J1 Predictions June 20

Kawasaki-F v Oita (3-0)
15:00
Shimizu v Yamagata (2-1)
15:00
G-Osaka v Niigata (3-1)
15:30
Nagoya v Chiba (2-2)
15:30
Kashima v Iwata (2-1)
16:00
Omiya v Kyoto (0-1)
18:00
Kashiwa v FC-Tokyo (0-2)
19:00
Hiroshima v Kobe (3-2)
13:00
Yokohama-M v Urawa (2-2)
14:00

Inamoto joins Stade Rennais

World Cup 2002 hero Junichi Inamoto has joined Stade Rennais. Inamoto played for German club Eintracht Frankfurt. I think that this would be a good move for him and that he will adjust nicely to the Ligue 1. Good luck to him in the coming season and hopefully he can help Rennes qualify for Europe

Transfer Talk (6-17-09)

Giuseppe Rossi (Villareal Forward) -----> Juventus

Much needed fire power for Juventus. Rossi would be a good replacement for the aging Amauri and Del Piero. He has proven himself on both the club level and international level. The only downside is that it may take him a while to adjust to the physical nature of the Italian game.

Transfer Rating (8/10)

Migueal Veloso (Sporting Midfielder) -----> Bolton

Hasn't had the best season, but still is young. He has a lot of potential and could significantly help Bolton compete in the premier league.

Transfer Rating (6/10)

Transfer Talk (6-16-09)

Sebastian Frey (Fiorentina Goalie) -----> Barcelona

This is a good buy for Barcelona. Many people last year criticized Victor Valdes as being the weakest link in Barcelona's starting eleven. He had decent a season, but if Barcelona want to continue winning then they will have to sign a replacement. Frey is 29 and still has a good amount of years ahead of him. He has Champions League experience which definitely a plus.

Transfer Rating (9/10)

Thomas Vermaelen (Ajax Defender) -----> Arsenal

Arsenal are in desperate need of a center back. With William Gallas seeing the best of his days gone and Kolo Toure looking for a move out, Arsenal need this man. At the young age of 23, he has already captained Ajax. He can also play left-back which is good to have.

Transfer Rating (8/10)

David Bentley (Tottenham Winger) -----> Aston Villa

This would be a gamble for Aston Villa, but I think that it could possibly work. Bentley never fit in with Tottenham's style of play and with the emergence of Aaron Lennon he has lost playing time. Imagining Ashley Young and Bentley streaking down the wings would pose a nightmare to any EPL club.

Transfer Rating (7/10)

Philippe Mexes (Roma Defender) -----> AC Milan

A highly respected centerback would substantially boost AC Milan's aging back four. At the young age of 26, Mexes could prove to be a good by for AC Milan. Already proven in both the Champions League and Serie A, Milan will not have to worry about him adjusting to their style of play.

Transfer Rating (8/10)

WCQ Asia Group A Japan V. Australia Preview

Japan V. Australia

Since both of these teams have already qualified this match will be a warm-up for the World Cup. This is a good match for Japan because it will allow them to test out some fringe players and see who can play at the top level. It is also a good match because many of the foreign based players will not be there so they can test the strength of the squad. I fully expect Japan to attack from the start like they did in their last match against Australia. Last time Japan created a dozen chances, but was unable to score. This time I hope that Japan can finish the chances it creates.

Predicted starting line-up.

----------------Narazaki------------------
----------Tulio----------Komano----------
----Uchida--------------------Nagatomo--
-------------Endo-----Abe----------------
-------------------------------------------
-------------Matsui----Kengo-------------
-------------------------------------------
-------------Tamada---Okazaki-----------

4-2-2-2

Man to Watch: Shinji Okazaki

Has been an important figure in the last couple of games. He seems to be the only solution for Japan's striker problem and if he comes through in this game then he will cement his spot in the squad.

Prediction:

Japan 2 - Australia 2

Transfer Talk (6-15-09)

Here's some analysis on today's transfer rumors.

Lisandro Lopez (Porto Forward) -----> AC Milan

I think that this would be a great buy for Milan. Lopez proved himself against Manchester United in the Champions League and I can see him playing out wide or up top with Pato.

Transfer rating (7/10)

Peter Crouch (Portsmouth Forward) -----> Manchester City

This would be a bad buy for Manchester City. Peter Crouch was decent this season, but not good enough to play for Manchester City. I know that they had striker problems, but with Jo regaining his form at Everton. I believe that he and Robinho could make a formidable pair. Plus Crouch would probably cost a fortune.

Transfer rating (3/10)

Gael Clichy (Arsenal Left-back) -----> Real Madrid

I belive that this is one transfer that Real Madrid need to make. Their defense was incredibly weak last season. Heinze is a terrible left-back and was consistantly beat by faster opposition. Arsenal won't mind selling Clichy because of Traore and Gibbs.

Transfer Rating (9/10)

Keirrison (Palmeiras Forward) -----> Atletico Madrid

He could improve astronomically at Atletico. Under the guidance of Forlan and Aguero he could become a world class striker in a matter a years. Atletico have always been known for getting the best out of their players so this should be no difference. If Aguero was to leave this summer then he could play a big part in their season next year. He was the joint top scorer in Brazil at the age of 20. He is great a finishing and would play well in Spain.

Transfer Rating (8/10)

Tokushima Talk | June 14, 2009

June 14, 2009

Tokushima Vortis vs Consadole Sapporo (Atsubetsu)

1-1

Quirino (26')

Ishida (66')

Today's game was one of importance, Tokushima were level on points with Consadole pushing for a chance at promotion. I think that the result was fair. Consadole started off strong with a string of chances. Tokushima was able to overcome them with some chances of their own, but in the 26th minute Miyazawa sent Quirino a nice through ball. Quirino burst past the defender and placed a nice finish into the right side of the net. After this Tokushima went more on the offensive with key man Ishida wasting a couple of chances. In the 2nd half things got a lot better for Tokushima. Bae Seung Jin was a constant menace on the right side and put in a couple of nice crosses. Tokushima finally scored off of a corner, Ishida put in a difficult header that left the keeper still. Tokushima had a couple of chances after that, but Consadole went into total offensive mode and almost snatched the game in the last couple of minutes. Fortunately the game stayed tied and so did their positions.

Man of the match:
Ishida

Stats:

Shots:
Consadole- 12 | Tokushima- 9
Freekicks:
Consadole- 11 | Tokushima- 14
Corners:
Consadole- 2 | Tokushima- 4
Offsides:
Consadole- 2 | Tokushima- 1
Yellows:
Consadole- 1 | Tokushima- 3

Top 10 Japanese Talents

With Japanese football improving constantly, I have noticed a couple of young stars that could compose the team of the future. Here is my take on the top 10 Japanese players (in the J-League) that will be stars in the future (or already).

10. Gotoku Sakai | Albirex Niigata | Defender | Age: 18
This full-back was able to keep Mu Kanazaki in quiet during Albirex Niigata's match against Oita Trinita. His marking is impeccible and his speed makes him one of the more promising backs coming out of Japan.





9. Takumi Miyayoshi | Kyoto Sanga Purple | Forward | Age: 16
The youngest player in the J-League right now. He has shined for Japan on an international level for the U-17 national team. He made a pair of appearances last year and will be looking to establish himself in the coming years. He is one to watch out for next year.





8. Yoichiro Kakitani | Cerezo Osaka | Forward | Age: 19
Once a big star in Japan, he has slowly crept back into the shroud of J2. The former AFC Youth Championship MVP is no longer hounded by the media anymore. This does not mean that he has gotten worse. Recently scoring a brace for Cerezo Osaka he has quietly emerged once again. If Cerezo fail to be promoted and Inui and Kagawa leave, then he will definitely be a shoe in next season.



7. Takashi Usami | Gamba Osaka | Forward | Age: 17
Made both his AFC Champions League and J-League debut this season. He scored in his debut against F.C. Seoul and started against last season's champions Kashima Antlers. He may be small in stature, but just like Messi he is quick which can be attributed to his low center of gravity. His goal against F.C. Seoul is a testament to his finishing and he finally got a taste of the league.



6. Yuya Osako | Kashima Antlers | Forward | Age: 18
Fresh out of high school Osako has shown that he can compete with in the highest level of football in Japan. I admit that I was skeptical when the Japanese media labeled him as a "High School Superstar" even with his record-breaking scoring in the National High School tournament. But he has proved me wrong with his first goal in the J-League and 2 goals in the AFC Champions League. He has very good footwork and speed. His current manager, Oliveira, claims that he will be in the squad for South Africa 2010, but only time will tell.

5. Genki Haraguchi | Urawa Reds | Forward | Age: 18
A relative unknown before this season, he has emerged as a regular for Urawa Reds. He has already scored his first league goal and scored an impressive finish against Omiya Ardija in the Nabisco Cup. He has really good vision and footwork, not to mention his finishing which is of the highest order. Has been recently overshadowed by teammate Naoki Yamada.



4. Mu Kanazaki | Oita Trinita | Midfielder | Age: 20
Broke into the scene at the age of 19 last season. He has become a pivotal part of Oita's attack which the dribbling skills to match. This year has not been very good for him, but the injuries have been harsh. He has the ability to hold up the ball and pick good passes. Not to mention a powerful leg. He has extremely good techinical abilities.



3. Naoki Yamada | Urawa Reds | Midfielder | Age: 18
The 4th youngest Japanese international has come along way in the last couple of monthes. Before this year nobody knew about him, but like many others on this list he has broke into the J-League and national team. He has great vision and will continue the line of fine Japanese midfielders. He is similar to Endo, but with more speed and stamina. He has demonstrated his passing abilities, registering an assist in his debut for the national team.


2. Atsuto Uchida | Kashima Antlers | Defender | Age: 21
Already a regular on for both Kashima Antlers and the national team, Uchida has already proven himself on both a country and continental level. He is a complete full-back with a great crossing ability and stamina. He is a regular for the national team and has already been named into the J-League all-star team. A career in Europe beckons.



1. Shinji Kagawa | Cerezo Osaka | Midfielder | Age: 20
The next great Japanese midfielder is this man. From Nakata-> Nakamura->Kagawa. Of all the promising midfielders in Japan he is the cream of the crop. He WILL be more successful than Nakata and Nakamura. He has been invited to have trials in Barcelona and Real Madrid. He is currently 2nd in scoring in J2 and completely dominating opposing teams. He has great vision, but also scoring ability. He is the future of Japanese football and don't be surprised if he joins a big club in the future.

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