Uzbekistan vs Japan Live Streaming Asia qualification world cup 2014 Brazil Match, September 6,2011
Tuesday, September 6,2011
Watch Uzbekistan vs Japan First leg Asia qualification world cup 2014 Brazil 2014 Match, This great game between Uzbekistan vs Japan will be kick off at the Uzbekistan stadium, (wib) September 6,2011 free online live streaming. JAPAN vs UZBEKISTAN
(Selasa/wedn, 6 September 6011)
Video and Highlight between Uzbekistan vs Japan Live Online TV First leg Pre-World cup 2014 Brazil Olympic 2014. Watch the Soccer games live from Satellite TV, Cable Television also watch pay per view, also watch online free live in HD on the Internet PC. soccer Lovers Don’t Miss to get your link. Soccer Dreamers Watch and Enjoy Uzbekistan vs Japan live match on your PC and TV Feel Free.
If you want to watch Uzbekistan vs Japan live Stream game, you can visit this TV link channel below video broadcast tv online for free from Starsport, SCTV partnert TV, Global TV, Justin TV, Ustream, Freedocast, Veetle, Uusee, TV Streaming, TV Internet, TV Live Score and many more streaming paltform in HD like P2P using Sopcast the immediate impression that you enjoy this blog, you can see through you can find all the games, do not expect this blog. Thanks to all the people, I see you have a strong following,
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Showing posts with label Japan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Japan. Show all posts
Wednesday, 24 August 2011
Japan vs Korea Utara Live Streaming Asia qualification world cup 2014 Brazil Match, September 2,2011
Japan vs Korea Utara Live Streaming Asia qualification world cup 2014 Brazil Match, September 2,2011
Tuesday, September 2,2011
Watch Japan vs Korea Utara First leg Asia qualification world cup 2014 Brazil 2014 Match, This great game between Japan vs Korea Utara will be kick off at the Japan stadium,Japan at 22.30 (wib) September 2,2011 free online live streaming. KOREA UTARA vs JAPAN
(Jumat, 2 September 2011)
Video and Highlight between Japan vs Korea Utara Live Online TV First leg Pre-World cup 2014 Brazil Olympic 2014. Watch the Soccer games live from Satellite TV, Cable Television also watch pay per view, also watch online free live in HD on the Internet PC. soccer Lovers Don’t Miss to get your link. Soccer Dreamers Watch and Enjoy Japan vs Korea Utara live match on your PC and TV Feel Free.
If you want to watch Japan vs Korea Utara live Stream game, you can visit this TV link channel below video broadcast tv online for free from Starsport, SCTV partnert TV, Global TV, Justin TV, Ustream, Freedocast, Veetle, Uusee, TV Streaming, TV Internet, TV Live Score and many more streaming paltform in HD like P2P using Sopcast the immediate impression that you enjoy this blog, you can see through you can find all the games, do not expect this blog. Thanks to all the people, I see you have a strong following,
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Tuesday, September 2,2011
Watch Japan vs Korea Utara First leg Asia qualification world cup 2014 Brazil 2014 Match, This great game between Japan vs Korea Utara will be kick off at the Japan stadium,Japan at 22.30 (wib) September 2,2011 free online live streaming. KOREA UTARA vs JAPAN
(Jumat, 2 September 2011)
Video and Highlight between Japan vs Korea Utara Live Online TV First leg Pre-World cup 2014 Brazil Olympic 2014. Watch the Soccer games live from Satellite TV, Cable Television also watch pay per view, also watch online free live in HD on the Internet PC. soccer Lovers Don’t Miss to get your link. Soccer Dreamers Watch and Enjoy Japan vs Korea Utara live match on your PC and TV Feel Free.
If you want to watch Japan vs Korea Utara live Stream game, you can visit this TV link channel below video broadcast tv online for free from Starsport, SCTV partnert TV, Global TV, Justin TV, Ustream, Freedocast, Veetle, Uusee, TV Streaming, TV Internet, TV Live Score and many more streaming paltform in HD like P2P using Sopcast the immediate impression that you enjoy this blog, you can see through you can find all the games, do not expect this blog. Thanks to all the people, I see you have a strong following,
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Monday, 18 July 2011
Women’s World Cup final: USA vs. Japan live blog
Women’s World Cup final: USA vs. Japan live blog
By Steven Goff
USA vs. JAPAN
Kickoff: 2:45 p.m. ET.
TV: ESPN, Galavision, ESPN3.com
USA LINEUP: Solo; Krieger, Rampone, Buehler, LePeilbet; O’Reilly, Lloyd, Boxx, Rapinoe (Heath 114th); Cheney (Morgan 46th), Wambach.
JAPAN LINEUP: Kaihori; Kinga, Iwashimizu, Kumagai, Sameshima; Sakaguchi, Ohno (Maruyama 66th, Iwabuchi 119th), Miyama, Sawa; Ando (Nagasato 66th), Kawasumi.
Bold switch by Sundhage, dropping the ineffecting Rodriguez, moving Cheney up front and inserting super-sub Rapinoe into the lineup. Buehler returns from red card to pair with Rampone, relegating Sauerbrunn back to bench.
*****
Phenomenal match. Japan wins its first World Cup title. USA falls short of a third world crown. USA failed to to finish early scoring opportunities but seemed on its way to championship after Morgan’s goal in the 69th minute, but defensive breakdown led to Miyama’s equalizer. Wambach strikes again with a header early in extra time, but Sawa answers. Surprisingly, USA falters in penalties after converting all five in quarterfinals against Brazil. Kaihori makes two saves. Great theater. Next Women’s World Cup: 2015 in Canada.
JAPAN WINS ON PENALTIES 3-1
4. Kumagai: goal
4. Wambach: goal
3. Sakaguchi: goal
3. Heath: saved
2. Nagasato: goal
2. Lloyd: misses high
1. Miyawa: goal
1. Boxx: saved
END OF EXTRA TIME: We’re going to penalty kicks.....
122nd: USA free kick, deflected in the box, frantic scramble, Heath effort blocked. Unbelievable theater.
121st: Morgan behind Japan defense, taken down on edge of box by Iwashimizu. RED CARD.
120th: Wambach great chance to win it, bid misses the mark.
119th: Iwabuchi for Maruyama.
117th: JAPAN GOAL! Sawa with a spectacular redirect off a corner kick. What a match. 2-2.
115th: Sawa long ball into penalty area, Kinga beats Solo to ball, heavy touch cleared by Rampone in the six-yard box.
114th: Tobin Heath enters for Rapinoe.
112th: High ball eludes Solo, creating havoc in the box. Two USA players fall over each other, but Japan unable to capitalize. High drama as time melts away.
110th: USA standing firm as Japan presses. Cool on the ball, using the width of the field.
Break in extra time: 15 minutes down, 15 to go. Can USA preserve this lead?
104th: USA GOAL! Wambach header. 2-1. Morgan surges to end line, crosses to Wambach for six-yard nod. She’s done it again. Fourth goal of tournament — all headers. Her 13th career World Cup goal sets USA record.
100th: O’Reilly drives low ball deep into the box, cleared. O’Reilly high cross sails out of play.
95th: Morgan uses pace to collect Wambach’s ball, hooks left-footed shot from top of penalty area beyond the far post.
95th: Americans have started extra time the same way they started each half — in charge, pressing for a goal, yielding scant possession to Japan.
91st: USA corner kick. Two headers and a blocked shot. USA eventually sends ball back in, Wambach header saved routinely.
END OF REGULATION: 1-1. Mandatory 30 minutes to come....
.
90th: USA intensifying late pressure with Lloyd’s footwork and several crosses into the box. Japan endures.
89th: Teams staring at extra time. Both enjoyed such adventures in quarterfinals, with Japan beating Germany and USA scoring late in bonus period to tie Brazil and then win on penalties.
85th: USA corner kick, Rapinoe dangerous service, volleyed from danger.
81st: JAPAN GOAL! Disastrous USA defending. Sawa cross stopped in heart of box. Buehler’s panicky clear catches Krieger off guard. Krieger left-footed reflex kick falls to Miyama for composed touch past helpless Solo. 1-1.
79th: Japan can’t equalize if they don’t have possession. USA doing well to keep ball, maintain poise, continue to dictate terms.
75th: Entering the final stage of regulation, tension building. USA remains in attacking mode, Japan play turning more urgent.
69th: USA GOAL! Rapinoe long ball, Morgan wards off Kumagai, gathers in stride, one touch into the box and then 17-yard drive to the far corner. 1-0. USA persistence pays off. Morgan utilizes blazing speed to beat Kumagai, finishes cleanly.
66th: Two Japan changes — Maruyama for Ohno, Nagasato for Ando.
64th: O’Reilly high cross, Wambach header tapped over crossbar by Kaihori.
64th: Japan (Ohno) incorrectly ruled offside at midfield, negating breakaway!
63rd: Consecutive USA corner kicks served by Rapinoe. Neither yields anything.
62nd: Overlapping Kinga sneaks behind USA defense, wayward bid on bouncing ball.
60th: After 15 minutes of second half, much of the same with USA dictating terms and presenting a constant sense of danger while Japan labors to find a consistent rhythm.
58th: USA corner kick, clearly easily.
56th: Despite USA manufacturing almost every quality chance, Japan retaining a menacing quality in its few possessions in the final third of the field.
49th: O’Reilly drives in low cross, Morgan redirects off base of right post, rebound deflects off goalkeeper and sits in six-yard box before being cleared. Wow, another glorious USA opportunity passes.
46th: Morgan enters for injured Cheney (ankle/foot).
HALFTIME: USA 0, Japan 0. Americans playing their finest all-around match of the tournament but not finishing well. Cheney twice, Lloyd, Rapinoe twice, Wambach off the crossbar, Cheney again. Will we see Alex Morgan soon? At the other end, Solo untested.
44th: Ohno lovely chip toward Ando deep in the box, a whisker beyond her reach as Krieger bumps Ando off stride.
43rd: USA pressure on the ball disrupting almost every Japan possession.
38th: Kawasumi misses badly from distance after Miyama corner kick.
35th: Rampone’s long ball meets Cheney for header that floats just over the target.
34th: Possession time slightly favoring Japan, but USA with far more quality scoring chances. Should’ve have one or two goals by now. Japan fortunate to be level.
31st: Ohno diagonal ball to Ando onside, acute-angled shot covered easily by Solo.
29th: Wambach runs onto ball at midfield, charges down left side, blasts left-footed shot from 17 yards off the crossbar!
24th: Japan beginning to find its game but still lacking the mesmerizing movement and passing that propelled it to its first final.
22nd: Ohno bid from distance, weak effort and off target.
20th: Match remains scoreless, despite USA dominance.
18th: Lovely Cheney-Rapinoe combination, tight-angled bid by Rapinoe clangs the near post, which was well covered by the keeper.
18th: Japan has enjoyed precious little possession. America’s day, so far.
15th: USA dictating terms, creating numerous quality chances, but match remains scoreless.
12th: Cheney sets up Rapinoe, one-timer from seven yards misses near corner. USA pressure intensifying but finishing not there.
11th: Lloyd 16-yard one-timer streaks over the crossbar.
10th: Wambach from distance, well over the crossbar.
9th: Cheney makes near-post run, uses right-footed poke to connect with Rapinoe’s cross, redirects fractionally wide of left upright.
8th: Match settles down after crackling start. Japan seeking to establish rhythm, sustain dazzling possession game.
4th: USA setting the early pace, but Japan probing for space. Sawa too heavy with through ball into box.
1st: Cheney makes instant impact, penetrating left side of box, tries to beat keeper to near corner instead of crossing to Wambach. Save.
1st minute: We’re underway!
By Steven Goff | 02:13 PM ET, 07/17/2011
Tags: Women's World Cup, U.S. national team,http://www.washingtonpost.com
Watch the famous Japan Vs. USA online football streaming free 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup Final streamers never miss this match. Japan Vs. USA exciting football match streaming live at 20:45 CT (Europe Time), 14:45 ET (USA Eastern), Sunday, July 17, 2011 at Commerzbank-Arena, Frankfurt - Germany.
By Steven Goff
USA vs. JAPAN
Kickoff: 2:45 p.m. ET.
TV: ESPN, Galavision, ESPN3.com
USA LINEUP: Solo; Krieger, Rampone, Buehler, LePeilbet; O’Reilly, Lloyd, Boxx, Rapinoe (Heath 114th); Cheney (Morgan 46th), Wambach.
JAPAN LINEUP: Kaihori; Kinga, Iwashimizu, Kumagai, Sameshima; Sakaguchi, Ohno (Maruyama 66th, Iwabuchi 119th), Miyama, Sawa; Ando (Nagasato 66th), Kawasumi.
Bold switch by Sundhage, dropping the ineffecting Rodriguez, moving Cheney up front and inserting super-sub Rapinoe into the lineup. Buehler returns from red card to pair with Rampone, relegating Sauerbrunn back to bench.
*****
Phenomenal match. Japan wins its first World Cup title. USA falls short of a third world crown. USA failed to to finish early scoring opportunities but seemed on its way to championship after Morgan’s goal in the 69th minute, but defensive breakdown led to Miyama’s equalizer. Wambach strikes again with a header early in extra time, but Sawa answers. Surprisingly, USA falters in penalties after converting all five in quarterfinals against Brazil. Kaihori makes two saves. Great theater. Next Women’s World Cup: 2015 in Canada.
JAPAN WINS ON PENALTIES 3-1
4. Kumagai: goal
4. Wambach: goal
3. Sakaguchi: goal
3. Heath: saved
2. Nagasato: goal
2. Lloyd: misses high
1. Miyawa: goal
1. Boxx: saved
END OF EXTRA TIME: We’re going to penalty kicks.....
122nd: USA free kick, deflected in the box, frantic scramble, Heath effort blocked. Unbelievable theater.
121st: Morgan behind Japan defense, taken down on edge of box by Iwashimizu. RED CARD.
120th: Wambach great chance to win it, bid misses the mark.
119th: Iwabuchi for Maruyama.
117th: JAPAN GOAL! Sawa with a spectacular redirect off a corner kick. What a match. 2-2.
115th: Sawa long ball into penalty area, Kinga beats Solo to ball, heavy touch cleared by Rampone in the six-yard box.
114th: Tobin Heath enters for Rapinoe.
112th: High ball eludes Solo, creating havoc in the box. Two USA players fall over each other, but Japan unable to capitalize. High drama as time melts away.
110th: USA standing firm as Japan presses. Cool on the ball, using the width of the field.
Break in extra time: 15 minutes down, 15 to go. Can USA preserve this lead?
104th: USA GOAL! Wambach header. 2-1. Morgan surges to end line, crosses to Wambach for six-yard nod. She’s done it again. Fourth goal of tournament — all headers. Her 13th career World Cup goal sets USA record.
100th: O’Reilly drives low ball deep into the box, cleared. O’Reilly high cross sails out of play.
95th: Morgan uses pace to collect Wambach’s ball, hooks left-footed shot from top of penalty area beyond the far post.
95th: Americans have started extra time the same way they started each half — in charge, pressing for a goal, yielding scant possession to Japan.
91st: USA corner kick. Two headers and a blocked shot. USA eventually sends ball back in, Wambach header saved routinely.
END OF REGULATION: 1-1. Mandatory 30 minutes to come....
.
90th: USA intensifying late pressure with Lloyd’s footwork and several crosses into the box. Japan endures.
89th: Teams staring at extra time. Both enjoyed such adventures in quarterfinals, with Japan beating Germany and USA scoring late in bonus period to tie Brazil and then win on penalties.
85th: USA corner kick, Rapinoe dangerous service, volleyed from danger.
81st: JAPAN GOAL! Disastrous USA defending. Sawa cross stopped in heart of box. Buehler’s panicky clear catches Krieger off guard. Krieger left-footed reflex kick falls to Miyama for composed touch past helpless Solo. 1-1.
79th: Japan can’t equalize if they don’t have possession. USA doing well to keep ball, maintain poise, continue to dictate terms.
75th: Entering the final stage of regulation, tension building. USA remains in attacking mode, Japan play turning more urgent.
69th: USA GOAL! Rapinoe long ball, Morgan wards off Kumagai, gathers in stride, one touch into the box and then 17-yard drive to the far corner. 1-0. USA persistence pays off. Morgan utilizes blazing speed to beat Kumagai, finishes cleanly.
66th: Two Japan changes — Maruyama for Ohno, Nagasato for Ando.
64th: O’Reilly high cross, Wambach header tapped over crossbar by Kaihori.
64th: Japan (Ohno) incorrectly ruled offside at midfield, negating breakaway!
63rd: Consecutive USA corner kicks served by Rapinoe. Neither yields anything.
62nd: Overlapping Kinga sneaks behind USA defense, wayward bid on bouncing ball.
60th: After 15 minutes of second half, much of the same with USA dictating terms and presenting a constant sense of danger while Japan labors to find a consistent rhythm.
58th: USA corner kick, clearly easily.
56th: Despite USA manufacturing almost every quality chance, Japan retaining a menacing quality in its few possessions in the final third of the field.
49th: O’Reilly drives in low cross, Morgan redirects off base of right post, rebound deflects off goalkeeper and sits in six-yard box before being cleared. Wow, another glorious USA opportunity passes.
46th: Morgan enters for injured Cheney (ankle/foot).
HALFTIME: USA 0, Japan 0. Americans playing their finest all-around match of the tournament but not finishing well. Cheney twice, Lloyd, Rapinoe twice, Wambach off the crossbar, Cheney again. Will we see Alex Morgan soon? At the other end, Solo untested.
44th: Ohno lovely chip toward Ando deep in the box, a whisker beyond her reach as Krieger bumps Ando off stride.
43rd: USA pressure on the ball disrupting almost every Japan possession.
38th: Kawasumi misses badly from distance after Miyama corner kick.
35th: Rampone’s long ball meets Cheney for header that floats just over the target.
34th: Possession time slightly favoring Japan, but USA with far more quality scoring chances. Should’ve have one or two goals by now. Japan fortunate to be level.
31st: Ohno diagonal ball to Ando onside, acute-angled shot covered easily by Solo.
29th: Wambach runs onto ball at midfield, charges down left side, blasts left-footed shot from 17 yards off the crossbar!
24th: Japan beginning to find its game but still lacking the mesmerizing movement and passing that propelled it to its first final.
22nd: Ohno bid from distance, weak effort and off target.
20th: Match remains scoreless, despite USA dominance.
18th: Lovely Cheney-Rapinoe combination, tight-angled bid by Rapinoe clangs the near post, which was well covered by the keeper.
18th: Japan has enjoyed precious little possession. America’s day, so far.
15th: USA dictating terms, creating numerous quality chances, but match remains scoreless.
12th: Cheney sets up Rapinoe, one-timer from seven yards misses near corner. USA pressure intensifying but finishing not there.
11th: Lloyd 16-yard one-timer streaks over the crossbar.
10th: Wambach from distance, well over the crossbar.
9th: Cheney makes near-post run, uses right-footed poke to connect with Rapinoe’s cross, redirects fractionally wide of left upright.
8th: Match settles down after crackling start. Japan seeking to establish rhythm, sustain dazzling possession game.
4th: USA setting the early pace, but Japan probing for space. Sawa too heavy with through ball into box.
1st: Cheney makes instant impact, penetrating left side of box, tries to beat keeper to near corner instead of crossing to Wambach. Save.
1st minute: We’re underway!
By Steven Goff | 02:13 PM ET, 07/17/2011
Tags: Women's World Cup, U.S. national team,http://www.washingtonpost.com
Watch the famous Japan Vs. USA online football streaming free 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup Final streamers never miss this match. Japan Vs. USA exciting football match streaming live at 20:45 CT (Europe Time), 14:45 ET (USA Eastern), Sunday, July 17, 2011 at Commerzbank-Arena, Frankfurt - Germany.
Friday, 15 July 2011
USA vs. Japan Women’s World Cup Finals 2011 PREDICTION AND ANLISYS
USA vs. Japan Women’s World Cup Finals 2011 ,USA as the 1/2 early favorite early on to beat Japan and the underdogs listed at 6/4. These odds were the very first available and subject to change over the next couple of days, and in fact already have.
USA vs. Japan Women’s World Cup Finals 2011 PREDICTION AND ANLISYS
japan team is second power in this match but this team graphic positif
japan vs USA who is the winner
USA vs. Japan Women’s World Cup Finals 2011 PREDICTION AND ANLISYS
japan team is second power in this match but this team graphic positif
japan vs USA who is the winner
Friday, 1 July 2011
Watch the famous Japan Vs. Mexico online football streaming
Watch the famous Japan Vs. Mexico online football streaming free Women's World Cup Germany 2011 streamers never miss this match. Japan Vs. Mexico exciting football match streaming live at 15:00 CT (Central Europe), 09:00 ET (USA Eastern), Friday, July 1, 2011 at Leverkusen - Germany.
Watch the Soccer games live from Satellite TV, Cable Television also watch pay per view, also watch online free live in HD on the Internet PC. Soccer Lovers Don’t Miss to get your link. Soccer Dreamers Watch and Enjoy Japan Vs. Mexico live match on your PC and TV Feel Free.
Watch the famous Japan Vs. Mexico online football streaming
live streaming today,live streaming famous online football 2011,live streaming famous online football 2012,live streaming famous online football 2013,live streaming famous online football 2014
See also Japan Vs. Mexico results and schedules. Who's gonna win this Women's World Cup match game? Just turn on your PC then watch the game from your PC. We provide more that a link that you can watch, you may also watch the preview, live score, and commentary in several languages in several links that you can choose by yourself.
Watch the famous Japan Vs. Mexico online football streaming
Watch the Soccer games live from Satellite TV, Cable Television also watch pay per view, also watch online free live in HD on the Internet PC. Soccer Lovers Don’t Miss to get your link. Soccer Dreamers Watch and Enjoy Japan Vs. Mexico live match on your PC and TV Feel Free.
Watch the famous Japan Vs. Mexico online football streaming
live streaming today,live streaming famous online football 2011,live streaming famous online football 2012,live streaming famous online football 2013,live streaming famous online football 2014
See also Japan Vs. Mexico results and schedules. Who's gonna win this Women's World Cup match game? Just turn on your PC then watch the game from your PC. We provide more that a link that you can watch, you may also watch the preview, live score, and commentary in several languages in several links that you can choose by yourself.
Watch the famous Japan Vs. Mexico online football streaming
Tuesday, 28 June 2011
Japan banner a global message : fifa news
Fans present in Bochum for Group B’s opening game between New Zealand and Japan were greeted before the match by the Japanese team holding a large banner on the pitch saying: ‘To our friends around the world: Thank you friends for your support.’
This is a campaign that was initiated by the Japan Football Association in response to the great support that Japan received from the global football family after the tragic earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan in March 2011.
FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter was one of the first people to send his support to the Japanese community on behalf of FIFA and the footballing world. As a token of appreciation, the JFA launched a website to post all the messages it received to acknowledge those who sent them help and also let the people who were affected by the tragedy know about the support they will receive.
This whole campaign is a good opportunity for us to show our gratitude to the world.
Homare Sawa, Japan captain.
Additionally the Japanese decided that the most visible way of thanking the people for their support would be to create banner and it was first used at a charity game in Osaka on 29 March.
Since then the banner has travelled the world with every Japanese team: Mexico for the FIFA U-17 World Cup, the USA for international friendlies and finally Germany for the FIFA Women’s World Cup, where it appeared for the first time during the match against New Zealand in Bochum.
When asked about it, the Japanese captain Homare Sawa said: "This whole campaign is a good opportunity for us to show our gratitude to the world. We have received so much support from around the world, and it is still on-going. I wish for the speedy recovery of Japan and for people to regain their normal life."
The Tohoku area was one of the worst affected areas by the tragedy and the team’s defender Azusa Iwashimizu who was born there also expressed her gratitude.
"Tohoku has received warm encouragement and support from so many countries.
The World Cup is one of our chances to show Japan's presence to the world in gratitude of their support. I also want to give a message of encouragement to the Japanese people through our play. I think more activities such as football events for kids should take place in the Tohoku area so that we can encourage them with football." fifa.com
Japan Anthem Women World Cup 2011 By womenfootballworld.com - women soccer - Fotbal feminin - Vrou Football - Femra Futboll - الإناث لكرة القدم - Իգական Ֆուտբոլ - Emakumezkoen Futbol - Жаночы футбол - Женски футбол - Home de futbol - Žena Fotbal - Ženski nogomet - Kvinde Fodbold -נקבה כדורגל - Naine Jalgpall - Babae
Japan Anthem Women World Cup 2011 By womenfootballworld.com - women soccer - Fotbal feminin - Vrou Football - Femra Futboll - الإناث لكرة القدم - Իգական Ֆուտբոլ - Emakumezkoen Futbol - Жаночы футбол - Женски футбол - Home de futbol - Žena Fotbal - Ženski nogomet - Kvinde Fodbold -נקבה כדורגל - Naine Jalgpall - Babae
Do You Know That Football? [Japanese Edition]
This is a campaign that was initiated by the Japan Football Association in response to the great support that Japan received from the global football family after the tragic earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan in March 2011.
FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter was one of the first people to send his support to the Japanese community on behalf of FIFA and the footballing world. As a token of appreciation, the JFA launched a website to post all the messages it received to acknowledge those who sent them help and also let the people who were affected by the tragedy know about the support they will receive.
This whole campaign is a good opportunity for us to show our gratitude to the world.
Homare Sawa, Japan captain.
Additionally the Japanese decided that the most visible way of thanking the people for their support would be to create banner and it was first used at a charity game in Osaka on 29 March.
Since then the banner has travelled the world with every Japanese team: Mexico for the FIFA U-17 World Cup, the USA for international friendlies and finally Germany for the FIFA Women’s World Cup, where it appeared for the first time during the match against New Zealand in Bochum.
When asked about it, the Japanese captain Homare Sawa said: "This whole campaign is a good opportunity for us to show our gratitude to the world. We have received so much support from around the world, and it is still on-going. I wish for the speedy recovery of Japan and for people to regain their normal life."
The Tohoku area was one of the worst affected areas by the tragedy and the team’s defender Azusa Iwashimizu who was born there also expressed her gratitude.
"Tohoku has received warm encouragement and support from so many countries.
The World Cup is one of our chances to show Japan's presence to the world in gratitude of their support. I also want to give a message of encouragement to the Japanese people through our play. I think more activities such as football events for kids should take place in the Tohoku area so that we can encourage them with football." fifa.com
Japan Anthem Women World Cup 2011 By womenfootballworld.com - women soccer - Fotbal feminin - Vrou Football - Femra Futboll - الإناث لكرة القدم - Իգական Ֆուտբոլ - Emakumezkoen Futbol - Жаночы футбол - Женски футбол - Home de futbol - Žena Fotbal - Ženski nogomet - Kvinde Fodbold -נקבה כדורגל - Naine Jalgpall - Babae
Japan Anthem Women World Cup 2011 By womenfootballworld.com - women soccer - Fotbal feminin - Vrou Football - Femra Futboll - الإناث لكرة القدم - Իգական Ֆուտբոլ - Emakumezkoen Futbol - Жаночы футбол - Женски футбол - Home de futbol - Žena Fotbal - Ženski nogomet - Kvinde Fodbold -נקבה כדורגל - Naine Jalgpall - Babae
Do You Know That Football? [Japanese Edition]
Wednesday, 30 March 2011
Stars unite to lift Japan
Football's restorative qualities were illustrated once again yesterday as Japan took on a J.League XI in a match to raise funds for victims of the country's devastating earthquake and tsunami. The contest ended 2-1 in favour of Alberto Zaccheroni's Samurai Blue, but it was the occasion rather than the outcome which struck a chord among those present at Osaka's Nagai Stadium and the large television audience.
With the 47,000-strong crowd chanting 'Nippon, Nippon', the game, featuring the country's most well-known past and present stars, got off to a good start when Gamba Osaka playmaker Yasuhito Endo opened the scoring for the national team on the quarter-hour mark. Stuttgart striker Shinji Okazaki made it 2-0 soon after, before the legendary Kazuyoshi Miura defied his 44-year-old legs to pull a goal back eight minutes from time.
Okazaki, who had himself experienced an earthquake that struck his hometown near Kobe in 1995, couldn't hide his emotions. "I am alive today because the people around me helped me out," said the 24-year-old. "Now it is time for me to return the support and help, and today's game marks the first step in giving back."
Despite finishing on the losing side, midfielder Kunimitsu Sekiguchi, who plays for Vegalta Sendai in one of the most affected areas of the country, was another happy to play a small role in restoring spirits. "It was March 24 when I first touched the ball this season. I couldn't run enough today but it was worth it to play this game."
Zaccheroni added: "The pitch was brimming with players with great technical quality and they put on a great game, but more than the game it was about everyone gathered here showing togetherness for the Japanese football family and the country as a whole. It was important that we could do something."
More than the game it was about everyone gathered here showing togetherness for the Japanese football family and the country as a whole. It was important that we could do something.
Alberto Zaccheroni
The match proved a testament to the Japan football fraternity's determination to defy the odds and play a role in restoring morale. A little less than a week after the 9.0-magnitude earthquake hit the country's north-east, the Japan Football Association (JFA) announced plans to stage a charity match. The concept received immediate support from players both domestically and dotted around the globe. Twelve overseas-based stars returned to form a full-strength national team - the first time thay have appeared on home soil since lifting the AFC Asian Cup in January.
A host of Europe-based players returned to their homeland including Inter Milan defender Yuto Nagatomo and Samurai Blue captain Makoto Hasebe, who took time out from his midfield duties for Wolfsburg. Among others making the most of the brief lull in club action were CSKA Moscow's Keisuke Honda and Schalke defender Atsuto Uchida.
For Zaccheroni, the match provided a chance to send the Japanese people a strong message that they are not alone. "I hope we can support the entire country and particularly the Tohoku district," added the former AC Milan coach. "I believe Japan can overcome the hardships, and the nation should be aware that we are with you closely and so is everybody across the world."
With some stadiums and facilities damaged, and of course many in the population facing hardship in the aftermath of the catastrophe, the country's football is facing a challenging period. The J.League is postponed until 23 April while question marks loom over the short-term plans of the national team following the cancellation of this week’s international matches.
Despite the daunting challenges ahead, Japan's Asian Cup hero, goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima, said that the key at the moment was to exhibit unity. "The fact that all of the Japanese people are gathering together has important meaning," remarked the 28-year-old, whose penalty saves helped his country into the continental decider. "We are saying we are Japanese and we can help each other.”
With the 47,000-strong crowd chanting 'Nippon, Nippon', the game, featuring the country's most well-known past and present stars, got off to a good start when Gamba Osaka playmaker Yasuhito Endo opened the scoring for the national team on the quarter-hour mark. Stuttgart striker Shinji Okazaki made it 2-0 soon after, before the legendary Kazuyoshi Miura defied his 44-year-old legs to pull a goal back eight minutes from time.
Okazaki, who had himself experienced an earthquake that struck his hometown near Kobe in 1995, couldn't hide his emotions. "I am alive today because the people around me helped me out," said the 24-year-old. "Now it is time for me to return the support and help, and today's game marks the first step in giving back."
Despite finishing on the losing side, midfielder Kunimitsu Sekiguchi, who plays for Vegalta Sendai in one of the most affected areas of the country, was another happy to play a small role in restoring spirits. "It was March 24 when I first touched the ball this season. I couldn't run enough today but it was worth it to play this game."
Zaccheroni added: "The pitch was brimming with players with great technical quality and they put on a great game, but more than the game it was about everyone gathered here showing togetherness for the Japanese football family and the country as a whole. It was important that we could do something."
More than the game it was about everyone gathered here showing togetherness for the Japanese football family and the country as a whole. It was important that we could do something.
Alberto Zaccheroni
The match proved a testament to the Japan football fraternity's determination to defy the odds and play a role in restoring morale. A little less than a week after the 9.0-magnitude earthquake hit the country's north-east, the Japan Football Association (JFA) announced plans to stage a charity match. The concept received immediate support from players both domestically and dotted around the globe. Twelve overseas-based stars returned to form a full-strength national team - the first time thay have appeared on home soil since lifting the AFC Asian Cup in January.
A host of Europe-based players returned to their homeland including Inter Milan defender Yuto Nagatomo and Samurai Blue captain Makoto Hasebe, who took time out from his midfield duties for Wolfsburg. Among others making the most of the brief lull in club action were CSKA Moscow's Keisuke Honda and Schalke defender Atsuto Uchida.
For Zaccheroni, the match provided a chance to send the Japanese people a strong message that they are not alone. "I hope we can support the entire country and particularly the Tohoku district," added the former AC Milan coach. "I believe Japan can overcome the hardships, and the nation should be aware that we are with you closely and so is everybody across the world."
With some stadiums and facilities damaged, and of course many in the population facing hardship in the aftermath of the catastrophe, the country's football is facing a challenging period. The J.League is postponed until 23 April while question marks loom over the short-term plans of the national team following the cancellation of this week’s international matches.
Despite the daunting challenges ahead, Japan's Asian Cup hero, goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima, said that the key at the moment was to exhibit unity. "The fact that all of the Japanese people are gathering together has important meaning," remarked the 28-year-old, whose penalty saves helped his country into the continental decider. "We are saying we are Japanese and we can help each other.”
Friday, 11 March 2011
Blatter expresses sympathy to Japan
FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter has sent a message of sympathy to Japan following the massive earthquake which hit the country earlier today.
The quake, measuring 8.9 on the Richter scale, unleashed a huge tsunami that crashed into Japan's eastern coastline, sweeping boats, cars, buildings and tons of debris miles inland.
The FIFA President sent a message to Junji Ogura, a member of the FIFA Executive Committee and President of the Japanese FA which read: "I have been following with sadness the news of the terrible tragedy in your country and I would like to express my deep sympathy to the people of Japan.
The quake struck at 2.46pm local time and was followed by 12 powerful aftershocks, seven of them at least 6.3 on the Richter scale, the size of the quake which struck New Zealand on 22 February.
It struck at a depth of six miles (10km), about 80 miles (125km) off the eastern coast, Japan's meteorological agency said. The area is 240 miles (380km) north east of Tokyo.
"On behalf of FIFA, I wish to extend our moral support and to let you know that our thoughts are with the victims, the injured and their families", added the FIFA President.
this conference from fifa.com
sympaty for japan, japan tsunami 2011, maret 11 2011 tsunami, support for japan people
The quake, measuring 8.9 on the Richter scale, unleashed a huge tsunami that crashed into Japan's eastern coastline, sweeping boats, cars, buildings and tons of debris miles inland.
The FIFA President sent a message to Junji Ogura, a member of the FIFA Executive Committee and President of the Japanese FA which read: "I have been following with sadness the news of the terrible tragedy in your country and I would like to express my deep sympathy to the people of Japan.
On behalf of FIFA, I wish to extend our moral support and to let you know that our thoughts are with the victims, the injured and their families.
It struck at a depth of six miles (10km), about 80 miles (125km) off the eastern coast, Japan's meteorological agency said. The area is 240 miles (380km) north east of Tokyo.
"On behalf of FIFA, I wish to extend our moral support and to let you know that our thoughts are with the victims, the injured and their families", added the FIFA President.
this conference from fifa.com
sympaty for japan, japan tsunami 2011, maret 11 2011 tsunami, support for japan people
Thursday, 10 March 2011
Japan ranks No. 1 in World Cup Asian qualifiers draw English.news.cn 2011-03-09 08:41:02
Draw
The first round draw of the Asian qualifiers will take place on 30 March 2011 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia at 16:00 UTC+8.[9]
TOKYO, March 8 (Xinhua) -- Asian champions Japan are No. 1 in the rankings for the region's 2014 World Cup qualifiers first-round draw taking place on March 30, the Asian Football Confederation announced on its official website Tuesday.
The rankings are based on the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa as well as the Asian qualifying rounds for the main tournament. The final number of entries will be confirmed later by world soccer's governing body FIFA, the AFC said.
Japan, who reached the second round of the World Cup for the first time on foreign soil last summer, were followed in second place by South Korea, who also made the knockout phase in South Africa.
Australia and DPR Korea, the two other Asian teams which played in the 2010 World Cup, and Bahrain round off the top five.
Editor: Tang Danlu
Medical conf to touch on cardiac emergencies Print E-mail
Wednesday, 09 March 2011 17:16
prof_kramer
Prof. Efraim Kramer
Kuala Lumpur: The prevention and management of cardiac emergencies on the football field and stadium will be the topic of one of the main lectures at the 4th AFC Conference 2011 on Science and Football Medicine.
The lecture will be delivered by Prof. Efraim Kramer of South Africa, a FIFA Football Medicine Instructor and Head of the Division of Emergency Medicine at the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg.
The conference will be held here in the Malaysian capital on March 18-20, 2011.
According to the synopsis of his presentation, the scene of a young and fit player who suddenly collapses and dies on the field during a match is a tragic event frequently screened and publicised worldwide and a broad spectrum of cardiac and non-cardiac causes has been implicated.
Therefore, regular pre-competition medical assessments (PCMA) for players are recommended as a preventive measure while immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and early defibrillation are the recommended treatments for sudden cardiac arrests.
High success rates can be achieved if these are initiated promptly, preferably within seconds of the cardiac arrest and trained medical responders must be allowed to respond to the emergency.
Cardiac arrests among spectators will also be covered during the lecture, the synopsis says.
More than 400 most respected and powerful member delegates are expected to meet at the conference that will feature 12 world-renowned figures and other experts in sports medicine and health sciences.
The first round draw of the Asian qualifiers will take place on 30 March 2011 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia at 16:00 UTC+8.[9]
TOKYO, March 8 (Xinhua) -- Asian champions Japan are No. 1 in the rankings for the region's 2014 World Cup qualifiers first-round draw taking place on March 30, the Asian Football Confederation announced on its official website Tuesday.
The rankings are based on the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa as well as the Asian qualifying rounds for the main tournament. The final number of entries will be confirmed later by world soccer's governing body FIFA, the AFC said.
Japan, who reached the second round of the World Cup for the first time on foreign soil last summer, were followed in second place by South Korea, who also made the knockout phase in South Africa.
Australia and DPR Korea, the two other Asian teams which played in the 2010 World Cup, and Bahrain round off the top five.
Editor: Tang Danlu
Medical conf to touch on cardiac emergencies Print E-mail
Wednesday, 09 March 2011 17:16
prof_kramer
Prof. Efraim Kramer
Kuala Lumpur: The prevention and management of cardiac emergencies on the football field and stadium will be the topic of one of the main lectures at the 4th AFC Conference 2011 on Science and Football Medicine.
The lecture will be delivered by Prof. Efraim Kramer of South Africa, a FIFA Football Medicine Instructor and Head of the Division of Emergency Medicine at the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg.
The conference will be held here in the Malaysian capital on March 18-20, 2011.
According to the synopsis of his presentation, the scene of a young and fit player who suddenly collapses and dies on the field during a match is a tragic event frequently screened and publicised worldwide and a broad spectrum of cardiac and non-cardiac causes has been implicated.
Therefore, regular pre-competition medical assessments (PCMA) for players are recommended as a preventive measure while immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and early defibrillation are the recommended treatments for sudden cardiac arrests.
High success rates can be achieved if these are initiated promptly, preferably within seconds of the cardiac arrest and trained medical responders must be allowed to respond to the emergency.
Cardiac arrests among spectators will also be covered during the lecture, the synopsis says.
More than 400 most respected and powerful member delegates are expected to meet at the conference that will feature 12 world-renowned figures and other experts in sports medicine and health sciences.
Sunday, 30 January 2011
japan the best 2011 in asia
after win from strong team australia with aditional time 2 x 15 minutes japan get the win rom australia
Kawashima: It’s an amazing feeling
(FIFA.com) Saturday 29 January 2011
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Few sides win major competitions without significant contributions from their goalkeepers. Japan custodian Eiji Kawashima proved the point on Saturday by playing an instrumental part in his side’s 1-0 win over Australia in the final of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2011.
The hero of the Samurai Blue’s semi-final defeat of Korea Republic, the SK Lierse keeper was in outstanding form again at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha, pulling off a string of excellent stops to pave the way for Japan’s fourth continental title.
After receiving a richly deserved Man of the Match award, the 27-year-old shot-stopper spoke exclusively to FIFA.com about his stunning showing against the Socceroos and the challenges that lie ahead for him and his country.
FIFA.com: Eiji, congratulations on your win. How does it feel to be the champions of Asia? Eiji Kawashima: It feels amazing. Winning this trophy is a wonderful achievement for us.
Australia played well and created lots of chances. What was the key to winning the game?
We went out there to play our usual game but they made it hard for us to do that. We had to stay patient. We held on and things worked out for us in the end.
The match looked destined for penalties. Were you ready for that?
Yes (laughs). It was on my mind, but luckily we managed to get that goal in the second half of extra time.
You denied Harry Kewell in a one-on-one situation with 18 minutes remaining in normal time. Was that the turning point of the match?
One goal can make all the difference in big games like this, so it was vital for us not to concede and I’m delighted we managed that today.
You saved two penalties in the semi-final shoot-out win over Korea Republic and you’ve put in another great performance here today. What is the secret to your current form?
It’s my job to stop the opposition from scoring and protect my goal, that’s what I try to do in every game. I always give everything I have and try to keep on improving, though I’m not entirely satisfied with my performance because there are things I still think I need to work on. That’s why I’ll be on the training ground as soon as I get back to my club tomorrow.
You were named Man of the Match for your superb display in the final. How much does that mean to you?
I’m happy to be Man of the Match but I wasn’t playing on my own out there. My team-mates all did really well too, and I’ll be sharing this award with them because it also belongs to them.
Four years ago you were understudy to Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi and now you are Japan’s No1. How do you feel about the progress you are making?
I took part in the last Asian Cup and I’ve seen for myself how Japanese football has developed. It’s a privilege to be in the national team, but I’m not the only one who wants to make football history in our country. It’s a goal all the players are working towards and we are thrilled to have achieved that by winning a fourth continental title for Japan.
What lessons have you learned from this tournament and your international career to date?
On a personal level I’ve gained in experience and I’m continuing to improve as a goalkeeper. That’s what makes this win such an important one for my team-mates and I. We can’t afford to stop now though, we have to keep doing what we’re doing.
Japan have produced some very fine goalkeepers in the last few years, namely Kawaguchi, Seigo Narazaki and yourself. What is the reason for that sustained excellence?
To be honest, I really don’t know. Maybe it’s got something to do with Japan’s successes in the Asian Cup. We’re part of the elite now and we’ve learned a lot in the process. Japanese keepers haven’t really made much of an impression in Europe, though, which is why I’m doing my very best to show what I can do and succeed there.
You are currently with Belgian club Lierse SK. Do you think winning the Asian Cup will help with your career?
Although the Asian Cup isn’t the same as playing in Europe, it’s been a really good tournament for me. Facing the Australians has also been a positive experience because they play a European-style game. We’re also going to be appearing in the Copa America this year and I’m sure I’ll learn a lot from that too.
Japan will also play in the FIFA Confederations Cup 2013, which you’ll obviously be hoping to take part in.
Asian football is developing fast and as a team we’ve come on a lot in this competition. We need to keep moving forward, though. It will be fantastic to take part in the Confederations Cup and pit our wits against the champions from the other continents. It’ll give us another chance to acquire yet more experience.
Kawashima: It’s an amazing feeling
(FIFA.com) Saturday 29 January 2011
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Few sides win major competitions without significant contributions from their goalkeepers. Japan custodian Eiji Kawashima proved the point on Saturday by playing an instrumental part in his side’s 1-0 win over Australia in the final of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2011.
The hero of the Samurai Blue’s semi-final defeat of Korea Republic, the SK Lierse keeper was in outstanding form again at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha, pulling off a string of excellent stops to pave the way for Japan’s fourth continental title.
After receiving a richly deserved Man of the Match award, the 27-year-old shot-stopper spoke exclusively to FIFA.com about his stunning showing against the Socceroos and the challenges that lie ahead for him and his country.
FIFA.com: Eiji, congratulations on your win. How does it feel to be the champions of Asia? Eiji Kawashima: It feels amazing. Winning this trophy is a wonderful achievement for us.
Australia played well and created lots of chances. What was the key to winning the game?
We went out there to play our usual game but they made it hard for us to do that. We had to stay patient. We held on and things worked out for us in the end.
The match looked destined for penalties. Were you ready for that?
Yes (laughs). It was on my mind, but luckily we managed to get that goal in the second half of extra time.
You denied Harry Kewell in a one-on-one situation with 18 minutes remaining in normal time. Was that the turning point of the match?
One goal can make all the difference in big games like this, so it was vital for us not to concede and I’m delighted we managed that today.
You saved two penalties in the semi-final shoot-out win over Korea Republic and you’ve put in another great performance here today. What is the secret to your current form?
It’s my job to stop the opposition from scoring and protect my goal, that’s what I try to do in every game. I always give everything I have and try to keep on improving, though I’m not entirely satisfied with my performance because there are things I still think I need to work on. That’s why I’ll be on the training ground as soon as I get back to my club tomorrow.
You were named Man of the Match for your superb display in the final. How much does that mean to you?
I’m happy to be Man of the Match but I wasn’t playing on my own out there. My team-mates all did really well too, and I’ll be sharing this award with them because it also belongs to them.
Four years ago you were understudy to Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi and now you are Japan’s No1. How do you feel about the progress you are making?
I took part in the last Asian Cup and I’ve seen for myself how Japanese football has developed. It’s a privilege to be in the national team, but I’m not the only one who wants to make football history in our country. It’s a goal all the players are working towards and we are thrilled to have achieved that by winning a fourth continental title for Japan.
What lessons have you learned from this tournament and your international career to date?
On a personal level I’ve gained in experience and I’m continuing to improve as a goalkeeper. That’s what makes this win such an important one for my team-mates and I. We can’t afford to stop now though, we have to keep doing what we’re doing.
Japan have produced some very fine goalkeepers in the last few years, namely Kawaguchi, Seigo Narazaki and yourself. What is the reason for that sustained excellence?
To be honest, I really don’t know. Maybe it’s got something to do with Japan’s successes in the Asian Cup. We’re part of the elite now and we’ve learned a lot in the process. Japanese keepers haven’t really made much of an impression in Europe, though, which is why I’m doing my very best to show what I can do and succeed there.
You are currently with Belgian club Lierse SK. Do you think winning the Asian Cup will help with your career?
Although the Asian Cup isn’t the same as playing in Europe, it’s been a really good tournament for me. Facing the Australians has also been a positive experience because they play a European-style game. We’re also going to be appearing in the Copa America this year and I’m sure I’ll learn a lot from that too.
Japan will also play in the FIFA Confederations Cup 2013, which you’ll obviously be hoping to take part in.
Asian football is developing fast and as a team we’ve come on a lot in this competition. We need to keep moving forward, though. It will be fantastic to take part in the Confederations Cup and pit our wits against the champions from the other continents. It’ll give us another chance to acquire yet more experience.
Friday, 28 January 2011
Schwarzer: Title would boost Aussie game
(FIFA.com) Friday 28 January 2011
Long-serving Australia goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer has achieved much in the game over nearly two decades at the highest level, but this weekend promises to be extra special. Nearly 18 years after making his international debut, the dependable custodian will become Australia’s most-capped player overhauling the record of 87 appearances held by former captain Alex Tobin.
Seldom has such a rich reward been on offer as Australia prepare to face Japan in the AFC Asian Cup final, seeking to be crowned continental kings for the first time since joining the Asian Football Confederation in 2006. The match at the Khalifa stadium in Doha may represent the last opportunity for the evergreen 38-year-old shotstopper to collect silverware.
Australia qualified for the final with an impressive defensive record of just one goal conceded in their five matches and the contribution of Schwarzer has been a key component. Ahead of one of the most significant games of his glittering career Schwarzer tells FIFA.com of his experiences at Qatar 2011, what his expectations are for the match and what winning would mean for the game Down Under.
FIFA.com: The last two matches produced amazing wins, albeit for different reasons, 1-0 in extra time against holders Iraq and 6-0 in the semi-final over Uzbekistan. How do these two matches rate in your Socceroo career?
Mark Schwarzer: These are both huge events, being the quarter-final and semi-final of a continental title. Also there is the rivalry between us and Iraq dating back to 2007 [Iraq defeated Australia in a group match in the Asian Cup] and that is something special. To get a win against the current holders was a great satisfaction but also part of the process for us, which is to take each game as it comes.
The team seems to be very cohesive with a strong spirit despite a relatively new coach in Holger Osieck, and also some new faces in the squad. Is that something you have felt?
Without a doubt. We have worked very hard on being switched on and also with what is demanded of us by the coach. We have a very knowledgeable manager who is well-travelled with a lot of experience with players from many different countries. He has slipped into the role very easily. He is very enthusiastic and very energetic and that has been transferred to the players as well.
You have achieved many personal playing records and now you are set to be Australia’s most capped player. What kind of honour is that?
It is a huge honour. It is the icing on the cake. I think it is one of those things that you try not to think too much about. You try and perform and do you job in each match which is the most important aspect. It’s one of those things that you might fully appreciate later on and then it becomes even more enjoyable. But don’t get me wrong I’m fully aware of the honour that goes with it and I’m deeply honoured.
You are taking the mantle of most-capped Socceroo from former captain Alex Tobin whom you played alongside at the start of your career. Did you ever envisage that?
No, not at all. When you are young I don’t think you ever look beyond your next game. In regards Alex, I have the utmost respect for him as a person and a player and he is a great ambassador for the game.
Can you remember much about your debut against Canada in a FIFA World Cup™ qualifier way back in 1993?
I remember most of my games for the Socceroos, if not all of them. It is a long time ago now, but it was a tremendous moment for me.
Do you have any plans regarding your playing future at the moment? I had a lot of discussions with the manager when he was first appointed and he was adamant that he wanted me to be involved, which I was delighted with. I have no aspirations at this point in time to stop playing and there is no reason to stop playing unless the manager is going to say he wants to look at different prospects. As long as I feel fit enough and am playing well enough to warrant selection, and the manager selects me, then I want to still play.
Australia has a good record against Japan recently. Does that give you extra confidence for the final?
I think it is quite irrelevant because when you are talking about a final it’s a one-off and its all about the 90 minutes, or 120 minutes potentially. It’s all about the day, who deals with the pressure better than the other and that is what it will come down to. Japan are a very good side and they deserve to be in the final. They have some very good individuals and are playing well as a team so it will be very tough for us. We need to play our game and we also have good individuals and have grown as a team throughout the tournament.
Though Australia has won the Oceania crown before, winning this would rank as Australia’s biggest prize, which must be exciting...Any opportunity to win a major trophy is huge. This is why we have committed ourselves and we were all desperate to be involved in the Asian Cup. We as players first and foremost love representing Australia and we want to do it for Australia and do it for football back in Australia. Of course there is personal ambition and satisfaction but also we ultimately want to do it for the game back home and for future generations.
Seldom has such a rich reward been on offer as Australia prepare to face Japan in the AFC Asian Cup final, seeking to be crowned continental kings for the first time since joining the Asian Football Confederation in 2006. The match at the Khalifa stadium in Doha may represent the last opportunity for the evergreen 38-year-old shotstopper to collect silverware.
Australia qualified for the final with an impressive defensive record of just one goal conceded in their five matches and the contribution of Schwarzer has been a key component. Ahead of one of the most significant games of his glittering career Schwarzer tells FIFA.com of his experiences at Qatar 2011, what his expectations are for the match and what winning would mean for the game Down Under.
FIFA.com: The last two matches produced amazing wins, albeit for different reasons, 1-0 in extra time against holders Iraq and 6-0 in the semi-final over Uzbekistan. How do these two matches rate in your Socceroo career?
Mark Schwarzer: These are both huge events, being the quarter-final and semi-final of a continental title. Also there is the rivalry between us and Iraq dating back to 2007 [Iraq defeated Australia in a group match in the Asian Cup] and that is something special. To get a win against the current holders was a great satisfaction but also part of the process for us, which is to take each game as it comes.
The team seems to be very cohesive with a strong spirit despite a relatively new coach in Holger Osieck, and also some new faces in the squad. Is that something you have felt?
Without a doubt. We have worked very hard on being switched on and also with what is demanded of us by the coach. We have a very knowledgeable manager who is well-travelled with a lot of experience with players from many different countries. He has slipped into the role very easily. He is very enthusiastic and very energetic and that has been transferred to the players as well.
Schwarzer is hoping to win the AFC Asian Cup
You have achieved many personal playing records and now you are set to be Australia’s most capped player. What kind of honour is that?
It is a huge honour. It is the icing on the cake. I think it is one of those things that you try not to think too much about. You try and perform and do you job in each match which is the most important aspect. It’s one of those things that you might fully appreciate later on and then it becomes even more enjoyable. But don’t get me wrong I’m fully aware of the honour that goes with it and I’m deeply honoured.
You are taking the mantle of most-capped Socceroo from former captain Alex Tobin whom you played alongside at the start of your career. Did you ever envisage that?
No, not at all. When you are young I don’t think you ever look beyond your next game. In regards Alex, I have the utmost respect for him as a person and a player and he is a great ambassador for the game.
Can you remember much about your debut against Canada in a FIFA World Cup™ qualifier way back in 1993?
I remember most of my games for the Socceroos, if not all of them. It is a long time ago now, but it was a tremendous moment for me.
Do you have any plans regarding your playing future at the moment? I had a lot of discussions with the manager when he was first appointed and he was adamant that he wanted me to be involved, which I was delighted with. I have no aspirations at this point in time to stop playing and there is no reason to stop playing unless the manager is going to say he wants to look at different prospects. As long as I feel fit enough and am playing well enough to warrant selection, and the manager selects me, then I want to still play.
Australia has a good record against Japan recently. Does that give you extra confidence for the final?
I think it is quite irrelevant because when you are talking about a final it’s a one-off and its all about the 90 minutes, or 120 minutes potentially. It’s all about the day, who deals with the pressure better than the other and that is what it will come down to. Japan are a very good side and they deserve to be in the final. They have some very good individuals and are playing well as a team so it will be very tough for us. We need to play our game and we also have good individuals and have grown as a team throughout the tournament.
Though Australia has won the Oceania crown before, winning this would rank as Australia’s biggest prize, which must be exciting...Any opportunity to win a major trophy is huge. This is why we have committed ourselves and we were all desperate to be involved in the Asian Cup. We as players first and foremost love representing Australia and we want to do it for Australia and do it for football back in Australia. Of course there is personal ambition and satisfaction but also we ultimately want to do it for the game back home and for future generations.
Friday, 21 January 2011
asian cup 2011 qatar : Japan 3-2 Qatar
Doha: Masahiko Inoha’s last-minute goal sent 10-man Japan through to semi-finals of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2011™ at the expense of hosts Qatar as the Samurai Blue edged a thrilling match 3-2 at Al Gharafa Stadium on Friday.
Qatar had made a dream start when Sebastian Soria opened the scoring in the 12th minute but Shinji Kagawa levelled just before the half hour.
Maya Yoshida was shown a second yellow in the 63rd minute for a foul on Yuesf Ahmed and substitute Fabio Cesar put Bruno Metsu’s side ahead from the resulting free-kick.
But Japan once again battled back with Kagawa grabbing his second before Inoha swept home in the 89th minute to seal a memorable victory for Japan.
Buoyed by a vocal home support it was the Qataris who were first to threaten as Soria saw his shot hit a defender but the ball fell kindly for Mohamed El Sayed, who slid in to stab an effort that Eiji Kawashima did well to deny.
But the Lierse SK shot-stopper was unable to prevent the hosts from opening the scoring in 12th minute through a fine individual goal from Soria.
The Uruguay-born striker expertly sprung the offside trap to race down the wing before cutting into the area where he wrong-footed defender Inoha before slotting beyond Kawashima.
But Japan managed to get themselves back on level terms in the 28th minute when Shinji Okazaki delivered a cross towards the far post where Kagawa was waiting to nod in.
Qatar keeper Qasem Burhan did well to prevent Japan then taking the lead in the 35th minute when he dived to push away a low drive from skipper Makoto Hasebe, before Kagawa fired wide as Alberto Zaccheroni’s side finished the half strongly.
They picked up where they left off when the second period got underway as Okazaki flicked a header just wide of the post before Yuto Nagamoto shot straight into the hands of Burhan.
But things took a turn for the worse for Japan in the 63rd minute when Yoshida needlessly took the legs of Yusef Ahmed on the right of the box - earning himself a second yellow card in the process - and from the resulting free-kick Fabio Cesar curled a low effort that crept in at Kawashima’s near post.
The Japanese, though, did not let their heads drop and showed great resolve to pull themselves level seven minutes later when Kagawa got the better of Mesaad Ali inside the area before driving a shot beyond Burhan.
From then on the game was wide open as Soria fired a shot into the side-netting in the 86th minute before Keisuke Honda sent a free-kick over the bar.
But it was Japan that clinched victory at the death when Kagawa received the ball just inside the area, turned his marker and though he was brought down by Khaled Muftah, Inoha was on hand to stroke the loose ball into the net. www.the-afc.com
Qatar had made a dream start when Sebastian Soria opened the scoring in the 12th minute but Shinji Kagawa levelled just before the half hour.
Maya Yoshida was shown a second yellow in the 63rd minute for a foul on Yuesf Ahmed and substitute Fabio Cesar put Bruno Metsu’s side ahead from the resulting free-kick.
But Japan once again battled back with Kagawa grabbing his second before Inoha swept home in the 89th minute to seal a memorable victory for Japan.
Buoyed by a vocal home support it was the Qataris who were first to threaten as Soria saw his shot hit a defender but the ball fell kindly for Mohamed El Sayed, who slid in to stab an effort that Eiji Kawashima did well to deny.
But the Lierse SK shot-stopper was unable to prevent the hosts from opening the scoring in 12th minute through a fine individual goal from Soria.
The Uruguay-born striker expertly sprung the offside trap to race down the wing before cutting into the area where he wrong-footed defender Inoha before slotting beyond Kawashima.
But Japan managed to get themselves back on level terms in the 28th minute when Shinji Okazaki delivered a cross towards the far post where Kagawa was waiting to nod in.
Qatar keeper Qasem Burhan did well to prevent Japan then taking the lead in the 35th minute when he dived to push away a low drive from skipper Makoto Hasebe, before Kagawa fired wide as Alberto Zaccheroni’s side finished the half strongly.
They picked up where they left off when the second period got underway as Okazaki flicked a header just wide of the post before Yuto Nagamoto shot straight into the hands of Burhan.
But things took a turn for the worse for Japan in the 63rd minute when Yoshida needlessly took the legs of Yusef Ahmed on the right of the box - earning himself a second yellow card in the process - and from the resulting free-kick Fabio Cesar curled a low effort that crept in at Kawashima’s near post.
The Japanese, though, did not let their heads drop and showed great resolve to pull themselves level seven minutes later when Kagawa got the better of Mesaad Ali inside the area before driving a shot beyond Burhan.
From then on the game was wide open as Soria fired a shot into the side-netting in the 86th minute before Keisuke Honda sent a free-kick over the bar.
But it was Japan that clinched victory at the death when Kagawa received the ball just inside the area, turned his marker and though he was brought down by Khaled Muftah, Inoha was on hand to stroke the loose ball into the net. www.the-afc.com
Sunday, 2 January 2011
Japan brace for tough Arabic rivals
(AFP) Sunday 2 January 2011
Japan are taking nothing for granted at the Asian Cup after their best-ever FIFA World Cup™ on foreign soil, as Middle East rivals line up to spoil the Blue Samurai's bid to regain the continental title. Japan bowed to fellow three-time champions Saudi Arabia 3-2 in the 2007 Asian Cup semi-finals, failing to lift a third straight title, and now the two giants are grouped together with Jordan and Syria in Qatar.
Despite a run of warm-up defeats, the Blue Samurai reached the FIFA World Cup last-16 in South Africa in June when North Korea, South Korea and Australia - but none of West Asian powerhouses - also represented the continent.
"We are aiming high as a matter of course," Japan coach Alberto Zaccheroni said, citing the country's FIFA World Cup feat and their triumphs in both men's and women's tournaments at the Asian Games in November. But the former AC Milan boss admitted: "I expect tremendous battles ahead.
"Australia and South Korea may headline the tournament," he said. "But I feel that teams from the Middle East will be quite formidable as they can fight in conditions quite close to home."
In their opening game on 9 January, Japan face Jordan, whom they narrowly defeated 4-3 on penalties in the 2004 Asian Cup quarter-finals before going on to beat hosts China for the trophy.
Zaccheroni, who had never coached a national team or foreign club before joining Japan, got off to a convincing start after taking over from homegrown World Cup boss Takeshi Okada. With the 57-year-old Italian in charge for the first time, Japan upset a full-strength Argentina 1-0 at home and fought to a scoreless draw away with cross-strait rivals South Korea in friendlies in October.
I feel that teams from the Middle East will be quite formidable as they can fight in conditions quite close to home.
Alberto Zaccheroni, Japan coach
"Going out with this line-up, we should not fear any opponent," Zaccheroni said as he called up eight Europe-based players, including CSKA Moscow midfielder Keisuke Honda and Borussia Dortmund rookie Shinji Kagawa.
Honda scored in Japan's wins over Cameroon and Denmark at the FIFA World Cup. Japan bowed to the Netherlands 1-0 in the other group match and missed a quarter-final spot by a penalty shootout loss to Paraguay. Kagawa, 21, has attracted European clubs by scoring eight goals in the first half of the Bundesliga season after moving from J-League side Cerezo Osaka.
"The Asian Cup will be a tournament where we will demonstrate how much we have improved after the World Cup," said Honda, known for his aggressive play and straight-talking approach. "Of course, there is only one thing we aim for," said the 24-year-old, who has always vowed to go for the title in any tournament.
Zaccheroni though will be missing World Cup centre-backs Yuji Nakazawa and Marcus Tulio Tanaka through knee injuries, something he called a "great blow". But Cesena's Yuto Nagatomo, Atsuto Uchida of Schalke and Maya Yoshida of VVV Venlo are ready to guard the Samurai's backline.
"The history of Japanese football won't end at the Asian Cup. I want to use as many young players as possible to prepare well for the 2014 World Cup," said the Italian.
Japan are taking nothing for granted at the Asian Cup after their best-ever FIFA World Cup™ on foreign soil, as Middle East rivals line up to spoil the Blue Samurai's bid to regain the continental title. Japan bowed to fellow three-time champions Saudi Arabia 3-2 in the 2007 Asian Cup semi-finals, failing to lift a third straight title, and now the two giants are grouped together with Jordan and Syria in Qatar.
Despite a run of warm-up defeats, the Blue Samurai reached the FIFA World Cup last-16 in South Africa in June when North Korea, South Korea and Australia - but none of West Asian powerhouses - also represented the continent.
"We are aiming high as a matter of course," Japan coach Alberto Zaccheroni said, citing the country's FIFA World Cup feat and their triumphs in both men's and women's tournaments at the Asian Games in November. But the former AC Milan boss admitted: "I expect tremendous battles ahead.
"Australia and South Korea may headline the tournament," he said. "But I feel that teams from the Middle East will be quite formidable as they can fight in conditions quite close to home."
In their opening game on 9 January, Japan face Jordan, whom they narrowly defeated 4-3 on penalties in the 2004 Asian Cup quarter-finals before going on to beat hosts China for the trophy.
Zaccheroni, who had never coached a national team or foreign club before joining Japan, got off to a convincing start after taking over from homegrown World Cup boss Takeshi Okada. With the 57-year-old Italian in charge for the first time, Japan upset a full-strength Argentina 1-0 at home and fought to a scoreless draw away with cross-strait rivals South Korea in friendlies in October.
I feel that teams from the Middle East will be quite formidable as they can fight in conditions quite close to home.
Alberto Zaccheroni, Japan coach
"Going out with this line-up, we should not fear any opponent," Zaccheroni said as he called up eight Europe-based players, including CSKA Moscow midfielder Keisuke Honda and Borussia Dortmund rookie Shinji Kagawa.
Honda scored in Japan's wins over Cameroon and Denmark at the FIFA World Cup. Japan bowed to the Netherlands 1-0 in the other group match and missed a quarter-final spot by a penalty shootout loss to Paraguay. Kagawa, 21, has attracted European clubs by scoring eight goals in the first half of the Bundesliga season after moving from J-League side Cerezo Osaka.
"The Asian Cup will be a tournament where we will demonstrate how much we have improved after the World Cup," said Honda, known for his aggressive play and straight-talking approach. "Of course, there is only one thing we aim for," said the 24-year-old, who has always vowed to go for the title in any tournament.
Zaccheroni though will be missing World Cup centre-backs Yuji Nakazawa and Marcus Tulio Tanaka through knee injuries, something he called a "great blow". But Cesena's Yuto Nagatomo, Atsuto Uchida of Schalke and Maya Yoshida of VVV Venlo are ready to guard the Samurai's backline.
"The history of Japanese football won't end at the Asian Cup. I want to use as many young players as possible to prepare well for the 2014 World Cup," said the Italian.
Tuesday, 29 June 2010
Endo: We are mentally strong (FIFA.com) Monday 28 June 2010
One of the most consistent performers in Takeshi Okada’s Japan team, midfielder Yasuhito Endo played a key role in their 1-0 victory over Cameroon. After featuring prominently again in a narrow defeat against the Netherlands, Endo went on to justify his status as the reigning AFC Player of the Year in the 3-1 dismantling of Denmark, driving the midfield and scoring their second goal with a sublime free-kick.
Ahead of the Samaurai Blues' historic last-16 clash with Paraguay, the quietly spoken 30-year-old took time out to talk to FIFA about his scoring secrets, Japan’s strengths and their prospects for the remaining competition.
FIFA: You left your opponents in awe with your free-kick against Denmark. Do you have a special method or technique when taking set-pieces?
Yasuhito Endo: I took the free-kick as I always do, there was nothing special. But each time I have to take a different angle, if needed, when kicking.
Your next opponents are Paraguay, a team also known for their sublime passing techniques. What are your thoughts ahead of that match?We have watched their games. They are really hard-working players and the team is quite creative. That said, we have a great deal in common so we must strive hard to defeat them.
"Running football" and free-kicks are the things people mention when they talk of Japan's strengths, qualities which have helped you overcome Cameroon and Denmark to qualify for the second round. What is your view?I think this is correct. We have put in a great deal of effort in training so we are able to move forward very strongly when the ball is passed. Set-pieces are also an important weapon for us. We are also strong when playing as a group. When you perform on the international stage you have to show your best otherwise you have no way of winning, and we must keep on doing that if we are to continue our good run.
When Japan qualified for South Africa 2010 a year ago, coach Takeshi Okada stated the team’s goal was to reach the semi-finals. Having made the Round of 16, are you confident that you will achieve that goal?Yes, I am confident. I hope the forthcoming matches will turn out in our favour.
Japan used to be vulnerable when they played against physically stronger European teams, but having played so well against the Netherlands and Denmark, do you think you have learned how to cope with them?First of all, we are mentally strong and we are now playing with a really positive attitude. In terms of tactics, we have changed a bit too, so the team are going in the right direction. Needless to say, our goal is to keep going like this and win games.
Ahead of the Samaurai Blues' historic last-16 clash with Paraguay, the quietly spoken 30-year-old took time out to talk to FIFA about his scoring secrets, Japan’s strengths and their prospects for the remaining competition.
FIFA: You left your opponents in awe with your free-kick against Denmark. Do you have a special method or technique when taking set-pieces?
Yasuhito Endo: I took the free-kick as I always do, there was nothing special. But each time I have to take a different angle, if needed, when kicking.
Your next opponents are Paraguay, a team also known for their sublime passing techniques. What are your thoughts ahead of that match?We have watched their games. They are really hard-working players and the team is quite creative. That said, we have a great deal in common so we must strive hard to defeat them.
We are mentally strong and we are now playing with a really positive attitude.
Yasuhito Endo, Japan midfielder
When Japan qualified for South Africa 2010 a year ago, coach Takeshi Okada stated the team’s goal was to reach the semi-finals. Having made the Round of 16, are you confident that you will achieve that goal?Yes, I am confident. I hope the forthcoming matches will turn out in our favour.
Japan used to be vulnerable when they played against physically stronger European teams, but having played so well against the Netherlands and Denmark, do you think you have learned how to cope with them?First of all, we are mentally strong and we are now playing with a really positive attitude. In terms of tactics, we have changed a bit too, so the team are going in the right direction. Needless to say, our goal is to keep going like this and win games.
Honda gunning for Paraguay (FIFA.com) Tuesday 29 June 2010
Japan's talismanic forward, Keisuke Honda, is confident he can continue his fine run of form against Paraguay in the teams' Round of 16 showdown in Tshwane/Pretoria on Tuesday.
The 25-year-old converted striker has already scored twice in Japan's groundbreaking run in South Africa, establishing himself as a pivotal figure as Takeshi Okada's side have reached the last 16 for the first time beyond home shores. With Japan now bidding to go one step further and reach the quarter-finals for the first time, the CSKA Moscow man sounded an optimistic note as he told FIFA.com: "Paraguay are a strong team but I am confident I can score and my team can win the game to progress."
Honda struck a spectacular free-kick in the 3-1 victory over Denmark that secured Japan's last-16 berth. In thundering the ball past Thomas Sorensen from 30 yards, he enhanced a reputation as a dead-ball specialist, having earlier this year fired CSKA into the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals with a long-range effort against Sevilla. On his set-piece prowess, he said: "I particularly hope I can score for Japan with my free-kicks because I put a lot of effort into practising them. I have a powerful shot and so usually take the long-distance free-kicks and leave [Yasuhito] Endo to handle the rest."
While Endo also converted a free-kick against the Danes as Japan scored three in a FIFA World Cup game for the first time, it is Honda who is taking the majority of the plaudits for Japan's progress, given he also struck the solitary goal in the opening Group E win over Cameroon. Normally deployed as a midfielder, he was pushed up front as Japan's lone striker as Okada gambled on a solution to the team's lack of firepower in the run-up to the finals, when they hit only one goal in four friendly games.
And the new-found lethal weapon showed he can also provide a killer pass when he set up Shinji Okazaki for the late third against Denmark that made sure of second place in the group. "I want to score more goals but the most important thing is that the team get the win. I will do my best to help us achieve our goals and I really don’t care if I score or not so long as we win," said Honda, speaking after training on the eve of the Paraguay game.
The South Americans will pose a difficult test given they topped Group F, shrugging off their old image as an ultra-defensive side in the process. Honda believes Japan are right to be wary of opponents also seeking a first quarter-final place. "They are swift in pressing forward and are dangerous in switching between defence and attack so we need to play a little back. We'll have to work harder than them to limit their chances."
Honda's view was echoed by coach Okada, who urged his players to "go out there and give their all". He added: "Paraguay are strong opponents but they are not impossible to defeat. We do have a chance if we can give 100 per cent of our abilities. I hope our players play are at their best both physically and mentally tomorrow to produce the best possible performance."
The 25-year-old converted striker has already scored twice in Japan's groundbreaking run in South Africa, establishing himself as a pivotal figure as Takeshi Okada's side have reached the last 16 for the first time beyond home shores. With Japan now bidding to go one step further and reach the quarter-finals for the first time, the CSKA Moscow man sounded an optimistic note as he told FIFA.com: "Paraguay are a strong team but I am confident I can score and my team can win the game to progress."
Honda struck a spectacular free-kick in the 3-1 victory over Denmark that secured Japan's last-16 berth. In thundering the ball past Thomas Sorensen from 30 yards, he enhanced a reputation as a dead-ball specialist, having earlier this year fired CSKA into the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals with a long-range effort against Sevilla. On his set-piece prowess, he said: "I particularly hope I can score for Japan with my free-kicks because I put a lot of effort into practising them. I have a powerful shot and so usually take the long-distance free-kicks and leave [Yasuhito] Endo to handle the rest."
While Endo also converted a free-kick against the Danes as Japan scored three in a FIFA World Cup game for the first time, it is Honda who is taking the majority of the plaudits for Japan's progress, given he also struck the solitary goal in the opening Group E win over Cameroon. Normally deployed as a midfielder, he was pushed up front as Japan's lone striker as Okada gambled on a solution to the team's lack of firepower in the run-up to the finals, when they hit only one goal in four friendly games.
And the new-found lethal weapon showed he can also provide a killer pass when he set up Shinji Okazaki for the late third against Denmark that made sure of second place in the group. "I want to score more goals but the most important thing is that the team get the win. I will do my best to help us achieve our goals and I really don’t care if I score or not so long as we win," said Honda, speaking after training on the eve of the Paraguay game.
They are swift in pressing forward and are dangerous in switching between defence and attack so we need to play a little back.
Keisuke Honda on Paraguay
Honda's view was echoed by coach Okada, who urged his players to "go out there and give their all". He added: "Paraguay are strong opponents but they are not impossible to defeat. We do have a chance if we can give 100 per cent of our abilities. I hope our players play are at their best both physically and mentally tomorrow to produce the best possible performance."
Monday, 14 June 2010
Japan name profile
Japan
Coach: Takeshi Okadathis data from wikipedia.com
| No. | Pos. | Player | DoB/Age | Caps | Club | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | GK | Seigo Narazaki | 15 April 1976 (aged 34) | 76 | Nagoya Grampus | |||
| 2 | MF | Yuki Abe | 6 September 1981 (aged 28) | 45 | Urawa Red Diamonds | |||
| 3 | DF | Yūichi Komano | 25 July 1981 (aged 28) | 53 | Júbilo Iwata | |||
| 4 | DF | Marcus Tulio Tanaka | 24 April 1981 (aged 29) | 39 | Nagoya Grampus | |||
| 5 | DF | Yuto Nagatomo | 12 September 1986 (aged 23) | 26 | FC Tokyo | |||
| 6 | DF | Atsuto Uchida | 27 March 1988 (aged 22) | 31 | Kashima Antlers | |||
| 7 | MF | Yasuhito Endō | 28 January 1980 (aged 30) | 94 | Gamba Osaka | |||
| 8 | MF | Daisuke Matsui | 11 May 1981 (aged 29) | 23 |  Grenoble | |||
| 9 | FW | Shinji Okazaki | 16 April 1986 (aged 24) | 28 | Shimizu S-Pulse | |||
| 10 | MF | Shunsuke Nakamura | 24 June 1978 (aged 31) | 97 | Yokohama F. Marinos | |||
| 11 | FW | Keiji Tamada | 11 April 1980 (aged 30) | 70 | Nagoya Grampus | |||
| 12 | FW | Kisho Yano | 5 April 1984 (aged 26) | 18 | Albirex Niigata | |||
| 13 | DF | Daiki Iwamasa | 30 January 1982 (aged 28) | 2 | Kashima Antlers | |||
| 14 | MF | Kengo Nakamura | 31 October 1980 (aged 29) | 47 | Kawasaki Frontale | |||
| 15 | DF | Yasuyuki Konno | 25 January 1983 (aged 27) | 37 | FC Tokyo | |||
| 16 | FW | Yoshito Ōkubo | 9 June 1982 (aged 28) | 49 | Vissel Kobe | |||
| 17 | MF | Makoto Hasebe | 18 January 1984 (aged 26) | 31 |  Wolfsburg | |||
| 18 | MF | Keisuke Honda | 13 June 1986 (aged 23) | 15 |  CSKA Moscow | |||
| 19 | FW | Takayuki Morimoto | 7 May 1988 (aged 22) | 6 |  Catania | |||
| 20 | MF | Junichi Inamoto | 18 September 1979 (aged 30) | 80 | Kawasaki Frontale | |||
| 21 | GK | Eiji Kawashima | 20 March 1983 (aged 27) | 10 | Kawasaki Frontale | |||
| 22 | DF | Yuji Nakazawa | 15 February 1978 (aged 32) | 105 | Yokohama F. Marinos | |||
| 23 | GK | Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi (c) | 15 August 1975 (aged 34) | 116 | Júbilo Iwata |
Tuesday, 2 February 2010
Iwabuchi, Japan's young livewire
(FIFA.com) Friday 11 December 2009
Long considered one of Japanese football’s finest prospects, Mana Iwabuchi is fast becoming a shining star in women’s football. FIFA.com turns the spotlight on the precocious forward who has been voted AFC Women’s Youth Player of the Year for the last two years.
“My strengths are my pace and dribbling skills, so unsurprisingly my hero is Lionel Messi. One day I’d like to play for Barcelona,” says Iwabuchi. “I’m also a fan of Atletico Madrid’s Sergio Aguero. As for female players, I admire Marta,” adds the 16-year-old, who like her role models is short in stature (1.53m) but lightning fast.
“My strengths are my pace and dribbling skills, so unsurprisingly my hero is Lionel Messi. One day I’d like to play for Barcelona,” says Iwabuchi. “I’m also a fan of Atletico Madrid’s Sergio Aguero. As for female players, I admire Marta,” adds the 16-year-old, who like her role models is short in stature (1.53m) but lightning fast.
At the FIFA U-17 Women World Cup New Zealand 2008, Iwabuchi put in a series of outstanding performances, helping Japan to reach the quarter-finals and winning the adidas Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player. This was the first time a Japanese player, male or female, had picked up the prestigious award, and it represented a milestone for the East Asian nation.
My strengths are my pace and dribbling skills, so unsurprisingly my hero is Lionel Messi. One day I’d like to play for Barcelona
Japan forward Mana Iwabuchi.
During the tournament in New Zealand FIFA.com featured a story on Iwabuchi, entitled 'Japan's Mana from heaven' which brought the world’s attention to the youngster for the first time. However, observers of women’s football in Asia had already spotted her emerging talent when she led her team to the final of the 2007 AFC U-16 Women’s Championship in Malaysia.
At this year’s edition of the AFC U-19 Women's Championship in China, she was handed the No10 shirt and went one better, leading Japan to the title and scooping the Most Valuable Player award in the process. That recognition was only fitting, after she scored the only goal of the semi-final against Korea DPR and then fired the winner with three minutes to go against Korea Republic in the final.
Looking back at the event, Iwabuchi says, “Our manager had to scold us because of our inconsistency. There was also a time, against North Korea for example, when all he had to do was tell us to stick to our game plan and we would prevail.” She takes pride in her individual accolade but is quick to pass on the praise: “I think I got the award due to the fact that our team won the title, so I consider this as team effort. I’m really happy about it.”
Freedom the keyFor young Mana, one of the key factors behind her emergence has been the “freedom to play”. Reflecting on last year’s FIFA U-17 Women World Cup, she says, “Our brief was to feel free to express ourselves, and that applied to both the team and the individuals. I really enjoyed being part of that group.”
Iwabuchi revealed that the U-20 side was encouraged to decide on their own objective for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Germany 2010 and that the collective decision was “to aim to win a medal. We have become confident because we won the title in Asia, so we are looking forward to next year.”
Looking ahead, the teenager is at pains not to get ahead of herself: “First I’d like to get my strength up to a par with other players, then become a mainstay of the Japan team and perform well at the Olympics. Sure, I dream about playing abroad, but I’m not in a hurry. I’d like to go overseas but only when I’m confident enough. I’d like to turn out for Barcelona.”
Iwabuchi is not the only rising star in women’s football in Japan. Natsuko Hara was the 2005 AFC Women’s Youth Player of the Year and, though still only 20, has played for Japan at every age level. Hara and Iwabuchi both play for NTV Beleza in the L.League, the women’s equivalent of the J.League. Much is now expected of this gifted duo and an improvement on the top-four finish Japan achieved at the Beijing Olympics should not be discounted at the next Women’s Football Tournament in London come 2012.
Japan held to goalless draw
Japan held to goalless draw
(AFP) Tuesday 2 February 2010
Japan were held to a goalless draw by Venezuela in their first home game of the season on Tuesday as they prepare for South Africa 2010.
Japan were the first team to qualify for international football's biggest prize while Venezuela failed to reach the finals after finishing eighth in the South American group.
Venezuela had the first chance of the match when 17-year-old debutant forward Fernando Aristiguieta missed a header from close range in the ninth minute following midfielder Giacomo Di Giorgi's long-off effort.
But it appeared to be the best chance for either side in a game bereft of clear scoring opportunities.
Mitsuo Ogasawara, playing for Japan for the first time since the 2006 World Cup, fired a sizzling shot from outside the area, forcing goalkeeper Leonardo Morales to save in the 16th minute.
Ogasawara and Brazilian-born Marcus Tulio Tanaka missed a couple more shots, while Aristiguieta failed to catch up with Caracas defender Hose Manuel Rey's free kick to end a goalless first half.
Venezuela piled on the pressure in the second half but managed just one shot on goal through defender Giovanny Romero.
Sota Hirayama, who scored a hat-trick in an Asian Cup qualifier against Yemen last month, was sent on with Sanfrecce Hiroshima striker Hisato Sato in a fruitless attempt to lend the Japanese some rhythm.
Overall, Japan hit a total of 12 shots on goal and Venezuela four.
"I was disappointed that we couldn't win because Venezuela put wonderful pressure on us. But as an early game of the season, it was a nice game," said Japan coach Takeshi Okada.
"Mitsuo struggled in the first half as the combination with the others was not so good but he did very well in the second half.
"We have three more games this month (in the East Asian championship). We are going to level up our team through the championship, looking forward to the World Cup," Okada added.
Japan will play China, South Korea and Hong Kong in the championship starting in Tokyo on Saturday.
Sunday, 1 November 2009
Japan team
Japan seals World Cup spot
By: 21 | June 6th, 2009 | No Comments »
Japan secured its spot in the World Cup with 1-0 victory over Uzbekistan.The Blue Samurai opened the scoring nine minutes in when Shimizu S-Pulse striker Shinji Okazaki’s got on the end of Kengo Nakamura through ball and after his initial attempt was saved he managed to head the rebound in. With the exception of the early goal, Japan displayed a masterful plan that nullified Uzbeks dangerous attacker Server Djeparov (FC Bunyodkor) and rarely allowed a legitimate effort towards ‘keeper Seigo Narazaki until late. Finally in the last stages of the match the Uzbeks started to apply pressure but efforts by Djeparov and Islom Tuhtahujaev (Neftchi Farg’ona) were unable to find the net.
Following the match the manager said:
“It was a tough game, as we had expected, and our players fought hard until the very end of the game. They showed their mental toughness when our opponents wouldn’t let us play our brand of football. This is just the start for us. I’m grateful that we have got this opportunity.”
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