The Jets’ A team achieved their goal of finishing in the top four and thus qualifying for Saitama Stadium and a chance to defend their ‘All-Japan’ crown, at a wet and cold Nagano tournament. The tournament boasted it’s strongest ever line-up with four TML1 teams – Kanto Celts, Sala, British Embassy and ourselves – along with Western Champions Nagoya, a resurgent Niigata and the unknown Accacio, who turned out to be the core of the strong Hyogo side defeated by the Jets in the 2005 Saitama stadium quarterfinal augmented with some fast and skillful Japanese players (despite playing them twice nobody can pronounce their name correctly, although as Mikey pointed out it sounded a bit like ‘pistachio’).
Saturday
Having been drawn in an easy group we made life hard for ourselves by making a series of ‘tactical’ blunders on the bus which ultimately cost us two points against a poor Tochigi side. A veritable comedy of errors – leaving late, stopping for too long at a service station, stopping again 30 minutes later (diapers for Sasa and Simo next time please) – was topped of by not bothering to inform the driver of the time we needed to arrive. The result of which was that we managed to be late for a 9:45 kick off, something that cost the ‘B’ team a 6-0 forfeit and ultimately a place in Sunday’s K.O. tournament. Fortunately for the ‘A’ team a number of players were driving and having arrived on time managed to scrounge enough bodies to start the game (thanks to MattT, Nate, Colin, and Calvin). By half-time we had our full team out, but despite creating a hatful of chances couldn’t convert any of them and the game ended in a disappointing 0-0 draw, a result which would come back to haunt us at the end of the day.
The second game was against the skillful Brazilians of Ueda Strikers, who had thrashed Fukui ‘B’ 7-0 in their first game, and having only gained a point from our first game we needed to win. Ueda had some good players but unfortunately their innovative 3-2-5 formation - they all seemed to want to play up-front, I guess that’s why they called themselves ‘Strikers – was ineffective and the Jets ruthlessly exposed their defensive frailties. The goals coming from Nate robbing a defender and crossing for Sasa to tap home, Rob exchanging passes with Ryan on the edge of the area and beating the keeper from 6 yards and Nate converting from Shimi’s pass for a comfortable 3-0 victory.
Next up were Fukui ‘B’ who were clearly at the tournament for the ‘wine, women and song’ aspect of the weekend, as they were absolutely hopeless at ‘soccerball’ or whatever it was they thought they were playing. Two goals of stunning quality were scored in the first five minutes, firstly straight from the kick off Mikey, who had a fine tournament, was sent away down the right flank and his pinpoint cross was headed powerfully home by Ryan ‘Gunz’ Loren, minutes later Rob took Shimi’s lay off and stuck the ball in the top corner from 20 yards. Despite creating chances with every play we could only score two more – Shimi capping a good passing move with a fine finish from 10 yards and Nate pouncing on a loose ball in the box to smash in via an unfortunate defender’s head. Final score 4-0 and there was now a 3 hour wait for our final game of the day.
Despite dropping two easy points against Tochigi, such was the strength of the tournament, with teams taking points off each other (only Nagoya finished the day with a 100% record), that it was still possible for the Jets ‘A’ to finish in one of the coveted top four spots and thus receive a bye into the quarterfinals and the strong possibility of that being against one of the weaker teams. However in order to guarantee a top four finish we would need to beat Accacio who had won their three games, scoring 14 without reply in the process. For the first ten minutes we were ripped to shreds as Accacio’s foreign players provided a strong base from which their young and talented Japanese attackers could launch wave after wave of attack on our defence. Remarkably the back five held firm despite receiving no protection from the midfield, who were being pulled out of position by the slick passing and excellent movement of the opposing team. It took a minor miracle to preserve the score line as, with Sean for once beaten, the Accacio striker somehow allowed Simo enough time to brilliantly clear the ball off the line from what was an open goal. Slowly we started to come to terms with the game and things became more even in the last five minutes, with the half finishing 0-0. The second half was much better as we imposed ourselves from the start with Accacio struggling to get out of their own half, but despite dominating possession still found it difficult to create any real chances for the strikers. Accacio came storming back into it in the final few minutes but were restricted to wild long range shots that troubled Big Sean only to the extent that he was required to jog a long way to get the ball back. Final score: 0-0.
The goalless draw actually represented a very good result as it was generally held amongst Jets from both teams that Accacio were possibly the best team at the tournament and would be very much at home in TML 1. However it also meant that we would definitely not be receiving a bye and would therefore be playing one of the top four in the quarterfinals – a must win game in order to qualify for Saitama Stadium. With a top four of Nagoya, Accacio, Niigata and Sala we were keen to avoid playing Accacio again as we felt confident that the other three were well beatable, but, almost inevitably, news came through later that evening that we had indeed been drawn against the dangerous Accacio in the quarterfinal, and in a strange a symmetry also play against the other team we had drawn 0-0 with that day, Tochigi, in the qualifier.
Sunday
The day started unpromisingly with relentless rain and a breakfast that was allegedly ‘food’, it was surprising to see that many people actually ate it. The minds of the Jets ‘A’ players were firmly focused on Accacio and reaching the last four, with Tochigi regarded as little more than a warm up for the main event, so confident were we of beating them. This confidence was not misplaced as we took control from the start and gave their back line a thorough examination, with the first chance falling to Rob who, teed up by Nate, could only chip weakly into the keeper’s hands from 15 yards. It wasn’t long before they were exposed again as a through ball from Mikey was allowed to travel in behind the defence and Ryan burst through into the area, held off a halfhearted challenge and clipped the ball in for 1-0. Soon it was 2-0 as Rob repeated his effort from Saturday, taking Yoshi’s short corner, beating a defender and curling the ball into the far top corner from the edge of the area. Totally in control, we added two more as Nate set up Shimi for his second of the tournament and Shimi returned the favour for the all-new non-alcoholic Nate as the game finished 4-0 to set up the much anticipated rematch with Accacio.
The rain showed no indication of stopping and pitches were slick, with the ball zipping about at speed. Nagoya handed Fukui ‘A’ a 4-0 bus ticket home and it was now time for the Jets ‘A’ to step up and force the result to take the club to Saitama Stadium. Both teams had just begin their initial warm ups on the pitch, with the kick off just minutes away, when the announcement came over the tannoy that the tournament would have to be moved to a different location up the mountain to avoid damaging the good pitches. A period of confusion followed and eventually the teams were bused up an increasingly misty mountain to a large, uneven field containing three wet and bumpy pitches. The rain was getting heavier and it was becoming very cold as wet clothing clung to tired bodies in a chilling embrace, at this point there were serious thoughts about taking up a different hobb.
The game, when it eventually started, was one of those humdingers that make you realise why it is that you part with your hard earned cash to spend a whole weekend not eating or sleeping properly, standing around waiting on top of a mountain freezing in the rain and having Ikko ’s dog shat in your bed (Simo, it was worth it all, wasn’t it?). It was truly a case of once bitten twice shy for the blue shirts of Saitama, as knowing how good Accacio’s talented young players were, we set about our task with a fierce determination and excellent technique, refusing to give an inch, here was a team that was determined to defend its title on home turf in January. On a bumpy muddy pitch in the torrential rain it essentially came down to who wanted it more and there was no question about which team that was. Inspired and cheered on by the other Jets on the sidelines Saitama produced a committed performance that must be up there with club’s best.
Accacio started well, trying to get forward and get their passing game going, but the pitch and weather conditions didn’t help them and the Saitama defence dealt with everything comfortably in the first few minutes. Mikey and Hide down the right side refused to allow anything past them and consistently won back possession and launched counter attacks causing the right winger to defend as much as attack. Halfway through the first period Accacio hadn’t created a single chance and the Jets were starting to exert control. With most of the game being played in the Accacio half, a headed clearance fell to Yoshi who lobbed it back into the area and Ryan beat the big centre half to the ball and with his back to goal sent a looping header over the goalkeeper and into the net, a massive boost for the Jets, 1-0. Accacio began to press harder and managed to put some good moves together and right at the end of the half a series of passes pulled the Jets defence out of position and culminated with the opposing striker in oceans of space on the right of the penalty area, one touch took him into the area where he unleashed a fierce low drive, but Sean belied his size by coming quickly off his line to narrow the angle and produce a brilliant save to preserve the lead. 1-0 at half time and the Jets were playing well – strong, tactically sound and passing the ball well to keep possession whenever possible.
The second half was even more frantic, packed with full bloodied challenges on the wet surface and with no quarter given it is to both teams credit that there was still good football on show. The pattern of the game was now set with Accacio attempting to equalize, probing for gaps in the defence and the midfield that was protecting them but finding little encouragement as the Jets constantly won the ball back and counter attacked, believing that they could score a vital second. On a smaller pitch than Saturday’s game Sean’s drop kicks were bombs exploding in Accaicio’s half as Nate won countless headers for Ryan to chase and terrorise the opposing defence. Lacking time on the ball Accacio’s defenders found it difficult to provide the launch pad for attacks as they had done so effectively the previous day and were reduced to long hopeful punts forward.
The Jets suffered a serious blow when Sean, who was outstanding between the sticks all weekend, took one for the team, bravely collecting a through ball at the feet of an attacker and receiving a boot in the face for his trouble that left him with a cut lip and slight concussion. The big Kiwi, whose Nagano record is an impressive 11 clean sheets from 13 games, only conceding two goals one from a corner and one from a penalty kick in the process, demanded to continue but it was pretty obvious that he was in no condition to finish the game and so reluctantly left the pitch to be replaced by Eisuke. Soon after an Eisuke goal kick was once again controlled by Nate and he turned it inside to Yoshi who spotted Shimi’s excellent run down the right wing and played a perfect ball past the full back for the little Japanese to run onto and tease in a delightful cross. It appeared as if it was going to be just a fraction too high, but Ryan, the Jets’ one true athlete, leapt high and connected with a powerful header that was too much for the keeper, who despite getting two hands to it just couldn’t keep it out and could only palm it into the net for 2-0. The Jets went wild sensing victory, but there was still much work to be done.
Things started to boil over as Accacio attacked desperately and the Jets defended even more desperately. Rob was penalised twice in dangerous areas despite winning the ball with good tackles, the first was fired just over the bar by the right foot cannon possessed by one of the Accacio midfielders and the second, from the same player, crashed off the bar from fully 35 yards. Rob and Yoshi started pulling all their naughty tricks out of the box, with Yoshi standing on the ball at numerous Accacio free kicks to stop them taking it quickly and Rob pretending not to hear the refs whistle and kicking the ball away, prompting Accacio’s squeaky-voiced Aussie to run 50 yards across the pitch to deliver a couple of cuss words. You know things must be going well on the pitch when the opposition’s dreadlocked pot-head start getting aggressive! And still the tackles flew, with bodies careening across the soaking surface as both sides refused to yield. With just a minute on the clock Accacio broke away down their left and an excellent cross ball was converted from five yards to give Accacio a glimmer of hope, but it was too little too late and at the final whistle the Jets celebrated both the victory itself and also the performance, which had been exhilarating.
The release of tension was palpable and having achieved what had looked to be a difficult objective when the draw was made - beating Accacio to secure a place at Saitama Stadium - there was a distinct lack of intensity for the semi-final against Sala, who had beaten the Celts on penalties in their quarterfinal. The playing surface was now awash with puddles and fatigued legs and minds began to falter. Sala dominated the first half but couldn’t score and the second half began in similar style. Soon a defensive lapse allowed Sala’s striker in and he finished well to open the scoring. Minutes later a quickly taken free kick on the Jets right led to a second and it was all over, or so it seemed. Certainly Sala thought it was all over as they sat back and gave themselves an uncomfortable last 7 or 8 minutes with everybody camped in the final third of the field. A few half chance came and went – Rob’s volley heading for the top corner was bravely headed clear by Clarky, whilst great work on the left by Sasa set Rob up for another effort from 15 yards, but the tiring Brit contrived an air-kick and ended up on his backside. Mikey got away on the right but a defender got back well to block and numerous high balls into the box were cleared by the aging heads of Clarky and Guido, Sala’s lofty center back pairing. It was from one of these clearances that the Jets pulled one back, the ball falling to Rob who, evading a couple of tired challenges sent an optimistic low shot back across goal from the edge of the area, the ball somehow passing unimpeded through a forest of bodies and skimming off the wet surface to nestle in the gap between Sid’s outstretched hand the inside of the far post. The next few minutes were panic stations as Sala realized they could be about to throw away a two goal lead, but it was too much to ask for the Jets to find a second and the game ended with Sala going through to the final.
Nobody was that bothered in all honesty, the object of the weekend was to qualify for Saitama and it was difficult to get up for the Sala game after the euphoria of winning the quarterfinal, a game which was effectively our final. A great weekend was topped off by Saitama ‘B’ winning the plate competition and, satisfyingly, Sala conceding a late goal to lose the tournament final to Nagoya.
Next stop Saitama Stadium.
RK |
Saturday
Saitama Jets B 0 vs 6 Niigata Jets (forfeited game)
Captain John Rayner bombed up to Sugadaira direct from Narita Airport early on Saturday morning only to discover that the rest of the team had only just arrived as well; their tardiness being punished by a 6-0 forfeit in the first game that would eventually cost the B team a place in the main tournament. Despite this heavy punishment and bitter recriminations, this writer would be surprised if future Jets team buses actually leave on time…
Saitama Jets B 1 vs 1 Yamanashi Jets
The Jets eventually got around to playing some footy at midday, and put in an average performance against Yamanashi. The Jets were largely in control of the game but failed to create many clear cut openings, and were punished for a mix-up at the back. “Suketo” Kenny (who was probably the best player on Saturday) played a weak back-pass to Eisuke and the Yamanashi forward nipped in to poke the ball home. The Jets kept plugging away though, and their efforts were rewarded at the death when Colin rifled home a deserved equalizer. A solid start without any fancy football.
Saitama Jets B 0 vs 0 Chiba (Sala)
This was always going to be a tough game against one of the TML 1’s strongest teams, especially as they had most of their key players available. However the Jets 5-3-2 formation largely neutralized Sala, with Masato marking Toby out of the game and Colin and Kenny keeping Shige quiet for the duration. The whole team played well and Sala never created a clear-cut opening, instead being limited to “dangerous crosses” from corners and wide areas. The Jets nearly claimed a deserved victory when Colin’s powerful run and shot skidded inches wide of the post. Colin was outstanding all game and it was a shame that his endeavors weren’t rewarded with a goal.
Saitama Jets B 4 vs 0 Miyagi
After drawing with Sala, the Jets still had an outside chance of qualifying for the main event on the Sunday, and indeed they should have had it not been for some truly wasteful finishing. Chances were created every minute of the game and although 4 were taken (Colin with 2, a Yasu pk and Ikko with a cheeky lob), the woeful finishing of the not remaining nameless Piper and Gould, who contrived to blast at least 8 one-on-ones straight at the keeper or wide, left the Jets B frustrated and in the Plate. Gould later admitted he was carrying an injury, while Piper cited mental problems for his missing of the proverbial cow’s backside with a banjo.
Sunday
Plate Quarter Final
Saitama Jets 6 vs 0 Fukui B (Match forfeited, John Rayner awarded a double hatrick as captain by default)
Fukui B’s bye bye gave Jets B a bye into the semi final. This quick disappearing act by the Fukui boys left the mighty blues picking their noses all morning and trying to stay out of the rain. As some people commented, teams should be forced to pay a deposit, which is returned upon completion of their games on Sunday.
Plate Semi Final
Saitama Jets B 2 vs 1 Yamanashi Jets
As the rain lashed down, it was up to the top of the mountain in the water, cold and mud on a bobbly pitch. The squad was also getting depleted through injuries to the desperate point where the B team had to borrow a player from the A team to make up the numbers. Still Rob, Shimi and Ryan all managed to make the step up in grade, and help the Jets through to the final.
Yasu’s trickery down the left had the Yamanashi right back slipping and sliding, and then after a goal mouth scramble Calvin headed powerfully into the top corner.
The celebrations were short-lived however, as the Jet’s wing-backs forgot all about the “back” part and left the Jets undermanned in defence. Yamanashi’s captain picked up the ball on the edge of the box, skinned John and Masa and placed a nice finish low into the net, leaving Fraser with a nasty spot of kit-washing to do on Sunday night after his despairing dive through the mud.
The second half sore a lot of huffing and puffing from both teams, but the house was only blown down at the death when Ikko beat his man 7 times in the same spot before eventually deciding to cross it to Chris who glanced home the winner with the last action of the game.
Plate Final
Saitama Jets B 2 vs 0 Akasaka
The Jets were up for it in the final and outplayed the Akasaka for most of the final. Yasu Suyama blasted home a rocket for the opener after good work from Eisuke, and with the Jets comfortable at the back, victory was eventually clinched near the end when Calvin slid in to knock home a Suyama cross from the left wing. The B team played well all weekend, with some neat passing in midfield, quality finishes and only 2 goals conceded.
So what started off as a disappointing weekend ended on a high with the Jets winning their first Nagano, albeit in the Plate competition! Captain Rayner was a bit miffed however when, after expecting to receive some kind of Huge Silver Plate Trophy he could serve a roasted wild boar on, the only plates in sight were the plastic ones for the curry-rice the Obasan’s were serving up to a cold and hungry Sala team.
At least the Jets A team got a trophy for their 3rd place finish and the squad can look forward to more footy at the Saitama Stadium tournament, while the B team can be happy with staying unbeaten all tournament.
John Rayner |
