After a stirring buildup, and with an impressive 35,911 spectators on hand, Tokyo Derby XIV ended up being another exercise in frustration for FC Tokyo, as we were again held by our co-tenants in a game we controlled for large parts but couldn't kill off. Despite having a 15-5 advantage in shots, we couldn't really argue the result, as The Spews were impressive in stretches themselves, and did well to stifle us as we pushed for a winner.
Straight afterwards, Tokyo Bairn and I were joined out on the back stairs by two special guests, Lewis (@NobuyukiTosey on twitter) Tosey and Steve (@AgentOrange2009) Barme, to discuss the game (although we didn't do that in great detail to be honest) and other J.League topics, including the J1 title race. TB was a bit grumpy after our fourth-straight unconvincing performance, and a little girl standing nearby clearly noticed, as she came over and gave us all a chocolate to try and brighten our mood. It didn't work, though she deserves great credit for trying!
You can listen on the player below or download for yourself by clicking on the Gas Talk logo to the right, and for you iTunes'ers please be patient, we hope to have it up tonight.
Enjoy. If you can be bothered reading a brief Match Report, it follows below...
J2 Matchday 33
The game itself saw chances at either end in an entertaining first twenty minutes, with the visitors putting us under pressure at times. We grew into the game and took the lead just before half time thanks to Lucas, who got in between two defenders to head in Sotan Tanabe's excellent floated cross from the left.
We were never convincing though, and green half time substitute Hiroki Kawano set about changing the game, buzzing around the midfield in a floating role. Then 16 minutes into the second half they drew level, after Kawano's corner was inadvertently deflected into his own net by Masato Morishige, who had tracked Yukio Tsuchiya across the front of goal.
In the 71st minute Naohiro Ishikawa (like clockwork, on for Tanabe after 65 mins) took a short corner to Naotake Hanyu, and when Roswell crossed, green subsitute Maranhao stuck out his arm and the ball deflected out for another corner...EVEN THOUGH THE LINESMAN WAS LOOKING RIGHT AT IT AND SHOULD'VE FLAGGED FOR A PENALTY! Don't believe me, click here and skip to 36 seconds in... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_-mM8WqXacU
Monday, October 31, 2011
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Tokyo Derby XIV: Sunday 1pm
J2 Matchday 33 Preview
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| "Don't worry, guys. I'm back." |
The second Tokyo Derby of the season takes place at lunchtime tomorrow, and Ajinomoto Stadium is sure to be a sea of red and blue (with a tiny pocket of spewy-green in one corner of the away end), with a crowd of over 30,000 expected to see leaders FC Tokyo 'host' sixth-placed Kawasaki Tokyo Verdy 1969.
As the title suggests, this is the 14th derby since the dirty greens moved from Kawasaki in 2001, and we hold a slight edge overall, having won six and drawn three of the earlier meetings. A lot of water has passed under the bridge since the 0-0 in early May, after which we sat in 13th and they were rock bottom, but regardless of where the teams are in the table, the formbook goes out the window in games like these/its a game of two halves/good feet for a big man and other footballing cliches etc.
The two teams enter the game after vastly different results on Wednesday: we were stunned by a last minute Oita winner that saw our Magic Number stay at 10; while The Spews went up to Tochigi and thumped them senseless - their 4-2 win saw them move up a spot to sixth - and they sit eight points behind third-placed Sapporo, with a healthy advantage in goal difference over the three teams above them.
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Players on 3 Yellow Cards: Masato Morishige, Hideto Takahashi, Yohei Kajiyama
The loss against Oita brought back horrible memories of last season, when we continuously failed to break down or finish off teams at home, but probably the biggest concern was the lack of zip in the legs of Tatsuya Yazawa, Hideto Takahashi and others, after four games in 11 days.
The manager's stubborn refusal to rotate fresh players in led to a sluggish performance on Wednesday, and there's only three days respite before this game, although thankfully we'll be able to recall captain Yasuyuki Konno after his one-game suspension that caused him to miss the Oita game. Clearly there won't be any other changes, so we'll have to hope the team can get by on fumes as they'll be running on empty, relying on the occasion to get them up and firing.
As the title suggests, this is the 14th derby since the dirty greens moved from Kawasaki in 2001, and we hold a slight edge overall, having won six and drawn three of the earlier meetings. A lot of water has passed under the bridge since the 0-0 in early May, after which we sat in 13th and they were rock bottom, but regardless of where the teams are in the table, the formbook goes out the window in games like these/its a game of two halves/good feet for a big man and other footballing cliches etc.
The two teams enter the game after vastly different results on Wednesday: we were stunned by a last minute Oita winner that saw our Magic Number stay at 10; while The Spews went up to Tochigi and thumped them senseless - their 4-2 win saw them move up a spot to sixth - and they sit eight points behind third-placed Sapporo, with a healthy advantage in goal difference over the three teams above them.
US
Players on 3 Yellow Cards: Masato Morishige, Hideto Takahashi, Yohei Kajiyama
The loss against Oita brought back horrible memories of last season, when we continuously failed to break down or finish off teams at home, but probably the biggest concern was the lack of zip in the legs of Tatsuya Yazawa, Hideto Takahashi and others, after four games in 11 days.
The manager's stubborn refusal to rotate fresh players in led to a sluggish performance on Wednesday, and there's only three days respite before this game, although thankfully we'll be able to recall captain Yasuyuki Konno after his one-game suspension that caused him to miss the Oita game. Clearly there won't be any other changes, so we'll have to hope the team can get by on fumes as they'll be running on empty, relying on the occasion to get them up and firing.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
FC Tokyo 1-2 Oita
J2 Matchday 32
Tokyo lined up as expected with Hokuto Nakamura coming in at right back and Yuhei Tokunaga moving over to central defence in place of suspended captain Yasuyuki Konno, and after a cagey start it took until the 16th minute for us to have a meaningful shot on goal, with Yohei Kajiyama firing just over from the edge of the box.
The game opened up and we had a few hairy moments at the back with Oita posing a threat on the counter, but seven minutes later we went ahead in slightly comical circumstances after a cross from Naotake Hanyu found its way to Tatsuya Yazawa, who controlled and lashed it straight at the keeper, with the ball ricocheting off the keeper's legs, into a defender - who knew nothing about it - and into the net. The comical element of it was that Yazawa clearly brought the ball down with his left arm, defenders were calling handball right away, but the ref didn't spot it and it was 1-0 to the good guys.
The chances flowed as the half went on: Lucas fired just wide after great buildup play by the excellent Sotan Tanabe, and then straight at the keeper after being played in on the right; Hanyu curled a shot onto the roof of the net; and Yazawa fired across goal but just wide, but then with literally the last kick of the first half Fatty Junior Shunsuke Maeda (who pleasingly was jeered by the home end when the teams were announced) scored a stunning equalizer, hooking the ball over his shoulder from the edge of the box and out of reach of a diving Shuichi Gonda.
Our run of seven straight league clean sheets, a club record I had completely missed, was broken as we conceeded for the first time since Kyoto took the lead at Aji Sta last month. We had controlled things for almost the entire half, but the players headed for the sheds level, while we wondered if Maeda had read my preview or was reacting to the booing, because he was playing like a man with a point to prove.
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| Arse... |
On another freezing cold Wednesday night FC Tokyo supporters rocked up to Kokuritsu hoping to see The Gasmen move to within touching distance of promotion with a win over Oita, but we went home disappointed, after substitute Hirokazu Hasegawa's goal in second half stoppage time completed the visitors' smash-and-grab raid.
Tokyo lined up as expected with Hokuto Nakamura coming in at right back and Yuhei Tokunaga moving over to central defence in place of suspended captain Yasuyuki Konno, and after a cagey start it took until the 16th minute for us to have a meaningful shot on goal, with Yohei Kajiyama firing just over from the edge of the box.
The game opened up and we had a few hairy moments at the back with Oita posing a threat on the counter, but seven minutes later we went ahead in slightly comical circumstances after a cross from Naotake Hanyu found its way to Tatsuya Yazawa, who controlled and lashed it straight at the keeper, with the ball ricocheting off the keeper's legs, into a defender - who knew nothing about it - and into the net. The comical element of it was that Yazawa clearly brought the ball down with his left arm, defenders were calling handball right away, but the ref didn't spot it and it was 1-0 to the good guys.
The chances flowed as the half went on: Lucas fired just wide after great buildup play by the excellent Sotan Tanabe, and then straight at the keeper after being played in on the right; Hanyu curled a shot onto the roof of the net; and Yazawa fired across goal but just wide, but then with literally the last kick of the first half Fatty Junior Shunsuke Maeda (who pleasingly was jeered by the home end when the teams were announced) scored a stunning equalizer, hooking the ball over his shoulder from the edge of the box and out of reach of a diving Shuichi Gonda.
Our run of seven straight league clean sheets, a club record I had completely missed, was broken as we conceeded for the first time since Kyoto took the lead at Aji Sta last month. We had controlled things for almost the entire half, but the players headed for the sheds level, while we wondered if Maeda had read my preview or was reacting to the booing, because he was playing like a man with a point to prove.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
FC Tokyo v Oita: Wednesday 7pm
J2 Matchday 32 Preview
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But bloody hell thats booooring. Hokuto is decent enough but he's nowhere near the threat Tokunaga is going forward, so I'd keep Tok on the right and bring in one of the other centre halves to play alongside Masato Morishige. Now I'm biased of course, but I believe Jade North deserves another run-out, although the wildcard is Kazunori Yoshimoto, who bagged a 22-minute hattrick against Ryutsu Keizai University in a friendly at Kodaira yesterday. Surely though North is next in line and goals against students from a business university shouldn't carry too much weight!
The temptation to look ahead to the derby on Sunday is strong, but first things first, FC Tokyo host Oita at Kokuritsu tomorrow night, knowing that a win could take us to the cusp of promotion on Sunday (provided Tokushima help us out by beating Sapporo - and yes, I'm looking ahead).
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Suspended: Yasuyuki Konno
On 3 Yellow Cards: Masato Morishige, Hideto Takahashi, Yohei Kajiyama
Due to suspension we're without our best player ever, Yasuyuki Konno, and if Mr. Okuma is true to form we'll see the same XI as Tosu but with Yuhei Tokunaga sliding over into the centre in place of the captain and Hokuto Nakamura coming in at right back, as thats what he did when Konno was away with the national team for the Emperor's Cup game against Kagoshima...
But bloody hell thats booooring. Hokuto is decent enough but he's nowhere near the threat Tokunaga is going forward, so I'd keep Tok on the right and bring in one of the other centre halves to play alongside Masato Morishige. Now I'm biased of course, but I believe Jade North deserves another run-out, although the wildcard is Kazunori Yoshimoto, who bagged a 22-minute hattrick against Ryutsu Keizai University in a friendly at Kodaira yesterday. Surely though North is next in line and goals against students from a business university shouldn't carry too much weight!
Monday, October 24, 2011
Sagan Tosu 0-0 FC Tokyo
J2 Matchday 31
Not a tremendous amount to write about for this one, there were very few clear cut chances in a scoreless effort. Yet the game was certainly watchable, partly as Tosu were able to match Tokyo, at least in the first half, and we saw the rare kind of fairly evenly matched game which we saw a few weeks back against Tokushima.
Big Bear surprised no-one by surprising no-one and the line up was the same as usual (Copyright @Citybred_BR14). I am starting to think of our manager as an old style club DJ who will play the same records in the same order no matter what as he managed to fill the floor with that set once in 1979, despite the fact that when he changes things up he gets a better reaction. However, I suppose we can’t complain too much as we are on a long unbeaten run and Ishikawa certainly is effective from the bench. Can you think of another team that consistently leaves its best attacking player on the bench though?
Anyway, Tosu, resplendent in pink and baby blue, perhaps started the better of the two sides and looked well up for it, backed by their impressive home crowd. Both teams tried to deny each other space, and bar an effort from an unmarked Toyoda from just outside the box that was blazed over the top both sides were restricted to hopeful long range efforts.
In the second half it was a different story, and the Gasmen looked much the better side. 78% of the period was played in the Tosu half, with Ishikawa stretching them when he came on and Cesar looking dangerous. Still though, there were no real clear cut chances, although the increasingly unimpressive Lucas (sacrilege?) did manage a couple of efforts which went tamely wide.
A draw in the end is a great result and keeps us almost exactly in the same position, with Chiba also drawing and Tokushima and Sapporo changing places after respective wins and losses. Another satisfactory day and the point draws closer when we will be officially OUT OF THIS RUBBISH LEAGUE. Also, just a thought on Tosu who looked like a good tough side, with a good support, a cracking stadium and nice uniforms. Looks like they will finally get a deserved crack at J1.
Not a tremendous amount to write about for this one, there were very few clear cut chances in a scoreless effort. Yet the game was certainly watchable, partly as Tosu were able to match Tokyo, at least in the first half, and we saw the rare kind of fairly evenly matched game which we saw a few weeks back against Tokushima.
Big Bear surprised no-one by surprising no-one and the line up was the same as usual (Copyright @Citybred_BR14). I am starting to think of our manager as an old style club DJ who will play the same records in the same order no matter what as he managed to fill the floor with that set once in 1979, despite the fact that when he changes things up he gets a better reaction. However, I suppose we can’t complain too much as we are on a long unbeaten run and Ishikawa certainly is effective from the bench. Can you think of another team that consistently leaves its best attacking player on the bench though?
Anyway, Tosu, resplendent in pink and baby blue, perhaps started the better of the two sides and looked well up for it, backed by their impressive home crowd. Both teams tried to deny each other space, and bar an effort from an unmarked Toyoda from just outside the box that was blazed over the top both sides were restricted to hopeful long range efforts.
In the second half it was a different story, and the Gasmen looked much the better side. 78% of the period was played in the Tosu half, with Ishikawa stretching them when he came on and Cesar looking dangerous. Still though, there were no real clear cut chances, although the increasingly unimpressive Lucas (sacrilege?) did manage a couple of efforts which went tamely wide.
A draw in the end is a great result and keeps us almost exactly in the same position, with Chiba also drawing and Tokushima and Sapporo changing places after respective wins and losses. Another satisfactory day and the point draws closer when we will be officially OUT OF THIS RUBBISH LEAGUE. Also, just a thought on Tosu who looked like a good tough side, with a good support, a cracking stadium and nice uniforms. Looks like they will finally get a deserved crack at J1.
Magic Number: Seven Games Left
Following FC Tokyo's 0-0 draw at Tosu yesterday (a Match Report from Tokyo Bairn is on its way), our Magic Number for promotion has been reduced to.................
Here's a breakdown of how it works out at 10 points, and I'll try and make it as unconfusing as possible (and probably fail):
10 points.
The 'Magic Number' is the number of points we need to earn from the seven remaining games to guarantee promotion as one of the top three in J2. When I started keeping track of it - in my Okayama Preview with ten games left - the number stood at 22, and its dropped by 12 in the three games since, as we've picked up seven points from our two wins and a draw, and most importantly, Sapporo and Tokushima have dropped points.
Here's a breakdown of how it works out at 10 points, and I'll try and make it as unconfusing as possible (and probably fail):
- FC Tokyo have 64 points;
- 4th-placed Sapporo have 53 (having lost their last three and slipped from 2nd) and if they win all seven games, they'll reach 74 BUT...
- They play 3rd-placed Tokushima (55) on Wednesday;
- A Sapporo win would mean that Tokushima would fall to 4th and could only get to 73;
- Therefore we need 10 points to get out of reach at 74.
- (Our massive advantage in goal difference means 73 points would actually be enough, but again, to be 100% safe I've taken GD out of the equation.)
Friday, October 21, 2011
Tosu v FC Tokyo: Sunday 5pm
J2 Matchday 31 Preview
Seven straight league wins have seen FC Tokyo move seven points clear at the top of J2, but we don't have long to bask in the glow of Naohiro Ishikawa's sublime stoppage time winner on Wednesday, as this weekend we face Tosu, the 2nd-placed team who are on an even hotter run than us.
They're unbeaten in their last 11 (nine wins and two draws), and have lost only once since early July, so this is likely to be the toughest test we'll face in the eight remaining games. Its a battle between the second and third highest scoring teams in the league, but a huge reason why we're sitting in the top two spots is because of the two stingiest defences in J2 - we've allowed just 15 goals in 30 games, while they've let in 23.
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Players on 3 Yellow Cards: Masato Morishige, Hideto Takahashi, Yasuyuki Konno, Roberto Cesar, Yohei Kajiyama
In such a big game, its hard to imagine the manager making any changes to the XI, so if he's even considering resting players during this five-games-in-two-weeks stretch that will surely happen next Wednesday (the fourth in five) when we host Oita at Kokuritsu, as the last of them is the derby.
What else is there to say? We know the XI, we know how we'll try and play, but coming up against such a stern defence might see us relying on getting something from a set piece, or if not, another 95th minute Ishikawa thunderbolt!
Seven straight league wins have seen FC Tokyo move seven points clear at the top of J2, but we don't have long to bask in the glow of Naohiro Ishikawa's sublime stoppage time winner on Wednesday, as this weekend we face Tosu, the 2nd-placed team who are on an even hotter run than us.
They're unbeaten in their last 11 (nine wins and two draws), and have lost only once since early July, so this is likely to be the toughest test we'll face in the eight remaining games. Its a battle between the second and third highest scoring teams in the league, but a huge reason why we're sitting in the top two spots is because of the two stingiest defences in J2 - we've allowed just 15 goals in 30 games, while they've let in 23.
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Players on 3 Yellow Cards: Masato Morishige, Hideto Takahashi, Yasuyuki Konno, Roberto Cesar, Yohei Kajiyama
In such a big game, its hard to imagine the manager making any changes to the XI, so if he's even considering resting players during this five-games-in-two-weeks stretch that will surely happen next Wednesday (the fourth in five) when we host Oita at Kokuritsu, as the last of them is the derby.
What else is there to say? We know the XI, we know how we'll try and play, but coming up against such a stern defence might see us relying on getting something from a set piece, or if not, another 95th minute Ishikawa thunderbolt!
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Yokohama FC 0-1 FC Tokyo
J2 Matchday 30
A spectacular stoppage time volley from Naohiro Ishikawa saw FC Tokyo nick all three points in an otherwise underwhelming game at a cold and windy Mitsuzawa last night. While there were some chances at either end and a couple of flashpoints where the game threatened to boil over, it appeared the teams were headed for a share of the spoils until Ishikawa's brilliant 95th minute intervention.
We entered on the back of a six-game winning streak, the hosts hadn't won in seven, and we'd battered them 3-0 just under a month before, so the game had a bit of a men against boys feel to it, which was confirmed when we rolled up behind the goal and saw this (below) banner in the home end...
The first half was fairly uninspiring even though we had the lion's share of the ball and, as predicted, got it out wide whenever possible. Sotan Tanabe was busy, Yuhei Tokunaga spent most of the half bombing down the right flank and Yohei Kajiyama was inventive, but in the final third we never really clicked as we lacked an end product and the hosts defended doggedly.
When we turned the ball over they looked to counter, and had arguably the best chance of the half when Kaio headed down and into Shuichi Gonda's arms from six yards after a lofted cross from Gonda's left. Masato Morishige managed to get his body into Kaio's and prevent the Brazilian from getting any power into his header, but that moment provided a reminder of the danger they could pose if we switched off.
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| (Andy Gray voice) What a hit, son!!! What a hit!!! |
We entered on the back of a six-game winning streak, the hosts hadn't won in seven, and we'd battered them 3-0 just under a month before, so the game had a bit of a men against boys feel to it, which was confirmed when we rolled up behind the goal and saw this (below) banner in the home end...
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| Little Boys indeed... |
When we turned the ball over they looked to counter, and had arguably the best chance of the half when Kaio headed down and into Shuichi Gonda's arms from six yards after a lofted cross from Gonda's left. Masato Morishige managed to get his body into Kaio's and prevent the Brazilian from getting any power into his header, but that moment provided a reminder of the danger they could pose if we switched off.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Yokohama FC v FC Tokyo: Wednesday 7.30pm
J2 Matchday 30 Preview
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| What the hell is this supposed to be? |
Less than a quarter of the J2 season is left to play, and FC Tokyo play the second of five games in two weeks tomorrow night, when we visit Yokohama FC at Mitsuzawa. This will be our first ever visit to the suburban stadium in league play, as the away game from their only J1 season, 2007, was played at Kokuritsu.
We're seven points clear at the top and going for a club record seven straight league wins, and on a matchday (originally Matchday 6) thats sees the rest of the top five also playing away, we have a great chance to reduce our much talked-about (by me) 'Magic Number' of points needed for promotion against the team in 15th, who we belted 3-0 just over three weeks ago.
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Players on 3 Yellow Cards: Masato Morishige, Hideto Takahashi, Yasuyuki Konno, Roberto Cesar, Yohei Kajiyama
There don't appear to be any major talking points when it comes to our XI, as the manager has shown no indication that he'll rotate fresh players in while things are ticking along as well as they are. Perhaps towards the end of this five-in-two-weeks stretch we may see Naotake Hanyu, Sotan Tanabe or Lucas rested for a game, with Naohiro Ishikawa or Roberto Cesar coming in, but this game has come too soon for The Salad to push for a start, as he has only half an hour in his legs after so long out.
At this stage though it appears the only way changes will come is if they are enforced by suspension, and as we have five key players on three yellows that is a real prospect. The worst-case scenario of course is if both the centre halves or centre mids get booked in the same game, which would surely fry the manager's brain as he'd have to make two changes.
Monday, October 17, 2011
FC Tokyo 3-0 Okayama
J2 Matchday 29
Under a blazing mid-October sun, FC Tokyo took on Okayama at Aji Sta yesterday looking for our sixth successive league win. The XI was unchanged from our last J2 game, the 2-0 away win over Tokushima, as Yasuyuki Konno and Shuichi Gonda had returned from international duty unscathed, while we were delighted to see Roberto Cesar back amongst the substitutes after he pulled up well from last weekend's Emperor's Cup win over FC Kagoshima.
Okayama set up 3-4-2-1 as expected, and they were on their heels from the start as we looked to exploit space on the flanks, with fullbacks Kenta Mukuhara and Yuhei Tokunaga encouraged to go forward to support wingers Sotan Tanabe and Tatsuya Yazawa.
The home fans didn't have to wait long for a goal, and unsurprisingly, given Okayama's compact formation, it came via a set piece. Yazawa, now the league leader in assists this season, whipped in an outswinger from the right that cleared a group of players at the near post and fell right onto the bootlaces of Masato Morishige, who held off a defender and volleyed in his fifth goal of the season from close range.
Chances continued to come after the opener, as Okayama had to come out a little more, but we had a major scare, and were indebted to the lightning reflexes of Gonda, in the 28th minute. They passed right through us down the left, and their winger Yusuke Kobayashi tried an audacious lob which sailed over Gonda but luckily for us came back off the bar. Masahiko Sawaguchi pounced on the rebound and smashed at goal from six yards, but somehow Gonda got back in position to make a superb instinctive save and the danger was gone.
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| What a belter from Hideto! |
Okayama set up 3-4-2-1 as expected, and they were on their heels from the start as we looked to exploit space on the flanks, with fullbacks Kenta Mukuhara and Yuhei Tokunaga encouraged to go forward to support wingers Sotan Tanabe and Tatsuya Yazawa.
The home fans didn't have to wait long for a goal, and unsurprisingly, given Okayama's compact formation, it came via a set piece. Yazawa, now the league leader in assists this season, whipped in an outswinger from the right that cleared a group of players at the near post and fell right onto the bootlaces of Masato Morishige, who held off a defender and volleyed in his fifth goal of the season from close range.
Chances continued to come after the opener, as Okayama had to come out a little more, but we had a major scare, and were indebted to the lightning reflexes of Gonda, in the 28th minute. They passed right through us down the left, and their winger Yusuke Kobayashi tried an audacious lob which sailed over Gonda but luckily for us came back off the bar. Masahiko Sawaguchi pounced on the rebound and smashed at goal from six yards, but somehow Gonda got back in position to make a superb instinctive save and the danger was gone.
Friday, October 14, 2011
FC Tokyo v Okayama: Sunday 1pm
J2 Matchday 29 Preview
Ten games remain in the J2 season, and if you read The Run In posted here last Friday, you know all about the fixtures the top seven teams have left to play. Then this week both weekly soccer magazines ran in-depth features on the promotion race, and Soccer Digest went the furthest, producing an excellent chart showing all the permutations results-wise for the top six (leaving out The Spews), leaving us with a 'Magic Number' of...22.
Thats right, if we collect a minimum 22 points from any combination of results in the final ten games WE WILL BE PROMOTED as one of the top three teams, 100% guaranteed/nailed-on/no doubt. Those 22 points would take us to 79 for the season, out of reach of Tosu, Chiba and Tokushima (we only need to finish ahead of two of them, anyway), as those three teams have clashes head-to-head remaining, making it impossible for them all to win all their remaining games.
The 'Magic Number' will drop every time we win (and/or any two of those three fail to pick up maximum points), hopefully starting Sunday lunchtime when we host Okayama.
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Players on 3 Yellow Cards: Masato Morishige, Hideto Takahashi, Yasuyuki Konno, Roberto Cesar (some conjecture over this, he has 3 but was sent off for 2 in the derby), Yohei Kajiyama.
With Yasuyuki Konno and Shuichi Gonda both away with the national team, we put out our strongest available XI in the 4-0 Emperor's Cup win over FC Kagoshima last Saturday, which was (knowing Big Bear as we do) unsurprising and, I guess, somewhat understandable (banana skin?). Sotan Tanabe returned from suspension, Yuhei Tokunaga moved into central defence in place of Konno with Hokuto Nakamura coming in at right back, and the fit-again Hitoshi Shiota returned between the sticks in Gonda's absence.
Thats right, if we collect a minimum 22 points from any combination of results in the final ten games WE WILL BE PROMOTED as one of the top three teams, 100% guaranteed/nailed-on/no doubt. Those 22 points would take us to 79 for the season, out of reach of Tosu, Chiba and Tokushima (we only need to finish ahead of two of them, anyway), as those three teams have clashes head-to-head remaining, making it impossible for them all to win all their remaining games.
The 'Magic Number' will drop every time we win (and/or any two of those three fail to pick up maximum points), hopefully starting Sunday lunchtime when we host Okayama.
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Players on 3 Yellow Cards: Masato Morishige, Hideto Takahashi, Yasuyuki Konno, Roberto Cesar (some conjecture over this, he has 3 but was sent off for 2 in the derby), Yohei Kajiyama.
With Yasuyuki Konno and Shuichi Gonda both away with the national team, we put out our strongest available XI in the 4-0 Emperor's Cup win over FC Kagoshima last Saturday, which was (knowing Big Bear as we do) unsurprising and, I guess, somewhat understandable (banana skin?). Sotan Tanabe returned from suspension, Yuhei Tokunaga moved into central defence in place of Konno with Hokuto Nakamura coming in at right back, and the fit-again Hitoshi Shiota returned between the sticks in Gonda's absence.
Friday, October 7, 2011
10 Games Left - The Run In
This international/Emperor's Cup break comes with ten games remaining in the J2 season, the perfect time to take stock of the run-in for the seven promotion challengers. Some have it harder than others: Tokushima, Chiba and The Spews all play five games against other sides in the top seven, but the fixture list has been kind to Tochigi and they fare the best, having just three games against fellow contenders.
I'm drawing the line after the top seven, even though Kitakyushu, Kumamoto and Shonan are within three points of The Spews, mainly because that trio of teams all have a negative goal difference. Any or all of them could catch fire and make up ground - and they all have at least three games left against the top seven, so they'll go a long way to deciding who does go up - but that goal difference is obviously a very big thing to overcome this late in the year.
Team-by-team then, in the order they currently stand, with games against fellow top seven teams in larger print and a brief comment/observation/question/all of the above afterwards.
FC Tokyo (57 points, +35 GD)
Okayama (H), Yokohama FC (A), Tosu (A), Oita (H), The Spews (H), Shonan (A), Mito (H), Tottori (A), Chiba (H), Sapporo (A).
Tosu (H), Kyoto (A), Tottori (A), Tokushima (A), Kumamoto (H), The Spews (A), Oita (H), Kusatsu (A), Shonan (A), FC Tokyo (H).
Sapporo (A), Toyama (A), FC Tokyo (H), Chiba (H), FC Gifu (A), Yokohama FC (H), Ehime FC (A), Kitakyushu (H), Tokushima (A), Kumamoto (H).
Kusatsu (H), Mito (A), Tochigi SC (A), Tosu (A), Tokushima (H), Oita (A), Tottori (H), The Spews (A), FC Tokyo (A), Mito (H).
Kyoto (A), The Spews (A), Yokohama FC (H), Sapporo (H), Chiba (A), Ehime FC (H), Tochigi SC (A), Shonan (A), Tosu (H), Okayama (A).
Shonan (H), Kumamoto (A), Chiba (H), The Spews (H), Kitakyushu (A), Tottori (A), Tokushima (H), Mito (A), Oita (H), Kusatsu (A).
Mito (A), Tokushima (H), Toyama (H), Tochigi SC (A), FC Tokyo (A), Sapporo (H), Kyoto (A), Chiba (H), Kitakyushu (A), Shonan (H).
Ben's Predicted Final J2 Table (replaces my hugely popular Power Rankings!)
I'm drawing the line after the top seven, even though Kitakyushu, Kumamoto and Shonan are within three points of The Spews, mainly because that trio of teams all have a negative goal difference. Any or all of them could catch fire and make up ground - and they all have at least three games left against the top seven, so they'll go a long way to deciding who does go up - but that goal difference is obviously a very big thing to overcome this late in the year.
Team-by-team then, in the order they currently stand, with games against fellow top seven teams in larger print and a brief comment/observation/question/all of the above afterwards.
FC Tokyo (57 points, +35 GD)
Okayama (H), Yokohama FC (A), Tosu (A), Oita (H), The Spews (H), Shonan (A), Mito (H), Tottori (A), Chiba (H), Sapporo (A).
- Great win at Tokushima, now it appears it's just a matter of us holding our nerve (that didn't work out too well last year did it?!).
- The defence has been superb as we've only let in five goals in our last 16 games following the 3-2 win at Mito.
- Getting The Salad back will be huge for us in attack, and Naohiro Ishikawa is bang on form, changing games (but will he ever start one?!).
- Tosu away shapes as a massive game, and we HAVE to win the Derby.
Tosu (H), Kyoto (A), Tottori (A), Tokushima (A), Kumamoto (H), The Spews (A), Oita (H), Kusatsu (A), Shonan (A), FC Tokyo (H).
- The league's hottest team (last 14: W:11 D:1 L:2) have only got four games left at home, and their Wednesday-Saturday-Wednesday road trip after Tosu at home will be crucial for them, especially as Tokushima away is the last of them.
- They'll be relying on the goals of Yoshihiro Uchimura, Diogo and Fat Yusuke Kondo (gulp) to sustain their red-hot form, while they've just signed another Brazilian striker, Lemos, who could be a late wildcard if they can get him fit.
- Will everything be decided before we visit on the final day?
Sapporo (A), Toyama (A), FC Tokyo (H), Chiba (H), FC Gifu (A), Yokohama FC (H), Ehime FC (A), Kitakyushu (H), Tokushima (A), Kumamoto (H).
- Almost as hot as Sapporo (only one loss in their last 13, but more draws), and its a massive game up in Hokkaido next weekend, then they'll fancy their chances against us and Chiba in consecutive home games, after the small matter of Toyama away in midweek.
- The last four also look somewhat tricky on paper, but if league-leading scorer Yohei Toyoda can carry on banging them in (7 in the last 8) they're a decent bet for their first-ever promotion.
- They've never been this close before: Will they bottle it?
Kusatsu (H), Mito (A), Tochigi SC (A), Tosu (A), Tokushima (H), Oita (A), Tottori (H), The Spews (A), FC Tokyo (A), Mito (H).
- Only four home games left, and all but one of their remaining games against fellow contenders are away. Like Sapporo they've got three straight away after next weekend, and then a toughie at home against Tokushima to follow.
- Ended September with a loss to Kyoto, but have had some decent wins, notably over Kitakyushu and Ehime, recently.
- In the continued absence of Tor Hogne Aaroy (out since the end of July), Masaki Fukai has been fantastic for them, but they need the big Norwegian back sharpish or it'll be another go-round in J2 for them next year.
- PREDICTION: Consecutive trips to Aji Sta in Matchdays 36 & 37 spell the end of their promotion chances.
Kyoto (A), The Spews (A), Yokohama FC (H), Sapporo (H), Chiba (A), Ehime FC (H), Tochigi SC (A), Shonan (A), Tosu (H), Okayama (A).
- They shouldn't be too disheartened about last Sunday, they took the game to us and were very impressive for large spells.
- Tomohiro Tsuda and Yoichiro Kakitani will pose a threat to anyone they face, and even though they only have four home games left, and three of their five against fellow challengers are away, I just have a hunch that they're the best chance of the teams outside the top three to move up.
- No real rhyme or reason to that opinion, they've obviously never been this high this late in the season before, but they play good football, and plus, J1 needs Yuya Hashiuchi.
Shonan (H), Kumamoto (A), Chiba (H), The Spews (H), Kitakyushu (A), Tottori (A), Tokushima (H), Mito (A), Oita (H), Kusatsu (A).
- Victims of the Kumagaya Effect? Since our 0-0 there they've been absolutely dreadful, losing four straight (including to both Toyama and Gifu, and despite the last three all being at home) before drawing with the dirty greens last time out.
- As I mentioned in the intro the fixtures shape up really well for them - all three of their remaining fellow all-top-seven games are at home - but in the form they're in its hard to imagine they'll be able to pick themselves up and turn it around. A shame after they were so good in the first six months of the season.
- Can anyone besides Ricardo Lobo step up and carry the load for them?
Mito (A), Tokushima (H), Toyama (H), Tochigi SC (A), FC Tokyo (A), Sapporo (H), Kyoto (A), Chiba (H), Kitakyushu (A), Shonan (H).
- Despite Tokyo Nerdy calling their promotion push dead and buried, and their terrible record against the top six (P:7 W:0 D:4 L:3), I still think they've got a late run in them. All their away games look winnable (except Matchday 33!), and they've got five home games to come plus an 'away' derby - its all in their hands.
- Tokushima at Kokuritsu will be a cracking game on Wednesday week, and if they can manage to win that, and avoid slip-ups either side against Mito and Toyama, they'll be chock full of confidence for their trip to Tochigi (and the Derby the weekend after).
- They are the only team who benefit from playing so many games against the top six, as they need wins in those games to help them gobble up ground.
- Scoring goals won't be a problem, but can their defence stop them going in up the other end?
Ben's Predicted Final J2 Table (replaces my hugely popular Power Rankings!)
- FC Tokyo
- Sapporo
- Tokushima
- Tosu
- Chiba
- The Spews
- Tochigi SC
Monday, October 3, 2011
Tokushima Vortis 0-2 FC Tokyo
J2 Matchday 28
Another away ground we had never seen before, another bank of grass, another running track, another strange inflatable near the corner flag. These away games this year were starting to all blend into one, especially as the games often fell into a similar pattern with Tokyo having all the possession and either managing to come through as in Mito or Gifu or losing out as in Tochigi or Toyama (shudder). This though, thankfully from a tired spectator’s point of view, was an altogether different game. It was the hosts, Tokushima Vortis, who had the majority of the possession and by far the best chances. Strangely, or perhaps not so for those who are veteran Gasmen watchers, this probably played into our hands and we were able to sucker punch them in a way many other teams have sucker punched us.
The team news while anticipated was nonetheless surprising, with young Genki Nagasato chosen to start ahead of On the Gas favourite Naohiro Ishikawa in place of the suspended Soutan. Once again Big Bear befuddles. Ishikawa is quite obviously a far superior player, so one can only assume the manager doesn’t regard him as fit enough for 90 minutes. Hmm, how could he get fully match fit? Perhaps, em, play him, for a match? Or maybe I am missing something, please enlighten in the comments if so. Anyway apart from this there were no changes from the last outing.
Tokushima started brighter at the Sweaty Poke stadium but Tokyo were able to withstand their pressure in the opening minutes and gradually begin to boss the match, with Tokunaga bearing down on goal in the 9th minute only to see his heavy touch blocked by the keeper. It wasn’t long before the Gasmen took the lead though, Nagasato (told you that was a great idea, didn’t I?) cleverly hooking in Konno’s header from close range. After the goal the pattern of the game changed, with Tokushima being allowed to have much more possession by the visitors. The greatest escape was when Sato missed an open goal from 4 yards, but Vortis had plenty of other efforts on goal especially towards the end of the half, when the ball regularly flew close to Gonda’s crossbar.
Into the second half and the Tokushima pressure continued, although Tokyo also had their occasional chances. The longer the game went on though, despite all the possession the home side had you felt that Tokyo might be able to hang on and grab one on the break, especially when Ishikawa replaced Genki in the 57th minute. Again, he immediately looked more dangerous than any other FCT player had done, and lo it came to pass in the 77th minute that on a counter attack he did wallop one in to the top of the net from a tight angle. I looked upon it, and it was good.
Overall this was probably the most enthralling contest of the season so far, with both sides trying to play dynamic attacking football. Tokushima controlled it for long periods as no other team has done against us this season, but it was very satisfying to see us defend well and get the goals when they were needed. Hurrah. It terms of the league this was also a big massive huge enormous win for us, as we stretched our lead over Vortis, Tochigi and Kawasaki 1969.
Happy days, onwards and upwards, get us out of here.
Another away ground we had never seen before, another bank of grass, another running track, another strange inflatable near the corner flag. These away games this year were starting to all blend into one, especially as the games often fell into a similar pattern with Tokyo having all the possession and either managing to come through as in Mito or Gifu or losing out as in Tochigi or Toyama (shudder). This though, thankfully from a tired spectator’s point of view, was an altogether different game. It was the hosts, Tokushima Vortis, who had the majority of the possession and by far the best chances. Strangely, or perhaps not so for those who are veteran Gasmen watchers, this probably played into our hands and we were able to sucker punch them in a way many other teams have sucker punched us.
The team news while anticipated was nonetheless surprising, with young Genki Nagasato chosen to start ahead of On the Gas favourite Naohiro Ishikawa in place of the suspended Soutan. Once again Big Bear befuddles. Ishikawa is quite obviously a far superior player, so one can only assume the manager doesn’t regard him as fit enough for 90 minutes. Hmm, how could he get fully match fit? Perhaps, em, play him, for a match? Or maybe I am missing something, please enlighten in the comments if so. Anyway apart from this there were no changes from the last outing.
Tokushima started brighter at the Sweaty Poke stadium but Tokyo were able to withstand their pressure in the opening minutes and gradually begin to boss the match, with Tokunaga bearing down on goal in the 9th minute only to see his heavy touch blocked by the keeper. It wasn’t long before the Gasmen took the lead though, Nagasato (told you that was a great idea, didn’t I?) cleverly hooking in Konno’s header from close range. After the goal the pattern of the game changed, with Tokushima being allowed to have much more possession by the visitors. The greatest escape was when Sato missed an open goal from 4 yards, but Vortis had plenty of other efforts on goal especially towards the end of the half, when the ball regularly flew close to Gonda’s crossbar.
Into the second half and the Tokushima pressure continued, although Tokyo also had their occasional chances. The longer the game went on though, despite all the possession the home side had you felt that Tokyo might be able to hang on and grab one on the break, especially when Ishikawa replaced Genki in the 57th minute. Again, he immediately looked more dangerous than any other FCT player had done, and lo it came to pass in the 77th minute that on a counter attack he did wallop one in to the top of the net from a tight angle. I looked upon it, and it was good.
Overall this was probably the most enthralling contest of the season so far, with both sides trying to play dynamic attacking football. Tokushima controlled it for long periods as no other team has done against us this season, but it was very satisfying to see us defend well and get the goals when they were needed. Hurrah. It terms of the league this was also a big massive huge enormous win for us, as we stretched our lead over Vortis, Tochigi and Kawasaki 1969.
Happy days, onwards and upwards, get us out of here.
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Tokushima v FC Tokyo: Sunday 4pm
J2 Matchday 28 Preview
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| Yeahhhh buddy!!! |
With 11 games left in the J2 season, we've finally opened up a tangible gap at the top of the table, thanks to a four-game winning run in which we've scored 16 and let in only one. Six of our last 11 are away from home, and three of those trips are against fellow promotion chasers, starting with tomorrow's late afternoon kickoff against 3rd-placed Tokushima.
US
Sotan Tanabe picked up his 4th yellow card of the season on Wednesday night and is therefore suspended for this match, but that may actually be a blessing in disguise for a couple of reasons, as it allows Tanabe, who has faded out of games quite noticably in the past month, to recharge his batteries, while opening the door for Naohiro Ishikawa to make his first start of the season.
Ishikawa has been handled very carefully by the manager in his 13 appearances off the bench so far, but surely now this opportunity, with Tanabe missing, is the perfect time to unleash him from the start. The only possible reason I could see that not happening is if Big Bear decides to go with Hokuto Nakamura, who has been cooling his heels on the bench since his return from suspension thanks to the strong performances (and two goals) from Kenta Mukuhara.
Apart from that one enforced change there's no question about the rest of the XI keeping their places, but we might have a nice selection dilemma for the next league game at home to Okayama in a fortnight, with Roberto Cesar back in full training (finally!) following his calf strain, while of course Tanabe will be eligible to return for that one.
You'd expect to see The Salad play some part in the Emporer's Cup game at home to FC Kagoshima next Saturday, and if he gets through that unscathed, to return via the bench against Okayama. The only question remaining is who comes into the 18 with Tanabe out. I'd obviously like to see Jade North get the nod, and I believe he should as we may need extra defensive cover on the bench, but Kohei Shimoda is also a possibility if the manager decides he needs another midfielder.
THEM
Tokushima rose to 3rd on Wednesday night with a 1-0 win over Kumamoto, going above Tosu, who didn't play, and Chiba, who were stunned at home by Kyoto. I got to see that game, replayed on JSports1, and while they were decent value for their win, Tokushima didn't exactly set the world on fire. In fact, before Akihiro Sato scored the only goal of the game in the 27th minute, Kumamoto had seen more of the ball, with Tokushima content to play on the counter attack.
Thats how the goal came about, and is something we'll have to be mindful of tomorrow. Sato took a loose ball from around the halfway line and played it out to Takeshi Hamada, continuing his run into the box. When Hamada crossed Tomohiro Tsuda drew a defender across goal with an excellent dummy run, allowing the ball to run to Sato around the penalty spot, and he lashed home on the turn.
Their XI against Kumamoto was: (4-4-2) Oh Seung Hoon; Shimamura, YUYA HASHIUCHI Yeahhhh buddy!!!, Bae Seung Jin, Nishijima; Hamada, Kuranuki, Saito, Kakitani; Sato, Tsuda. Their balanced attack has seen Tsuda, who brings the beef up front as their main striker, Sato, and exciting young winger Yoichiro Kakitani all score six goals, while the versatile Tsuyoshi Shimamura has chipped in with five despite spending a lot of time at right back.
While those four, along with Hamada, are ones to watch, I'm most looking forward to seeing The Abominable Footballer, Yuya Hashiuchi, again. Now unfortunately he's had his once-in-every-five-years haircut since his brilliant squad photo was taken, but he still looks like a caveman, no doubt about it, and should have his hairy hands full filling in at centre half for the injured Takashi Miki.
THE VERDICT
A lot of water has passed under the bridge since we beat them 1-0 at Aji Sta back in Matchday 11, our best home performance of the first few months of the season despite the narrow scoreline. Casual got the only goal that day, bundling in The Salad's knocked-down header, in a game we completely dominated.
They'll be out for revenge on their home turf, and will be dangerous on the flanks with Kakitani and Hamada sure to test Mukuhara and Yuhei Tokunaga, but we of course pose a big threat of our own, and Nao should be extra fired up to do well on his return to the XI. You'd expect there to be goals in this one, and I'm tempted to pick a score draw, but while we're in such a rich vein of form, I've gotta stick with the boys.
A very tough test, but we'll do the business again....Away Win.
While those four, along with Hamada, are ones to watch, I'm most looking forward to seeing The Abominable Footballer, Yuya Hashiuchi, again. Now unfortunately he's had his once-in-every-five-years haircut since his brilliant squad photo was taken, but he still looks like a caveman, no doubt about it, and should have his hairy hands full filling in at centre half for the injured Takashi Miki.
THE VERDICT
A lot of water has passed under the bridge since we beat them 1-0 at Aji Sta back in Matchday 11, our best home performance of the first few months of the season despite the narrow scoreline. Casual got the only goal that day, bundling in The Salad's knocked-down header, in a game we completely dominated.
They'll be out for revenge on their home turf, and will be dangerous on the flanks with Kakitani and Hamada sure to test Mukuhara and Yuhei Tokunaga, but we of course pose a big threat of our own, and Nao should be extra fired up to do well on his return to the XI. You'd expect there to be goals in this one, and I'm tempted to pick a score draw, but while we're in such a rich vein of form, I've gotta stick with the boys.
A very tough test, but we'll do the business again....Away Win.
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