I know we're only talking about the Nabisco Cup here, I know in recent times it has been the "kiss of death" in terms of relegation and I know I've said that it's something we shouldn't be setting out sights on; but we need to win something. After defeating Gamba Osaka 2-1 against in the semi's, we're now only a win away from winning it and you never know, the confidence we gain by winning the league cup might translate to an improvement in our league performance?
One player playing well and making the most of his cup appearances is Umesaki, who scored the opening goal and "setup" the second (the second goal was an Umesaki shot which deflected of Sergio and was awarded to Sergio). When Umesaki was brought in from Oita at the end of 2007, many people predicted a bright future. But since then lack of playing time (particularly in 2008) and injuries over the last few years have derailed his progress.
Now though, it appears that his injury issues are behind him and has made the most of his opportunities. His opportunity in the Nabisco Cup is due to Genki away on international duty with the Blue Samurai, but I can envision Umesaki playing opposite Genki on the right flank.
Hamada had another solid outing playing in place of Spiranovic, which hopefully confirms his role as back-up to Spiranovic/Nagata at centre back, in turn hopefully it means seeing no more Nobu Yamada and Tsuboi in the heart of our defence.
This is how we lined up against Gamba.
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
Looking forward to the Nabisco Cup final against Kashima Antlers, which will be played at the National Stadium on the 10/29. Up next we play Miyazaki Sangyo-Keiei University on Wednesday in the Emperors Cup before we return to J-1 action against Omiya on Saturday.
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