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Japan: J-League- Gamba jump into first [Mon Sep 5th, 2005]
"I'm glad I left Araujo in." Gamba Osaka manager Nishino said, as he admitted that he toyed with the idea of switching J-league's #1 scorer for Masanobu Matsunami after a dangerous first half against Tokyo Verdy.
But seeing that the Brazilian was still contributing to the attack with his characteristic changes in speed and determination to face the opponent goal despite not looking as sharp, the debating manager decided to wait and see.
The game wore on to the 77th minute, and Gamba fans wondered whether the current frontrunners Kashima Antlers would hold their place atop the table for yet another week.
The stalemate finally broke when Araujo capitalised off a series of poor clearances from the home defense. It was an easy task for the technically adept forward to control the ball with his knee and volley a shot past the right side of goalkeeper Yoshinari Takagi.
The home team, currently in the process of resurrecting itself, have shown promising results in recent weeks with a draw against Omiya Ardija and wins against Shimizu S-Pulse and Kashima Antlers. Not only were they able to hold the frightening Osaka attack to a minimum, they seemed to dominate for much of the first half.
Tokyo hoped to take advantage of the visitors’ ambitious back line positioning with a number of through passes that caught the defenders off their footing -- the most promising was a sole run by Kazuki Hiramoto whose slightly delayed shot was smothered by keeper Yosuke Fujigaya.
Left sidehalf Takahito Soma played a role in two key chances. His cross to Daigo Kobayashi at 30 minutes allowed the midfielder to dribble unemcumbered and take a right-footer that sloshed into the outside of the goal net.
And 9 minutes later, when a rocketing Gil was taken down by Mitsuteru Watanabe, Soma’s free kick almost did the job as it headed for the bottom corner of the goal. Goalie Fujigaya continued to ease Gamba’s nerves when he dove and deflected.
Verdy’s priority since beloved manager Ossie Ardiles was sacked after a series of alarming losses was to rebuild their defensive awareness. Gamba have also been keen to play a wiser game, hoping to better balance a stable defense with their explosive offensive mentality.
Though new manager Vadao’s men created the better opportunities, it was their one moment’s loss of focus in defense that gave their point away. The visitors showed that they are developing into a team that can play a patient and sturdy game when necessary instead of always rushing and creating vulnerability in back.
After the final whistle, a roar of excited cheers burst from the visitor stands as the blue-and-black-clad supporters learned of Kashima Antlers’ 2-2 draw with third-placed Urawa Reds.
After 1758 days, Gamba Osaka have again climbed to the top of the league table. Now that they’ve shown us they are more than capable of reaching the top, will they have what it takes to stay there?
Sanfrecce Hiroshima in fourth shared the points with JEF United and Jubilo Iwata added to managerless Oita Trinita’s woes by winning 2-1. The only club below Oita, Vissel Kobe, had their recent revival ended with a 2-1 defeat at Cerezo Osaka.
Other J League results:
Omiya Ardija 1 - 4 Albirex Niigata
Kashiwa Reysol 4 - 2 FC Tokyo
Shimizu S-Pulse 3 - 2 Kawasaki Frontale
Yokohama F.Marinos 2 - 2 Nagoya Grampus Eight
Marie Waki
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