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Post by sandman on Jul 29, 2011 18:50:05 GMT 1
Highlights from last Saturday and Wednesdays games against Ventforet Kofu (League) and Montedio Yamagta (League Cup).
Team for Kofu game: GK: Kato DF: Takahashi; Spiranovic; Nagata; Hirakawa MF: Keita; Kashiwagi; Sergio FW: Richardes; Haraguchi; Ranko
Subs 13min Sergio > Yamagishi 66min Ranko > Takasaki 83min Richardes > Naoki
After an eventful first half with Kato being sent off for cutting down (in a spectacular fashion) Kofu's Pauliniho (think thats how you spell it), Urawa went on to win 2-0 with one flukey goal for NAGATA and one awesome goal from KASHIWAGI.
After the weekend exploits Urawa went into the second leg of the League Cup, with Montedio, 2-0 up and with Kato suspended, leaving Norihiro YAMAGISHI to fill in between the posts. It wasn't long into the first half though that Montedio scored making it 2-1 overall. In the second half Urawa got back on track when Sergio ESCUDERO (He is actually a Japanese national as far as I know) was fouled about 25 yards out. Kashiwagi stepped up up and scored a great free kick making it 1-1 on the night, 3-1 overall. But it wasn't over. Ranko DESPOTOVIC came on for Kashiwagi and then went on to score his first goal for the Reds making leaving the game 2-1 on the night and 4-1 overall.
Urawa now progress on to face local rivals Omiya Ardija....or the Squirrel people as I call them. The winner of that game will then take on Cerezo Osaka.
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Post by sandman on Aug 6, 2011 11:23:34 GMT 1
Urawa took on Kawasaki Frontale, again, last Saturday, in the hope of repeating the victory of 2 weeks ago. Well thanks to a Frontale defender it did happen. Urawa's Richardes, storming down on goal, forced the Frontale defender it kicking the ball out of play in the 18 yard box....although I don't think he planed on the ball going straight into his own net ;D Urawa held on for the 1-0, moving the Reds up to 10th. Team Line-up: GK: Kato DF: Takasaki; Spiranovic; Nagata; Hirakawa MF: Keita; Naoki; Kashiwagi FW: Richardes; Haraguchi; Ranko Subs 65min Naoki > Tanaka 75min Keita > No Yamada 89min Haraguchi > Sergio Richardes and Kashiwagi share a hug after the goal. Kato throwing the ball...in an epic fashion Urawa take on Kobe today, well the match has already started, hoping to avenge the 1-0 loss at the start of the season.
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Post by sandman on Aug 25, 2011 10:25:55 GMT 1
Since I last posted Urawa have played Niigata(3-2 W), Kobe(3-2 L) and as of yesterday Hiroshima(1-1).
It would seem after the good results and the long unbeaten run, Urawa have dropped back into old habits. No disrespect to the teams above but on our, previous, recent form we should won these games comfortably or at least drew (which we did against a reasonably solid Hiroshima - Who I do rate highly).
The Niigata game was a struggle. We had to battle full on for the entire 90 minutes and even then Niigata nearly managed to get a draw. In the Kobe game we got back into it, after a first half drubbing (2-0), 2-2 but then couldn't hang on for the draw and lost 3-2.
I have heard a few state that Urawa's recent problems started 3/4 yrs ago after winning the J-League for the first time. With that success, and with a team already full of stars, it seemed as though the club instead of now investing time in youth went out and bought more "mega-stars" (which back fired).
Most teams invest time in developing the youth aspect and bring them into the first team, although I'm not saying Urawa hasn't done that with players like Genki Haraguchi, Naoki Yamada, Shunki Takahashi, Shuto Kojima, Takuya Okamoto and Mizuki Hamada all now regularly in or around the first team, but Urawa have focused more on bring in players to fill gaps.
With all the superstars and egos in the team, the following years were hard, with players openly complaining when they weren't getting into the team, throwing tantrums etc. Thus resulting in a clear out at the end of the 2008, 2009 and 10 seasons.
I think it is going to take a season or two for Urawa to settle properly and become title contenders again. It is only Zeljko Petrovic's first season at the helm as well so I guess I can't really expect too much.
Anyway lets hope Sunday gets the Reds back to winning ways away at Cerezo Osaka.
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Post by sandman on Aug 30, 2011 14:14:59 GMT 1
Well my hope that Urawa would somehow reverse the current run of form went down the toilet, as Cerezo beat the Reds 3-1.
Urawa didn't exactly give in though. The first half was a hard fought 45. with both teams creating chances but both unable to convert. After the re-start, however, it only took Cerezo 2 minutes to score their first goal.
The Reds battled well to get back into the game, but not until the 78th when (Genki) Haraguchi created a chance for himself on the edge of the Cerezo box, did Urawa get their equaliser. A power shot from Genki was palmed away by Cerezo 'keeper Kim Jin-Hyeon, only for it to end up at the feet of Hiroyuki Takasaki, who toe poked it in.
Unforntunatly the "Flaming Pinks" (Cerezo Osaka) managed to score two more goals, after 10 minutes of chances for both teams, again.
The resut leaves Urawa, still, in the bottom half of the table, after a string of great results instilled false hope.
Next up are Montedio Yamagata, who are second from bottom. Heres hoping for a win.
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Post by sandman on Oct 7, 2011 9:37:44 GMT 1
Its been a disappointing and largely shit few weeks, since my last post, if your a Urawa fan. Yes thats right folks. After the 3-1 to C. Osaka I said; "Next up are Montedio Yamagata, who are second from bottom. Heres hoping for a win." How wrong could I have been. Thats right, because for the duration of September Urawa managed a mind blowing 1pt. Ok given that was against Kashima Antlers who we do not like very much, but still. We lost 1-0 to Montedio, S-Pulse, and Gamba Osaka (on Sunday). There seems to be a lack of fire power in the league which is disappointing when you look at the J-League Cup run. Beating our local, bitter, squirrel rivals Omiya, home and away 4-1 overall (2-0 Home, 2-1 away) and then turning over Cerezo Osaka on Wednesday 2-1 (would have been 2-0 but that had to bring on Tsuboi and Nobuhisa Yamada....both rather shit and old players, in defence). Setting up a Semi-Final with Gamba Osaka on Sunday. So how can we be doing well in a cup no-one really wants to win, but can't perform in the league. Honestly, I got no idea. The teams hardly change between the league and the cup. Obviously you are going to get more youngsters playing in the league cup but by this stage it is usually the first team playing. All I know is a win against Gamba puts us in the final, and I would love to win somethng this year. The way things are looking, Urawa could easily be playing J2 next year
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Post by sandman on Oct 10, 2011 10:59:38 GMT 1
I know of late I have neglected my Urawa Reds thread of late, but today I am updating it the day AFTER a match.
Yesterday saw the Reds play Gamba Osaka in the League Cup Semi-Final. Gamba sitting top, but only by 1pt might I add, were the favourites going into this Reds home tie. Although Urawa had been playing well in previous cup matches leading to this game, Gamba had only recently bet us in the league.
Luckily for us Umesaki, who has spent the past few seasons coming back for injury(s), was on fire in place of Haraguchi who is on international duty. Scoring in the 21st minute of the match, and then setting up Sergo in the 38th. Gamba got a goal back in the 93rd, but by then it was too late.
Take us back the the previous Sunday, 2nd, when we played Gamba and lost 1-0 (leaving us 2 pts above the drop zone), this how we lined up:
GK: Kato DF: Ugajin, Spiranovic, Nagata, Noda MF: Kojima, Kashiwagi, Naoki FW: Richardes, Haraguchi, Ranko
Subs: HT Noda > Yamada (Nobu) 64min Kojima > Umesaki 76min Ranko > Hara
Now here is yesterday's line up:
GK: Kato DF: Ugajin; Hamada; Nagata; Noda MF: Keita; Kashiwagi; Umesaki; Richardes FW: Sergio; Ranko
Subs 72min Kashiwagi > Kojima 82min Ranko > Takasaki 90min Keita > Nobu Yamada
Now surely, considering Gamba probably played a slightly weakend team but still, if this team from yesterday performed where the previous didn't it would tell a sane person something. I very much doubt this team line up will get a run out in the league, but it makes you wonder doesn't it.
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Post by sandman on Oct 17, 2011 11:44:16 GMT 1
2 games have passed since I last graced this forum. Urawa played in the Emperors Cup and then in the league against the squirrel men. In the cup Urawa played a university team (possibly the only country that includes uni teams in its main FA Cup equivalent). Being a uni team Urawa one the game 4-1, although 4-1 is by no means a result the uni team should be unhappy about. If I were them I would be proud to have scored one goal and only conceded 4. I have no idea what league Miyazaki Sangyo-keiei University, but a part of me hopes they do well for the remainder of the season. Onto Saturday’s game were Urawa took on Omiya in the Saitama Derby Of Ninja Death Stars!!! ( I just made that up but it sounds good). Anyway, Urawa conceded a goal in the 85th minute and lost yet another game 1-0. This dropped the "mighty" Reds into the relegation zone, 3rd from bottom, as Ventforet Kofu beat Cerezo Osaka 4-0. I have this overwhelming feeling that I picked a poor team to follow in the J-League. Every other team seems to have some kind of excitement surrounding them. But Urawa just seems, well, very European. The whole idea was they were meant to be the Moan.....vomited a bit in my mouth...U of Asia. I think it is time I start looking at other teams a take a neutral approach to the J-League from now on. Although expect me to do another update on how disappointed I am with Urawa next week. Maybe we'll win a game and stay up this year.............
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Post by sandman on Oct 30, 2011 14:48:41 GMT 1
Two weeks since I last posted and some important changes have taken place. The main one being Urawa decided, after spending the entire season at the bottom of the table, to sack their useless manager Zeljko Petrovic. And that seemed to work as the next game played, at Yokohama F Marinos, was a great 2-1 win for the Reds and their new manager Takafumi Hori: Unfortunatly this wouldn't continue as yesterday, in the League Cup final, Urawa fell 1-0 to Kashima Antlers in ET. So close but just a bit too far away. So with no real hope of a trophy this season, unless Urawa do well in the Emperors Cup, this season is now all about survival. The next challenge coming on Thursday against Jubilo Iwata, who haven't been playing so well lately.
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Post by sandman on Dec 15, 2011 23:00:09 GMT 1
IF YOU ARE OF A NERVOUS NATURE PLEASE...LEAVE THIS POST ALONE
I know, I know. Its been ages since I posted on this thread (a thread which I imagine no-one pays that much attention to). But the this season, supporting Urawa, has been hard. The best way to sum the season up would to compare it to going on a nice walk, possibly in a park. On this walk you see some nice things. Ducks, trees etc. Then you step in a massive dog poo. You slip and fall in the poo, now covered in it. Getting up, you stumble home to find your cat has done, you guessed it, a nice big welcome back poo. You eventually get yourself clean, scrubbing yourself raw, but still have horrific flash backs of the days events. So in short this year has been poo. Saying that Urawa did manage to stay up in the J1 by 3 pts. Pretty impressive when you think how bad the team was playing a t one point. I was fully prepared to be taking on Kyoto Purple Sanga and Ehime FC (or the orange people as I call them). In our last 4 home games we managed to lose 2, win 1 and draw 1. 3-0 lose to Jubilo Iwata, 0-0 with Vagalta Sendia, 2-1 win at Avispa Fukuoka and then losing 3-0 to the J-League 2011 Champions (and last year J2 champions) Kashiwa Reysol. Between the Iwata lose and te Sendai draw Urawa did manage a 2-1 win at J2 team Tokyo Verdy in the Emperors Cup. Even though the league is over though there is still a chance of silver ware in said Emperors Cup. Next up, on Saturday, Urawa play Ehime in the 4th round. A victory would progress Urawa to "The Final Stage". Also Urawa have appointed a new Manager. Sanfrecce Hiroshima's Mihailo Petrovic. He is a pretty good manager with good form in the J1. He is already looking at signings for next season including Tadanari Lee, and Yokohama F Marinos forward Kazuma Wantanabe (although he has been said to decline the offer). Also he has asked for the Reds to bring Yuki Abe, who was sold to Leicester City last year. Another player he has asked for the Reds to sign is Tamoaki Makino. Tadanari Lee So maybe things will be better next year. Maybe Urawa will win the Emperors Cup. Maybe Urawa will be crowned 2012 J1 Champions...maybe I am too optimistic (?). Oh well. Onwards to the next game and victory!
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Post by sandman on Jan 6, 2012 18:38:27 GMT 1
Well some transfer news at last. Urawa haven't signed anyone ;D.......They have however off loaded forward Hiroyuki Takasaki, who I thought was actually a really good player, to Venforet Kofu (the paper bag people.....) Also Mazola has returned to Brarzil after a forgettable season on loan. Didn't really do much. Well if anything else happens I'll be sure to let you know.
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Post by sandman on Jan 12, 2012 12:01:01 GMT 1
Here is my unexspected return to the Urawa Reds thread (yay...). Like I said in my previous post on here I was going to update you guys if anything happened. Well some stuff has happened. Mainly players leaving, but 2 new additions to the squad for 2012. Here are the players that have moved on and their destinations: Hiroyuki TAKASAKI >>>Vertforet Kofu Satoshi HORINOUCHI >>> Released Mazola >>> Sao Paulo (End Loan) Shunsuke Tsutsumi >>> Avispa Fukuoka As I said before I think letting Takasaki go was a mistake. Top J2 scorer in 2010 and I think given the chance he could have repeated that in J1. The others I am not bothered about. Coming in we have Tomoaki Makino on loan from FC Koln for a season and have signed Popo from Vissel Kobe. With Mihailo Petrovic, the manager, playing, favouring, a 3-6-1 formation, as he did at Sanfrecce Hiroshima, the addition of Makino makes sense but Popo. Reports vary as to whether he is 33 or 35. A midfielder a lot like Ponte (former Reds player). To me this is a bit of a step backwards but meh. The move might come good. Well thats that for now.
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Post by sandman on Jan 19, 2012 10:49:56 GMT 1
Not that anyone cares but here are the new 2012 Urawa Reds kits: ManUre anyone?
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Post by sandman on Jan 21, 2012 19:48:06 GMT 1
Well it looks as though all round good guy Yuki Abe is heading back to Urawa, from Leicester City. Will be interesting to see how he will fit in with the 3-6-1 of Petrovic 2.0. In other news the 2012 numbers have been released. Obviously these are changeable at this stage. I will try and get the list up once I have translated it properly.
Just found this on the BBC: news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/16671180.stm
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Post by sandman on Jan 24, 2012 17:26:38 GMT 1
Urawa have officially re-signed "utility" player Yuki Abe from Leicester City (yay)
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Post by sandman on Jan 27, 2012 17:29:34 GMT 1
Urawa will be playing 3 K-League teams while at their second training camp in Ibusuki. Got no idea who the teams will be but I know they will be tough oposition to beat.
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