-F. AFC Champions League Quarter Final 1st Leg
Today was the first date for Japanese Club to play ACL knockout stage. Urawa Reds and Kawasaki Frontale got acceptable results.
Urawa started perfectly and made many chances so they almost ends their q-final, but the late goal from Jeonbuk will make the 2nd leg exciting. The defending champion Jeonbuk was well trained team. Althogh they are in the perfect away situation (about 20 supportes from Korea?), they didn't play defensive. The high defence line produced this interesting match.
2007.09.15
J.League final 10 matches to the championship silver plate
From 15th September, J.League goes into the final period to play
10 matches in 11 weeks. The final league match is on 1st December.
League favorites Urawa Reds and Gamba Osaka lead the league followed by Kashima and Shimizu.
These weeks include league cup final (Nabisco Cup) and AFC Champions League (ACL) final.
| midweek | weenkend | ||
| 9.15-16 | J1 #25 | ||
| 9.19 | ACL QF1 | 9.22-23 | J1 #26 |
| 9.26 | ACL QF2 | 9.29-30 | J1 #27 |
| 10.3 | ACL SF1 | 10.6 | J1 #28 |
| 10.10 | Nabisco Cup SF1 | 10.13 | Nabisco Cup SF2 |
| 10.17 | A match vs Egypt | 10.20-21 | J1 #29 |
| 10.24 | ACL SF2 | 10.27-28 | J1 #30 |
| 11.3 11.4 | Nabisco Cup Final Emperor's Cup Rd4 | ||
| 11.7 | ACL Final1 | 11.10-11 | J1 #31 |
| 11.14 | ACL Final2 | 11.18 | J1 #32 |
| 11.24 | J1 #33 | ||
| 12.1 | J1 #34 | ||
2007.09.11
Aya Miyama's free kick saved Japan. Women's World Cup 2007
Japan 2. England 2.
Vacant week. No J-League match and the national team goes to Europe. But we have Japan women. Nobody could help being moved by Miyama's 95 minutes goal. (Photo is from her first goal of two.)
(Japan 2-2 England, Japan 1-0 Argentina, Japan 0-2 Germany; left the tournament at 3rd place of the group. - 17 Sep.)
While Japan women celebrate themselves in China, Osim Japan defeat Swiss in
Austria. Report: Japan Defeat Swiss In Seven Goal Thriller
Japan produced an astonishing comeback and substitute Kisho Yano a last minute winner in Austria on Wednesday to defeat Euro 2008 co-hosts Switzerland 4-3.
http://goal.com/en-us/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=411112
2007.08.23
FIFA announced the fixture of Club World Cup Japan 2007
J.League Champions will appear on 7th Dec and AFC Champions will appear on
10th Dec. The final is scheduled on 16th Dec 2007 in Yokohama.
First phase of ticket sales from 1 to 17 September on FIFA.com
(FIFA.com) Thursday 23 August 2007
FIFA announced today that the first phase of ticket sales for the FIFA Club World Cup Japan 2007 presented by TOYOTA will kick off on 1 September exclusively on FIFA.com. Tickets will be available in this initial phase until 17 September. Further information in English and Japanese is available on FIFA.com
http://www.fifa.com/clubworldcup/organisation/media/newsid=578650.html
2007.08.18
Defending Champion Urawa Reds back to the top
Gamaba Osaka, leading the league for four months, draw with the bottom Yokohama FC and let
Reds go ahead.Urawa brought back their spontaneous attack and defeated Kofu by 4-1 in Kokuritsu Stadium Tokyo.
2007.08.15
Showdown! Gamba Osaka 0. Urawa Reds 1
Urawa Reds stopped G-Osaka's home 25 consecutive undefeated match and came one point close to the leader.
|
| photo from today's moring paper |
2007.08.11
Restarting J.League after the Asian cup break
J.League restarted after 40 days break. Gamba Osaka leads the league and Urawa Reds follows.
Chiba, Omiya, Oita, and Yokohama FC should spend sleepless days.
| J.League J1 Table AT SUMMER BREAK | ||||||||
| PT | GP | W | D | L | GD | (GF | GA) | |
| Gamba Osaka | 41 | 18 | 12 | 5 | 1 | 24 | 41 | 17 |
| Urawa Reds | 39 | 18 | 11 | 6 | 1 | 17 | 31 | 14 |
| Albirex Niigata | 32 | 18 | 9 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 30 | 26 |
| Kashima Antlers | 30 | 18 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 8 | 26 | 18 |
| Kawasaki Frontale | 28 | 18 | 7 | 7 | 4 | 9 | 32 | 23 |
| Shimizu S-Pulse | 28 | 18 | 8 | 4 | 6 | 5 | 25 | 20 |
| Jubilo Iwata | 28 | 18 | 9 | 1 | 8 | -1 | 30 | 31 |
| Yokohama F-Marinos | 26 | 18 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 9 | 25 | 16 |
| Kashiwa Reysol | 26 | 18 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 24 | 17 |
| Nagoya Grampus Eight | 23 | 18 | 7 | 2 | 9 | 1 | 23 | 22 |
| Vissel Kobe | 23 | 18 | 6 | 5 | 7 | -1 | 27 | 28 |
| FC Tokyo | 23 | 18 | 7 | 2 | 9 | -7 | 23 | 30 |
| Sanfrecce Hiroshima | 22 | 18 | 6 | 4 | 8 | -10 | 28 | 38 |
| JEF United Ichihara Chiba | 19 | 18 | 5 | 4 | 9 | -6 | 22 | 28 |
| Ventforet Kofu | 18 | 18 | 5 | 3 | 10 | -13 | 22 | 35 |
| Omiya Ardija | 16 | 18 | 3 | 7 | 8 | -9 | 10 | 19 |
| Oita Trinita | 16 | 18 | 4 | 4 | 10 | -15 | 18 | 33 |
| Yokohama FC | 10 | 18 | 3 | 1 | 14 | -22 | 13 | 35 |
2007.07.29
Ivica Osim's lesson's from Asian Cup 2007
Japan lost the semi-final and third place match and
Iraq won (Conglatuations Iraqi!).
Fans are not satisfied with the result, but there is a silence in Japan, there is few discussion of Osim.
I want to understand the current state of Japan, and what Osim wants to do. This is the briefing after the match against Korea.
(Note this is my translation from Japanese text published at J's Goal. http://www.jsgoal.jp/news/00052000/00052067.html).
Osim's Comments
There is a football general rule that
the coach can change menbers after losing the match,
but I tried the opposite way, not changing the players.
I gave a chance to regular players.
There was a policy that I wanted to see again
that my selection of players was good or not.
I requested players to have several roles for
each of them. If they could have better
technique, we could use more speedy players.
This is the result of Asian Cup, but the soccer does not end. The schedule was hard, playing six matches in twenty days. They played well in this situation. We didn't have much stronger opponent than Japan, we could always have initiative.
Q: What Japan should change?
I had mentioned in the previous answers. Today we took a risk to select players. Not only today but throughout this tournament, we defended the center only two stoppers with one of two defensive midfielders and leave playmakers free. The way taking the risk is suitable for Japanese I think. The person who wish to see that kind of match can see the point Japan should change. Korea was much stronger than Saudi Arabia but there was no break down in two stoppers and a midfielder defense. We lost Saudi Arabia match buth this was the reason why I gave another chance for them. They could take a chance? There is no third chance. "The same chance won't come again" is the Sarajevo adage.
If you are interested in, please refer the video of the days of Japan winning the Asian Cups. Compare in the detail. Which Japan was better? Not the result of win or lose, see the content of the match. I respect previous coaches, Troussier And Zico, but which team was better. There can be defferent opinion, but I have my opinion. Today was, .. this may inviting frowns but, "Dropping trou twice and brought out what we should not shaw twice".
JAPAN: Kawaguchi, Kaji, Abe, Nakazawa, Komano, K. Nakamura (Hanyu), Suzuki, S. Nakamura, Endo, Yamagishi (Sato), Takahara (Yano)
2007.07.28
Japan couldn't won 3rd place of Asian Cup in Indonesia
2007.07.25
Japan 2. Aaudi Arabia 3. Asian Cup Semi-Final
2007.07.21
Japan beat Australia on penalty shootout
Japan 1 - 1 (0 - 0 HT) 4 PK 3 Australia in HonoiJapan controled almost all though the match to show their advantage in Asia. Takahara's goal soon after allowing Aussie the score illustrated his tallent, but Japan played with planned action and did what Osim wished to do.
2007.07.17
Manchester United in Urawa. 2 - 2
Although the match was the introduction of Manchester United new
season, the team and players are better prepared compared with
Europe clubs visited Japan to prepare the new season.
Japanese fans thanked United's serious effort.The audience in Saitama Stadium was sold out 58,000 shaw the popularity of United, as Bayern Muchen of the same situation sold only 30,000 tickets last year. (see last year record in datacenter.)
Fans enjoyed Ronald's technique and Rooney's persistence to the ball, but it was amazing that ALL players are very fast in speed especially for the retreat (I finally understood the reason Sir Alex let Beckham go).
Uchidate's swerved shot was surprizing even for local supporters. As four most important defence player were absent for Urawa, their system hold the United's offence in the first half and I was happy for that.
United: Van der Sar, Brown, Ferdinand (Evans, 45), Vidic (Simpson, 45), Evra (Silvestre, 45), Ronaldo, Fletcher, Carrick (O'Shea, 69), Giggs (Smith, 69), Scholes, Rooney Subs: Kuszczak, Heaton, Bardsley
Match up C.Ronald with Yamada was one of the best scene of the match
2007.07.16
Asian Cup 2007: Japan cleared the first round. Asian Cup 2007
Congratulations, Vietnam for the 2nd place to go to 2nd round.
Next match Japan vs Australia on 21st Saturday.
Asian Cup 2007 Results
http://www.afcasiancup.com/en/
'Don't ask me about rabbits!' snaps riddler Osim
By Alastair Himmer
HANOI, July 15 (Reuters) - Japan coach Ivica Osim's grumpiness at the Asian Cup reached bizarre new levels on Sunday when he snapped at reporters: "Stop asking me about rabbits!"
The Bosnian's long-running game of cat and mouse with the media continued unabated on the eve of Japan's final Group B game against co-hosts Vietnam.
Even the simplest of questions were shot down in flames by an irritated Osim, whose attempts to bring a swift end to his news conferences are becoming increasingly peculiar.
"We have a proverb in my country that says it is pointless looking for unborn rabbits in the forest," he shrugged when asked about Monday's game in Hanoi.
"I'm not in the speculation business. We could lose. There are several mathematic equations involved. You have calculators -- you work it out!"
Japan, bidding for a third straight Asian Cup, lead Vietnam on goal difference in Group B with both teams on four points from two games.
Qatar, who play United Arab Emirates in Ho Chi Minh, have drawn both their matches while UAE are already out after losing to both Vietnam and Japan.
"I don't care about what happens in the other game," Osim snapped. "It will be hot. Vietnam are the home team. We will try to win. But we could lose. It's not rocket science!"
HUGE SHOCK
A Vietnam victory would be arguably the biggest shock in Asian Cup history and even Osim's opposite number Alfred Riedl has virtually written off his team's chances.
But Osim, who blasted his team as "amateurs" in a furious outburst following their opening 1-1 draw with Qatar, was in no mood for counting chickens.
"It's an historic game for Vietnam," said the 66-year-old. "Football can be a strange game and I'm not going to give them any more motivation by saying we will win."
Things too another odd twist when he answered a routine inquiry about whether all his players were fit by calling out: "Is there a doctor in the house? That's not my job!"
Osim ended with another riddle while Japanese Football Association (JFA) officials shifted nervously from side to side.
"I would be upset if nobody asked me what I would do if we lose tomorrow," he said. When one brave soul took the bait and asked the question, Osim sighed: "Don't ask me! Ask the JFA!"
http://football.guardian.co.uk/breakingnews/feedstory/0,,-6780641,00.html
2007.07.09
Asian Cup 2007: Japan 1. - Qatar 1.
Though Takahara scored and Japan keeps their game, dogged Qatar took Japanese three points away.
Ivica Osim was so frustrated with the result. As Australia draws, this cup may be difficult for every team.
2007.06.30
Japan Squad for Asian Cup 2007
Iwata vs Urawa in Ecopa Stadium
JFA annouced 23 men for Asian Cup 2007 in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam. The final will be on 29th July in Jakarta.
AFC ASIAN CUP 2007 official http://www.afcasiancup.com/en/
| AFC Asian Cup 2007 Group B | |||||||||||||
| 2007.07.09 | Mon | 17:20 | Japan | vs | Qatar | My Dinh Ntl Std (Hanoi) | |||||||
| 2007.07.13 | Fri | 20:35 | UAE | vs | Japan | My Dinh Ntl Std (Hanoi) | |||||||
| 2007.07.16 | Mon | 17:20 | Vietnam | vs | Japan | My Dinh Ntl Std (Hanoi) | |||||||
GK:
1.KAWAGUCHI Yoshikatsu, Jubilo Iwata (100)
18.NARAZAKI Seigo, Nagoya Grampus-Eight (51)
23.Kawashima Eiji, Kawasaki Frontale (0)
DF:
22.NAKAZAWA Yuji, Yokohama F-Marinos (56/10)
5.TSUBOI Keisuke, Urawa Reds (40/0)
21.KAJI Akira, Gamba Osaka (50/1)
3.KOMANO Yuichi, Sanfrecce Hiroshima (18/0)
MF:
10.NAKAMURA Shunsuke, Celtic (65/16)
24.HASHIMOTO Hideo, Gamba Osaka (1/0)
8.HANYU Naotake, Jef-United Ichihara Chiba (7/0)
7.ENDO Yasuhito, Gamba Osaka (47/3)
14.NAKAMURA Kengo, Kawasaki Frontale (6/1)
13.SUZUKI Keita, Urawa Reds (10/0)
6.ABE Yuki, Urawa Reds (16/1)
2.KONNO Yasuyuki, FC Tokyo (8/0)
9.YAMAGISHI Satoru, Jef-United Ichihara Chiba (4/0)
28.OTA Yoshiaki, Jubilo Iwata (0/0)
15.MIZUNO Koki, Jef-United Ichihara Chiba (2/0)
FW:
19.TAKAHARA Naohiro, Eintracht Frankfurt, (47/19)
25.BANDO Ryuji, Gamba Osaka (3/2)
12.MAKI Seiichiro, Jef-United Ichihara Chiba (20/4)
11.SATO Hisato, Sanfrecce Hiroshima (13/3)
20.YANO Kisho, Albirex Niigata (2/0)
Coach:
Ivica Osim
# No. Name, Club (caps/goals)
2007.06.23
Early Summer Match
Nihondaira Stadium, Shimizu (Shizuoka)
2007.06.17
Sunny Sunday afternoon
Ajinomoto Stadium, Tokyo
Ajinomoto is a name of the famous Japanese food seasoning. The purchase of the right from Tokyo Stadium in 2003 made the method "naming rights" famous in Japan.
2007.06.05
Draw with Columbia, Kirin Cup Frindly Results
Japanese dynamism in the second half of todays match is worth seeing.| 2007.06.01 | Japan | vs | Montenegro | 2 | - | 0 | |
| 2007.06.03 | Montenegro | vs | Colombia | 0 | - | 1 | |
| 2007.06.05 | Japan | vs | Colombia | 0 | - | 0 |
| Kirin Cup 2007 | ||||||||
| PT | GP | W | D | L | GD | (GF | GA) | |
| Japan | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Colombia | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Montenegro | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | -3 | 0 | 3 |
2007.05.23
Urawa Reds and Kawasaki Frontale; quarterfinalists of AFC Champions League
Quarterfinalsts are: Al Wahda (UAE),
Al Hilal (KSA),
Al Karama (SYR),
Sepahan (IRN),
Urawa Reds (JPN),
Kawasaki Frontale (JPN),
Seongnam Chunma (KOR), and
Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (KOR)
Point seals Reds' passage to quarters
May 23, 2007 PA Sport
SAITAMA Urawa Reds picked up the point they needed to progress to the quarter-finals of the AFC Champions League when they held Sydney FC to a scoreless draw at Saitama Stadium.
http://www.afcchampionsleague.com/en/tournament/matchdtl.asp?cid=1384&mtid=12108
2007.05.21
Urawa vs Sydney. ACL Group E final matchday
"Go to the Saitama Stadium on Wednesday!",
Supporters handbill at Urawa station.
Sydney Ready To Upset Urawa
Australian FourFourTwo
Aidan Ormond
May 21 2007 13:25
Sydney FC are quietly confident ahead of their crunch ACL Champions League match against J-League power Urawa Red Diamonds.
"Weve won the majority of games weve played in Asia ," FC striker David Zdrilic tells au.fourfourtwo.com. "And we showed we can match Urawa on our own patch where we were unlucky not to win.
"We definitely respect them and theyll have a huge following but at the same time were capable of scoring and providing an upset like we did against Shanghai on match day one."
Skipper Mark Rudan added that "there was no pressure on Sydney all the pressure is on Urawa ."
Fuelling the optimism were the unconfirmed reports that Reds key man Washington and Robson Ponte have expressed private doubts about coach Holger Osiecks tactical ability.
Washington was subbed off in the sides recent 0-0 draw with Shanghai Shenhua and reportedly threw a tantrum after he left the pitch.
Midfielder Noel Spencer told au.fourfourtwo.com that Sydney have a mental edge going in. "Sometimes if you know you don't have to win a game, you do take your foot off the pedal a bit. We've got to throw everything at them but it's a tricky situation for them. The boys are well prepared."
The weather in Saitama looks to be perfect for football with temps in the lower 20s this week.
http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/52487,sydney-fc-ready-to-upset-urawa.aspx
2007.05.20
Soccer Lottery "toto" Fever
Seven persons won the first prize of "toto Big" that they will receive 563 million JPY (4.64 M US$).
"toto", the lottery for J.League has been introduced in 2001, failed to get the major attention that the annual sales went down to 13 billion JPY in 2006 and the survival of the sale is discussed. But there has been no first prize since last Novemer, the bet has been carried over again and again. After the TV broadcast of the chance, the boom has been started and caused the system stop of the sales computers. They bet nearly half of 2006 annnual sales only in this one week. "toto Big" is the random sales system that computer randomly select the home-win/away-win/draw that it was easy for the non soccer family and brought this weeks big sale.
I bought seven tickets, the result is ...
2007.05.13
Thrilling. Urawa Reds 1. Gamba Osaka 1.; the match up of the two J.League top team.
League leader G-Osaka rushed to Urawa's goal in the first half. Gamba's attack and combination of midfielder was so hard, one of the complete performance in J.League match, that they almost have finished the match. But Urawa recovered in the second half, they had running and aggression advantage to Gamba pushed by full-house supporters.
"Just couldn't finish" Gamba or "Didn't lose" Urawa. Two clubs keep leading the league again.
2007.05.10
AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: Frontale advance in emphatic style
AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: Frontale advance in emphatic styleFrom 2002-03 the Asian Champions Cup and Asian Cup Winners Cup were merged into one competition and was rebranded the AFC Champions League. In Chamions Cup days, J.League clubs made success (e.g. Jubilo Iwata continued to be the finalist for the 3rd consecutive year from 1999 to 2001).
05/10/2007 Asahi.com
KAWASAKI--Kawasaki Frontale became the first Japanese team to reach the knockout round of the AFC Champions League when they cantered to a 3-0 win over Indonesia's Arema Malang at Todoroki Stadium on Wednesday.
http://www.asahi.com/english/Herald-asahi/TKY200705100048.html
2007.05.08
Crunch time in AFC Champions League
KUALA LUMPUR (AFP) - The AFC Champions League enters a crunch phase on Wednesday with quarter-final slots at stake as Asia's premier club competition hots up.Arema Malang came to Japan with only 12 players on Monday, Japanese media reported.J-League stalwarts Kawasaki Frontale can also make the knockouts with a win over Indonesian minnows Arema Malang in their penultimate match, but the rest of the groups are finely poised.
With Shanghai Shenhua out of contention in Group E, the fight for the single qualifying spot is between J-League champions Urawa Reds (eight points), Sydney FC (seven), and surprise Indonesian package Persik Kediri (six). Persik have home advantage against Urawa while Sydney FC, who must win, will be boosted by an expected sell-out crowd when they pit their wits against Shenhua who have only pride to play for. The group matches wind up on May 23 when the competition pauses for the Asian Cup finals.
http://asia.news.yahoo.com/20070507/afp/20070507071341spo.html
2007.04.26
The red-shirted Urawa supporters mingled freely with their Shanghainese hosts on the Pudong streets after the match
April 26, 2007As it is said there are some anti-Japanese feeling and there was a chinese riot at the final of Asia Cup 2004 in Shanghai, some Urawa supporters expected embattled situation, but the match was hold friendly. Shanghai Shenhua supporters are not organized (due to the marger of two clubs ?), they are respectful toward Urawa that some net media said they tried to exchange yells.
shanghaiist
Urawa Reds Supporters in Shanghai
Indeed, the most notable aspect of the afternoon was the relatively large number over 1,000 of Urawa Reds supporters who made the trip over the East China sea. Just watch this impressive clip. This figure is far bigger than the number of travelling fans normally seen at Chinese league games. It's only fair to point out though the economic advantages Japanese have when travelling to China. It was also clear that the Japanese consulate's warnings to the Urawa fans not to fly the Japanese flag or wear club colours had fallen on deaf ears. There wasn't any sign of trouble however and the red-shirted Urawa supporters mingled freely with their Shanghainese hosts on the Pudong streets after the match.
http://www.shanghaiist.com/archives/2007/04/26/early_afc_champ.php
Urawa supporters delivered a culture to division 2 supporters in Japan when they played in J2 league in 2000, what will happen in Asia?
2007.04.25
Nakamura's late 'special' clinches title for Celtic
Japanese unique football paper "El Grazo" celebrates Nakamura
Kilmarnock 1 - 2 Celtic
Monday, April 23, 2007
By Nick Harris
At last. At long, long last. After a case of the collywobbles that were starting to look like a choke, Celtic finally claimed the second consecutive title of Gordon Strachan's reign yesterday, and in appropriately dramatic fashion.
... more
2007.04.22
Kawasaki Frontale snap Reds' home streak
22 Apr 2007 Daily YomiuriOne of the most impressive streaks in J.League history came to an end on Saturday afternoon. Kawasaki Frontale snapped Urawa Reds' 25-game, league winning streak at home, beating the champions 2-1 for their first-ever league victory over the Saitama club. ... more
2007.04.15
Urawa back on top in Japan
Promoted Kashiwa got off to a good start with the exciting atmosphere
of Kashiwa Stadium. This match was home game for Kashiwa but held
on a neutral ground at National Stadium Tokyo. The club acquired
triple attendance today, but...
Urawa back on top in Japan ... more
2007.04.11
Persik Kediri upset Sydney FC 2-1, ACL Group E
Urawa Reds and Kawasaki Frontale are on the top of the group
of AFC Champions League group stage.
11 Apr 2007. theage.com.au http://www.theage.com.au/sport/soccer/
Officials face a tough task coping with the heavy rain that forced the
postponement of last night's clash between Sydney FC and Persik Kediri
... more
2007.04.02
Will the J.League champion play in FIFA Club World Cup 2007?
FIFA press release from FIFA Executive Committee decisions23 Mar. 2007
Although the format for the six-match final tournament of this year's FIFA Club World Cup in Japan will be no different from in 2006, the executive agreed to introduce a qualifying play-off between the ... more
2007.04.01
Sakura (cherry blossoms) blooms in National Stadium Tokyo.
2007.03.26
Osim eager to cool hype around Celtic's Nakamura
Osim eager to cool hype around Celtic's Nakamura tribalfooball.com - March 26, 2007
It was the first time that the Bosnian had selected the Celtic star since taking over the reins last summer. "I called up Nakamura knowing what he can and cannot do," Osim told the Daily Yomiuri. "He is no marathon runner but he does run more than he used to. As everyone knows, he is a player full of creativity. But he is human, and he does tire. And when you tire, it becomes difficult to be creative. ... more
2007.03.23
Urawa Reds Supporters made anther story to the Asian Football
The night Urawa power lit up Aussie Stadium
Michael Cockerill March 23, 2007, Sunday Morning Herald au
It was the fans. Or more specifically, the 2000-odd supporters who had
followed Urawa Red Diamonds from Japan. The "away" end at Aussie
Stadium is usually deserted. This time it was crowded with singing,
... more
2007.03.18
G-Osaka and Nagoya 3 straight wins
18 Mar 2007. The Japan TimesJEF, Antlers battle to draw
Amar Osim and Oswaldo Oliveira can breathe a little easier -- for now at least. The coaches each collected their first point of the new J. League campaign after JEF United Chiba and Kashima Antlers drew 3-3 in a ... more
2007.03.15
England's league would be better off not doing Shootout method
Bloomberg.com UK
Soccer Clubs, Fans Oppose Plan to End Tied Games With ShootoutThe league, comprising the three divisions below the elite Premiership, is considering a plan in which the team that scores the more spot kicks gets two points. The loser will still have one ... more
2007.03.11
J.League Chairman Onitake Interview
The Japan Times
Q: Former Urawa Reds boss Guido Buchwald said the J. League is the
fifth-best league in the world in terms of quality and competitiveness
(after England, Spain, Italy and Germany). What do you make of this?
A: First of all, I want to know which is No. 6 six or No. 7! We are glad
... more
2007.03.10
Yokohama FC won the New Yokohama Derby
Yokohama FC 1. Yokohama F-Marinos 0.Promoted Yokohama FC won their their first J1 victory from Marinos. Yokohama FC was formed by supporters in 1999 after the merger of Yokohama Flugels into rival team Marinos. The match was exciting that Yokohama FC eleven and the stadium work together to defence their goal. ... more
2007.03.07
Magnum fires Kawasaki to victory
Malang 1. Kawasaki-F 3. AFC Champions League.
AFC
articleThe Brazilian opened the scoring for the visitors after 55 seconds and restored Kawasakis lead in the second half after Elie Aiboy had headed ... more
2007.03.03
Reds bounce back Nagai's late strike gives Urawa victory over Yokohama in league opener
Urawa 2. Yokohama-FC 1.3 March, 2007.Daily Yomiuri article
That was the story, of course, until Kubo decided to rewrite the scenario in the final minute of the half with a magnificent strike, a goal that will surely be one of the best of the year. ... more
2007.02.26
Golden oldie "Kazu" Miura turns platinum
"I'm not a veteran anymore, You pass that mark around 35. From now
I'll be known as a platinum player." Told Kazu on his 40th birthday to reporters.
He will return to J1 match after one and half year absence with Yokohama-FC.
2007.02.24
Price of success could be Super Cup failure for Urawa
23 April, 2007. The Japan Times
The J. League hasn't even started yet and the Urawa Reds players are
already in need of a vacation.
The defending champions face Gamba Osaka in the Xerox Super Cup -- the
league's traditional curtain-raiser -- on Saturday and the Reds
... more
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