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.

The Boys in Holland

Barry writes:

Tonight European time, middle of the night Japan time, the boys take on Ajax in their charity fund raising game. Click here for some pictures of the team's arrival and initial adventures, and here for more on the tour of Amerstadam. Included is a visit to Japanese school over there and checking out the beautiful Amerstadam ArenA.

The game is on Sky Perfect TV from 3.20am for those of you able to spend most the night awake. Go S-Pulse!!

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.