J League News March 2013

J-League News March 2013

Can Yokohama Realize Their Dream?

Paul Williams

The Maeda Curse | Kawasaki In Trouble | J.League Stadiums

After setting a goal of qualifying for the AFC Champions League for the last three years, a goal they've ultimately failed to achieve, Yokohama F. Marinos knew this season had to be different. This season, they had to realise that goal. And 'Realise' became their slogan for the 2013 season.

After the first three games of the season, they may just be on track to realising that dream. And while it is just three games in a 34-game season, one can't help but be impressed by their start to the season.

And it is their veterans who are leading the way, most notably former Kashima Antlers striker Marquinhos, who celebrated his 37th birthday this past weekend, who has scored five goals in the opening three games, including a hat-trick in a 5-0 demolition of Shimizu S-Pulse.

After missing most of last year with injury he looms as arguably the most important player for Yokohama this season. In desperate need of a regular goal scorer after they finished last season with the third word 'Goals For' record, Marquinhos is more than capable of being that man.

Most known for his four years at Kashima Antlers, where he scored 59 goals in 119 games, the Brazilian, now minus the ponytail, has one of the best goal scoring records in the J.League and is showing no signs of slowing down, if his start to the season is any indication.

Just as important, some would say even more so, is one of Japan's finest players in Shunsuke Nakamura. Now 34, his left foot is just as dangerous as ever, highlighted by his sensational free kick against Shonan Bellmare in Round 1.

The form and fitness of both veterans will go a long way to determining the success, or otherwise, of Yokohama this season. And while it may only be three weeks into the season, Yokohama fans will already be feeling much better about their prospects than they did three weeks ago.

The Maeda Curse

One of the great tales and coincidences to have emerged from the J.League has been the 'Maeda Curse'. For those who are unaware of this phenomenon, a little background.

Starting in 2007, and continuing every season since, the side against which Jubilo Iwata striker Ryoichi Maeda scores his first goal for the season has been relegated. Without fail.

2007 - Ventforet Kofu
2008 - Tokyo Verdy
2009 - JEF United Chiba
2010 - Kyoto Sanga
2011 - Montedio Yamagata
2012 - Gamba Osaka

Gamba Osaka has been the highest profile victim of the Maeda Curse, and perhaps worryingly for them, of the teams that Maeda has relegated only Ventforet Kofu has returned to J1, but were promptly sent straight back down to J2 after finishing 16th in 2011.

And Gamba's start to the J2 season hasn't exactly suggested they are about to break that curse either. Although they are yet to lose a game, they have just one win and four draws to show from their first five outings and haven't managed to find anything resembling their best form.

The big question is - who will Maeda claim as his victim in 2013?

Nagoya Grampus, Omiya Ardija and Yokohama F.Marinos have so far escaped unscathed from their battles with Jubilo, who next face last season's surprise packet Sagan Tosu. How long before the curse strikes in 2013?

Kawasaki in trouble?

In 2010 it was FC Tokyo, in 2011 it was Urawa Reds (although they just avoided the drop) and in 2012 it was Gamba Osaka. Each of the last three season's has seen one of the traditionally "big" clubs either flirt with relegation or suffer the humiliation of the drop.

Will Kawasaki Frontale be that club in 2012?

Winless after three games, their defence has leaked nine goals and has resembled a disorganised mess at times, especially when they shipped five in their last match against Sagan Tosu.

Despite playing some nice football at times, season 2012 was an inconsistent one, reflected by their mid-table finish.

After dispensing of Naoki Soma after five games last season, when he had seven points on the board, pressure will soon be on his replacement Yahiro Kazama if he cannot turn around their form quickly once the league resumes from the international break.

Perhaps worryingly for them, they face Jubilo Iwata in two weeks. Will the 'Maeda Curse' strike the Kanagawa outfit?