Official 2008 J-League Thread

[Dasher39]

http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/5527/jleaguetm6.png

So the J-League kicked off last weekend and the second round is being conducted this weekend, with games in progress as we speak.

Urawa Red Diamonds have had a poor start to the season, losing their first two games.

Gamba Osaka have also had a poor start. They were held to a goal less draw against JEF United last week and are currently 2-0 down against Jubilo Iwata.

That is two of the top three from last year who will have not won a game in the first 2 games.

Last years champion Kashima Antlers easily registered their first win last weekend, with a comfortable 4-0 win Consadole Sapporo. They are away to Tokyo Verdy tomorrow.

Given Fox Sports have the rights to the J-League here in Australia I wish they would show even just a weekly highlights package. That should come later in the year, or next season though.

You'd have to say given their dominating start to the season in the J-League and ACL, Kashima are going to be very strong and could be good for Back-to-Back J-League titles!

[Gunner4Eva]

Was it Kashima Antlers who won 9-1 in the Champions League mid-week?

[RunnaLittle]

yes it was

[neiljzimmerman]

Was it Kashima Antlers who won 9-1 in the Champions League mid-week?

Yes.

Go Jubilo Iwata. Have a soft spot for them as stayed with a family who lived across the road from one of their training grounds.

Check out the blog below for more details about the J-League.

http://www.oleole.com/blogs/miketuckerman

[Dasher39]

http://www.oleole.com/blogs/miketuckermanThanks for that!

Trying to follow the J-League a bit more this season. Would be easier if it was on TV, but reports and YouTube will have to do for now.

Results so far this weekend:

Oita Trinita 2-0 Kashiwa Reysol
Urawa Red Diamonds 0-2 Nagoya Grampus Eight
Vissel Kobe 4-1 Kawasaki Frontale
Jubilo Iwata 3-0 Gamba Osaka

Matches in progress:
Albirex Niigata 0-3 FC Tokyo (52')
Consadole Sapporo 0-0 Yokohama F.Marinos (HT)
JEF United 0-0 Shimizu S-Pulse (9')

[pezz]

Would've been nice to play osaka now..

[steven1971]

I saw the end of the urawa game on p2p.They had a few chances and the crowd was awesome as usual.

[NUFCMVFC]

Here's some highlights from week 1 from a Kashima game

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oTh4sqYxsoA

[SoFli]

My team Tokyo Verdy have had a pretty solid start at this very early stage. A 1-1 draw away to Kawasaki (the other Japanese club in the last ACL, and where our last-season loaned striker, the goal scoring beast known as Hulk, has returned to), probably our biggest rivals, even with the obvious FC Tokyo being in the league as well. Narrowly missed winning the L2 championship behind Sapporo last year, but now we're back in the J. League and had an absolutely packed away stand at the Kawasaki game, so things are looking nice. Obviously Kashima will probably slaughter us though, I think they're easily the favourites to win the title again. Urawa might have the biggest money squad, but ze Antlers have by far the best manager, and some very good players themselves. Only problem for them is if they focus too much on the Champions League which causes them to collapse like Urawa did.

By the way it's either called "J.League" or "J. League" (English/Japanese name so not 100% officially consistent) not "J-League". So there's the A-League and K-League, but J. League has a "." not a "-". Not sure if thread titles can be changed though.

[The Technician]

Here's some highlights from week 1 from a Kashima game

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oTh4sqYxsoA

The technical ability on some of those players is astounding!

[petargh]

good work Dasher, NUFCMVFC and SoFli, keep us updated

[Dasher39]

By the way it's either called "J.League" or "J. League" (English/Japanese name so not 100% officially consistent) not "J-League". So there's the A-League and K-League, but J. League has a "." not a "-". Not sure if thread titles can be changed though.I did notice that, although wasn't sure how many people knew! So I put the "-" in there to save a whole heap of questions about a supposed incorrect title.

[Campbell]

And the last few results...

JEF United 1 - 2 S-Pulse
Niigata 2 - 3 FC Tokyo
Sapporo 1 - 2 Yokohama F-Marinos

Expect to see me in here every so often... I don't have a favourite team but I've been following the J.League for the last couple of seasons.

[Ze Boy]

By the way it's either called "J.League" or "J. League" (English/Japanese name so not 100% officially consistent) not "J-League". So there's the A-League and K-League, but J. League has a "." not a "-". Not sure if thread titles can be changed though.

Yeah but I'm gonna call it J-League just because I don't care and it keeps it in line with all the other leagues and no ones gonna get to confused with what I'm on about:smartass:

[3_Libras]

By the way it's either called "J.League" or "J. League" (English/Japanese name so not 100% officially consistent) not "J-League". So there's the A-League and K-League, but J. League has a "." not a "-". Not sure if thread titles can be changed though.

Thats the gayest thing ever, who cares whether it has a fullstop, comma, slash, question mark.

[Socceroo_06]

Well it's early days yet but Oita Trinita has got off to a good start. They have been languishing towards the bottom of the table the last few seasons, but maybe they might be able to change things at the top which is usually occupied by the likes of Kashima, Urawa, Gamba and Shimzu.

[watt]

How many foreigners per team? Who are the most prominent forigners? From which countries?

[The Technician]

Thats the gayest thing ever, who cares whether it has a fullstop, comma, slash, question mark.

LOL beat me to it :wacko:

[Seb]

Urawa sack German coach (http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,23384737-23215,00.html?from=public_rss)

From correspondents in Tokyo
March 16, 2008

ASIAN club champions Urawa Red Diamonds have fired their German coach Holger Osieck following the team's disastrous start to the J-League season, news reports said.

Urawa, who failed to defend the league title and the Emperors Cup last season, crashed to a 1-0 defeat to Yokohama Marinos in the season opener and lost 2-0 to Nagoya Grampus on Saturday.

Assistant coach Gert Engels of Germany is expected to take over from Osieck, local papers said.



ouch a bit harsh if you ask me.

[Dasher39]

ouch a bit harsh if you ask me.Very harsh Seb.

Just read it along the scroll on TWG and couldn't believe it. He just took them to the ACL. Although, they did choke towards the end of the J-League and have lost their first two games.

[SoFli]

The fans have never liked him anyway, they played much better football under the previous coach. They wanted Engels to take over ages ago from what I understand.

J. League clubs are allowed three foreign players, they're virtually all Brazilians because you can get good quality for not a lot of money, and since there are so many ex-Brazilians living in Japan it makes things really easy it terms of translations and such.

I don't see how the punctuation thing is "gay" however. Insignificant perhaps, but it's no different from writing English Prime-League or some shit like that.

[3_Libras]

Rofl @ Urawa coach

[Socceroo_06]

How many foreigners per team? Who are the most prominent forigners? From which countries?

3 foreigners per team.

Most Prominent foreigners IMO are:
- Marquinhos (Kashima and Brazil)
- Robson Ponte (Urawa and Brazil)
- Juninho (Kawasaki and Brazil)
- Bare (Gamba and Brazil)
- Edmilson (Urawa and Brazil)
- Danilo (Kashima and Brazil)

Basically they have a crap load of brazillians in the J.League and there are a lot of very good ones. Danilo at Kashima had been a regular at Sao Paulo before he signed for the Antlers so there is a lot of quality there.

[Dasher39]

Kashima continued on their merry way this afternoon with a comfortable 2-0 win over Tokyo Verdy. Marquinhos scored a late brace to get the points for Kashima.

In the other game today, Kyoto Purple Sagna defeated Omiya Ardijia 2-1.

Kashima look very strong again.

[watt]

3 foreigners per team.

Most Prominent foreigners IMO are:
- Marquinhos (Kashima and Brazil)
- Robson Ponte (Urawa and Brazil)
- Juninho (Kawasaki and Brazil)
- Bare (Gamba and Brazil)
- Edmilson (Urawa and Brazil)
- Danilo (Kashima and Brazil)

Basically they have a crap load of brazillians in the J.League and there are a lot of very good ones. Danilo at Kashima had been a regular at Sao Paulo before he signed for the Antlers so there is a lot of quality there.

Thanks! very interesting!

[The Technician]

Kashima are a super team!

[Jdz]

Bit harsh on the sacking but understandable, they gave up the title last season and started poorly this season.

[dudditz]

The sacking of Holger Osieck just proves how big Urawa are in terms of size and ecpectations. The ACL aside, arsing up the last few weeks of the J League season combined with two straight losses is obviously justification for it.

I'm in the process of trying to arrange to attend the Urawa v FC Tokyo match on the 5th of July as I will be travelling in Japan for three weeks. Will hopefully attend another match possibly involving another Tokyo based team, perhaps Kashima. I'll have to make sure I pick up an Urawa or Antlers kit while I am there.

[El Zilcho]

I don't see how the punctuation thing is "gay" however. Insignificant perhaps, but it's no different from writing English Prime-League or some shit like that.

Or as the SBS voiceover guy used to say when they had the highlights show, the English "Premiere" League.

Anyway, my boys from Sapporo are currently proping up the table after 2 matches, i sure know how to pick 'em.

[dechardonay]

any chance of a ladder being plastered up every now and again?

and J2? poor little hiroshima got put down end of last season... :(

[Dasher39]

Ask and ye shall receive...



Team Pts GP W D L GF GA GD

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

1 Kashima Antlers 6 2 2 0 0 6 0 +6
2 Oita Trinita 6 2 2 0 0 4 1 +3
3 Yokohama F･Marinos 6 2 2 0 0 3 1 +2
4 Vissel Kobe 4 2 1 1 0 5 2 +3
5 Nagoya Grampus 4 2 1 1 0 3 1 +2
6 F.C.Tokyo 4 2 1 1 0 4 3 +1
7 Kyoto Sanga F.C. 4 2 1 1 0 3 2 +1
8 Omiya Ardija 3 2 1 0 1 3 2 +1
8 Jubilo Iwata 3 2 1 0 1 3 2 +1
10 Shimizu S-Pulse 3 2 1 0 1 3 3 +0
11 Kashiwa Reysol 3 2 1 0 1 2 2 +0
12 JEF United Chiba 1 2 0 1 1 1 2 -1
13 Tokyo Verdy 1 2 0 1 1 1 3 -2
14 Kawasaki Frontale 1 2 0 1 1 2 5 -3
15 Gamba Osaka 1 2 0 1 1 0 3 -3
16 Albirex Niigata 0 2 0 0 2 2 5 -3
17 Urawa Reds 0 2 0 0 2 0 3 -3
18 Consadole Sapporo 0 2 0 0 2 1 6 -5

For a cleaner version...

http://www.j-league.or.jp/data/view.php?d=j1f&t=ranking&s=02&y=2008&l=E

[Jdz]

Gamba and Urawa struggling early on.

[NUFCMVFC]

Some details surrounding Kashimas win


Kashima win again (http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/kashima-win-again-108363/)

17 March 2008 | 09:19 - PA Sport

Brazilian forward Marquinhos has scored twice in the second half as Kashima Antlers beat Tokyo Verdy 2-0 at Ajinomoto Stadium in the J-League.

Kashima went into the game on the back of a 9-1 thrashing of Krung Thai Bank in the Asian Champions League in midweek and Marquinhos, who scored twice in that win in Bangkok, broke the deadlock in the 75th minute.

The 34-year-old former Yokohama F Marinos and JEF United Chiba striker received the ball from compatriot Danilo before rounding Verdy keeper Yoichi Doi and two Tokyo defenders and slotting home.

Marquinhos, who started his J-League career with Verdy, completed the scoring five minutes from time after receiving the ball from Atsuto Uchida to give Kashima a second straight victory at the start of the defence of their league title.

"It's a wonderful win," Kashima coach Oswaldo Oliveira said. "We knew that Verdy would cause us many problems, so I tried to prepare us for this situation."

"We had to be patient, and tried to decide the game at the right time. I think we scored the goal in the right moment."

Earlier in the day, Kyoto Sanga came from behind to beat Omiya Ardija 2-1 at home.

[El Zilcho]

any chance of a ladder being plastered up every now and again?

and J2? poor little hiroshima got put down end of last season... :(

The J-League website has a good section for up to date results, tables, stats etc.

http://www.j-league.or.jp/eng/

Sanfrecce are looking good to bounce straight back up. I just hope Litbarski's Avispa dont get promoted.

[steven1971]

Anywhere we can get highlights of games?

[SoFli]

YouTube is pretty much the best we can get. That Football Asia show on SBS might have them a month after they happen as well...

This is probably the best site to get the table, schedule, etc.
http://www.soccerway.com/national/japan/j-league/

Has top goalscorers, progress graphs and stuff as well.

[rumanu]

wish J League was on FM...

[dechardonay]

14 Kawasaki Frontale 1 2 0 1 1 2 5 -3
15 Gamba Osaka 1 2 0 1 1 0 3 -3
16 Albirex Niigata 0 2 0 0 2 2 5 -3
17 Urawa Reds 0 2 0 0 2 0 3 -3
18 Consadole Sapporo 0 2 0 0 2 1 6 -5


...that looks SO wierd...



1 Kashima Antlers 6 2 2 0 0 6 0 +6
2 Oita Trinita 6 2 2 0 0 4 1 +3
3 Yokohama F･Marinos 6 2 2 0 0 3 1 +2
4 Vissel Kobe 4 2 1 1 0 5 2 +3
5 Nagoya Grampus 4 2 1 1 0 3 1 +2
6 F.C.Tokyo 4 2 1 1 0 4 3 +1
7 Kyoto Sanga F.C. 4 2 1 1 0 3 2 +1


...and that looks even wierder. i actually managed to see the sanga play on a trip over there, and they weren't much. that was 2 years ago, though... i suppose it is a while...

[NUFCMVFC]

Here's some highlights from the afore mentioned Kashima 2-0 win over Tokyo Verdy, need to update this thread more often, not sure what the other round 2 matches put up

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Svib28m2JSM&feature=related

As far as today/tonights Round 3 fixtures are concerned
Soccernet have finally started to update their J league section
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/fixtures?league=jpn.1&cc=3436

Saturday 29th March
Gamba Osaka------v------Tokyo Verdy 1969----------Expo '70 Stadium
Shimizu S-Pulse----v------Omiya Ardija---------------Nihondaira Stadium
FC Tokyo----------v------Kyoto Purple Sanga--------Anjinimoto Stadium
Kawasaki Frontale--v------JEF United Ichihara-Chiba--Kawasaki Stadium

Sunday 30th March
Kashima Antlers----v-----Yokohama F. Marinos-----Kashima Soccer Stadium
Kashiwa Reysol-----v-----Consadole Sapporo-------Hitachi Stadium
Urawa Red Diamonds--v---Albirex Niigata-----------Saitama Stadium
Nagoya Grampus Eight-v--Oita Trinita--------------Mizuho Stadium
Vissel Kobe------------v--Jubilo Iwata-------------Kobe Wing Stadium

[Jdz]

Urawa should beat Albirex.

If anyone is interested, BenSports 1 broadcasts J-League games, watching Kawasaki Frontale vs JEF United on Sopcast now.

[FootballMad]

Urawa sure did beat Albirex 3-0

[Jdz]

Kawasaki won 2-0, Vissel Kobe vs Jubilo Iwata is on very soon.

[NUFCMVFC]

Results are in

From Soccernet
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/scoreboard?league=jpn.1&date=20080329&refresh=90&cc=3436

Saturday 29th March
Gamba Osaka 2-1 Tokyo Verdy 1969; Expo '70 Stadium;
Shimizu S-Pulse 0-0 Omiya Ardija; Nihondaira Stadium
FC Tokyo 3-3 Kyoto Purple Sanga; Anjinimoto Stadium
Kawasaki Frontale 2-0 JEF United Ichihara-Chiba; Kawasaki Stadium

Sunday 30th March
Kashima Antlers 2-1 Yokohama F. Marinos; Kashima Soccer Stadium
Kashiwa Reysol 1-2 Consadole Sapporo; Hitachi Stadium
Urawa Red Diamonds 3-0 Albirex Niigata; Saitama Stadium
Nagoya Grampus Eight 2-0 Oita Trinita; Mizuho Stadium
Vissel Kobe 3-2 Jubilo Iwata; Kobe Wing Stadium

[discofever]

FC Tokyo ole!

[SoFli]

Supposedly Hulk isn't fitting in at all at Kawasaki (probably for similar reasons that got him loaned out to Verdy last season), and both Urawa and Tokyo Verdy are going nuts to try and sign him. The former since they're super rich and want a replacement for Washington (also a guy who became huge thanks to Verdy) whle the TVs want him back since he fit in super perfect last season and they have basically no serious goal scorer and their overall formation doesn't work at all with him gone. Hope he comes back to Verdy, was definitely happy there last season even though it was only J2, and he's just about the most awesome striker in the world with his skills, looks and name ahah.

[JR.]

I might also add that Joel Griffiths made his first appearence last week for Avispa Fukuoka (J. League 2) following his ankle injury. He scored Avispa's second goal in 2-0 win over Ehime.

Mark Rudan is proving to be a rock at the back according to some reports I've read.

And Ufuk Talay has already scored 2 goals, though he's received 3 yellow cards in 5games.

If anyone's interested in keeping up with what they're up too, here's an Avispa blog. The guy obviously dosn't speak very good English, but you can make out what he's writing.

http://www.avispa-fukuoka.blogspot.com/

There's a nice picture in last week's blog of Rudan celebrating a goal with Griffiths.

[NUFCMVFC]

Interesting, if the Aussies start to take off there they'll start pillaging our league as well as the MLS

Interestingly though it also shows up and comers that if they can't quite make it to Europe, they still have the prospect of making a decent living off a regional move in football

[SoFli]

Pretty much all foreigners in Japan are either Brazilian or Korean though, there's only a bunch of Aussies at Avispa because of Littbarski.

[SoFli]

I know this is a double post, but I'm too excited to care, as almost-a-goal-a-game Hulk has signed with Tokyo Verdy and will probably be playing as soon as this weekend. This means there should be a massive crowd for the Verdy vs FC Tokyo match in a couple weeks, and we have a good chance of winning it for a change :O

[Campbell]

Results:
Consadole Sapporo 0-2 Kawasaki Frontale
Omiya Ardija 1-2 Nagoya Grampus Eight
Shimizu S-Pulse 1-2 Urawa Red Diamonds
Kyoto Purple Sanga 0-1 Kashiwa Reysol
Tokyo Verdy 1-2 Jubilo Iwata
Albirex Niigata 0-2 Kashima Antlers
Oita Trinita 1-2 Gamba Osaka
JEF United 1-1 Vissel Kobe
Yokohama F-Marinos 3-0 FC Tokyo

[NUFCMVFC]

Scott McIngtyre Blog/Interview, apparently to appear on TWG this weekend, good that they are giving a bit of focus to the regional leagues as well


Urawa's German gentleman (http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/blogs/scottmcintyre/urawas-german-gentleman-109311/)

Gert Engels is one of the real nice guys of Japanese football, but you don’t get handed the biggest job in Asian football just by being nice - and the affable German has certainly earned his shot at the big-time as the recently installed manager of Urawa Reds.

Comments (0) | Your thoughts?


The Engels coaching story began in Japan more than 18 years ago when, after a industrious playing career with a series of German clubs (including a brief spell with Borussia Monchengladbach and his hometown side SG Duren 99) he moved to the Far East to work in high school and lower-tier football.

In 1993 he joined the Yokohama Flugels, where he was to have arguably the biggest moment of his coaching career, leading the club to the Emperor’s Cup title in its very last match before being disbanded in 1998. Supporters later adopted a Barcelona-style approach and sought ownership of the side, which now exists as Yokohama FC.

Following a short period in charge of JEF United Ichihara, Engels then moved to Kyoto Purple Sanga, where he helped to develop players the likes of current Le Mans star Daisuke Matsui and Manchester United midfielder Park Ji-Sung. Here he also claimed a memorable second Emperor’s Cup success with a 2-1 win over Kashima Antlers in the 2002 final.

The next port of call was as assistant to firstly Guido Buchwald and then Holger Osieck at Urawa, at a time when the club had just returned from J2 and was beginning its march to the apex of both Japanese and Asian football.

Now after almost two decades in Japan, he has the chance to make his mark at the region’s biggest side and maintain the Reds dominance on two fronts.

The beginning certainly shows signs of promise with wins in both J-League matches since he took the reigns from Osieck - in what from the outside was a surprise sacking barely a fortnight into the new season.

I caught up with 50-year-old Engels in Tokyo this week for his thoughts on the J-League, the AFC Champions League and the new-look Urawa Reds - and you can see the interview this Sunday on The World Game program from 4pm.

Here’s a peak at what we spoke about.

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

Question: How much extra pressure is there now on you as the manager?

Answer: Over the last few years alongside Guido and Helger I felt the tension and pressure to win and not lose but it’s different to be the manager, rather than the assistant.

Question: This year in the Champions League you get a bye in to the quarter final stage. Is this easier or more difficult?

Answer: It’s a little bit easier pressure wise but I’m not happy with this and the decision by the AFC, because last year we grew during the competition. But on the other side we have only the Nabisco Cup so the players can relax a little bit so physically we might be better off. Not only speaking for Urawa, I think to make the tournament more interesting I think the defending champion should be shown off playing in foreign countries.

Question: Can you win both the ACL and the league this year?

Answer: I think if all the players are with the squad and we find out our style I think we can finish very high in both competitions.

Question: You are at the biggest club, possibly in Asia, Is it a dream for you?

Answer: I’m not the type to dream but I had a title at Yokohama and Kyoto but it’s a big achievement and a lot of fun to be at Urawa Reds and be responsible as the manager. It’s a great thing.

Question: How do you think Australian clubs can go in the ACL?

Answer: Australian players are difficult to play, if they are well organised. The Japanese teams must be afraid from set play situations. So I think they can compete very well.

[Dasher39]

Massive result from the J-League overnight.

Urawa Red Diamonds defeated Kashima Antlers 2-0 at Saitama Stadium in front of 54,450 fans!

Before this game, Kashima were on a 22-game winning streak. That is 22 straight games without a loss or draw in all competitions.

After a slow start, Urawa seem to be coming good under Gert Engels.

Other results...

Consadole Sapporo 2-1 Jubilo Iwata (Att: 15,240)
Yokohama F.Marinos 2-0 Kashiwa Reysol (Att: 20,026)
Shimizu S-Pulse 0-2 Nagoya Grampus (Att: 14,167)
JEF United Chiba 2-4 Omiya Ardijia (Att: 11,091)
Tokyo Verdy 1-2 FC Tokyo (Att: 22,503)
Oita Trinita 0-0 Kawasaki Frontale (Att: 16,977)
Kyoto Sagna FC 2-0 Vissel Kobe (Att: 14,109)
Urawa Reds 2-0 Kashima Antlers (Att: 54,450)
Gamba Osaka 2-2 Albirex Niigata (Att: 13,321)

Round 6 Average Attendance: 20,209

Kashima have now given up the lead to Nagoya Grampus, who leads Kashima by one point, followed by Urawa Reds. Gamba Osaka have slipped back to 6th courtesy of their 2-2 draw with Albirex Niigata, who are sitting dead last.

[Dasher39]

The goals...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8sm1wizj9w

[nelson111]

you are right, dasher, huge result there. i think the kyoto sanga result was unexpected as well (or i might have been thinking of their match last week...)

tokyo derby might have been interesting... though only 22.5k. urawa really stand out with the attendances.

[discofever]

tokyo derby might have been interesting... though only 22.5k. urawa really stand out with the attendances.

22.5k is still a big number compared to the other attendances (apart from urawa of course)

[nelson111]

after the first goal i was about to say no.9 nagai yuichiro is just a tap-in striker... [being sar-car-stic, of course]but the rest of the highlights put paid to that. great skills. surprised at kashima's defensive blundering...

[dechardonay]

after the first goal i was about to say no.9 nagai yuichiro is just a tap-in striker... [being sar-car-stic, of course]but the rest of the highlights put paid to that. great skills. surprised at kashima's defensive blundering...

the second goal for sure, but you cannot take away from that first goal's incisive passing... yeah, they probably should have covered the runner on urawa's attacking left, but you really cannot take away from that strike.

japanese football is superb.

[nelson111]

the second goal for sure, but you cannot take away from that first goal's incisive passing... yeah, they probably should have covered the runner on urawa's attacking left, but you really cannot take away from that strike.

japanese football is superb.

hehe, wasn't meaning to take away anything from any of it, it was good passing. rather, it was a dig at the danny haters!

[dechardonay]

hehe, wasn't meaning to take away anything from any of it, it was good passing. rather, it was a dig at the danny haters!

ROFL

*sigh* i wish we could get j-league. :( i'm going to have to figure out sopcast, i guess...

[NUFCMVFC]

^^^ I think we can get it through the AFC website, I looked closer and noticed that Australia isn't geoblocked out of J LEague, I have signed up for 1 month and I guess I'll find out through the Gamba Osaka vs Kashima match

http://www.the-afc.tv/page/Home/0,,12620,00.html

[nelson111]

^^^ I think we can get it through the AFC website, I looked closer and noticed that Australia isn't geoblocked out of J LEague, I have signed up for 1 month and I guess I'll find out through the Gamba Osaka vs Kashima match

http://www.the-afc.tv/page/Home/0,,12620,00.html

at first glance looks like a great option... but internet explorer (and windows) only?! that's shite. where's the love for us mac users? :(

[dechardonay]

at first glance looks like a great option... but internet explorer (and windows) only?! that's shite. where's the love for us mac users? :(

i know. winblows users don't want to admit the inferiority of their os :)

[SoFli]

tokyo derby might have been interesting... though only 22.5k. urawa really stand out with the attendances.
Verdy lost because of an own goal right at the end of the game, fkn shattering. The problem with attendances for the two Tokyo teams is both are very inconsistent, ie. winning the Emperor's Cup while in J2 then getting smashed in J1 the next year. And the fact that all the bandwagoners in Tokyo support Urawa, so their only fans are the hardcore ones or just those who are too lazy to catch the train to Saitama.

Anyone else notice how the crowd goes dead silent in that Urawa video as Nagai is being interviewed. That's crazy when you consider there are over 50,000 people who 30 seconds earlier were going totally nuts.

[dechardonay]

Verdy lost because of an own goal right at the end of the game, fkn shattering. The problem with attendances for the two Tokyo teams is both are very inconsistent, ie. winning the Emperor's Cup while in J2 then getting smashed in J1 the next year. And the fact that all the bandwagoners in Tokyo support Urawa, so their only fans are the hardcore ones or just those who are too lazy to catch the train to Saitama.

yeah i read somewhere the two tokyos' support is very fickle.

[nelson111]

read about the own goal too. hehe, i can just imagine tokyo-ites jumping on the urawa bandwagon.

[NUFCMVFC]

you are right, dasher, huge result there. i think the kyoto sanga result was unexpected as well (or i might have been thinking of their match last week...)

tokyo derby might have been interesting... though only 22.5k. urawa really stand out with the attendances.

I was reading through some stuff, read crowd figures from a few years ago and apparently some team called Aibrex Nigata or somwthing like that had an average of 48k, higher than Urawa, so it seems there may be other powerful team?

Someone with a better grasp want to clarify?

[neiljzimmerman]

at first glance looks like a great option... but internet explorer (and windows) only?! that's shite. where's the love for us mac users? :(

You can put windows on your mac now

[nelson111]

You can put windows on your mac now

not on a PowerPC mac... though i'm going intel in the next month or so...

[SoFli]

I was reading through some stuff, read crowd figures from a few years ago and apparently some team called Aibrex Nigata or somwthing like that had an average of 48k, higher than Urawa, so it seems there may be other powerful team?

Someone with a better grasp want to clarify?
Their very best average attendance was around 40,500 the year after they won the championship I believe, their average now is around 38,000, has been that way for a few years which is great considering how inconsistent they are like most Japanese clubs outside of the big 2 or 3. They have a great stadium, capacity is 42k, so 48k is impossible but they sell it out basically every game. The J. League attendance average would be down at the A-League level if not for Niigata and Urawa.

Oh and Nelson the MacBook and MacBook Pro will be getting a big hardware update in Q3 this year most likely, should probably wait until then if you're going for a laptop.

[nelson111]

Oh and Nelson the MacBook and MacBook Pro will be getting a big hardware update in Q3 this year most likely, should probably wait until then if you're going for a laptop.

yeah, i know... i'll prob get a refurb then get a Rev.B when the new FBT year hits after April09...

[3_Libras]

25 minute highlight show of J-League 6th round


http://www.veoh.com/videos/v6966295DjZJJx7W

[Dasher39]

25 minute highlight show of J-League 6th round


http://www.veoh.com/videos/v6966295DjZJJx7WYou're a fucking star mate!!

Bloody sensational, good quality and lengthy (well it was of the first 30 seconds that I watched, will watch it all when I get home from work).

The best thing is it looks like it's updated weekly!

Brilliant find mate!

[SoFli]

No sound from the matches though, just some generic background music for the entire thing, still great though,

[Dasher39]

No sound from the matches though, just some generic background music for the entire thing, still great though,Really? Didn't have the sound on here at work, just assumed there would be audio.

Oh well, still great to see highlights nonetheless.

BTW what is it with the Japanese and having music behind their highlights? I've watched a few highlights from games on YouTube and almost always there is some dodgy music in the background. What's wrong with the commentators and atmosphere?

[SoFli]

Not just Japan I think, pretty sure that Football Asia show has crappy music under everything. EPL games have it as well with that dodgy half-time promo stuff we see now because Fox Sports are too lazy to keep their football guys employed during the A-League off season.

[NUFCMVFC]

Top find

Nice production, in terms of graphic design quality etc, makes it look like a proper comepetition kind of thing

You can tell their league is that tad more advanced than our in that there is a slighter sharper edge to their technical ability etc, sharper shots and the free kicks are a bit better, they're able to curl ones in which we would normally sky over the bar

We should start sharpening up and refinng once the Youth League and SSG generation start coming through

[dudditz]

Cheers for the highlight package. I can't wait to see some J League in July when I am in Japan. While I'll always love the EPL, it is leagues like the Japan and the MLS that I find very interesting to keep tabs on. They are more similar to our own, allbeit in more advanced stages.

[Socceroo_06]

Great highlights. Really like the look of Claiton (No. 15) and Davi (No. 10) for Sapporo.

[NUFCMVFC]

Woot, got the AFC TV working, at first it wasn't and I wa really pissed off, sent an email, but tried again a few minutes ago, even though I missed the first half it is working

Gamba seem to be on top, have ahd a few half chances

Soccernet seems to think it's 0-0, they all are

some good skill in terms of crosses etc, good technical ability generally

Kashima finishing stronger, both teams have had half chances but seem to be just lashing or snatching at their shots

Finished 0-0

[dechardonay]

Woot, got the AFC TV working, at first it wasn't and I wa really pissed off, sent an email, but tried again a few minutes ago, even though I missed the first half it is working

Gamba seem to be on top, have ahd a few half chances

Soccernet seems to think it's 0-0, they all are

some good skill in terms of crosses etc, good technical ability generally

Kashima finishing stronger, both teams have had half chances but seem to be just lashing or snatching at their shots

Finished 0-0

is that the subscription service on afc's website?

[nelson111]

excellent of you to test drive it for us NUFC! once i have some new hardware i'll be giving it a go myself!

[NUFCMVFC]

is that the subscription service on afc's website?

Yes, at first I was Geo blocked, but later in the 2nd half I went back and it started working. So it seems it may be quirky?

Another issue is that I was unable to get it up with Firefox, needed some plugin that wouldn't download for some stupid reason, but I went into it through Microsfot Explorer where I must have the plugin and that seemed to work fine

Hopefully it's a lot smoother for the next match on the 26th

From what I was able to see, they seem to be sharper and more focused in terms of their movement of the ball, some good crosses, but they don't seem to slice through their opponents defence as such but get into half chance positions. Didn't seem to be a lot of people taking defenders on and running past/through them kind of thing either. But I have only seen about 30 mins

Even if it does screw up it's only cost me $11 equivalent which is less than what I spend on junk food.

[Socceroo_06]

Nagoya - JEF UNITED Ichihara
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=feI9geelG8U

FC Tokyo 4 - 2 Kawasaki
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kleviX_mLBc

Nigata 1 - 0 Kyoto
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCdFN1rkNYY

Kobe 1 - 1 Sapporo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YW_HYmKonV4

[El Zilcho]

Quality goals in the Kobe - Sapporo game.

[Socceroo_06]

Quality goals in the Kobe - Sapporo game.

yep, i think Claiton and Davi are going to be a big key in Saporro satying in J1 this year, both are quality.

Otake's goal for FC Tokyo with the outside of his foot was the pick for me.

[watt]

Some very nice passing and skills in those goals, they really play impressive football don't they!

[nelson111]

excellent highlights!

[petargh]

thanks for chucking up the videos Socceroo_06. this is good thread.

[3_Libras]

Day 7 highlights are up - http://www.veoh.com/videos/v70375289j2dCBhj

[SoFli]

O M F G

Tokyo Verdy won 2-0 at home to table toppers Nagoya Grampus today. Verdy were second from bottom mind you, currently third from bottom after the win. We had also conceded 10 goals in our past couple matches, so this win is fucking even more amazing.

[redstreak]

argh, osaka down 1-0 at halftime :(

[Maco_Jason]

i got to watch the match on tv being in japan and all. i thought osaka were pretty ordinary. the winner was a cracker.

[redstreak]

i thought osaka were pretty ordinary

my TAB account balance agrees with you

[The Frederick]

O M F G

Tokyo Verdy won 2-0 at home to table toppers Nagoya Grampus today. Verdy were second from bottom mind you, currently third from bottom after the win. We had also conceded 10 goals in our past couple matches, so this win is fucking even more amazing.

Actually, now you're last.

[nelson111]

O M F G

Tokyo Verdy won 2-0 at home to table toppers Nagoya Grampus today. Verdy were second from bottom mind you, currently third from bottom after the win. We had also conceded 10 goals in our past couple matches, so this win is fucking even more amazing.

damn good stuff, verdy! i'm developing a bit of a soft spot for them. still haven't decided upon a J-League team to follow though, will have to go see a game before i do so.

[SoFli]

Actually, now you're last.
Um, Sapporo is below on goal difference and JEF are way back on 2 points since they suck major balls.

[The Frederick]

Um, Sapporo is below on goal difference and JEF are way back on 2 points since they suck major balls.

My bad. The J.League site fails at having an intuitive table.

[SoFli]

http://www.soccerway.com/national/japan/j-league/

That's far better for tables and such. Also has results for the other cup's and stuff if you click on a club's name.

[Socceroo_06]

Two games played overnight.

Omiya Ardija def Gamba Osaka 3 - 2

Kashima Antlers drew 2-2 with Vissel Kobe.

That means Omiya move up to 6th place, Kashima stay 3rd, Gamba stay at 10th and Vissel Kobe move up to 8th.

[Socceroo_06]

HIGHLIGHTS

Urawa vs Sapporo
http://jp.youtube.com/watch?v=v_Yis_GlDEI

Iwata v. Kyoto
http://jp.youtube.com/watch?v=NXCqwX9jB5Q

Nigata v. Verdy
http://jp.youtube.com/watch?v=FbqBhSoGRJM

FC Tokyo v. Oita
http://jp.youtube.com/watch?v=6r0dYkLqDI0