Soccer / World Cup Nov 1, 2022
Hajime Moriyasu announces Japan squad for World Cup
Head coach Hajime Moriyasu has placed his faith in an established core of players but omitted several of Japan's current European standouts and World cup veterans.
Head coach Hajime Moriyasu has placed his faith in an established core of players but omitted several of Japan's current European standouts and World cup veterans.
Braces by Elber and Anderson Lopes kept Kevin Muscat's men atop the table, leaving only season-finale opponent Vissel standing between them and the club's fifth league title.
J. League officials are considering changes that would add second and third-division teams to the tournament, which celebrated its 30th anniversary on Saturday.
A pair of late second-half goals by the Cypriot striker gave Sanfrecce its first-ever cup title after a total of eight runner-up finishes in Japan's two marquee club tournaments.
The Tegevajaro Miyazaki striker, who won Japan's three major club titles with Kashiwa Reysol between 2011 and 2013, underwent surgery earlier this month to treat fluid buildup in his brain.
The spot-kick specialist made waves during his four years in Scotland, opening the door for dozens of Japanese players to follow in his footsteps to Europe.
The J. League second-division team held the fort against its J1 opponent, earning its first major trophy after a dramatic penalty shootout at Nissan Stadium.
A masterclass by goalkeeper Masaaki Higashiguchi as well as two timely set-piece goals lifted Gamba Osaka's hopes of avoiding relegation and kept the hosts from claiming the J1 crown.
The 24-year-old forward has been the star of the show since his team arrived on Wednesday for their two-game preseason series with the reigning NBA champion Warriors.
Down 3-0 with less than 20 minutes left on the clock, the Reds rallied back to equalize the game before winning in penalties at Ajinomoto Field Nishigaoka.