27 Mar 2006(Mon)

Tokyo, March 24, 2006: Although Avispa Fukuoka have failed to win any of their four games back in the top flight (maybe it's five by the time you read this), they looked hungry and lively in a recent 2-2 draw at Chiba.

JEF, in fact, could count themselves fortunate to be level 1-1 at half-time, and even more lucky to finish with a point from a 2-2 draw.

Avispa, bravely and confidently, decided to take JEF on at their own game, and at their own stadium of Fukuda Denshi Arena, or "Fukuare" for short.

This meant lots of running and lots of passing and a high tempo for the whole 90 minutes. On the day, JEF looked uncharacteristically disorganised and lethargic, lacking rhythm and motivation, while Avispa were fresh, fast and fearless.

In fact, when the action stopped for half-time and the stadium music began, one of the songs was the catchy pop tune with the chorus, "I said 'hey! What's going on?"

This is exactly how I was feeling: Hey! What's going on with JEF United? They were being played off the park!

Even the half-time Chiba Cheerleaders, lined up in an adventurous 5-4-0 formation, were moving more smoothly than the Chiba team -- and they were carrying flags.

But let's give Avispa credit, and if they continue to play like this they should be able to stay alive in J1 this season.

"Are you happy with a point away from home against one of the J.League's top teams?" I asked Avispa's manager, Hiroshi Matsuda, after the game, already knowing the answer.

"Not at all," he replied, "because we were leading twice."

Matsuda put his team's late lapses in either half down to naivety.

"We have very young players without experience and that is the main reason, I think," he added.
"It's a matter of concentration in extra time."

It has to be said that Avispa received tremendous support, with some fans leaving Fukuoka by bus at 9pm the previous evening and arriving at the ground at 2pm, two hours before kick-off.

The manager's words, then, should provide comfort for the Avispa faithful. "We have been building the team for three years, and I have confidence in the organisation, tactics and 4-4-2, offensively and defensively," he said.

"I have a good feeling in the J.League that we can do it, and fight with this organisation and tactics. Unfortunately, the individual quality is not so high like Urawa Reds and Gamba Osaka. That is why we could not win the last three games."

Matsuda was referring to the three draws to open the season, but since then they have slipped up 1-0 at home to Grampus.

Even though Avispa, on this bright showing at Chiba, looked good enough to stay up, they need a win quickly to make sure confidence does not drain.

By the time you read this, maybe they'll already have it.

ends