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June 4, 2024
The opening round of the J.League YBC Levain Cup playoffs saw a remarkable display of offensive prowess, as all 10 participating teams managed to find the back of the net at least once. With abundant goals and intense competition, the stage is set for what promises to be an enthralling second leg.
Underdogs Kataller Toyama, the resilient J3 team that triumphed in three consecutive matches to secure their spot in this round, showcased their unwavering determination and skill with an impressive performance in their playoff opener. Shosei Usui opened the scoring just eight minutes into the game. Still, a late own goal denied them victory as they settled for a 1-1 draw against Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo. Nevertheless, their resilient display sets them up nicely for the second leg on their home turf in Toyama.
Meanwhile, fellow lower-division side V-Varen Nagasaki, hailing from J2, didn’t enjoy quite the same success as their J3 counterparts. Despite an early goal, a brace from Yota Komi and Motoki Nagakura secured Albirex Niigata the win. However, with the second leg set to be played in Nagasaki, V-Varen still has an opportunity to mount a comeback and defy the odds.
In other fixtures, FC Machida Zelvia, currently leading J1, continued their pursuit of the club’s first major trophy with an impressive 3-1 away victory over Cerezo Osaka. Additionally, Sanfrecce Hiroshima claimed a notable away win as Mutsuki Kato and Taishi Matsumoto scored in quick succession to secure a 2-1 triumph against FC Tokyo.
Nagoya Grampus and Kashiwa Reysol played out an evenly-matched contest, resulting in a 1-1 draw. Yuya Yamagishi put the visitors ahead before Tomoki Takamine leveled the score for Reysol. The second leg promises to be another intriguing battle between the two sides.
The playoff round will come to a thrilling conclusion on Sunday, with the five winners progressing to the quarter-finals. They will be joined by Yokohama F·Marinos, Kawasaki Frontale, and Ventforet Kofu, who will enter the tournament at the quarter-final stage after securing their spots in the knockout phases of the AFC Champions League.
As the J.League YBC Levain Cup continues to provide exciting matchups and memorable moments, fans and neutrals eagerly await the outcomes of the playoff round and look forward to the quarter-finals, where the competition will undoubtedly intensify further.
Japan’s National Football Team, the Samurai Blue, is set to make a solid return for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying rounds with an impressive squad composed entirely of players currently playing in the Meiji Yasuda J.League or those who began their professional careers in Japan’s domestic competition. The team is gearing up for a busy week, with a match against Myanmar on June 6th, followed by a highly anticipated face-off against Syria on June 11th at Sanfrecce Hiroshima’s state-of-the-art Edion Peace Wing Stadium Hiroshima.
Although Japan has already secured a top-two finish in Group B, guaranteeing their progression to the third round of qualifiers, the upcoming matches carry immense significance for the players and the nation’s pride. Manager Hajime Moriyasu has meticulously assembled a formidable team, selecting a balanced mix of experienced veterans and promising young talent.
The goalkeeping department is dominated by current J. League stars, with Sanfrecce Hiroshima’s Keisuke Osako leading the pack. Osako is expected to face fierce competition from Vissel Kobe’s Daiya Maekawa and FC Machida Zelvia’s standout performer, Kosei Tani, who has been instrumental in leading his team to the top of the table this season.
In defense, the evergreen Yuto Nagatomo brings a wealth of experience to the team, boasting 147 international caps. The 37-year-old FC Tokyo defender remains a vital asset for the national team, showcasing remarkable durability and skill. On the opposite end of the experience spectrum, Sanfrecce Hiroshima’s Takumu Kawamura is eager to make his competitive debut in midfield after making a solitary appearance in a friendly match.
Japan’s squad also features several high-profile players who launched their careers in the J.League before making their mark in Europe. Captain Wataru Endo, formerly of Urawa Reds and Shonan Bellmare, has emerged as a critical player for Liverpool and is an inspirational leader for his country. Former FC Tokyo prodigy Takefusa Kubo is back in the fold. At the same time, the ex-Cerezo Osaka talent Takumi Minamino is looking to make an impact on the international stage. Ayase Ueda, a Kashima Antlers alumnus, will aim to replicate his cup-winning form at Feyenoord for the national team.
With attacking options still open, Yuito Suzuki has been rewarded for his domestic and international performances with a first-time call-up to the senior team. The 22-year-old forward has impressed at Shimizu S-Pulse and has registered an impressive 11-goal haul for Danish outfit Brøndby this past season.
As Japan prepares to face Myanmar and Syria in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, Samurai Blue’s determined and talented squad will undoubtedly look to make a significant statement on the international stage. Fans can anticipate thrilling displays of skill, teamwork, and passion from this carefully assembled group of players as they embark on their quest for World Cup glory.
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Katarzyna Nowak is a seasoned writer with over five years of experience in editorial content, news reporting, and football sportsbook app reviews. As an author for Football News Today, she combines her deep understanding of the sports betting industry with a passion for football, delivering insightful and accurate content that keeps readers informed and engaged.
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