7 Nov 2005(Mon)

November 5, 2005 – It’s Saturday, cup final day.

In England, that means the FA Cup, the showpiece match which brings the curtain down on the season, and is played in May, before the summer break.

In Japan, though, cup final day now refers to the League Cup, as the standing of the Nabisco-sponsored event has grown in importance every year at the expense of Japan’s FA Cup, known, of course, as the Emperor’s Cup.

The Emperor’s Cup has kicked off early this season as far as the big clubs are concerned, as usually it does not start in earnest until the league season has finished.

I have never liked that system, because I don’t think some clubs take it seriously. They just want to get the season over with, and have a longer holiday.

The fans, too, didn’t seem that interested, as matches were poorly attended until the final on New Year’s Day. Now this is a grand occasion. It’s usually crisp and sunny, absolutely perfect football weather, and the teams have come so far they feel they may as well end the long year with a trophy for their patient fans.

The Emperor’s Cup, of course, used to be the showpiece event of the season in the old days, as it lifted domestic football on to a higher plane.

But times have changed, the J.League is an outstanding success, and a football culture is growing all around the country.

Neither the Nabisco Cup nor the Emperor’s Cup is perfect, but for me, as an outsider looking in, the former is a more prestigious title to win.

And whoever wins Saturday’s Nabisco Cup final at National Stadium will be good for the game.

Gamba against JEF, a perennial under-achiever against a perennial over-achiever.

Kansai desperate for a title, JEF offering proof of sensible management with a small fan base, and an excellent coach and many talented home-grown players.

Only football can win on Saturday.

ends