News
Stand-ins Stumped by Saudis
The Young Samurai Blue started the year 2020 with an abject performance and a loss against Saudi Arabia. So should we be worried?
Olympians Starting to Look Like ... Olympians
Japan's Olympic Team made their Prime Time debut on Saturday, in chilly Nagasaki. The Young Samurai set the pitch alight, and gave fans a pleasant winter dream for the coming New Year.
Hong Kong Kablooie
The Samurai Blue continued their experiments at the East Asian Cup, trotting out a host of debutants for the match against Hong Kong. The final result flatters them slightly, but the prospective Tokyo Olympians coasted to victory on a hat trick by Samurai Blue newcomer Koki Ogawa.
The New Era Has ... Arrived?
The East Asian Cup opened on Tuesday evening, with a host of fresh new faces for the Samurai Blue faithful to run the rule over. The best new debutante of all was not a player, although most J.League fans have come to know it very well over the past decade.
Another Sluggish Step for Samurai Blue
Japan's 2022 World Cup qualification match on Thursday evening was another chance for the Samurai Blue to try out new players, tactics and formations against a small but feisty opponent. Instead, we got pretty much the same old, same old. Fortunately, next week's clash with Venezuela and the mid-December East Asian Cup should give us a chance to look at some new faces.
There are two Japan national team squads in the coming weeks as they play a World Cup Qualifier - the 1st XI, and then a Kirin Cup friendly - a chance to give some lesser-experienced players a chance to shine.
What to Do When the J.League Season Is Over?!
The end of the J.League 2019 season is just around the corner.... but soon the exciting story lines will conclude, leaving a need to be entertained and to compete until the top division of Japanese football gets underway once again.
Going Through the Motions
Japan's first home match in 2022 World Cup qualification was played on Thursday evening, against that mighty footballing behemoth, Mongolia. If that intro doesnt set your pulse to racing . . . . well . . . . to be honest, this report on the Samurai Blue's performance isnt going to do so either. So pull up a pillow, and . . . .
Current Kyoto Sanga head coach Gert Engels is interviewed in issue 28 of JSoccer Magazine - and the pages are clipped for your perusal below! You can get an actal paper copy of the magazine by sending $10 inc. worldwide shipping to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. via Paypal, and leaving your address! Enjoy the musings of a man who has been in our game longer than many of us have been alive!
Clash of the Titans
The J.League resumed play this weekend, as the season moves into its final stretch. The top four teams all played one another, and the results narrowed the title chase significantly.
