Not that surprising tbh. FC Tokyo are pretty much in the same breath as Hiroshima, Cerezo, and Kashiwa when they went down. They simply aren't a J2 team and its not really a surprise that they can beat J1 teams. Almost all their players are J1 quality, they just had a really bad year last year. They'll probably be pushing for an ACL spot next season if the trend continues.
This is hell of a cup magic, that somehow eluded EC in the last years. And I guess I will watch the final after all, even if Cerezo is not playing. Rooting for Sanga of course Yes, they can.
Not so fast, tiger. Reports on Twitter is that the JFA may force Kyoto to drop out of the ACL, in which case Tokyo would take their place. Remember that J2 will have a 42-round season... @kschuhey ネットサーフィンしてみたら、当該年度J2のチームもACL出れる資格はあるが、日程の問題があるから協会から辞退勧告されるって書いてあったよ。。 @gambanista_12 日本サッカー協会に問い合わせた人曰く、これでサンガ天皇杯優勝すればそのままACL出場。もし辞退すれば準優勝のFC東京がACL出場らしい。
With 4-5 good transfers, they could do a great ACL. That would be unfair. A next-year-J2 team wins the Emperor's Cup and you don't give them the ACL's spot that they deserved? That's really unfair. About the final.. i had already told that the last match would have been between FCT and KS, but about the winner.. i don't know what to say. Tokyo is solid, Kyoto has enthusiasm. It could happen anything. I'd be happy with all solutions. FCT is a good reality. Kyoto could surprise everybody with Miyayoshi, Kubo. Ohterwise, they could really overwin the 2012 J2.
On the one hand, it is a bit unfair. On the other hand I do think the JFA has a responsibility to send representatives to the ACL who are capable of competing, and with a 42-round season that will start in early March and end in mid-November there's just no way for it to work out. There are 37 Sundays between 3/4 and 11/11, which means at least 5 midweek games not including any weeks that don't have matches for whatever reason (the all-star game, international breaks, etc?) I just don't think any J2 team can realistically compete in the ACL; that shouldn't stop them from trying if they want to but they also need to determine if it's best for the organization.
The question of possible ACL performances must never be asked. If you promise the bye in reward of winning the cup, you give the reward to whatever team wins the cup, like it or not. If JFA is so worried about competitive representatives and "the best for organization," they shall deprive J2 teams of an ACL opportunity -- or simply give the bye for 4th J1 team. But it has to be done prior the competition starts, because changing the rules during the play is worse than cheating. What's for tightening schedule... well, in 2009 J2 teams played 51 game and no one died in the process afaik.
I think that - if Sanga wins EC - Kyoto's team could face a good J2 and make a great path in ACL, with players like Kubo and Miyayoshi. They're all young - i checked out: only one players is over 30-year-old - and they could be the surprise. On the other hand, if they lose, they'll win easily J2 next year.
Sir, according to you even FC Gifu would make a great ACL because they scored a great goal the other day. Qualifying to the ACL would probably put an end to the dreams of promotions next year so even though it's not fair, it's not a bad idea to refuse.
I agree, Sanga would take a huge gamble IF they win the EC, and IF they then decide to participate. But it should be their decision, bit the JFA's. Winners of EC play in the ACL, that's the rule. Period. Great day of football today, anyway.
ACL participants don't play in Nabisco groups, so it's 34 vs 42. Still, totally agree with the last sentence.
My writeup of the day's events: http://www.goal.com/en/news/14/asia...and-kyoto-sanga-advance-to-emperors-cup-final
Let the kids play in J2 for now. If you don't remember ACL often means rough play (up to broken bones) and dirty play, not experience. Not the best place for Kyoto's youngsters.
Which is the correct answer. If anyone trys to withhold an ACL position from Kyoto, I hope there's riots on the streets of Tokyo. If Sanga win it on Sunday, then they have to go to Asia. You give an ACL position to the winner of a competition which is open to all, then that's it. Simple.
If Kyoto can play like they did yesterday then I see no reason why they shouldn't be included. Regardless part of prize of winning the cup is being included. It's not like J-League teams have been dominating the competition anyways.
Nothing is official at this point and nothing should be, Kyoto should have the right to decide if they win.
Is there any legislation on this that leads one to think that JFA-interference is a real possibility, or why the concern?
Is it because Kyoto is in J2? Are ACL only allowed each nation's clubs to be in the top division, i.e. J1?