|
|
|
|
| GAME
PLAN |
|
Holy salkow, Batman, Miki’s back! Yes, Japan’s very own Babe on Ice, Miki Ando, roared back to form in the opening event of the Grand Prix figure skating series, not only winning October’s Skate America competition in Connecticut, but overshadowing younger teen star Mao Asada, everybody’s current tip for greatness. Ando, of course, was panned after finishing a disappointing 15th at the Turin Olympics, but she’s lost a bit of chunkiness and taken her skating to a higher level; maybe now she will start to fulfill her promise. Next up on the calendar is the NHK Trophy from November 30 to December 3 in Nagano. Japan’s women skaters are hot right now. Catch them while you can. FV See sports listings for details.
|
By
Jonathan Day
Soccer: Europe vs. J League
 |
| Reggina`s Shunsuke Nakamura |
"Now the World Cup's over,
soccer's dead in this country."
"Soccer's finished in Japan; time to get back
to a real sport."
Such is the wisdom of some local (baseball) "experts,"
who were convinced that soccer in this country was constructed
on a foundation of sand and would disappear with the last
kick of the 2002 World Cup. In view of the recent mess that
baseball has found itself in here, a few people should be
eating their words. Soccer is decidedly not dead. This year,
Japan's national soccer team has played England, the
Czech Republic, Hungary, Serbia-Montenegro and others, with
games against Argentina and Germany to come. Hardly indications
of a dying sport.
In truth, the 2002 World Cup did a lot to raise the profile
of the Japanese game. It boosted the domestic side (crowds
are still rising; nearly 60,000 people turned up to watch
Japan beat Serbia-Montenegro in the Kirin Cup on July 13),
and it brought the entire world of soccer to Japan in a very
real way. It also made stacks of money. The sale of genuine
replica shirts of famous clubs and major countries (not to
mention Japan's) is huge business here, while Japanese
players have attracted thousands of Japanese tourists (and
their money) to obscure places like Perugia and, er, Bolton.
So it's no surprise to see teams heading to Japan to
enjoy this feeding frenzy. Inter Milan and Boca Juniors have
just been here, and with the European soccer season just around
the corner, several top clubs (and their bankers) are coming
to Japan for preseason warmups. Here's a rundown on
what's coming up.
Real Madrid vs. Tokyo Verdy 1969
Real Madrid are the kings of Spanish soccer, but not actually
the champions. This is hardly a problem for a team that boasts
David Beckham, Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo and Roberto Carlos.
David Beckham would sell out Ajinomoto Stadium if he went
there just to sit on the grass. In fact, one of the most interesting
things about this fixture will be to see stadium full rather
than merely decorated by a scattering of Verdy fans. Verdy's
own World Cup star, manager Ossie Ardiles, will make sure
his charges aren't dazzled by the shining lights of
Madrid, but this will be pure fantasy football and definitely
worth the price of a ticket.
August 1, 6:55pm, Ajinomoto Stadium,
Tokyo.
FC Barcelona vs. Kashima Antlers and Jubilo Iwata
Barcelona are the giants of Spanish soccer, but not actually
the champions. They've been slowly digging out of the
hole they found themselves in after the ravages of the Luis
van Gaal era, and striker Ronaldinho has got some awesome
tricks behind his toothy smile. Barca has been busy this summer,
signing ex-Arsenal defender Silvinho, Portuguese hero Deco
in midfield, and Celtic and Sweden star striker Henrik Larsson
(to replace the outgoing Patrick Kluivert). They are also
trying to steal Cameroon's Samuel Eto'o from
archrival Real Madrid. Well, he won't have far to travel
if he jumps ship on August 1.
Kashima Antlers: August 1, 7pm, National
Stadium, Tokyo; Jubilo Iwata: August 4, 6:30pm, Shizuoka Stadium
Ecopa.
Valencia vs. Albirex Niigata and Kashima Antlers
Surprisingly, Valencia are the Spanish champions. Dogged resilience
allowed them to clinch the Spanish league title last season
ahead of big boys Barcelona, Deportivo and Real Madrid, but
it hasn't exactly been smooth sailing in the off-season,
as manager Rafa Benitez was stolen away by Liverpool to replace
Gerard Houllier. Luckily, Chelsea (and former Valencia) boss
Claudio Ranieri became available and took over for his second
spell in charge. Norwegian striker John Carew has been given
the boot and, not surprisingly, two Italians-Stefan
Fiore and Bernado Corradi-have joined the club, both
from Lazio. They'll team up with Amedeo Carboni, who,
at 39, became the oldest player to win a European trophy when
Valencia defeated Marseille in the UEFA Cup final last season.
Albirex Niigata: August 1, 7pm, Big
Swan Stadium, Niigata; Kashima Antlers: August 4, 7pm, National
Stadium, Tokyo.
Reggina vs. Yokohama F. Marinos
Shunsuke Nakamura's Serie A team must be confident
that Japan will not make the final of the Asian Cup, as this
friendly has been scheduled for the day after that tournament's
championship game. If Japan does make the final, Nakamura
might have a chance of rushing back, zooming in from Narita,
and taking his customary place on Reggina's bench.
Unfortunately for Nakamura, he might be a very talented player,
but he's still regarded as a lightweight by his club,
which obviously prefers its soccer players to be on the macho
side. But with a new manager in Walter Mazzari, Nakamura will
have another chance to prove he's worth a place in
a Serie A team, while Yokohama's Daisuke Oku can continue
dreaming that he's worthy of Serie J. League.
August 8, 7pm, International Stadium
Yokohama.
AS Roma vs. FC Tokyo
Roma may have lost some of their luster since Hidetoshi Nakata
left the 2001's championship winners, but they still
have the Prince of Rome in the charismatic (not to mention
phlegm-atic) Francesco Totti. They don't, however,
have their charismatic manager any more after Fabio Capello
joined hated rivals Juventus. If Roma think they'll
have an easy ride against FC Tokyo, they are probably in for
a shock. FC Tokyo take no prisoners with their potent defense,
which is one of the best defenses in the J. League. And with
Totti around, you'd better bring an umbrella.
August 8, 6:30pm, Ajinomoto Stadium,
Tokyo.
Photos by Masaaki Kato
Discuss sports
with METROPOLIS readers at http://forum.japantoday.com
top
|