Ajax 4-0 S-Pulse (Charity Game)

Barry writes:

Ajax 4-0 S-Pulse
Cvitanich 25, 35, 67
Ebecilio 70

Att. 35000

Line Up

GK Usui

DF Hiroka
DF Ota
DF Hiraoka
DF Tsujio

MF M. Yamamoto
MF Edamura
MF Ono

FW Omae
FW Ito
FW Takahara

Subs Used

Muramatsu on for M. Yamamoto (46)
Alex on for Edamura (64)
K. Yamamoto on for Usui (74)

Report

6 million Euros raised (£5.2 million) in a stunning effort from all concerned. Top work to our boys who, despite the footballing lesson, did themselves proud representing their country. I know we've had a fair few Dutch visitors through these pages over the last week or so, so I'd like to say thank you to Ajax for being such gracious hosts and looking after our team and fans. If you feel the need for a trip to Asia, you will always be welcome at Nihondaira. :)

To put the scoreline in perspective, Ajax, who are right up there going for the league title, beat the 2009 Eredivisie champions AZ by the same scoreline last month. So for a team under reconstruction, and probably jetlagged to boot, the 4-0 is nothing to be ashamed of. Well done S-Pulse - we're proud of you!

Video

Full highlights. Some tasty play as ever from Ota. We really should have got at least one, but the gulf in class between one of the best Dutch teams and a good to middling J. League team is clear.

S-Pulse 1-1 Jubilo (Charity Game)

Barry writes:

S-Pulse 1-1 Jubilo
Hiraoka 45 ---------------- Yamazaki 46

Att. 5590

Line Up

GK Usui

DF Tsujio
DF Iwashita
DF Hiraoka
DF Ota

MF M. Yamamoto
MF Edamura
MF Ono

FW Omae
FW Takahara
FW Ito

Subs Used

Takaki on for Takahara (HT)
Alex on for Ono (70)

Report

Over 5500 people turned out in the pouring rain for a charity game to raise money for the earthquake. It's a shame the weather wasn't more kind as the crowd figure no doubt took a hit as a result, but nevertheless several million yen was raised for the very best of causes.

Today was never really about the game and all about the cause. S-Pulse and Jubilo fans sang as one in support of Kashima, Sendai and Mito, the three teams worst effected by the disaster. It was far from a regular occasion with everything toned down and no songs or chants which were overtly pro-Shimizu. I'm not even sure either team wanted to win this game. Perhaps it would have looked like poor form to have gone all out to win today.

We opened the scoring from a corner where a rare goal from Hiraoka came from a header at the near post. This was just before half time, but moments after the restart Jubilo had equalised. I didn't see the build up, distracted as I was singing along with Jubilo to Sendai's Country Roads song.

But like I say, it wasn't a real game in the way a league derby would be, and little can be read into the scoreline or performance, so I'm just to leave it there. What matters is the millions of yen raised. Ganbare Nippon!!!

S-Pulse v Ajax - Charity Game April 13th

Barry writes:

Revealed on Nikkan Sports today, S-Pulse are set for a European adventure next month to raise money for the earthquake. On April 13th S-Pulse will take on last year's Eredivisie runners up, the Netherland's most successful club, Ajax at their stunning Amsterdam Arena. It is the first case this year of a J. League team playing a charity game abroad.

Ghotbi, who is said to have many friends in the country, readily accepted the invitation. Aside from the clear benefits of raising money for the disaster fund, Ghotbi also believes the trip will be an invaluable motivation for the team ahead of the league restart.

Of course Shinji Ono also spent 4 years at Ajax's arch rivals Feyenoord between 2001 and 2005. He'll no doubt be relishing the chance to have another pop at the Amsterdam club. It should be a great occasion.

Read the official press release (in Japanese) here.

Kyoto

Also reported today was another charity game, this one is against J2 side Kyoto Sanga and will be on April 2nd (Sat), 3pm at Nihondaira. Entry is free.

Shizuoka Derby Charity Match April 9th

Barry writes:

A fund raising match between S-Pulse and those pesky toe rags from across the prefecture (hey, I can't be too harsh - this is for charity!) was announced today.

It will be at Nihondaira on April 9th, kick off 1pm. Tickets are 2000 yen for adults, 1000 for everyone else and are on sale in the usual way. Needless to say, all proceeds will be going to the earthquake funds.

Get yourself down there!