VIDEO: Lionel Messi Vs Japanese Robot Goalkeeper

It is known that the Japanese love crazy TV game shows. Here an example with a robot goalkeeper, who has been send to Barcelona to test Lionel Messi's penalty skills. Messi's first two attempts are blocked, but then the Argentinian scores, showing his class and ability to adopt his game to the situation.

VIDEO - Times Now: Arata set to become first PIO to play for India

Japanese-born Izumi Arata, who got Indian citizenship last year, is the first Player of Indian Origin to have made it into the squad of the Indian senior national football team. Here the report from Times Now!

VIDEO - IBN: Arata set to become first PIO to play for India

Japanese-born Izumi Arata, who got Indian citizenship last year, is the first Player of Indian Origin to have made it into the squad of the Indian senior national football team. Here the report from CNN-IBN!

PIO Izumi Arata welcomed with open arms in his new Home named Team India!

An outsider till the other day, 'Player of Indian Origin' and now an Indian passport holder Izumi Arata is presently an integral part of the Indian Senior National squad. From the moment he stepped into the National Camp in Kochi, he was welcomed with open arms by his 'colleagues', a gesture which he admits has made him 'very comfortable indeed'. In a freewheeling chat to AIFF Media, Arata spoke at length about his new 'responsibility', his 'new Home', the significance of the call-up, the National squad and much more.


What was the reaction when you stepped into the National Camp?

I was given a warm welcome by all. 'Welcome to the Team, Brother', was the general sentiment. I know everyone and have been fortunate to play with some of them in various club teams. But the National squad is something different. Right now, they are my colleagues and have made me very comfortable indeed. I thank them for that!

And it’s not just the players. I need to thank Coach and other members of the support staff for their cooperation. This is my new Home.


How is the National Team different from a club team?

Very different! It's all about the atmosphere. In a club, you will find that sometimes there isn't much communication, for example, between 19-year olds and foreign recruits and maybe, even star players. It happens all over the World.

But the National squad is where you play for a different cause. It comprises of mature footballers and the focus is something else.


Can you elaborate?

It's about the responsibility and professionalism and environment. You need to spread the right kind of message as you are representing the Nation. While in a club, allegiance of every fan stay different. But they all look up to you when you wear the National logo. When you win or lose, the entire country shares your emotions which is not the case in a club as you may always have a fan having a different emotion than you even if you win or lose, simple because he supports another club.


What was your experience in the first day of practice?

We have a recovery session as we had played the earlier day. Later, we had an interaction with local blind footballers and it was an entirely different experience. It was heartening to know they knew the names of everyone. We mingled with them and even played blindfolded. Reaching out to all stays the aim and we spread the right kind of message. There are additional duties off the pitch too. That's why the National Team is something which all players stay desperate to play for.


What do you feel about the match against Palestine?

This is an important match for us. The Coach is stressing on match videos a lot and explaining what he wants from us. Just today morning, he took me and other new joinees (Vineeth, Lalkamal, Gurjinder, Shouvik and Sandip Nandy) to the tactic board and taught us at length some integral points. We also had to sing the National Anthem during breakfast. It gives you a sense of belonging.

If I get a chance to play on 6th, I will give my best and stick to the instructions. Palestine are a tough team but we are ready.


What does this call-up mean for you?

To be honest, I have been dreaming about it right from the moment I got my Indian passport. I appreciate the call-up and thank Coach for keeping his faith on me.

I know there are many who believe I am not an Indian as I don't originally hail from the country. My mom stays a Japanese while my dad is an Indian. But all of that doesn't perturb me at all. I know I am an Indian at heart and it's the end of the story.

India is a huge country and the fact that I am in the squad of 23 means a lot to me. I'm proud of the blue kits which have been handed over to me. I have earned them.


You had a valid Japanese passport. What prompted you to be an Indian citizen?

Applying for an Indian citizenship was the biggest decision in my life. There were a lot of things which went through my mind and I could have never taken this decision alone. I spoke to a lot of people to whom I am indebted in my life – my teachers, friends and my family. All of them understood and appreciated the fact that it was my life and I needed to take a decision keeping my career and future in mind.


Do you feel this will prompt more PIOs to opt to play for India?

The dual passport rule has robbed India of many a quality big players. There are a lot of PIOs playing all over the World who are eager enough to don the India Blue. If my shift makes them rethink, let it be so. If they shift over to India, it will help us a great deal for sure.

(Interview & Photo courtesy AIFF Media)

India Under-14 Boys off to a winning start in SAARC Tournament

The India Under-14 Boys opened their campaign in the U-14 SAARC Tournament with a 2-1 victory over Afghanistan at the Tokinosumika Sports Centre in Shizuka, Japan. Striker Krishna Pandit scored both of India's goals in the first half.

Pandit opened the scoring immediately after kick-off. The goal scored after only 30 seconds was the fastest goal in the tournament so far. Krishna followed a Amey Ranawade pass and chipped it over the rival goalkeeper. The second goal came in the 5th minute off a set-piece movement. Ranawade again set-up the goal, when he made a run on the right wing and his cross was directed into the net by Krishna.

Changing over, Afghanistan went all out. But Jerry, Amit Tudu and Amey Ranawade in the Indian defence stood tall. Afghanistan eventually managed to pull one back in the injury time. in a match that was played in two halves, each of 25 minutes duration.

Head Coach Sajid Dar said i'’s important to stick to the philosophy. "This is a good exposure for us and overall development stays the priority. We played in a 4-3-3 format and the boys stayed keen in keeping possession all throughout."

Assistant coach, Goutam Ghosh lauded the boys for sticking to the basics. "This was the first time the boys played on an artificial turf and they adapted well. They implemented all has been taught in the training sessions."

Besides India, eight more teams – Japan Football Association Academy 1, Japan Football Association Academy 2, Pakistan, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Nepal are taking part in the Tournament. India will be playing overall four matches in the tournament and it is about the international exposure for the boys.

AIFF Under-14 Academy Team lands in Japan

A 16-member All India Football Federation Regional Academy Team landed in Shizuoka, Japan to participate in the Under-14 SAARC Programme. The Programme is being held from October 7-20. This is the first overseas exposure trip for AIFF's Regional Academy boys.

The boys headed into the Programme from a Under-14 National Training Camp which was organised at the Pailan World School in Joka, Kolkata. Sajid Dar stays the Head Coach with Goutam Ghosh being his deputy while Vishnu Nair is the physio of the team.


AIFF Under-14 Academy Team

Goalkeepers
Sam Noronha (Goa), Subrata Das (West Bengal)

Defenders
Amey Ganesh Ranawade (Maharashtra), Jayananda Singh (Manipur), Jerry Lalrinzuala (Mizoram), Prasenjit Chakraborty (West Bengal), Amit Tudu (West Bengal)

Midfielders
Aaron Franklin Hermiz (Goa), Saravanan Kiran (Karnataka), Bugde Vineet Vikas (Goa), Bodo Baoringdao (Assam), Kyntiew Shaphrang Kharlukhi (Meghalaya)

Forwards
Mohammed Hasil (Kerala), Krishna Pandit (Chandigarh), Zonunmawia (Mizoram), Laishram Bedashwor Singh (Manipur)

Dortmund's Shinji Kagawa joins Manchester United

One of the German Bundesliga's biggest young talent in 23 year old Japanese international midfielder Shinji Kagawa is leaving Borussia Dortmund to join English Premier League side Manchester United. Both sides confirmed earlier today that they have "reached agreement".

"Manchester United is delighted to announce that it has agreed terms with both Borussia Dortmund and Shinji Kagawa for his transfer to the club."

"The deal is subject only to the player medical and obtaining a UK work permit. These conditions are anticipated to be completed by the end of June," a statement from Manchester United said.

Manchester United is expected to pay around 15 Million Euros for Kagawa, who had been signed for Dortmund for as little as 350,000 Euros only two years ago from J-league side Cerezo Osaka.

Kagawa has been a revelation at Borussia Dortmund since joining them in summer 2010. In 49 Bundesliga matches he scored 21 goals, especially the last double winning season he was a key player scoring 13 goals and many more assists.

If Kagawa is ready to step-up from Dortmund to Manchester United will have to be seen, but if he can adopt to life in the Premiership then Manchester United have signed a great attacking player.

Dempo SC sign Salgaocar's Japanese playmaker Ryuji Sueoka

I-League champions Dempo SC have made their first signing of the summer in Japanese playmaker Ryuji Sueoka, who left Goan rivals Salgaocar SC at the end of the last season after he could not agree a new contract. Sueoka will be signing on the dotted line in the first week of June.

Sueoka said about signing for Dempo's, "I have seen the club for three years. It has a good management and coach. I feel I will be able to adapt to Dempo's passing style of football."

The 1979 Yamaguchi-born Sueoka started his professional career with J-League side Albitex Niigata, but was loaned out to sister club Albitex Niigata FC in the Singapore S-League in-between. After his contract with Albitex Niigata ended, he went to Singapore to join Geylang United and then Balestier Khalsa FC before moving to Bangkok United in the Thai Premier League.

33 year old Ryuji Sueoka had first signed in India in the 2009/10 season for Mohun Bagan AC under Karim Bencharifa before shifting base to Goa's Salgaocar SC in the summer 2010 along with the Moroccan coach. Now after two very successful years with Salgaocar SC Sueoka switches over to Dempo SC and will hope to continue his successful run in India.

Bayern Munich sign Japanese teenager Usami

German Bundesliga giants FC Bayern Munich have ventured into new territory by signing Japanese teenager Takashi Usami on a season long loan from J-League side Gamba Osaka. Usami is seen as one of Asia's brightest young talent and if successful an asset in Bayern Munich's marketing strategy in the Far East.

"Bayern Munich is one of the world's top clubs," Usami said at a press conference on Monday. "I know it will be tough to get into the team, but I'm sure I can learn a lot by playing with those in the club."

Bayern Munich are looking at the young Japanese as a potential long-term replacement for the attacking wing duo of Franck Ribery from France and Dutchman Arjen Robben, while a confident Usami said, "I want to improve myself to one day be able to take their place."

But the club will not rush him into anything, but let Usami adjust to the new environment as Bayern Munich's Director of Sports Christian Nerlinger said, "We have been watching him. He is very talented and has great attacking skills. We will give him the time to get used to life at Bayern."

The 19 year old is set to arrive in Munich in mid-July and has come through the system at Gamba Osaka and made his debut for the club in 2009, while he made his full international debut for Japan in the Kirin Cup earlier this year.

Takashi Usami is the fourth new player at Bayern Munich following the signing of German international goalkeeper Manuel Neuer (FC Schalke 04), Brazilian right back Rafinha (FC Genoa 93, Italy) and young Danish striker Nils Petersen (FC Energie Cottbus).

2011 Copa América: Japan out, Costa Rica in

2011 AFC Asian Cup champions Japan has now made a final decision not to play in the upcoming 2011 Copa América, the South American football championships, to be held in Argentina from July 1 to 24. The Japan Football Association took this decision after much thought, but with European clubs unwillingness to release players in pre-season left the JFA had no other option but to opt out. They will now be replaced by central American nation Costa Rica.

Initially the JFA revised its decision after requests from South America after it had decided earlier to pull out in view of the situation in the island nation following the earthquake and tsunami on March 11. This was due to the fact that the J-League will be running during the period when the Copa América will be played and Japanese clubs had opposed any move of denying them of their best players. The JFA had send a special request to FIFA to help them get release of their players from European clubs as their participation is under the 'guest status' which doesn't force clubs to release players, but this didn't help.

"I regret very much to communicate to you that the Japanese national team cannot take part in the Copa America," JFA president Junji Ogura told tournament organising committee chief Jose Luis Meiszner in a letter to the Argentinian FA.

"Although the European clubs understand our situation, unfortunately most of them have told us they cannot release their players," Ogura was quoted as saying on the AFA's website ( www.afa.org.ar ).

Costa Rica now replace Japan and will take their place in Group A alongside hosts Argentina, Bolivia and Colombia.

2011 Copa América: Japan decides to play!

2011 AFC Asian Cup champions Japan has decided to once more change its decision and the nation will now play in the upcoming 2011 Copa América, the South American football championships, to be held in Argentina from July 1 to 24. The Japan Football Association took this revised decision after requests from South America. It had decided last week to pull out in view of the situation in the island nation following the earthquake and tsunami on March 11.

Japan Football Association vice president Kozo Tashima told the media, "The JFA decided to participate in the Copa America today. We are in the process of notifying CONMEBOL (South American Football Confederation) as we speak."

Japan will now mainly play with a side made-up of Europe-based players as the J-League will be running during the period when the Copa América will be played and clubs had opposed any move of deny them of their best players. The JFA would send a special request to FIFA to help them get release of their players from European clubs as their participation is under the 'guest status' which doesn't force clubs to release players.

Meanwhile Japan's change of position and deciding to play has come as welcome news for the Copa América organisers as 2010 FIFA World Cup winners Spain had declined an invitation to replace Japan. This was a result of the Spanish FA's board of directors meeting earlier this week as they had to factor in own calendar congestion in Spanish football.

2011 Copa América: Japan pull out

2011 AFC Asian Cup champions Japan yesterday pulled out of the upcoming 2011 Copa América, the South American football championships, to be played in Argentina from July 1 to 24. The Japan Football Association took the decision in view of the situation in the island nation following the earthquake and tsunami on March 11.

JFA president Junji Ogura said, "The priority at this moment is to continue saving lives and rebuilding the country after the earthquake and tsunami. We are sorry to be pulling out because we recognise that we have advanced in football by being close to South America."

Japan originally planed to take part in this years Copa América, but with a number of matches in the J-League postponed due to the disaster the J-League will now be playing over the summer which would have forced coach Alberto Zaccheroni to pick a weakened side for the Copa América. Japan had looked at this years Copa América as a test run for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. But as one would understand the nations focus has shifted on other matters then football.

CONMEBOL, the South American Football Confederation, will now have to look for a replacement nation with less then three months to go. Besides its 10 member nations it invites two sides to make-up its 12 team Copa América tournament. This years invitees where supposed to be Japan and Mexico.

Some officials would love to see current FIFA World Cup winners Spain take part, but there might be a problem that European clubs could oppose any such move as such a tournament would cost the players their much-needed holiday. Other nations being mentioned are the United States, Costa Rica and Honduras. For the 2007 Copa América in Venezuela, Mexico and the United States had been invited to participate.

Japan stars play for disaster victims

All of us have seen the terrible pictures of the earthquake and tsunami which hit Japan on March 11. This has also affected Japan's football as the J-league was stopped while international friendlies got cancelled. The idea came about to organise a charity match between the Japanese national team and a J-League Allstars XI which was played yesterday.

Through the match and other activities around the game the Japanese Football Association has been able to raise close to 15 Million Yen (around US$ 185,000). A sell-out crowd of 47,000 came to the Nagai Stadium in Osaka in support of the victims of the terrible natural disaster.

Japan had only a couple of month's back won a record fourth Asian Cup and their captain Makoto Hasebe said, "It was your support that gave us strength on the pitch. Now it is our turn to support you together with the rest of the world. Believing in the power of football, we will play our heart out."

Not only the Wolfsburg midfielder but numerous Japanese stars who now ply their trade in Europe like CSKA Moscow star Keisuke Honda came to Osaka in support of their countrymen amongst them also defender Yasuyuki Konno, a native of Miyagi prefecture, one of the badly hit areas on the Northeast coast.

Japan beat the J-League 'Team As One' 2-1, but that wasn't the prime reason for the game to take place. Before the game there a minute of silence and prayers in honour of those killed and injured.

In the game Yasuhito Endo gave Japan a 15th minute lead through a free kick and their lead was doubled by Stuttgart striker Shinji Okazaki only five minutes later for the Blue Samurai. They continued to control affairs in the second session, but former 44 year old superstar Kazuyoshi Miura, who still plays in the J-League, reduced the deficit in the 82nd minute.

But on this day it wasn't about the football, but about the support the beautiful game can give the people of Japan.

Japan stars to play charity match

Due to the earthquake and tsunami the Japan Football Association had to call off two international friendlies against Montenegro and New Zealand later this month besides suspending regular season matches of the J-League.

Therefore the idea came about to organise a charity match between the national team 'Blue Samurai' and a J-League select squad at the Nagai Stadium in Osaka on March 29 in support of the earthquake and tsunami victims.

Yesterday the JFA had been received confirmation that eight Europe based players in goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima (Lierse SK, Belgium); defenders Yuto Nagatomo (Inter Milan, Italy), Tomoaki Makino (1.FC Cologne, Germany) and Maya Yoshida (VVV Venlo, Netherlands); midfielders Yuki Abe (Leicester City, England) and Makoto Hasebe (VfL Wolfsburg, Germany); and forwards Daisuke Matsui (Grenoble Foot, France) and Akihiro Ienaga (Real Mallorca, Spain) would come to Japan to play the charity match.

Today the JFA got the confirmation for four further of their international players including CSKA Moscow star Keisuke Honda, the Asian Cup's MVP; besides the Germany based trio of FC Schalke 04 defender Atsuto Uchida, VfB Stuttgart striker Shinji Okazaki and FC Augsburg midfielder Hajime Hosogai.

Missing from the game will be Borussia Dortmund star midfielder Shinji Kagawa due to an injury as he broke his foot on duty for Japan against hosts Qatar at the 2011 AFC Asian Cup quarterfinals in January.

Japan coach Alberto Zaccheroni in an earlier message had said he hoped that the all-star match will "help the whole of Japan take the first step toward its reconstruction."

"This match may be held in an unusual setting but we will fight all-out as always by keeping our motivation high," added the Italian Zaccheroni.

2011 Asian Cup - My personal Review

I was in Doha for the whole duration of the 2011 AFC Asian Cup - Qatar and made my personal observations during course of the tournament. Asia's premier football tournament, which was held from January 7 to 29, showed that football in this part of the world is developing but there is still a long way to go before Asian football can challenge the best in the beautiful game though some nations are much closer then others.

The tournament also reaffirmed the fact that the Asian heavyweights from the East - Japan, South Korea, Australia - are moving fast ahead of their rivals from the rest of the continent. The best matches in this edition of the tournament where those, when these three sides faced each other.

Japan became fitting champions in the end after a 120 minute final battle royale against Australia on Saturday, January 29, through a great strike by substitute Tadanari Lee after the Samurai Blue had overcome archrivals South Korea in a penalty shootout in the semifinals.

While Australia came to Qatar under German coach Holger Osieck with an experienced squad with many of their key players above the age of 30, both Japan and South Korea came into the tournament with rather young and inexperienced squads. The coaches Alberto Zaccheroni (Japan) and Kwang Rae Cho (South Korea) both said before the start of the championship that their teams should gain valuable international experience and if possible bring home the title.

Japan continued their domination of Asian football with their fourth Asian Cup title in the last six editions, while South Korea failed once more as they remain without an Asian Cup title since 1960. And the Taeguk Warriors will have to wait until the 2015 Asian Cup in Australia to try and bring the title back to the Korean peninsula.

With the Asian Cup taking place in Qatar a lot of expectations had build in the Gulf that an Arabian side could be the surprise element in the tournament like Iraq had been in the 2007 edition. But the sides from West Asia did not really set the tournament on fire. There were the upset wins by Jordan and Syria against Saudi Arabia, but that had more to do with the Saudis, who aren't as strong as they used to be as a national team and Jordan holding Japan in their opening game, where the young Japanese hadn't settled as a team. By the quarterfinals all teams from the region where out of the tournament.

And then there are the most populous countries on the planet - China and India - who came into the tournament with contrasting expectations. China came to Qatar as the highest ranked team in Group A and with hopes of at least progressing to the knockout stages, but after an opening win against Kuwait, a loss to the hosts Qatar was followed by a draw against Uzbekistan to finish third in their group, which meant elimination.

India meanwhile were drawn in the toughest of all groups, in Group C. Little was expected from the Bhangra Boys, who suffered a 0-4 loss to Australia, a 2-5 defeat against Bahrain and lost 1-4 against South Korea. It was the expected last place finish for India, but acceptable defeats for a nation who returned to the top of Asian football after 27 long years. Still India's fans need to be complemented as they came out in numbers and supported the team in a very positive way.

Overall Asian football didn't take the leap which many had hoped for to show that Asian football has really arrived, but as the tournament progressed the quality of football got better. Overall an interesting tournament, but very few fans attending continues to be a problem for the Asian Cup and the Asian Football Confederation. And it is unlikely to be solved in the next edition as Australia is so far away from the rest of the continent.

To end on a personal note. I enjoyed being in Qatar for the whole duration of the Asian Cup. It has given me a much better insight of Asian football and also the strength and weaknesses of football across the continent plus one could watch nearly all games as the five venues across Doha where easily accessable. And I hope to be back for the 2015 AFC Asian Cup in Australia...

The Asian Cup Final: Australia vs. Japan

The 2011 AFC Asian Cup in Qatar comes to an end today with the final between Australia and Japan at the Khalifa Stadium. The final between the three time former champions Japan and first timers Australia marks the end of the three week tournament.

The two sides had different paths to the final. While Australia waltzed past Uzbekistan in a 6-0 semifinal trashing, the Japanese needed a classy performance from goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima in the penalty shootout to get past archrivals South Korea.

But the final will be a new game altogether and it starts at 0-0 with both sides eyeing the title. What Australia has in experience, the young Japanese side make up in enthusiasm; but going into the game both sides lack the big match experience.

Australia are match fit with no injury worries with coach Holger Osieck likely to send out the same starting eleven as against Uzbekistan. That won't be to the liking of Blackburn Rovers star Brett Emerton, but Osieck will go with the line of "never change a winning team".

At the pre-match press conference Osieck was very relaxed and the German looked forward to meet Japanese players like Hasebe and Hosagai who played under him while he was club coach in Japan.

Japan meanwhile paid a heavy price for their semifinal win against South Korea. Young sensation Shinji Kagawa is out of the final breaking his fifth metatarsal bone in his right foot. Kagawa has flown back to Germany and his club Borussia Dortmund isn't amused either as the 21 year old midfielder is likely to be out for the rest of the Bundesliga season.

In Doha meanwhile Japan coach Alberto Zaccheroni didn't want to disclose whom he is set to field in place of Kagawa. He only said, "I have made up my mind on who I will play for Kagawa, but I won't announce it just yet. You will see tomorrow."


Australia's passage to the final

The Australians topped the group of death, Group C. They opened with an easy 4-0 against minnows India, where lucky to hold South Korea to a one-all draw before winning their crucial final group game 1-0 against Bahrain. Then they won in the quarterfinal 1-0 in extra-time against defending champions Iraq. This was followed by the 6-0 demolition of Uzbekistan.


How Japan made it to the final

Japan made a slow start into the tournament. They starred at defeat in their opening Group B game against Jordan but were able to get a late equaliser. In their second match they came out 2-1 winners against Syria though some controversial referee decisions went against them. And then they trashed a pathetic Saudi Arabia 5-0 in their final group game. This set-up a quarterfinal clash with hosts Qatar and Japan prevailed 3-2 in an entertaining, but often close contest. In their semifinal game Japan won 3-0 on penalties after the match had ended one-all in regulation time and two-all after extra-time at the Al Gharafa Stadium.

Kagawa breaks foot, out for season

When the news first broke the day after the Japan vs. South Korea semifinal on Wednesday that Japan's rising star Shinji Kagawa could be out for the final, it was the info that he is out against Australia.

As the day went on the information got more and more concrete that he most likely has broken his right foot and that as soon as possible he would be on his way back to Borussia Dortmund to get checked by the club doctors to assess the extent of the injury.

"I'm really worried that I'm facing the worst case. but I'm convinced that the team will win (against Australia)," Kagawa said at Doha International airport on his departure on Wednesday night. He flew back to Germany via Switzerland and was greeted by the German media at Dusseldorf International airport. German colleagues said that Kagawa was in a wheelchair and looked really upset.

Thereafter it was off to the medical check-up and there the scans confirmed that he had broken a metatarsal bone in his right foot, which means at least three months of being out of the game, which also means Kagawa is unlikely to return for his club in the Bundesliga this season.

Japan coach Alberto Zaccheroni said at today's pre-match press conference, "It's very disappointing for the team and him (Kagawa) as well, then he contributed a lot to the team on the way to the final and he was getting better and better so it's very disappointing."

One can of wish Kagawa the best!!!

Bundesliga Clubs sign further Japanese players

The instant success of Borussia Dortmund's 21 year old midfielder Shinji Kagawa has created a big interest amongst German Bundesliga clubs for Japanese talent. Besides Kagawa Dortmund's archrivals FC Schalke 04 had signed right back Atsuto Uchida in the summer. Uchida intially had problems but since then has become a key member of his team. And then there is Japan captain Makoto Hasebe (26) who joined VfL Wolfsburg in January 2008 and was a key player for Wolfsburg when they won the Bundesliga title in 2008/09.

Another Japanese player in striker Kisho Jano was signed by SC Freiburg from Albirex Niigata over the summer, while left back Takahito Soma had been signed by 2.Bundesliga club Energie Cottbus. Now new talent from the country of the Rising Sun are joining or are set to join different Bundesliga clubs.

Just before christmas Bayer 04 Leverkusen announced the signing of midfielder Hajime Hosogai. The 24 year old has signed a contract until summer 2013, but he has been loaned out by Bayer 04 to second Bundesliga league leaders FC Augsburg until summer 2012 to gain necessary experience in German football. Hosogai comes to Germany as the captain of Urawa Red Diamonds.

Yesterday struggling FC Cologne signed defensive allrounder Tomoaki Makino from J-league club Sanfrecce Hiroshima. The 23 year old has been given a contract until summer 2013, but he would have to undergo a medical once in Germany. Cologne's new Director of Sports Volker Finke, a former Urawa Red Diamonds coach, said about the signing, "I am delighted that Tomoaki Makino has signed for FC Cologne. I have been tracking the player while in Japan and am convinced about his qualities."

Another struggling side in VfB Stuttgart are also looking at Japanese talent in Shinji Okazaki to strengthen their attack. The 24 year old international forward is being tracked by Stuttgart and a signing looks imminent.

But all new signings along with Hasebe, Kagawa and Uchida will miss a number of league matches in January as Japan play in the 2011 AFC Asian Cup, but this hasn't deterred the clubs from signing these players. And with further good performances in the Asian Cup even more Japanese players might be coming to Germany.

Asian Games Football: India now face mighty Japan

The India Under-23 national team qualified for the Round of 16 at the 2010 Asian Games, their first passage to the knockout stages of the Asian Games since the 1982 Asian Games at home in New Delhi. And now our boys will face the mighty Japan, who topped Group A while we finished third in Group D.

For coach Sukhvinder Singh and his boys it is a big achievement that our Under-23 national team could qualify for the kncokout stages of the Asian Games after so many years. And to enhance the value of this achievement even more, coach Sukhvinder is missing a number of players from Bob Houghton's pool of 30 players, who were a crucial part of the team in their SAFF Cup triumph last December like goalkeeper Arindam Bhattcharya and central midfielder Baldeep Singh, leading the team from the front.

India qualified as one of the four best teams in third position in the six groups. Actually India is the best out of those four teams, who all have three points with one win and two losses; but India had a goal difference of +/- 0, Uzbekistan (-1), Vietnam (-3) and Malaysia (-4) wree worse.

Now it is Japan and the Japanese are always a candidate for titles at Asian level competition, but interestingly they have never ever won the Asian Games football title. Their best finish was a runners-up spot in 2002 besides winning the bronze medal in 1951 and 1966. So on paper India is actually the more successful nation in Asian Games football with titles in 1951 and 1962 plus the bronze in 1970, which was won with a 1-0 win against the Japanese. Surely those wins were many decades back and things have changes in Asian football.

Japan qualified for the Round of 16 as the group winners from Group A with an all win record, not even conceding a single goal in the process. They started with a fluent 3-0 win against the hosts China, then a 2-0 win against Malaysia and finished their group engagements with a 3-0 win against Kyrgyzstan.

Surely the Japanese are the big favourites to move on, but in football you never know as upsets are possible. If no injury problems crop up then Sukhvinder is likely to play the same eleven as in the first couple of matches with suspended Robert Lalthalma coming back into the starting line-up, while Gurpreet Singh Sandhu stays in goal.

The two sides will meet on Tuesday, November 16 at 15.30 local time at the Huangpu Sports Center in Guangzhou to decide who makes it to the quarterfinals. The winner of this game would then have to face either Thailand or Turkmenistan for a place in the semifinals.


Likely India Under-23 Line-up

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu; Denzil Franco, Rowilson Rodrigues, Dharmaraj Ravanan, Robert Lalthalma; Joachim Abranches, Manish Maithani, Jewel Sheikh Raja, Jibon Singh; Jeje Lalpekhlua, Balwant Singh

New Asians in the Bundesliga

A number of young Asian players from Japan, South Korea and China have been signed by different German Bundesliga clubs over the summer. And interestingly all of them before the 2010 FIFA World Cup in which Japan and South Korea showed their talent. But talent from the Far East isn't new to German football as Yasuhiko Okudera from Japan and South Korea's Bum Kun Cha played successfully in Germany in the 1970s and 80s, when professional leagues weren't even talked about in Asia.

Japan star Okudera played from 1977 to 1986 in Germany and won the league plus cup titles with 1.FC Cologne before playing for Hertha BSC Berlin and SV Werder Bremen. Cha was likewise a regular in his teams from 1978 to 1989 playing for SV Darmstadt 98, Eintracht Frankfurt and Bayer 04 Leverkusen. Cha would go on to win the German Cup and the UEFA Cup twice. Even today football fans in Germany will remember these two names as they were the first to come and play in the Bundesliga from Asia plus they were also successful at their clubs.

Over the years a number of Japanese, Iranian, Chinese and South Korean players have come to Germany and have had mixed luck here. One of them was Bum Kun Cha's son Du Ri Cha, born in Germany, who left SC Freiburg for Celtic Glasgow this summer after playing the World Cup.

The latest trend of bringing in Asian talent started with current Japan captain Makoto Hasebe (26) who joined VfL Wolfsburg in January 2008. Many thought the defensive midfielder was being signed by then coach Felix Magath as a fringe player, but Hasebe was a key player for Wolfsburg when they won the German Bundesliga title in the 2008/09 season.

But the latest signings have been talented youngsters rather then established players, who all could play regularly for their respective club sides. But none of these players played any part in their national teams success in the World Cup.

First to mention is new Borussia Dortmund signing Shinji Kagawa (21, Japan). Kagawa was signed for 350,000 Euros from Cerezo Osaka. And he could be the real thing for Dortmund as the attacking midfielder can play on the wings as well as a No. 10. And in the pre-season he has been able to impress coach Juergen Klopp, playing an active part in BVB's good performances and even scoring some goals.

Dortmund's bitter rivals down the A40 motorway FC Schalke 04 have also signed two Asians. In January 2010 the royal blues surprisingly signed Junmin Hao (23, China) from Tianjin Teda on a free transfer and now have followed it up by signing Atsuto Uchida (22, Japan) from Kashima Antlers for 1,3 Million Euros. And coach Magath seems to trust Asian talent after having signed Hasebe while coach at Wolfsburg. Uchida is a classic right back with an urge to move forward, who is good in one-on-ones and can cross the ball. Chinese Hao is more of a utility player. He can play on both wings, but also as a back if needed and both players have been part of the starting eleven in pre-season. Magath expects a lot from his players and the same will be the case of Uchida and Hao, but both can also learn a lot from the experienced coach.

Last but not least there is new Hamburger SV teenage sensation Heung-Min Son (18, South Korea). The youngster impressed one and all with his displays in pre-season which reached its peek by scoring the winning 2-1 goal against FC Chelsea in a friendly, but only a minute later Son broke his foot and he will be out for a few weeks. But Son isn't new to Hamburg as he has been playing for the HSV Academy after joining them from FC Seoul's youth team and with his pre-season performances Son had come close to being part of the first team squad. For now he will have to recover and then see when coach Armin Veh gives him another chance.

And Asian talent has also made it into the 2.Bundesliga. The Wayne Rooney of Asia, North Korea's Chong Tese has signed a contract with VfL Bochum to help them regain their spot in the Bundesliga, while Japanese midfielder Takahito Soma, a former Asian Champions League winner, has joined FC Energie Cottbus from Portuguese side CS Marítimo Funchal on a free transfer.

Some might be surprised at the transfer of Tese, but the North Korean is born in Japan and has been playing his professional career at Kawasaki Frontale in the J-League. Tese has been signed by Bochum for 250,000 Euros and they have had good experiences with Asian players, so hope that Tese will score many goals for them.

And I sincerely hope that in the near future we will see an Indian playing in the Bundesliga. I know it won't happen tomorrow, but maybe in three to five years...