3 Aug 2006(Thu)

Tokyo, August 2, 2006 -- Yes, I think it is safe to say that Kawasaki Frontale is a genuine candidate to win the J.League championship.

Although they have played well all season, I have been a bit reluctant to count Frontale among the title contenders.

This is for one reason only: the fact that they have not been in this lofty position before, and therefore do not have the experience to handle the pressure. They have big players, but no big-name players, if you see what I mean!

But now, 16 games into the 34-match season, Frontale are still at the top with 34 points, holding a one-point lead over Urawa Reds and Gamba Osaka, and a three-point advantage over Kashima Antlers in fourth place.

I feel we are down to a four-horse race for the championship, because none of the acknowledged "big teams" below this pack, such as Yokohama F Marinos and Jubilo Iwata, appear capable of improving their form dramatically over the second half of the season.

The rise of Frontale is good for the game in Japan, as the more teams equipped to challenge for the title, the better.

It seems unlikely that Frontale will self-destruct and collapse, either, as they are clearly made of tough components and have a strong team spirit, a solid team structure and with flair on top.

Their results since J1 resumed after the World Cup have been impressive, apart from the 2-0 reverse at home to Urawa Reds. I have visited Todoroki many times and did not think it was possible to get 23,000 fans in that stadium -- but this occasion proved otherwise, thanks to the Reds masses plus the attraction of such a visiting team to Todoroki for the home supporters.

That defeat was sandwiched between two impressive victories, 4-2 at Kashima and 3-2 at home to Gamba, and then a solid 1-1 draw at Oita.

Having seen Oita play recently at Komaba, against Urawa, this was a good result for Frontale away from home, and underlined once again they have what it takes to last the pace.

But we will all have to wait until August 12 for the resumption of hostilities, as there is yet another frustrating break in the J1 calendar. It should be worth the wait, though, as it's Frontale against Marinos at Todoroki, guaranteeing another bumper crowd.

ends