Japan held to goalless draw by Venezuela

February 2, 2010

Japan were held to a goalless draw by Venezuela in the first home game of the season for the Blue Samurai on Tuesday as they prepare for the World Cup in South Africa.

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.

OITA, Japan (AFP)

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Australia´s 2018 World Cup hopes dim

January 27, 2010

Australia’s football chief Wednesday admitted the nation’s push for the 2018 World Cup was in jeopardy, after FIFA president Sepp Blatter indicated preference would likely be given to a European bid.

Blatter said this week there was a “movement at the moment among the various candidates” for 2018 eligibility to be limited to bidders from Europe, according to widely published reports.

The Football Federation of Australia (FFA) said it had been aware “for some time” that a Europe-only deal was being considered by FIFA, the sport’s governing body.

“Hence FFA is not surprised by the president’s comments as they are reflective that those discussions have occurred in some quarters,” it said in a statement.

But FFA chairman Frank Lowy said Australia remained committed to its 2018 bid until convinced otherwise.

“If we come to the view that we have a better chance for 2022 than 2018 we will act accordingly,” he said.

FFA chief Ben Buckley was en route to the African Cup of Nations and congress of the Confederation of African Football to press Australia’s bids for 2018 and 2022, Lowy added.

Australia, England, Indonesia, Japan, Netherlands/Belgium, Russia, and Spain/Portugal have bid to host both World Cups, while Qatar and South Korea are only interested in 2022.

England and Spain are viewed as the leading contenders for 2018, while the United States is seen as a top candidate for 2022.

The FFA has drafted Oscar winner Nicole Kidman to tout Australia’s credentials in a promotional film.

But damaging infighting between the FFA and rival football codes has plagued Australia’s bid, with the powerful Australian rules and rugby league bodies refusing to make venues available or demanding financial compensation.

Sports Minister Kate Ellis last month urged the codes to put aside their differences, saying the government supported FFA’s World Cup campaign as benefiting both the sporting and general community.

SYDNEY (AFP)

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Japan’s Ono eyes World Cup

January 22, 2010

Shinji Ono said on Friday that he is hoping for a recall to the Japan team for this year’s World Cup after returning to the J-League to play for Shimizu S-Pulse.

The 2002 Asian Player of the Year spent two years in Germany but struggled to get much first-team football with Bochum largely due to injury.

Now he says he is determined to do what it takes to play again for Japan, having won his last cap in August 2008.

“It will be impossible unless I can play seriously for Shimizu in every game. In so far as I have a chance, I just want to go ahead to realise my dream,” Ono told reporters.

The midfielder previously played for Japan in three World Cups. He won the 2002 UEFA Cup with Dutch side Feyenoord then joined Bochum in January 2008 before returning to Japan this month.

“It was the best timing for coming back,” he said.

“I’m now 30 years old. I want to prove that you can start your career at 30.”

Shimizu coach Kenta Hasegawa said: “He has a lot of experience. Of course, our target is to win the title. We are going to challenge with the fresh spirit of a beginner.”

Shimizu finished the season seventh in the J-League.

SHIZUOKA, Japan (AFP)

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Sato hat-trick lifts Japan into Asian Cup

January 6, 2010

A hat-trick by Hisato Sato saw Japan qualify for the 2011 Asian Cup with a come-from-behind 3-2 victory away to Yemen on Wednesday.

After allaying security fears over the match in Yemen, Japan traveled to the game which started quite poorly for the World Cup qualifiers.

Basem Alaqel fired the home side in front after just 13 minutes, and the Japanese were left reeling when Sami Karama doubled the Yemeni advantage seven minutes before half-time.

Sato, though, gave Japan some hope in the 42nd minute when he pulled a goal back for the visitors to make it 2-1 at the half-time interval.

The Sanfrecce Hiroshima striker pulled Japan level in the 55th minute, and he completed the comeback 10 minutes from with his third of the game – and seventh of his international career – to secure the comeback victory.

The victory secured one of the top two spots in qualifying Group A for Japan, ensuring their place for the Asian Cup finals in Qatar.

Tags: Alaqel, asian cup, asian cup finals, comeback victory, game, hat trick, hiroshima, international career, Japan, Japanese, Qatar, qualifying group, Sami Karama, sanfrecce hiroshima, sato, security fears, striker, time interval, world cup qualifiers, Yemeni

CSKA Moscow signs VVV Venlo´s Honda

January 1, 2010

CSKA Moscow have acquired Japan international Keisuke Honda from VVV Venlo, as the Russian giants look to boost their squad ahead of the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League, according to the latest reports.

The 23-year-old midfielder signed an estimated nine-million-euro (12.9-million-dollar), four-year contract, Jiji Press and other news media said.

In a posting on his web site, Honda said Thursday: “I would not go if there was even one percent of doubt inside me.”

Known as a dead-ball specialist with a tough physical presence, Honda has scored 24 goals in 67 games for Venlo since joining the Dutch outfit in January 2008, following four seasons with J-League side Nagoya Grampus.

He has also scored three goals in 10 games for Japan since making his international debut in June 2008 during World Cup qualifying.

Dutch giants PSV and Ajax were seen as among the most likely buyers of the Japanese star, who had also previously suggested Liverpool was interested in him.

TOKYO (AFP)

Tags: Ajax, Champions, CSKA, cska moscow, four seasons, giants, international debut, j league, Japan, japan international, japanese star, keisuke, knockout stages, Liverpool, midfielder, Moscow, Nagoya, news media, physical presence, PSV, tokyo, uefa, UEFA Champions League, venlo, vvv, World Cup

Wenger takes pride from Arsenal´s barren years

December 24, 2009

Arsene Wenger has claimed that Arsenal’s last four trophy-less seasons have given him more satisfaction than any other spell in his long career with the Premier League team.

Wenger’s side have failed to win major silverware since lifting the FA Cup in 2005, but the Gunners boss, who arrived in north London 1996, believes the progress made by the club on and off the pitch makes it the most rewarding time.

The Frenchman has overseen Arsenal’s move to the Emirates Stadium, the construction of a new training ground and the development of a hugely successful youth academy.

“For me the best period at the club is the last four years but unfortunately it is also the period where we have not won trophies,” Wenger said.

“But people forget we have been reasonably consistent and it has been the most difficult period, but as well for me, the period where I worked the best.

“Moving into a new stadium, with less resources, people should respect the fact we have still made some money in every single year without the team dropping a level and maintaining a successful period in the Champions League and reasonably in the league. I think it was quite difficult.

“The last four years have been the most challenging. It’s not linked with the fact we have won no trophies. I think it is moving into the new stadium and keeping the team at the top.”

Wenger, reflecting on his 13-year reign in a webchat with arsenal.com, admits there have been positive and negative changes to the Premier League since his arrival from Japan’s Grampus Eight.

He is happy to be part of a league with such a renowned global brand, but feels the vast sums of money spent by top clubs have made the game too serious.

“It has become a worldwide product and when I travel nowadays I see how popular this league has become and we shouldn’t take it for granted in England,” he said.

“Firstly it’s a worldwide product, secondly the ownership has changed completely, the structure of the game has changed. And don’t forget, for example, referees have become completely professional.

“The league has become much more professional, the pressure has become much bigger, financial input has become much bigger which means the quality of the games has become much better.

“All that has changed. In some ways for good, and some ways a bit more negatively because it’s less relaxed. Everybody is a bit more tense.

“I felt 13 years ago a defeat was less dramatic than it is now, it’s much more dramatic and tense.

“It is because of money and it is all about the Champions League now, being in the top four. A few years ago it was a bit more open and as soon as you are a bit out from what is expected of you now, it is a crisis.”

LONDON (AFP)

Tags: arsene wenger, champions league, difficult period, Emirates Stadium, England, FA Cup, frenchman, global brand, Grampus, gunners, Japan, london, negative changes, north London, premier league, rewarding time, silverware, sums of money, top clubs, trophies, webchat, worldwide product, youth academy

Nakamura keen on Espanyol stay

December 24, 2009

Shunsuke Nakamura may have been one of the biggest disappointments in Primera Division, but the Japan international is not ready to call it quits.

The 31-year-old, who rejected a return to Japan to realise his dream of playing in Spain in the summer, has stated that he will fight to cement a regular first-team place at Espanyol.

The former Celtic star was left out the squad that took on Almeria in last weekend’s league fixture, prompting the Japanese press to question his future at Estadi Cornella-El Prat.

However, Nakamura is not eyeing a move next month and is determined to fight his way back into the team.

“I need to find a solution which will help me play more games,” the midfielder told Nikkan Sports.

“At the moment, I’m not too happy about things. I just need to keep on trying. It’s all about trial and error.”

With the 2010 World Cup just over six months away, it is suggested his place in the Japan national team is under serious threat.

Despite his lack of playing time at Espanyol, Nakamura has received the full backing of Japan boss Takeshi Okada and only an injury will rule him out of the tournament.

Tags: almeria, biggest disappointments, boss, cornella, Cornella-El, dream, el prat, Espanyol, Estadi, Japan, japan international, japan national team, japanese press, keen, league fixture, midfielder, nikkan sports, okada, playing time, shunsuke nakamura, six months, Spain, takeshi, Takeshi Okada, trial and error, World Cup

FIFA Club World Cup: Estudiantes-Barcelona preview

December 19, 2009

FIFA Club World Cup 2009 will conclude on Saturday at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, when Catalonia giants Barcelona face Argentina’s Estudiantes.

The kings of Europe will play Copa Libertadores champions in the tournament finale, as has been the case in the last four years.

With Europe running out as winners in the previous meetings, Estudiantes will be looking to reverse the trend as they bid to become the fourth South American side and the first Argentinians to win the FIFA Club World Cup.

And no one knows better the size of task at hand for the El Pincha than Juan Sebastian Veron, who was a member of the Boca Juniors side that went down 4-2 to AC Milan at Japan 2007.

However, Veron is not the only one as Barcelona have also tasted defeat in the final of the competition, having played second fiddle to Internacional three years ago.

Even the presence of the likes Ronaldinho, Deco and Samuel Eto’o in their ranks could not help the Spanish giants to avoid a defeat.

The urge to claim the only trophy missing from the cabinet, is greater and the Blaugrana goal scoring machine will be ready to go all guns blazing

After an impressive display against Atlante in the semi-final the Catalans now have their eyes fixed firmly on an unprecedented sixth trophy.

Tags: ac milan, Argentina, argentinians, atlante, Barcelona, boca juniors, catalans, catalonia, club world cup, deco, Europe, fifa club world cup, finale, giants, guns, impressive display, Japan, juan sebastian veron, Milan, ronaldinho, samuel eto, samuel eto o, second fiddle, sheikh zayed stadium, South American, trophy, urge, zayed stadium

CSKA Moscow bidding for Japan´s Honda: reports

December 18, 2009

CSKA Moscow has emerged as a strong contender to acquire Japanese midfielder Keisuke Honda of VVV Venlo, reportedly outbidding Dutch powerhouse PSV Eindhoven, media reports say.

The Russian outfit has set aside an estimated six million euros (8.6 million dollars) as the transfer fee for the 23-year-old, the Sports Nippon newspaper said.

Dutch giants PSV and Ajax are still seen as among the most likely buyers of the Japanese star, who has previously suggested Liverpool was interested in him, but the newspaper said CSKA’s offer was more attractive than PSV’s.

Honda recently told reporters that he has a new team in mind, after reviewing several offers.

“I have to make my decision within the next few days,” the Nikkan Sports quoted him as saying after a practice session on Thursday. “It’s possible that a surprise for everyone will happen.”

“I want to play at a team that truly wants and needs me. There is a team in which I see those qualities. It is only a matter of clearing up the details and conditions,” he said.

Known for his physical toughness and free-kick skills, Honda had scored 24 goals in 67 games for Venlo since joining the club in January last year after four seasons with J-League Nagoya Grampus.

He has also scored three goals in 10 games for Japan since making his international debut in June 2008 during World Cup qualifying.

TOKYO (AFP)

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Britain backs England World Cup bid with guarantees

December 15, 2009

The British government confirmed Tuesday that it had signed off on financial guarantees of 300 million pounds (487 million dollars) required for FIFA to accept England’s bid to host the 2018 World Cup.

Sports Minister Gerry Sutcliffe also confirmed that other requisite commitments regarding security, visas and tax had been made, ahead of the May deadline set by world football’s governing body.

Sutcliffe said the move reflected the government’s desire to see the bid succeed — which had been questioned following a decision to provide only loan rather than grant finance for the bid itself.

“The Government is completely behind England’s bid to host the World Cup and getting these guarantees signed off well in advance underlines that continuing commitment, as does the availability of a loan to support the bid itself,” Sutcliffe said.

“A World Cup in England would be a fantastic event embraced by football fans from across the globe. We would deliver a superb legacy from the tournament to football worldwide.

“It would, of course, also bring huge economic benefits to this country.”

England 2018 is due to announce on Wednesday which cities will be put forward as potential match hosts as part of the bid.

FIFA will decide on the 2018 and 2022 hosts in December of next year. England is the favourite for the 2018 tournament but faces competition from Australia, Indonesia, Japan and Russia as well as from joint bids from Belgium and the Netherlands and Spain and Portugal.

LONDON (AFP)