In a match featuring no Europe-based players on either side, Japan defeated Iran 2-1 at home to win their FIFA World Cup™ qualifying group. Both teams had already qualified for next summer's World Cup and were playing more to avoid serious injury, leaving the A-team off the roster.
"We've had earthquakes, typhoons and political arguments along the way but we've come through," Japan coach Zico told the crowd at the post-match ceremony.
Midfielder Akira Kaji scored in the 28th minute; striker Masashi Oguro came away with the second 20 minutes into the second half. For Iran, aging star Ali Daei nailed his 105th goal in 141 internationals shortly after Oguro's strike.
Japan and Iran will be joined by fellow Asian qualifiers Korea and Saudi Arabia at the final in Germany.
Japan vs. Honduras, September 7, Miyagi Stadium
Japan broke its Latin curse, downing Honduras 5-4 in a match that featured end-to-end action. Atsushi Yanagisawa, though often ineffective, scored twice. Sub Mitsuo Ogasawara scored and, with his creative and talented play, continued to beg the question: why doesn't he start in place of the ineffective and over-rated Junichi Inamoto? (Answer: he plays in the J.League while Inamoto works in the English Premier League.) A disappointing match was had by, among others, Alex Santos, Hide Nakata, and Inamoto.
For the visitors, captain Wilmer Velasquez scored a hat trick. The Japanese defense had no idea what to do with this very dangerous player.
Japan next faces Ukraine and Lativa in October.
Hidetoshi Nakata, Bolton:
Japan captain Hidetoshi Nakata has made the move to the Premiership. Whether he will see much time on the pitch is another story. Bolton manager Sam Allardyce has put together a strong team of international "has-beens" that will make getting playing time none too easy. Vying in midfiled with Hide are current or former national team stars: Nigeria's Jay-jay Okocha, Spain's Ramos Campo, Wales's Gary Speed, and Kevin Nolan. Up front are Mexico's Jared Borghetti and Senegal's El Hadji Diouf.
In addition, Allardyce has already expressed his displeasure that Nakata has been called up for a Japan-based friendly with Honduras in early September.
Shunsuke Nakamura: A hit at Celtic
Shunsuke Nakamura got on the scoresheet in his fourth match for Scottish side Celtic. In a 4-0 win over Dunfermline, Shunsuke drilled home a lovely pass from Maciej Zurawski.
Sota Hirayama, Heracles:
The 1.9-meter Hirayama headed home twice in his Dutch league debut in a 2-0 win over Den Haag. The 20-year-old Hirayama came on in a substitute in a late-August match. Having failed to get a contract after a tryout with Feyenoord, he was picked up by Heracles.
Shinji Ono: Dutch Days Numbered?
Shinji Ono, who is rumored to be looking for a transfer to Spain or England, was close to joining teammate Hidetoshi Nakata at Bolton. The Wanderers made an offer for the brilliant midfielder; Feyenoord rejected it, however, intending to keep Ono until the winter transfer period.
Koji Nakata, Marseille
Nakata is getting a lot of playing time in France. In a recent match, he got a 6.5 out of 10 from a local tabloid paper for his performance.
Daisuke Matsui, LeMans
Matsui is still finding his feet in the French second division. The physical side of the game, which even in the J.League was his most glaring weakness, continues to be a problem.
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At the 23-game mark, Gamba Osaka has surged into sole possession of first place. With 47 points after 23 matches, Gamba leads faltering Kashima Antlers in second with 43 points.
At the other end of the table, Kobe Vissel has 19 points and is all but certain to be relegated to J2 next season.
Gral transfers to Yokohama
Out of form Jubilo Iwata striker Rodrigo Gral transferred to struggling Yokohama Marinos. A marriage made in heaven?
Oita Cans Coach
South Korean manager Hwangbo Kwan resigned as manager of underperforming Trinita.
"Hwangbo wanted to take responsibility for the poor results. He offered his resignation and we have accepted it," said club official Yasushi Hara.
Dutch assistant coach Arie Schans will take over as caretaker manager from Tuesday.
Leading Goal Scorers, 11 September 2005
| Name | Goals | Shots | PK | Games |
Araujo, Gamba Osaka |
24 | 101 | 0/0 | 23 |
| Washington, Tokyo Verdy 1969 | 15 | 73 | 3/4 | 22 |
| Masashi Oguro, Gamba Osaka | 14 | 97 | 0/0 | 23 |
| Edmilson, Albirex | 13 | 58 | 1/1 | 23 |
| Ryoichi Maeda, Jubilo | 10 | 39 | 0/0 | 20 |
| Bobby Cullen, Jubilo | 10 | 35 | 0/0 | 20 |
| Mitsuo Ogasawara, Kashima | 9 | 50 | 2/3 | 21 |
| Alex Mineiro, Kashima | 9 | 61 | 0/0 | 17 |
| Seiichiro Maki, Hiroshima | 9 | 32 | 0/0 | 22 |
| Alves, Oita Trinita | 9 | 61 | 1/2 | 22 |
| Clebel, Kashiwa | 8 | 70 | 1/1 | 20 |
| Juninho, Kawasaki | 8 | 70 | 1/2 | 20 |
J2: Kyoto Purple Sanga Far out in Front
Though Sanga has slowed from its red-hot early-summer form, promotion to J1 is--barring a total collapse or a rash of injuries--almost certain. After 31matches, Kyoto has 68 points on 21 wins, 5 ties, and just 5 losses. Second place Avispa Fukuoka is 14 points back with 14 wins, 12 draws, and five losses.
