World Cup Soccer News - japan

Morocco to host Club World Cup

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 17:51:40 +0000

Morocco will host both the 2013 and 2014 FIFA Club World Cups . Iran, South Africa and the U.A.E. all withdrew their bids, leaving FIFA to bring the competition to Africa for the first time. The hosting is set to be rubber-stamped in Zurich in December. The North African nation has a strong soccer tradition, and the national team memorably became the first African nation to win a group in the World Cup Finals, topping England, Portugal and Poland at Mexico '86, before losing to a late Lothar Matthaus goal from eventual finalists West Germany in the next round. Morocco will also host the 2015 African Cup of Nations , whose centerpiece will be the new 80,000-seat Grand Stade de Casablanca . Their current national team boasts QPR's mercurial midfielder Adel Taraabt and Arsenal striker Marouane Ch amakh. The 2011 edition of the Club World Cup, featuring Barcelona (Spain), Santos (Brazil), Monterrey (Mexico), Auckland City (New Zealand), a representative from Asia and one from Africa, as well as Japan's A-League champions, takes place in the land of the rising sun between the 8th and 18th of December this year, with the final in Yokohama. European clubs have won the cup the past four years (Milan, Manchester United, Barcelona and Inter), following three consecutive Brazilian triumphs from 2005 to 2007 (Corinthians, Sao Paolo and Internacional). Next year's tournament will also take place in Japan. (c) Sean O'Conor & Soccerphile Tags World Cup Pens World Cup Posters Euro 2012 football

Today in Football

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 13:42:05 +0000

*Shinji Kagawa hit a brace and Keisuke Honda added another as Japan downed South Korea 3-0 in Sapporo. Players wore black armbands in honour of former Japanese international Naoki Matsuda, who died a week ago, and observed a minute's silence. * Tottenham 's home match with Everton on Saturday has been postponed as the clean-up continues following the riots in London. The north London area was the epicentre of the violence which spread to other English cities and forced an emergency debate today in the House of Commons. * Cesc Fabregas' move to Barcelona looks set to be finalised by the weekend. Arsenal are also negotiating to transfer Samir Nasri to Manchester City, leaving the Gunners three weeks to replace their best two players before the transfer deadline. *Jack Warner ally Lisle Austin has been banned from football for a year by FIFA. The CONCACAF official was involved in the crazy in-fighting in May after Chuck Blazer shopped Warner and Mohamed Bin-Hammam for bribery. Austin 'fired' Blazer without authority, leaving CONCACAF to issue a press statement contradicting its acting president, who was subsequently dismissed. When Austin went to the Bahamian court to get his job back, FIFA isolated him. *The FIFA U-20 World Cup in Colombia has reached the quarter-final stage. Cameroon, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Egypt, England, Guatemala, Saudi Arabia and South Korea fell by the wayside in the second round. QF lineup: Brazil v Spain, Mexico v Colombia, France v Nigeria, Portugal v Argentina * Jurgen Klinsmann 's first game in charge of the USA ended in a 1-1 draw with Mexico in front of 30,000 in Philadelphia, World Champions Spain lost 2-1 to Italy in Bari and Germany beat Brazil 3-2 in Stuttgart. *UEFA EURO 2012 qualifier - Northern Ireland 4:0 Faroe Islands *International Friendlies (selected results) - Italy 2:1 Spain Germany 3:2 Brazil Japan 3:0 South Korea USA 1:1 Mexico France 1:1 Chile Ivory Coast 4:3 Israel Norway 3:0 Czech Republic Portugal 5:0 Luxembourg Russia 1:0 Serbia Wales 1:2 Australia Turkey 3:0 Estonia Scotland 2:1 Denmark Austria 1:2 Slovakia Albania 3:2 Montenegro Tunisia 4:2 Mali Belarus 1:0 Bulgaria Liechtenstein 1:2 Switzerland Poland 1:0 Georgia Ukraine 0:1 Sweden Eire 0:0 Croatia Honduras 2:0 Venezuela Costa Rica 0:2 Ecuador Senegal 0:2 Morocco South Africa 3:0 Burkina Faso China 1:0 Jamaica (c) Sean O'Conor & Soccerphile Tags World Cup Pens World Cup Posters Euro 2012 football

All-Nippon glory in Germany

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 01:05:24 +0000

FIFA WOMEN'S WORLD CUP FINAL 2011 JAPAN 2:2 USA aet; 1-1 at 90mins, Japan won 3-1 on penalties. Morgan 69', Miyama 81', Wambach 104', Sawa 117' Frankfurt 48,817 Japan's first football World Cup . An action-packed final and a great advert for the women's game. An even bigger night for Asian soccer and the Japanese women's team - the Nadeshiko are the new world champions, the first ever Asians in the men's or women's game to win the biggest prize. What a narrative the final contest took. The USA looked like running away with it from the off. They almost scored in the first 30 seconds and for about a quarter of an hour Japan looked like nervous minnows who did not know what they were doing in a World Cup Final. Faster, higher, stronger, the Olympic motto, could have been applied to Pia Sundhage 's team. Using their physical superiority the Americans had Japan on the ropes and it only seemed a matter of time before the floodgates would open for a torrent of goals. Lord knows they tried to score, but Abby Wambach 's thunderous shot against the underside of the crossbar just short of the half-hour was the closest the US came to breaking the deadlock. The Japanese must have been glad to see half-time. Even at 0-0 the Americans seemed well in control and needing only to carry on plugging away until luck would shine on them in front of goal. In the pacy winger Heather O'Reilly, the mountainous custodian Hope Solo and the imperious No.9 Wambach, the US possessed three players the Japanese could not deal with adequately. The US had dominated in shots and possession and had pressed the Japanese so effectively the blue shirts were hitting hopeful long balls from the middle, if they were lucky enough to get past halfway. America began the second half where they had left off, unimpeachable at the back and powering up the wings to cross for their big centre-forward to cause havoc; an effective if inelegant approach betraying US Soccer's Anglo-Saxon roots and the athleticism of its domestic sports culture. Their first goal was a route one special and their second a simple cross and power-header. Japan were different, playing short and quick passes to feet. Even in the midst of an onslaught and in the tightest of spaces, they would try to tiki-taka their way out of trouble. Sundhage did not lose her Scandinavian cool but equally showed her joy or frustration at times on the touchline. Nadeshiko coach Norio Sasaki was in contrast unflappable throughout, never giving an inch to shows of emotion throughout the two-hour rollercoaster. What a sound constitution he must have. Sasaki's cool strategy won out in the end, and his inner zen was shared by h is players, who maintained their patient build-up from the back despite twice falling behind. By contrast, the Americans, who had taken a deserved lead through Alex Morgan 's unerring missile in the 69th minute, panicked into conceding in the 81st minute in a defensive cock-up which allowed Aya Miyama to stab home. Japan were level again in more ways than one, more comfortable in finding space and letting their natural passing game unfurl itself once more with the physical fright of the first half fading away. Growing in confidence with each passing minute, the Japanese ensured the US knew they were not willing to cave in. And so to extra-time and the US started again the brighter. Morgan pulled a chance wide before crossing in the 104th minute for Wambach to thump home a header, her 50th headed goal. The US had been ropy in not winning it in the 90 but now they had another chance to seal the Cup. But Japan kept knocking at the door, refusing to budge psychologically from their victory mission. Yukari Kinga almost chipped in an equaliser before midfielder Homare Sawa popped up again when it mattered to flick a Miyama corner cleverly past Solo with the back of her boot. It was three minutes before the end of regulation extra-time. With seconds left a red card for Azusa Iwashimizu who scythed down a raiding Morgan on the edge of the box, but the resulting free-kick failed to find the target. Relentless to the last, the Japanese had withstood the early storm and twice pegged back the apparently superior Americans. When the US missed their first three penalty kicks against Japan's diminutive keeper Ayumi Kaihori it was clear who had finished the match psychologically in the ascendant. Saki Kumagai rifled the winning kick into the top corner and the World Cup was Japan's. Sawa won the tournament's golden boot with five goals and was also crowned Player of the Tournament. The Nadeshiko earned their tournament the hard way, first pipping China to qualify, then beating the much-fancied hosts in Wolfsburg and brushing aside Sweden 3-1 in the semi-final before fighting the USA to the wire and eventually beating them for the first time in 25 attempts. "Not one of the players gave up," said Sasaki quite honestly. Gambare Nippon? You certainly did. (c) Sean O'Conor & Soccerphile World Cup Pens World Cup Posters Euro 2012 football

US & Japan reach women's final

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 00:33:29 +0000

FIFA Women's World Cup 2011 Semi-finals JAPAN 3:1 SWEDEN Frankfurt 45,434 USA 3:1 FRANCE Moenchengladbach, 25,676 Japanese football continues its rise as its women's team reached their first ever World Cup Final today. Having dispatched the hosts Germany in the quarter-final, the Nadeshiko swept Sweden aside with aplomb, coming from behind to win by three goals to one . Nahomi Kawasumi's clincher was an exquisite lob from over 30 yards to seal a memorable victory. Sweden's opener on ten minutes was a victory for power and pace but the Japanese passing game triumphed in the end with 14 shots to four and 60% of possession. Waiting to spoil the Japanese party in the final however are the traditional giant of the USA, who beat France by the same score today in their semi-final. In an exciting tussle in Moenchengladbach, the French outshot the Americans 25 to 11 but failed to convert their possession play into goals and succumbed to two strikes in four minutes late in the game. Once again Abby Wambach's aerial prowess proved key, heading the crucial second in the 79th minute to leave France desperately chasing the game. Sunday's final should prove a fascinating clash of styles with the American power game facing the close-passing orientals. A Japanese victory would prove truly historic, and probably be cheered by the purists. But the experienced Americans must start as favourites and will be keen to add the World Cup to their Beijing Olympic crown. - Sean O'Conor & Soccerphile FINAL: USA v Japan Sunday 1945h GMT Frankfurt Tags World Cup Pens World Cup Posters Euro 2012 football

Copa America 2011 set to kick-off

Fri, 01 Jul 2011 01:35:52 +0000

La Plata is the venue for Argentina v Bolivia today, the opening game of 2011's South American Championship - the Copa America. The 24-team tournament culminates in the final at River Plate's Monumental Stadium (pic) - the scene of riots on Sunday when the club was relegated for the first time in its 110-year history. The ten South American nations are joined by guests Costa Rica and Mexico. El Tri are fresh from winning the Gold Cup last week but are bringing a domestically-based squad instead, with the exception of Giovani Dos Santos, scorer of the winner against the USA in the Rose Bowl. The hosts, now led by Sergio Battista following Diego Maradona's exit, have an overwhelmingly foreign-based squad, with only goalkeeper Juan Pablo Carrizo playing his club football in Argentina. Group A: Argentina , Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica Group B: Brazil , Paraguay , Ecuador, Venezuela Group C: Uruguay , Chile , Peru, Mexico Teams in blue qualified for the 2010 World Cup Finals Brazil have won the previous two Copa Americas, defeating Argentina in the final both times. The following edition is set to be held in Brazil in 2015, a year after the World Cup Finals. *A record total of 209 million Japanese viewers tuned in to January's Asian Cup , 43% of the total viewing figures, according to the Asian Football Confederation. More than 80 countries worldwide transmitted pictures of the tournament, which was won by Japan. The most-watched match was the Japan v South Korea semi-final, which drew 63 million TV spectators, followed by 54.4 million for the Japan v Australia final. * FIFA Women's World Cup results: Group Stage Germany 1:0 Nigeria France 4:0 Canada USA 2:0 North Korea Sweden 1:0 Colombia Today: Japan v Mexico, England v New Zealand *FIFA U-17 World Cup, Mexico Quarter-Final lineup Sun 3rd July - Uruguay v Uzbekistan, Japan v Brazil Mon 4th July - England v Germany, France v Mexico - Sean O'Conor & Soccerphile Tags World Cup Pens World Cup Posters Euro 2012 football

Japan backs out once more

Sat, 21 May 2011 21:45:35 +0000

Japan have withdrawn again from July's Copa America once again. The JFA initially pulled out when March's earthquake and tsunami forced the J-League to reschedule during the Copa America, but re-entered the competition following discussions with CONMEBOL, who were still keen for Japan to take part. Now Chief Executive Junji Ogura has confirmed there will be no Japanese presence in Argentina after both J-League and European clubs signalled their reluctance to release players. The stumbling block for the 15 European clubs holding Japanese players was the early start of their league season, because of Euro 2012. JFA Technical Director Hiromi Hara flew to Europe for discussions with almost a dozen clubs but came back empty-handed as clubs had complained the Copa America was essentially only a friendly tournament for Japan. The JFA opted not to send a B team to the tournament, as the USA had done in 2007, where it lost all its matches. Costa Rica are expected to be confirmed as Japan's replacement. -Sean O'Conor & Soccerphile Tags World Cup Pens World Cup Posters Euro 2012 football

J. League picks up the pieces after quake

Sat, 23 Apr 2011 03:36:02 +0000

Five weeks after a devastating earthquake and subsequent tsunami caused widespread destruction in Japan's northern Miyagi Prefecture, the J. League finally resumes with five Round 7 games taking place on April 23. Foremost among them is the clash between Kawasaki Frontale and Vegalta Sendai, with Sendai the city closest to the epicentre of the earth-shattering quake which struck on March 11. Sunday's big clash sees Urawa Reds host defending champions Nagoya Grampus, with all matches taking place in the afternoon as the J. League does its part to conserve energy. Rounds 2 to 6 will be completed at a later date. Round 7 fixtures: April 23 Kashima Antlers vs Yokohama F. Marinos (National Stadium) Omiya Ardija vs Kashiwa Reysol (Nack5 Stadium) Kawasaki Frontale vs Vegalta Sendai (Todoroki Stadium) Ventforet Kofu vs Vissel Kobe (Yamanashibank Stadium) Shimizu S-Pulse vs Avispa Fukuoka (Outsourcing Nihondaira Stadium) April 24 Montedio Yamagata vs Cerezo Osaka (ND Soft Stadium) Albirex Niigata vs Jubilo Iwata (Tohoku Den Stadium) Sanfrecce Hiroshima vs Gamba Osaka (Hiroshima Big Arch) Urawa Reds vs Nagoya Grampus (Saitama Stadium) Copyright © Mike Tuckerman & Soccerphile.com J.League News Tags World Cup Pens World Cup Posters Euro 2012 football

Japan joins Copa after u-turn

Sun, 17 Apr 2011 23:26:03 +0000

Japan will enter the Copa America as a guest in July after all. Vice-President Kohzo Tashima has confirmed the JFA will send a team of pr edominantly Europe-based players to the tournament, which takes place in Argentina between the 1st and 24th of July. "By playing in the tournament," said Tashima, "we can show the rest of the world how the country of Japan is fighting. If we don’t take part in the tournament, it could present a negative impression." J-League fixtures postponed because of March's earthquake and tsunami have been r esc heduled for the same period, which initially caused the JFA to withdraw. But promises of financial aid from CONMEBOL forced a re-think. The Asian Cup holders will face Colombia and Bolivia before a clash with the hosts in Cordoba . The top two in three groups plus the two best-placed third-place teams will qualify for the quarter-finals. Group B 1st Round 02/07/11, Jujuy: Colombia v Japan 07/07/11, Jujuy: Bolivia v Japan 11/07/11, Cordoba: Argentina v Japan -Sean O'Conor & Soccerphile Tags World Cup Pens World Cup Posters Euro 2012 football Tags World Cup Pens World Cup Posters Euro 2012 football

Ogura ponders South American mission

Fri, 08 Apr 2011 22:43:19 +0000

CONMEBOL have asked the JFA to think again after Japan withdrew from this summer's Copa America. JFA President Junji Ogura told former FIFA Executive Co mmittee colleagues Julio Grondona & Nicolas Leoz in Buenos Aires this week that Japan had no plans to travel to Argentina following the turmoil caused to the J-League after March's devastating earthquake and tsunami. As it stands, the J-League is due to fulfill its postponed fixtures in July at the same time as the Copa America, creating a club v country headache. Spain were hastily offered Japan's place but the JFA have now been given until Friday the 15th of April to decide whether to participate after all. CONMEBOL are understood to have tempted the JFA with a profit share to help disaster relief efforts in Japan. In addition to the ten South American nations, Mexico once more make up the numbers in the twelve-team competition, which concludes on the 24th of July with the final in Buenos Aires' Estadio Monumental, home of River Plate. Copa America 2011 - 1st - 24th July, Argentina FIFA World Rankings in brackets Group A Argentina (4) Colombia (50) Bolivia (97) Japan (15)/ Spain (1) Group B Brazil (5) Paraguay (24) Ecuador (49) Venezuela (63) Group C Uruguay (7) Chile (14) Peru (59) Mexico (27) (c) Sean O'Conor & Soccerphile; photo by Iman Simon. Tags World Cup Pens World Cup Posters Euro 2012 football

Ready for kick-off in the 2011 J. League

Thu, 03 Mar 2011 04:10:47 +0000

The 2011 J. League kicks off on March 5, and it looks set to be another bumper season . A handful of marquee match-ups dominate the opening day, including the Osaka derby between Gamba and Cerezo and a regional showdown between promoted Ventforet Kofu and Jubilo Iwata. Defending champions Nagoya Grampus kick off their campaign with a tricky home fixture against Yokohama F. Marinos at Toyota Stadium, while promoted Kashiwa Reysol host Shimizu S-Pulse in a Saturday night slugfest that has been sold out for weeks. Sunday's games see Vissel Kobe take on Urawa Reds just months after Vissel salvaged their top flight status with an astonishing 4-0 final-day victory over the Reds, while heavyweights Kashima Antlers welcome Omiya Ardija to Kashima Stadium. Round 1 fixtures : March 5 Ventforet Kofu vs Jubilo Iwata (Yamanashibank Stadium) Nagoya Grampus vs Yokohama F. Marinos (Toyota Stadium) Gamba Osaka vs Cerezo Osaka (Expo '70 Stadium) Sanfrecce Hiroshima vs Vegalta Sendai (Big Arch Stadium) Avispa Fukuoka vs Albirex Niigata (Level-5 Stadium) Kawasaki Frontale vs Montedio Yamagata (Todoroki Stadium) Kashiwa Reysol vs Shimizu S-Pulse (Kashiwa Hitachi Stadium) March 6 Vissel Kobe vs Urawa Reds (HOME'S Stadium) Kashima Antlers vs Omiya Ardija (Kashima Stadium) Copyright © Mike Tuckerman & Soccerphile.com Tags World Cup Pens World Cup Posters Euro 2012 football

Japan on track for fourth Asian Cup title

Sat, 29 Jan 2011 01:57:13 +0000

They've scrapped, they've scraped and they've even overcome a penalty shoot-out: it seems like nothing can stop Japan in their quest for a fourth Asian Cup title. Japan conceded a soft equaliser just seconds away from an extra-time win over arch-rivals South Korea in their semi-final, only for goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima to stand tall as he saved the Taeguk Warriors' first two penalties in a one-sided shoot-out victory. Now Australia are all that stands between Japan and a record fourth Asian Cup crown, although the Socceroos could prove a formidable opponent after thrashing Uzbekistan 6-0 en route to a Khalifa Stadium showdown. That's especially the case now that Japan's quarter-final hero Shinji Kagawa has been ruled out through injury, with the Samurai Blue set to miss one of their most effective attacking outlets. Nagoya Grampus forward Jungo Fujimoto or Urawa Reds playmaker Yosuke Kashiwagi are potential replacements for coach Alberto Zaccheroni, although he could once again rely heavily on CSKA Moscow star Keisuke Honda - who has already been nominated for the tournament's Most Valuable Player award. Honda missed a penalty in normal time during the dramatic win over South Korea - substitute Hajime Hosogai slammed home the rebound - and the highly-rated front man will be eager to improve on the big stage, with a host of European giants reputedly clamouring for his signature. Japan will need to overcome the strength and size of an Australian side desperate to claim a first ever Asian crown in what is only their second appearance in the tournament. Speed versus strength, skill versus size - it's shaping up to be a fascinating Asian Cup final, and one that Samurai Blue fans everywhere are hoping will confirm their status as Asia's premier side. Copyright © Mike Tuckerman & Soccerphile.com Tags World Cup Pens World Cup Posters Euro 2012 football

Japan smash Saudis en route to quarter-finals

Tue, 18 Jan 2011 12:26:09 +0000

2,022. That was the attendance figure announced when Japan faced off against Saudi Arabia at Al-Rayyan stadium, and the symbolism drew a smattering of applause from the 800 or so fans actually in attendance. Evidently the Asian Cup is not a widespread crowd-puller. With most Saudi fans on the first bus back to Jeddah as soon as the whistle blew on their second group-stage defeat, it's clear most of the Saudi players wished they'd taken the same route. As it was, they hung around to be pummelled by an impressively professional Japan, who unsheathed the scimitar to hand Saudi Arabia a thoroughly deserved 5-0 defeat. Shinji Okazaki was the star for the Samurai Blue, smashing home a hat-trick and generally proving a constant menace, as the Stuttgart-bound striker almost registered his treble inside the opening fifteen minutes. Instead he had to wait until ten minutes from time to notch his hat-trick, while lone striker Ryoichi Maeda also helped himself to two goals, and Japan impressed with what was ostensibly a second-string line-up given the absence of the suspended Eiji Kawashima and injured duo Daisuke Matsui and Keisuke Honda. Honda may struggle to force his way back into the side at the expense of Okazaki, although the one-dimensional Maeda is the man most likely to make way when the CSKA Moscow star returns from an ankle injury. Perhaps the only concern for coach Alberto Zaccheroni is the continually sluggish form of midfielder Yasuhito Endo. Understudy Takuya Honda turned in a spritely five-minute cameo against the battered Saudis, and the Shimizu S-Pulse man must surely be close to pulling the rug out from underneath Endo. So Japan march on to the Asian Cup quarter-finals: in-form and with the scent of blood in the nostrils. There'll be tougher tests to come, but if the point against Saudi Arabia was to land a knock-out blow, then it was done with emphatic certainty by Zaccheroni's team. Copyright © Mike Tuckerman & Soccerphile.com Tags World Cup Pens World Cup Posters Euro 2012 football

Japan... favourites! Are you having a laugh?

Fri, 14 Jan 2011 07:01:27 +0000

An Italian walks into a bar in Tokyo and asks for a local brew, but not wishing to disappoint, the barman discreetly pours the visitor a Peroni instead. It’s a plausible scenario in a country like Japan, where citizens are eager to please and equally desperate to avoid criticism. Perhaps that’s why the Japanese press were quick to turn a blind eye to another poor performance from the Samurai Blue at the Asian Cup in Qatar, as Alberto Zaccheroni’s men laboured to a 2-1 win over a spirited but technically inferior Syria. A heaving press box at the Qatar Sports Club Stadium had plenty to write about, but while it might have been one of the more incident-packed games of the tournament, Japan’s narrow victory was hardly an advertisement for the best East Asian football has to offer. Perhaps the sight of hulking giants Maya Yoshida and Ryoichi Maeda in the starting eleven should have given it away – Zaccheroni may have headed east, but his is still very much an Italian mentality. Nevermind that Japan possess two speedy wing-backs in Atsuto Uchida and Yuto Nagatomo, neither man ventured forward with any real conviction. Uchida may as well have been twiddling away on his Nintendo Wii for all his offensive input, and while the Schalke defender has clearly bulked up since arriving in Germany, he’s lost much of the attacking verve which made him such a dangerous player in the J. League. The young defender wasn’t the only player who looked lost against the Syrians, as Yasuhito Endo turned in another ponderous performance in midfield. “Even when we were down to 10 players we performed like we had 11,” explained Zaccheroni after the dismissal of goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima, but ironically Japan practically started with 10 players, so limited was Endo’s input. Endo’s disappearing act was in stark contrast to midfield partner Makoto Hasebe, as the skipper continually drove the Samurai Blue forward, unleashing a number of bone-crunching tackles and scoring the all-important opener to break Syria’s stubborn resistance. Hasebe and World Cup star Keisuke Honda were clearly Japan’s ‘go-to’ men, yet Honda’s constant penchant for cutting inside – under instruction from Zaccheroni – robbed Japan of much-needed width. At times the Syrians fielded a six-man midfield, but it didn’t stop Honda or Daisuke Matsui from trying to bulldoze through it when some simple overlapping from Uchida and Nagotomo would have created space. As it was, Japan managed to sneak home thanks to a disputed penalty; and even then, star man Honda almost botched a spot-kick which only just squeezed through Mosab Balhous’ legs. Zaccheroni later called the match “totally one-sided,” which hardly explains why captain Hasebe celebrated his goal with such zeal. Nor does it say much about Japan’s composure, after several players launched prolonged complaints following referee Mohsen Torky’s decision to award a contentious penalty and dismiss the unlucky Kawashima. So Japan march on to a final-day clash with Saudi Arabia with their fate still very much in their own hands: did anyone truly expect less? A more pertinent question is whether the Samurai Blue deserve their status as one of the tournament favourites? On the basis of their 2-1 win over Syria, probably not. Copyright © Mike Tuckerman & Soccerphile.com Tags World Cup Pens World Cup Posters Euro 2012 football

Asian Cup Win Lose and Draw

Mon, 10 Jan 2011 10:27:26 +0000

Dr. Joel Rookwood After a disappointing opening fixture of the Asian championships, matches in Group A continued on Saturday with China taking on Kuwait. A crowd of less than seven-thousand rattled around Doha's Al Gharafa stadium, a ground with a capacity of four times that. Thanks to an interesting architectural design the view from our 'VIP' seats offered a full 40% panoramic view of the pitch. Instead we selected seats with both goals in sight, more out of hope than anticipation. Despite the paltry crowd, at least most people present were partisan supporters. The Kuwaitis, with their rhythmic clapping and occasional chanting, were greater in number and noise than their Chinese counterparts. The Chinese were clearly excited at the prospect of supporting their country, but collectively they seemed unsure as to how their encouragement should be expressed. The chant of 'red card, red card', bellowed out a full minute after Mesad Nada had been sent off for stamping on Yang Xu, left me a little confused, albeit amused. As with the group's opening encounter , a Middle Eastern team lacked ability where endeavour was abundant - a brave first half stalemate shattered as two second half goals were conceded to a team from further east. Kuwait and Qatar will swap opponents in the next round of matches, contests which are likely to confirm their early exit, and the progression of China and Uzbekistan into the quarter finals. Group A's final fixtures are set to determine group winners and Middle Eastern pride. Yesterday teams from Group B kick started their campaign, fighting for the right to face Group A's top two in the next round. Three-time champions Japan took on Jordan in Doha and Saudi Arabia faced Syria in nearby Al Rayyan. With only an hour separating the matches (and a comparable driving distance), the sensible thing to do would be to pick one game to watch. Sense however has long since departed the building, and with that tickets for both matches were purchased, a forceful and creative taxi driver ensuring we saw both contests in their entirety. An overconfident and youthful Japanese team underestimated a determined albeit limited Jordan side, who were urged on by passionate support from the stands. Jordanian apparel was gifted to supporters entering the stadium, with European-style chanting and gestures choreographed by charismatic middle-aged ringleaders throughout the contest. Much of the sentiment was simple enough for non-Arabic speakers to understand. Even my rudimentary grasp of the language ensured translation was not required for the most part - although vocal participation was not always recommended – there is something very strange and unpleasant about seeing five-year-olds joining older family members in singing 'Hezbollah Allah Akbar' (at an international football match against a country with whom they have relatively sound diplomatic relations since 1954). The microcosmic experience was a reminder of the legitimacy of UEFA's decision to admit Israel into Europe's football family (Israel left AFC in 1974 but did not gain full UEFA membership until 1994). With Syria, North Korea and Iran also present in the competition, potential fixtures could have read more like a UN watch list than football contests. Bitter ethno-religious rivalries are not what the competition needs - sentiment I was keen to express before watching Iraq take on Iran on Tuesday. On the pitch the first half looked set to remain goalless until an Abdel Fattah strike moments before the interval gave the contest a very different complexion. The Japanese side appeared destined to fail in their bid to break Jordan's resolve. However a first draw of the competition was confirmed as Maya Yoshida struck in second half stoppage time. The goal gave Japan an ill-deserved share of the spoils, leaving the Jordanians to dream of what might have been. An hour later Syria kicked off against Saudi Arabia, in what was certainly the most volatile contest of the competition to date. Hoards of soldiers were on patrol outside the stadium, serving as a stark contrast to the three previous fixtures and an ominous statement about what the game could become. The football proved similarly explosive, with the Syrians taking the lead in both periods of the game through strikes from Al-Hussein, the second of which earned them victory. With refreshing honesty, Syria coach Valeriu Tita admitted after the match, "Frankly I did not expect to win." The Saudis and Jordanians, who would have been left disappointed following their respective opening contests will be pitted each other next, with Syria's group leadership to be tested by the Japanese. With Group B hanging in the balance, quarter final qualification is unlikely to be confirmed before the final round of matches. © Dr. Joel Rookwood & Soccerphile.com Find the latest Asian Cup odds at Bet 365 , which has LIVE STREAMING of the Asian Cup matches. Japan are 7/2 favorites, followed by South Korea and Australia at 9/2, Saudi 15/2 and Iran 8/1. Tags World Cup Pens World Cup Posters Asian Cup football Doha Qatar

Asian Cup 2011 Predictions & Asian Cup Betting

Fri, 07 Jan 2011 09:06:10 +0000

We asked four Soccerphile writers for their picks for the 2011 Asian Cup , which kicks off today. First Seoul-based K-League cognoscente John Duerden: It's an open competition but I have a feeling for Saudi Arabia. This is a team that could either do terribly or go all the way. For a change, the coach stayed after failing to qualify for the World Cup and there is an unusual sense of stability around the team, something that has been lacking for years. Also do well in West Asia and have reached six of the last seven finals. Hardly ever mentioned as favourites but they are ready to slip in under the radar. Just like Iran, who are also dangerous, missing out on the World Cup has focused minds, given the team 18 months to prepare for this and a thirst to prove their worth. Australian soccer expert Marc Fox: Just like four years ago I think it will be pretty open ... even predicting the winners of the groups is a tough call. But I think South Korea might prove strong enough this time if they can find enough goals. UK-based Premiership pundit Andy Greeves: On the back of their strong performance at last summer's World Cup, I'm tipping Japan to win the 2011 Asian Cup. Keisuke Honda was a revelation in South Africa and I can see him being a stand out performer once again at this tournament. I'm also a big fan of Yasuhito Endo in their midfield, who could do a job in any league around the world. Alberto Zaccheroni's squad has a very nice blend of youth and experience and crucially in Shinji Okazaki, they have a proven goalscorer who can fire them to victory. Outside of Japan, I'm going to be very predicatable and say that South Korea and Australia would be my other favourites. I see Saudi Arabia as dark horses - they should get out of Group B along with Japan and could go on a decent run after that. You can never rule out the hosts at big tournaments either and for that reason, think Qatar have got half a chance on home soil too. From a European perspective, I'm interested to see which players manage to put themselves in the shop window at the Asian Cup. Since the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea, we have seen an increased influx of players from the Asian Football Confederation to the English Premier League and elsewhere in the continent. Can't wait for more talent to be uncovered at this competition. Finally, J-League guru and Asian football-specialist Mike Tuckerman: I'm going to go out on a limb and say Iran. They're struggling for form and are in arguably the toughest group, but I just think they're due and things may click for the departing Afshin Ghotbi in Qatar. I can't see Japan winning it with a relatively new-look squad, especially with impending club transfers hanging over a few players. South Korea might struggle for goals without Park Chu-young, while Australia are slow at the back and susceptible to teams with pace. They'll probably run into Iran in the quarter-finals too, and I just feel like everything might fall into place for Team Melli and they'll end up with the trophy. Find the latest Asian Cup odds at Bet 365 , which has LIVE STREAMING of the Asian Cup matches. Japan are 7/2 favorites, followed by South Korea and Australia at 9/2, Saudi 15/2 and Iran 8/1. Tags World Cup Pens World Cup Posters Asian Cup football Doha Qatar