Tag - from-the-spot

 
 

FROM THE SPOT

Japan Times
SOCCER / From the Spot
Sep 25, 2019
Rugby World Cup scores try with Japanese soccer media
Last weekend saw packed crowds take over Ajinomoto Stadium and Nissan Stadium, two of the J. League's biggest venues, for pageantry-filled days of sport.
Japan Times
SOCCER / From the Spot
Sep 18, 2019
Thai star drives J. League's popularity abroad
After seven years of hard work, the J. League's vaunted "Asian Strategy" has resulted in some significant successes.
Japan Times
SOCCER / From the Spot
Sep 4, 2019
Moriyasu relies heavily on overseas players
The Samurai Blue are coming from increasingly far away.
Japan Times
SOCCER / From the Spot
Aug 28, 2019
Fernando Torres retires with positive J. League legacy
After a night of pomp and circumstance, Fernando Torres' professional career came to a close on Friday as he played his last game wearing the neon blue and pink of Sagan Tosu.
Japan Times
SOCCER / From the Spot
Aug 21, 2019
FC Tokyo preparing to embark on grueling stretch of matches away from home stadium
Japanese media have called it "the road of death."
Japan Times
SOCCER / From the Spot
Aug 7, 2019
Soccer commentator turned dream into reality
Foreigners living in Japan have few opportunities to introduce their favorite sports teams. For English teachers, it's usually in front of a class of attentive elementary or junior high school students. For others, it's an easy way to start a conversation at their local bar, especially while a Premier League match is on.
Japan Times
SOCCER / From the Spot
Jul 24, 2019
Rakuten's Barca-Chelsea show misses mark
The possibility exists that Tuesday's Rakuten Cup match between Barcelona and Chelsea was being considered by some influential soccer figure or another as an audition for Japan's inclusion in the increasingly popular International Champions Cup, the international preseason tournament that is currently taking place across six countries on three continents.
Japan Times
SOCCER / From the Spot
Jul 17, 2019
J. League embraces discussion of controversy
Knowledge is not always power, but a little communication can go a long way.
Japan Times
SOCCER / From the Spot
Jul 10, 2019
Belgium-bound Samurai Blue goalkeeper Daniel Schmidt prepares to dive into deep end
When goalkeeper Daniel Schmidt lines up between the posts on Saturday night, he will be wearing Vegalta Sendai's crest for the last time.
Japan Times
SOCCER / From the Spot
Jul 3, 2019
J. League clubs, players learning to deal with farewells
It's rarely easy to say goodbye.
Japan Times
SOCCER / From the Spot
Jun 26, 2019
Tourney defeats hint at Tokyo 2020 potential
In the space of nearly 24 hours, Japan's hopes at two major international tournaments were extinguished.
Japan Times
SOCCER / From the Spot
Jun 12, 2019
Poor scheduling holding back Samurai Blue
Between the U-20 World Cup, the U-22 Toulon Tournament and a Copa America which could see over a dozen Tokyo 2020-eligible players earn their first Samurai Blue caps, it's been an exciting month for Japan supporters awaiting the Olympic men's soccer tournament.
Japan Times
SOCCER / From the Spot
Jun 5, 2019
Takefusa Kubo's pathway to Europe coming into focus
I last wrote about FC Tokyo midfielder Takefusa Kubo in this column a little over three months ago, reflecting on his impressive performance against reigning champion Kawasaki Frontale on the J. League's opening day.
Japan Times
SOCCER / From the Spot
May 22, 2019
Blown call leaves Japanese soccer world scrambling to enact reforms
Friday night's 3-2 win by Shonan Bellmare over Urawa Reds showcased everything great about the J. League, with the plucky underdogs winning in stoppage time to cap a dramatic comeback.
Japan Times
SOCCER / From the Spot
May 15, 2019
J. League levels up video
In the third year of the J. League's decade-long, $2 billion domestic broadcasting deal with DAZN, the league is hitting its digital stride and starting to deliver content on par with some of the world's top competitions.
Japan Times
SOCCER / From the Spot
May 1, 2019
Woeful Tosu facing turmoil on and off pitch
Once protest banners emerge behind the goal and applause turns to jeering following loss after loss, J. League clubs tend to draw from a limited arsenal in order to placate fans and turn things around.
Japan Times
SOCCER / From the Spot
Apr 24, 2019
Vissel faces challenges after week of turmoil
Seven weeks ago, David Villa's first J. League goal in front of an enthusiastic home crowd led even the most cynical of observers to wonder whether this could be the year that perennial underperformer Vissel Kobe would finally put together a campaign worthy of its arsenal of European talent.
Japan Times
SOCCER / From the Spot
Apr 17, 2019
Young F. Marinos players given opportunities to shine
Decades of history. A well-stocked (if slightly dusty) trophy cabinet. A distinguished list of former players considered amongst the best in Japanese soccer's history. Backing from one of the world's most powerful ownership groups in the form of City Football Group, to say nothing of majority owner Nissan.
Japan Times
SOCCER / From the Spot
Apr 10, 2019
Sweeping changes needed for J. League Cup
With the J. League season in full swing, it's sometimes easy to forget that the J. League YBC Levain Cup is also in progress.
Japan Times
SOCCER / From the Spot
Apr 3, 2019
J. League shows sense of humor
Sometimes a sports organization's greatest strength is the capability to laugh at itself.

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