Japan's Miyaichi garners attention as international debut looms

The 19-year-old arrived in Nagoya on Monday to join his Samurai Blue team-mates for their Wednesday showdown against Uzbekistan to determine the winner of Asia's Group C



He may not be old enough to vote or drink alcohol in his home country, but Ryo Miyaichi is making waves among fans and team-mates alike as he prepares for his potential international debut on Wednesday night against Uzbekistan.The 19-year-old has drawn even more attention since joining Bolton on loan from Arsenal in January, scoring in an FA Cup match and making his first Premier League start against Chelsea last weekend.

The practice included a 45-minute meeting to bring the starlet and fellow first-time Alberto Zaccheroni call-up Takashi Inui up to speed with the Italian's tactics.Since arriving in Japan for his first national team call-up, the young playmaker's name is on everyone's lips, including his team-mates.

While 'polite' has been used frequently by local media to describe Japan's most-anticipated young player, defender Tomoaki Makino told reporters that he saw the truth behind Miyaichi's public image."He's still pretending to be docile," the Urawa Reds mood-maker revealed. He added: "But in truth he's always got plenty of jokes [in practice]. "We'll have to work on bringing his personality out into the open." - http://www.goal.com/

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Adelaide could be kicked out of ACL if found guilty of breaching regulations in playing Cassio

Adelaide United are awaiting a verdict over whether they were in breach of regulations for fielding Cassio in last week's Asian Champions League qualifier.



The Brazilian featured in the club's clash against Indonesia's Persipura but there was a question mark hanging over his appearance.

Cassio was red carded in the club's final 2010 AFC Champions League appearance which usually means a player is suspended for the next match in the same competition.

If Cassio is deemed an ineligible player, Persipura could be handed a 3-0 win and lay claim to participating in the Champions League Group E alongside Uzebekistan's Bunyodkor, Japan's Gamba Osaka and Korea Republic's Pohang Steelers.

But Persipura would need to win the Court of Arbitration for Sport's hearing in March - on whether their standing in the Indonesian "rebel'' league qualifies them for the AFC Champions League. - http://www.foxsports.com.au/

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Japan's J-League pays its respects as new season begins

The J-League's two divisions eventually restarted on April 23. Vegalta, never normally more than also-rans, were able to draw strength from adversity. Suddenly everyone's second-favourite team, they were among the early-season leaders, alongside another couple of surprise packages, Sanfrecce Hiroshima and newly-promoted Kashiwa Reysol.



As the season progressed, comparative minnows Kashiwa Reysol proceeded to confound commentators and fans alike with a series of exciting performances inspired by attacking midfielder Leandro Domingues, whereas many bigger teams struggled to keep their form. Nagoya Grampus couldn't make up their sluggish start and eventually ended the year in second, and Urawa Reds spent a proportion of the season in the relegation zone.

Japan's most successful club, Kashima, won a stripped-down version of the J1-only Nabisco Cup but were mediocre in the league. Their longstanding coach Oswaldo de Oliveira subsequently left to take over at Botafogo. Down Osaka way, Akira Nishino's failure to solve the problem of the dodgy Gamba defence meant that they finished no higher than third. - http://www.wsc.co.uk/

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Watzke admits Dortmund team will split up as Kagawa talks reach a halt

With negotiations with the Japanese playmaker having broken down, the executive has conceded that the Bundesliga champions will not remain the same in the long-term



Borussia Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke has revealed that talks with Shinji Kagawa over a contract extension have broken down, and admitted that his side will likely lose some of their stars in the coming years.

The 52-year-old confirmed discussions between sporting director Michael Zorc and Kagawa, whose contract is set to expire in 2013, but added that they have produced no conclusive result."We must decide together how to solve the situation," he told Sport-Bild, speaking of "dampened optimism" over a new deal.

However, Watzke admitted that he cannot expect BVB to retain all their stars in the long-term."We must clearly recognise that this team is not going to play together for the next five years, as it is."Dortmund were forced to sell midfielder Nuri Sahin last summer after Real Madrid met his reported €10 million buy-out clause. Recently, stars Mario Gotze, Mats Hummels and Robert Lewandowski have reportedly attracted interest from other clubs. - http://www.goal.com/

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CSKA Moscow coach Leonid Slutsky: Keisuke Honda is preparing for Real Madrid clash but isn't in perfect condition

The Japanese attacker has been sidelined with a knee injury for the past few months but is closing in on a return, although Tuesday's Champions League may be too soon



CSKA Moscow coach Leonid Slutsky admits his Japanese attacker Keisuke Honda is not in perfect condition but is preparing for Tuesday's Champions League clash with Real Madrid.The 25-year-old Japanese forward has battled a knee injury in recent months, an ailment which has kept him off the pitch since November.

However, Honda has been back at CSKA training in the past few weeks, with some reports speculating he could take his place against Jose Mourinho's side."He is far from being in perfect condition," Slutsky told reporters on Monday according to Kyodo News. "At this point in time, all I can say is that Honda is preparing for the match."Japan coach Alberto Zaccheroni has indicated he will overlook Honda for selection for the February 29 World Cup qualifier against Uzbekistan. The Samurai Blue have already sealed their progress to the fourth round of qualifying. - http://www.goal.com/

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Okazaki notches spectacular goal

HANNOVER, Germany — Japan striker Shinji Okazaki scored for the second straight game but his superb goal was not enough for Stuttgart, which was thumped 4-2 away by Hannover in the Bundesliga on Sunday.



Okazaki did it Wayne Rooney-style, burying a bicycle shot into the top right corner in the 79th minute after Cacau headed down a leftwing cross from Gotoku Sakai.

Yet Okazaki's strike, Stuttgart's second after Martin Harnik had made it 4-1 four minutes earlier, proved to be too little too late as the hosts cruised to victory."I wasn't sure if it went in or not," said Okazaki, who is expected to be called up for Japan's World Cup qualifier next week at home to Uzbekistan."I was a little taken back myself. But I want to do more than just score. I want to help steer this team in the right direction," he said. - http://www.japantimes.co.jp/

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Miyaichi leads Bolton into F.A. Cup quarters

LONDON — On-loan winger Ryo Miyaichi took center stage with an early goal in his first start for Bolton Wanderers on Saturday as the Premier League strugglers beat second-tier Millwall 2-0 away to advance to the quarterfinals of the F.A. Cup.



The fleet-footed 19-year-old latched onto a quick free-kick from Sam Ricketts and finished with great composure after just three minutes at the New Den before a long-range effort from David Ngog in the second half wrapped up a routine victory.

"I was able to put the ball away well and I think it was a good goal. I'm relieved that I have scored and I think this is the first step for me," said Miyaichi, who is set to get his first callup to the Japan national team for a World Cup qualifier against Uzbekistan later this month.

Arsenal shipped Miyaichi to Bolton on loan for the remainder of the season on European winter transfer deadline day."All that training with the superstars at Arsenal hasn't gone to waste," he said.Bolton manager Owen Coyle, meanwhile, was naturally delighted with Miyaichi's contribution. Coyle said he had been a long-term admirer of Miyaichi's and was determined to get him on loan from the Gunners. - http://www.japantimes.co.jp/

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Miyaichi set for Japan call-up

JFA contact Bolton over winger's availability



Bolton's on-loan Arsenal winger Ryo Miyaichi is set to be handed his first senior international call-up for Japan's upcoming World Cup qualifier against Uzbekistan.

The 19-year-old scored the Trotters' opening goal in Saturday's 2-0 FA Cup victory at Millwall after making his Premier League debut against Wigan last weekend. The Japanese Football Association (JFA) has contacted Bolton regarding his availability and he is expected to feature in his country's Asian Football Confederation Group C qualifier at Toyota Stadium.

"We have sent Bolton a letter saying we might need him and they have acknowledged our request. We have also let Miyaichi know," JFA technical director Hiromi Hara told Kyodo News. "Of course we can't ask for him for the 24th (for the friendly against Iceland) because there are league games but the qualifier is on an international match day so we have the right to call up players, unless of course they are injured.

"That is not the case with the (qualifiers) for the Olympics. But if he is being called up to the senior national team then it shouldn't be a problem. "Bolton replied straight away saying they understand the situation." - http://www1.skysports.com/

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Naoya Shibamura signs with Uzbekistan's Pakhtakor Tashkent

The 29-year-old will become the first Japanese player in Uzbekistan after joining the Asian Champions League-bound club from Latvia's FK Ventspils



Defender Naoya Shibamura will become the first Japanese player to take part in the Uzbek League after signing with FC Pakhtakor Tashkent earlier this week.The 29-year-old spent last year in the Latvian first division with FK Ventspils, contributing to their championship double and playing in the Europa League.

Before going to Europe, Shibamura spent several seasons in Japan's lower divisions, as well as a two-year stint at Albirex Niigata Singapore.Pakhtakor is one of most successful clubs in Uzbekistan, having won the league eight times in addition to 11 Uzbek Cups. Since 2003 they have played in the Asian Champions League every year, including two semifinal appearances."Pakhtakor has a great plan in every season," Shibamura commented to the team's website. "And I want to participate in AFC Champions League."I hope we can win all the tournaments in 2012 in which Pakhtakor will participate. I am very happy to sign a contract with the greatest team of Uzbekistan"The club is matched with with Qatar's Al Arabi, Saudi Arabia's Al Ittihad, and the UAE's Baniyas in the ACL's Group B. - http://www.goal.com


 

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Ljungberg rejected offers from England in January

The Sweden international is currently considering his next move having just parted company with Japanese outfit Shimizu S-Pulse by mutual consent

Freddie Ljungberg's agent has claimed that the player rejected offers to return to England during the January transfer window.The former Arsenal star is currently considering his next move having just parted company with Japanese outfit Shimizu S-Pulse by mutual consent.



Ljungberg's representative, Walid Bouzid, insists that a return to Europe is a possibility given that that player last month turned down offers from several English clubs."They were not the right English clubs," the agent explained. "French and Scandinavian clubs also showed interest."He wants to play in a club battling for league titles, but he also wants his final project to give him a chance to give something back to society.Ljungberg, meanwhile, explained that there were a number of factors involved in his decision to leave Shimizu just under five months into his reported 18-month contract with the club.

"I loved the time I spent in Japan, and am happy that I got to live here and experience the culture," the former Sweden international told the club's official website."However, after talking to my family and my agent for about a month, I've decided not to return to Shimizu S-Pulse for the 2012 season. I love Japan and my respect for my team-mates and the coaching staff remains unchanged."However, the difference in visions between me and the club, as well as the lack of an appearance in the 2012 Asian Champions League both weigh heavily, and I've decided to explore other options."Finally, I wish to regret that I can't give enough thanks to the people who treated me well during my stay in Japan, and to the club that treated me well last season. I'll continue to wish for Shimizu's success."Ljungberg has also had spells at West Ham United, Seattle Sounders, Chicago Fire and Celtic since leaving the Gunners in 2007.The 34-year-old winger has most recently been linked with a move to South Africa. - http://www.goal.com/

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Shinji Kagawa keen to extend Borussia Dortmund stay

The 22-year-old's current deal is set to expire in June 2013, but he is hoping to prolong his stay at Signal Iduna Park



Borussia Dortmund playmaker Shinji Kagawa has admitted that he would like to stay at the German club for as long as possible.The Japan international has been a revelation for Jurgen Klopp's side since joining the Bundesliga leaders from Cerezo Osaka in 2010, and has been in particularly fine form in recent weeks.

With his contract set to expire in June 2013, the 22-year-old confirmed that he is looking to extend his deal."I'm having a terrific time and would be happy if this were to continue. I want to stay," he told ZDF.Kagawa has scored 10 goals in 28 appearances this season in all competitions. - http://www.goal.com/

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Augsburg's Koo Ja-Cheol hits woodwork late on, Nam Tae-Hee continues goalscoring form

The on-loan Augsburg midfielder was almost the hero against Nurnberg on Sunday, while Nam Tae-Hee grabbed a double in Qatar and Yoo Byung-Soo saw red in Saudi Arabia



Koo Ja-Cheol almost scored a late winner for Augsburg after hitting the crossbar at the death in their 0-0 draw with Nurnberg in Germany's Bundesliga on Sunday.Koo, who was overlooked by new Korea boss Choi Kang-Hee in his squad for this month's clashes with Uzbekistan and Kuwait, played a full game in the goalless draw.

The South Korean, on loan from Wolfsburg, hit the woodwork on 85 minutes when he ran onto a loose ball and hit it first time. Koo's goalbound volley was spectacularly saved by Nurnberg keeper Raphael Schafer who pushed it on to the crossbar.Elsewhere, Nam Tae-Hee continued his fine goalscoring form in Qatar's Stars League with a double in Lekhwiya's 4-1 win over Al Khor on Thursday.After Al Khor took an early lead, Nam levelled the game on the stroke of halftime, before putting his side ahead on 65 minutes from the penalty spot.In Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Cup final, Yoo Byung-Soo was sent off but Al Hilal still triumphed 2-1 over Al Ettifaq to lift the trophy for the fifth successive time.Yoo, who started the game, was given a straight red card on 88 minutes.

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Dortmund's Kagawa: First-half goal made things much easier for us

The Japan international netted the decisive goal in Saturday's Bundesliga victory over Bayer Leverkusen but said they should've had more than one



Borussia Dortmund's Shinji Kagawa feels glad after scoring the decisive goal in Saturday's 1-0 win at home against Bayer Leverkusen.The former Cerezo Osaka man scored the only goal in Dortmund's narrow win over sixth-placed Bayer, which allows them to keep the top spot in the league.“I'm glad I scored a goal that helped out the team. After that it was easier for us to approach the second half,” he told reporters after the match.However the Japan international was disappointed not to have added another after the chances he squandered in the second half.Kagawa added: “I made some mistakes at the end, and it was a bit of a wasted opportunity. But Leverkusen's defence is strong and even their strikers were defending solidly. "We should have scored another goal but we did a good job overcoming these circumstances.” - http://www.goal.com/

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Shinji Okazaki reflects on Stuttgart struggles after DFB-Pokal exit on Wednesday

The Samurai Blue regular was pulled just before the hour mark after a poor display against Bayern Munich in which his heavy touch wasted many potential chances



Stuttgart attacker Shinji Okazaki was, like his team-mates, at a loss for answers following their 2-0 loss to Bayern Munich in Germany's DFB-Pokal on Wednesday night.The result was the latest in a series of disappointments for Stuttgart, who are winless in their past seven Bundesliga fixtures and have dropped to the bottom half of the table.

"We've been losing a lot lately and perhaps it's a little intimidating to try to press forward," Okazaki said after the match. "Bayern were able to play passing football. They were able to connect those one-touch passes, and at the end of the play their quality was very high and they were able to score."I think if we'd concentrated more in the centre we wouldn't have been done in like that, so all we can do is improve on that going forward."When asked about several wasted chances, including one right before his 57th-minute substitution, the Samurai Blue regular recognised that he needed to improve his play."Right now one thing I have to work on is my snap judgement," the 25-year-old admitted. "If you don't make the best decision in each second, it's impossible to break the deadlock."Especially in the situation we're in, if I can make the right judgement and score it will help us recover."Okazaki also replied to questions regarding the team's communication in the face of a mounting winless streak."As a team all we can do is discuss it together," the former Shimizu S-Pulse man said. "We're already having lots of discussions about our situation, and I think things will improve."Like last season when we avoided relegation we need to create blocks and build up from them. That's how we tried to play today, but we were simply outplayed." - http://www.goal.com/


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Arsenal's Park Chu-Young is not an automatic selection due to lack of game-time, says South Korea coach Choi Kang-Hee

The new Taeguk Warriors coach is already learning about the difficulties of international football, with concerns about preparation time and his players' lack of match action



South Korea coach Choi Kang-Hee says he is concerned by star striker Park Chu-Young's lack of gametime at Arsenal ahead of his nation's vital 2014 Fifa World Cup qualifier against Kuwait on February 29.Choi travelled to the United Kingdom in the past week to watch several Europe-based Koreans in action, however all on his itinerary failed to see any action.Park's lack of gametime is the most pressing concern for Choi, with the Korea skipper only managing five appearances for the Gunners since joining them from Monaco in August.“He has at least some positive thoughts, as he is with a world-class team like Arsenal,” Choi told reporters at Incheon International Airport upon his return. “But he is not playing in games and I felt that Park is not on Wenger’s mind.”Choi's comments hinted he may ponder overlooking Park for the clash, which Korea must get a result from to progress to the fourth round of World Cup qualifying through Asia.

The only South Korean to take to the park over the weekend in the United Kingdom was the retired Park Ji-Sung, as Celtic pair Ki Sung-Yueng and Cha Du-Ri along with Sunderland's Ji Dong-Won all missed out.Choi added: “I haven’t really learned much [from my trip]. Since players in foreign leagues are not playing in their games, I have a lot to consider.”The Taeguk Warriors boss also admitted he was concerned by the lack of time available for preparation for the February 29 game, with Fifa rules requiring clubs release players only four days in advance of the international date. Given travel times, Choi said that created a difficult situation.“In reality, if we consider each club’s situation, I think they will be able to join the team on February 27,” Choi said. “But it’s impossible that those players can show a strong performance with the team in just a day.”

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Southampton's new Japanese striker Tadanari Lee will make debut start in FA Cup clash with Millwall

The new Saints striker will be given his first opportunity from the start in their fourth round replay against the Lions following two appearances off the bench



Southampton manager Nigel Adkins has confirmed new Japanese signing Tadanari Lee will make his first start for the club in Tuesday's FA Cup fourth-round replay with Millwall.The Japan international, who joined the Saints from Sanfrecce Hiroshima during the January transfer window, has made two appearances off the bench for his new club."Tadanari Lee will start the game as well, and it will be great for him to go and play," Adkins said on the club's website.Lee, who scored the winning goal in extra time in the 2011 Asian Cup final against Australia, is yet to open his account for the Championship club.Adkins also confirmed he wants to use the game as an opportunity to give players short on match fitness some minutes, although he added he wanted to progress into the fifth round.The winner of Tuesday's second leg will play host to top flight Bolton in the fifth round. - http://www.goal.com/

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Japan international Mike Havenaar says he 'can only get better' after fine debut Vitesse start

The Samurai Blue striker won his first start for his new club and provided the assist for winning goal against NAC Breda on Saturday



Vitesse's new Japanese striker Mike Havenaar says "he can only get better" after making his first start for the club and setting up the winning goal in their 1-0 victory over NAC Breda in the Dutch Eredivisie on Saturday.

The Japan international, who joined Vitesse during January from Ventforet Kofu, scored his maiden goal for the club last weekend before assisting Nicky Hofs strike on Saturday having been handed his debut start.Havenaar had brought down Alexander Buttner's ball before finding Hofs who drilled in a shot.The beanpole striker would also win his side a penalty in the second 45 only for Buttner to fail to convert the spotkick."I can only get better from here on," Havenaar told reporters after the game. "Once my team-mates and I figure each other out, I'll start to fit more into the team."Havenaar said being given his debut start meant a lot to him, before being replaced on 81 minutes."It means a lot that I started and played more than 80 minutes," he said. - http://www.goal.com/

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